Sign language interpreter on board?

[Arithmechick]

Hello DCL fans!

I'm hoping for a little insight into a dilemma I'm facing. I'm a hearing woman married to a Deaf man. (The capital D in Deaf means, basically, that American Sign Language is his first language, and he doesn't speak/read lips.)

On our first (and so far only) Disney Cruise, we went with a huge Deaf group put together by a Deaf travel agent. So of course there were tons of interpreters on board, and the movie theater even had captioned showings of the big film ("Chimpanzee"). Everything went really smoothly . . . well, except my husband lost his wedding ring snorkeling in Castaway Cay!!

We've been dying to go on a second cruise now that we have a little boy who would love it. (Seriously, I cannot count how many times he's seen "Frozen.") But this time we wanted a little more choice in which sailing we would get -- when you go with a big group of strangers, you have maybe 2 dates a year you can choose from. So we figured we'd choose our own sail date, and ask Disney to provide an interpreter (which, honestly, from what I've read, it seems like they're required to do under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but I'm not a lawyer).

But when I contacted a travel agent, she said Disney couldn't guarantee an interpreter; in fact, they couldn't even tell me when they would know when they would decide whether they would provide one! Meanwhile, their website on disabilities (can't link yet, sorry) doesn't even mention interpreters.

So now I feel stuck. We don't want to cruise without a "terp," but if I wait too long, prices might skyrocket, leaving us unable to afford the cruise. I'm hoping some folks here can answer one or more of my questions:

1. Have you ever requested an interpreter? What was the result?
2. How far in advance did you hear about the availability of an interpreter?
3. When do cruise fares start really going up?

Many thanks to everyone!

 

[Melissa S]

I don't have information on this situation. But I did have another request where DCL wouldn't give me an answer. So in turn I booked the cruise and told them if I didn't have an answer by pay in full date I would cancel the cruise. Sure enough shortly before PIF I got the answer I wanted and we sailed. I would book to get the good date and rate and you can always cancel before PIF date and get refunded.

 

[taylor3297]

There were 2 interpreters on our Jan 20 cruise. I only saw them one night at one of the shows. That was the only time I saw them.

 

[lanejudy]

to the DIS!

I suggest you skip the TA and contact DCL directly, eliminate that go-between and get answers yourself. The phone number for the special needs department is 407-566-3500 (or 407-566-7455 for TTY). I honestly don't know if they will have a set schedule of cruises with interpreters, or can guarantee to get an intrepeter for any given cruise, but you might need to have a reservation for them to confirm anything. Deposits are fully refundable up until usually 75 days prior to sail date. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't schedule interpreters without first knowing a guest will need one. The more lead time they have, the more likely they can make the accommodation.

I found this on the DCL website: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...ns/faqs/guests-disabilities/onboard-services/
Open captioning is available for stateroom televisions and selected onboard video monitors. American Sign Language interpretation is available for live performances on various cruise dates.

and this: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/services/guests-with-disabilities/
Hearing Disabilities
Guests with hearing disabilities have access to a number of provisions to ensure enjoyment of their vacation, including:

Assistive listening systems at theaters and other performance venues

Guest Assistance Packets containing show scripts, available at the Guest Services Desk

Stateroom Communication Kits containing a base unit with alarm clock, bed shaker notification, door bell and phone alerts, phone amplifier, smoke detector with a strobe light and a TTY. Guests can arrange to receive this kit at the time of booking, or through Guest Services onboard

Open captioning on a Guest's stateroom TV may be activated for the duration of the cruise by contacting Disney Cruise Line Special Services prior to sailing or contacting Guest Services once onboard the ship. In addition, common area video monitors may also be available with captions. However, Guests should be aware that due to satellite limitations, not all video sources or television signals are available with a caption playback option.

And this is the special needs form where you can request a communication kit for your stateroom:
http://dcl.wdpromedia.com/media/dcl...nter/Media/SpecialServicesInformationForm.pdf

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[CJinMD]

Are you looking for an interpreter for the shows, sail away party (that signs for the entire audience) or someone who goes around with you to the dining rooms, etc?

 

[staffieri]

ON our Fantasy cruise Aug 2012 say interputers. They were amazing. I could not stop watching them in the show.

 

[dbarker]

I don't know the details of getting them, but they are available.

We had 2 interpreters onboard the Fantasy last summer when we sailed - a man and a woman. These two were great. I first saw the man during the safety drill. He was signing to someone in our group. I saw them in the shows. They knew the shows very well. The man had no delay in signing the script of the shows. I was totally amazed. I went to guest services to let them know that I though the ASL signers were amazing. That is when I found out that the interpreters were not crew members, but were hired by DCL when they were needed.

Definitely choose the cruise you want and call Special Services to let them know your needs.

Good luck.

 

[bksaffle]

We just got off the Wonder (Alaska Cruise). There were two interpreters on the cruise during the evening shows, and they were amazing. They were very theatrical, matching the emotion of the characters on stage. Like a previous poster I found myself watching them because they were so good. This was the first cruise we have been on that I have seen them.

 

[bats]

We have deaf friends who sail DCL, they request an interpreter and it's no problem at all. DCL provide them free of charge and they accompany them to dinner, shows and anywhere else they are needed. They become one of the family I guess and our friends have been lucky enough to get the same interpreter for the next cruise that they had a few years ago .. His name is Marvin and he was great fun. This Sept, we're all on the WBTA and Marvin will be attending our wedding onboard so he can sign the ceremony to our friends!! I'll let my friend know about this query and she'll be able to answer it much better for you. Best wishes Joa

 

[scottishwee35]

We have deaf friends who sail DCL, they request an interpreter and it's no problem at all. DCL provide them free of charge and they accompany them to dinner, shows and anywhere else they are needed. They become one of the family I guess and our friends have been lucky enough to get the same interpreter for the next cruise that they had a few years ago .. His name is Marvin and he was great fun. This Sept, we're all on the WBTA and Marvin will be attending our wedding onboard so he can sign the ceremony to our friends!! I'll let my friend know about this query and she'll be able to answer it much better for you. Best wishes Joa

aww that is so nice ...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Arithmechick

When I first booked the Disney Cruise of Wonder and treated our mother in law for holiday at Florida.

Dreams Unlimited emailed me that Disney Cruise provides us two ASL interpreters and minicom, door bell, fire alarm which was so thoughtful.

My husband, my daughter and I all are deaf apart from hearing son and mother in law.

We had 4th times with Disney Cruise with different ASL an interpreter but two of them was twice with us and one of them Marvin will doing for us this September which we are so happy to see him again. We met him at Florida and he is so wonderful.

After 1st cruise, we had asked for interpreters and they send you medical form to go to doctor for sign it but this cruise I still waiting for medical form. I think to proof that we are deaf.

You can asking DCL for provides two an interpreter and ask for medical form for doctor/nurse to sign it.

Two interpreters are so wonderful total different from BSL. They shared with us at meals every day and tours with us, perform the stage show, games etc

We had so much fun and exchange sign languages too as both different from ASL to BSL. My husband can sign ASL I sometime ask for lip read too.

I think we will be lost if without them....

Scottishwee35

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

I can't help with your request, but I wanted to say good luck with your planning and I hope you have a wonderful cruise, but also to say that we too thoroughly enjoyed the ASL interpreters that were on board our Dream cruise. We were in the theater when they were signing along with the stage productions. One night at Villains Tonight, the lead even interacted with one and went into a long and VERY fast monologue separate from the show's script to see how fast he could sign! It was funny and really engaging!! BTW, they could keep up!

 

[jetskigrl]

We just got off the Wonder (Alaska Cruise). There were two interpreters on the cruise during the evening shows, and they were amazing. They were very theatrical, matching the emotion of the characters on stage. Like a previous poster I found myself watching them because they were so good. This was the first cruise we have been on that I have seen them.

This sounds like the same team that was on the Wonder for the 2-night cruise to nowhere. They were amazing and I could not stop watching them. I absolutely loved that they did not just sign but acted out the show as well.

OP - sorry, no advice. I just hope that it works out for you and your family!

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

DCL usually provides interpreters when they know someone will need them. I'm assuming since your husband is Deaf that you are able to sign with him in the MDRs and then communicate his wishes to the waiters. If you notify Guest Services, I believe they can close caption the movies in the Buena Vista theater for you. They will also provide interpreters for the live performances of the evening shows which I imagine is your main concern since it is difficult to sign to the person next to you in a dark theater. The interpreters are lighted for this performances. I have seen interpreters on the cruise signing at cooking demonstrations and when the naturalists had presentations (for Alaska cruises). The earlier that DCL knows about this special need, the better.
(and, yes, I sign also!)

 

[scottishwee35]

DCL usually provides interpreters when they know someone will need them. I'm assuming since your husband is Deaf that you are able to sign with him in the MDRs and then communicate his wishes to the waiters. If you notify Guest Services, I believe they can close caption the movies in the Buena Vista theater for you. They will also provide interpreters for the live performances of the evening shows which I imagine is your main concern since it is difficult to sign to the person next to you in a dark theater. The interpreters are lighted for this performances. I have seen interpreters on the cruise signing at cooking demonstrations and when the naturalists had presentations (for Alaska cruises). The earlier that DCL knows about this special need, the better.
(and, yes, I sign also!)

After four times with Disney cruise I never see Buena vista theatre for close caption?

Scottishwee35

 

[Arithmechick]

Thanks everyone for your support and information!!

I didn't realize that my reservation could be canceled and I would get the deposit back; The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line says otherwise. (Sidenote: I adore The Unofficial Guide for WDW, but the cruise edition is thin and lacking the customer write-in comments that give the other guides color. Do not recommend!) So I will make the reservation and wait to see what Disney decides to provide.

For those who were asking what exactly we would need in terms of interpreter services, when we last cruised, the terps got us through the nightly shows, as well as some other on-board entertainment (e.g. the magic act) and the preparation for our one port excursion. (The terps couldn't come on the excursion with us, but that wasn't a big problem.)

If all goes well, we'll be sailing the Eastern Caribbean in November 2015! Cross your fingers for us!!

 

[bats]

Arithmechick When I first booked the Disney Cruise of Wonder and treated our mother in law for holiday at Florida. Dreams Unlimited emailed me that Disney Cruise provides us two ASL interpreters and minicom, door bell, fire alarm which was so thoughtful. My husband, my daughter and I all are deaf apart from hearing son and mother in law. We had 4th times with Disney Cruise with different ASL an interpreter but two of them was twice with us and one of them Marvin will doing for us this September which we are so happy to see him again. We met him at Florida and he is so wonderful. After 1st cruise, we had asked for interpreters and they send you medical form to go to doctor for sign it but this cruise I still waiting for medical form. I think to proof that we are deaf. You can asking DCL for provides two an interpreter and ask for medical form for doctor/nurse to sign it. Two interpreters are so wonderful total different from BSL. They shared with us at meals every day and tours with us, perform the stage show, games etc We had so much fun and exchange sign languages too as both different from ASL to BSL. My husband can sign ASL I sometime ask for lip read too. I think we will be lost if without them.... Scottishwee35

Thanks for coming over to answer Deborah.
Really looking forward to seeing Marvin again ... Best tell him to pack his best frock for the wedding!!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I've seen interpreters aboard several times. They are amazing!

I am so glad there will be interpetors on the WBTA. I keep forgetting most of my ASL as I have no one to sign with. I'm hard of hearing. I'm looking forward to meeting Deborah and her family although I only know a tiny bit of BSL.

 

[scottishwee35]

Our next cruise is Disney Magic at UK for 3 nights and we don't know if we will get two interpreters and we all must wear masks and it will so hard for us. Hopeful DCL will provides us two interpreters as we did asked when we booked and they told us going to help centre and filled the form but it keep refused it. We found another way to filled the forms so have not hear anything.

 

[Dug720]

I didn't realize that my reservation could be canceled and I would get the deposit back;

As long as you're not booking Concierge, the Wish Maiden Voyage, or on a *GT restricted fare, your deposit is refundable up until PIF date.