Tips

[chiburple]

I'm planning a cruise on the Destiny. Any tips?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm planning a cruise on the Destiny with my friend who is on the Spectrum. He has never cruised before and I want to make sure it's a great experience for him. Any tips on how to make this trip more comfortable for him? I've already requested solo seating and advised him to bring earplugs for the muster drill (He finds high pitched sounds painful). Anything else I can do? We have a concierge room if that makes a difference.

I'd suggest asking over here, also: https://www.disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/

 

[MinnesotaDisneyFan]

I'm planning a cruise on the Destiny with my friend who is on the Spectrum. He has never cruised before and I want to make sure it's a great experience for him. Any tips on how to make this trip more comfortable for him? I've already requested solo seating and advised him to bring earplugs for the muster drill (He finds high pitched sounds painful). Anything else I can do? We have a concierge room if that makes a difference.

It makes a difference being concierge that you should automatically have a solo dining table. The only downside potentially with sensory issues is they will give you a good, front and center table in the dining room with entertainment. So you may want to request being at a table further from the stage if that's what your friend would prefer.

 

[lanejudy]

Am I safe to assume an adult friend? "On the spectrum" is pretty broad. How is he with crowds? Any issues with mealtimes/schedules, dining out or food limitations? What sort of accommodations does he use in his regular daily life to help him cope? Does he travel at all or is this a really big deal for him to go on a cruise?

Some general suggestions:

• earplugs or noise-blocking headphones
• sunglasses
• hat or lightweight hoodie to help block stimulation
• small fidgit item that fits in a pocket
• bring something as "comfort" to have in the room for when he needs to decompress -- that might be a blanket, tablet with games/books/movies, etc.
• look at menus ahead of time so he can get an idea of food options; keep in mind that the MDR menus change throughout the cruise and won't be exactly the same every night, though he may be able to order something from a different MDR
• if he has favorite snacks you might consider bringing any pre-packaged items
• we tend to either avoid loud/crowded deck/atrium parties or watch from one level up to be out of the crowds
• does he have any interest in excursions?

 

[chiburple]

Am I safe to assume an adult friend? "On the spectrum" is pretty broad. How is he with crowds? Any issues with mealtimes/schedules, dining out or food limitations? What sort of accommodations does he use in his regular daily life to help him cope? Does he travel at all or is this a really big deal for him to go on a cruise?

Some general suggestions:

• earplugs or noise-blocking headphones
• sunglasses
• hat or lightweight hoodie to help block stimulation
• small fidgit item that fits in a pocket
• bring something as "comfort" to have in the room for when he needs to decompress -- that might be a blanket, tablet with games/books/movies, etc.
• look at menus ahead of time so he can get an idea of food options; keep in mind that the MDR menus change throughout the cruise and won't be exactly the same every night, though he may be able to order something from a different MDR
• if he has favorite snacks you might consider bringing any pre-packaged items
• we tend to either avoid loud/crowded deck/atrium parties or watch from one level up to be out of the crowds
• does he have any interest in excursions?

Thank you so much. He is an adult. We eat out often and he said noise is fine but high pitches are not. We usually pick quieter restaurants though. He said he was mostly okay with the crowds at Disneyland and is prepared to go back to the room any time that’s needed. I’ll ask him about the dining and see what he says. We’re considering if we want to do an excursion in Nassau.

 

[Pixarfans]

It can be helpful to watch videos to preview things. Also you can order multiple items at any restaurant and ask for things slightly modified (as in sauce on side or things removed). You can also check out menus ahead too if that helps. And feel free to order of the kids menu!
Character meets can get crowded. Be sure to get there during the window of time. You can always wait in line and he can wait elsewhere, and he can join you last minute.
For deck parties, it may be helpful to go to the upper deck.

 

[chiburple]

It can be helpful to watch videos to preview things. Also you can order multiple items at any restaurant and ask for things slightly modified (as in sauce on side or things removed). You can also check out menus ahead too if that helps. And feel free to order of the kids menu!
Character meets can get crowded. Be sure to get there during the window of time. You can always wait in line and he can wait elsewhere, and he can join you last minute.
For deck parties, it may be helpful to go to the upper deck.

Thank you!

 

[Pixarfans]

Also, anyone can visit kid’s clubs during open houses. They get a little hectic but it is fun to see all the stuff!

 

[clh2]

Thank you so much. He is an adult. We eat out often and he said noise is fine but high pitches are not. We usually pick quieter restaurants though. He said he was mostly okay with the crowds at Disneyland and is prepared to go back to the room any time that’s needed. I’ll ask him about the dining and see what he says. We’re considering if we want to do an excursion in Nassau.

Just a thought if you choose to not do an excursion, but still want to get off the ship in Nassau. The Junkanoo museum is about a 2-3 minute walk (if that far) from when you exit the ship. It is a very small museum, based somewhat on the slave history in Nassau, along with the modern day celebrations and fabulous costumes created for the 2-annual festivals (or parades). The costumes created are kind of spectacular, huge, colorful, and simply amazing. Museum takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

 

[danceintherain]

The main thing is to have a plan for what to do if/when he gets overstimulated. Are you going back to the room with him? etc.
Generally, people with autism recognize their limits, so the most important thing is to believe that "going back to the room" is the thing he needs to do when he says he's going to do it. Mostly, you can't always do or change something. It's very unlikely that you're going to think of something that he hasn't already considered, especially if he's done Disneyland before.

The stuff you can do is more general stuff that anyone going on a cruise should think about....like motion sickness, hydration....etc.

 

[chiburple]

Just a thought if you choose to not do an excursion, but still want to get off the ship in Nassau. The Junkanoo museum is about a 2-3 minute walk (if that far) from when you exit the ship. It is a very small museum, based somewhat on the slave history in Nassau, along with the modern day celebrations and fabulous costumes created for the 2-annual festivals (or parades). The costumes created are kind of spectacular, huge, colorful, and simply amazing. Museum takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

That sounds perfect! Thank you!

 

[chiburple]

The main thing is to have a plan for what to do if/when he gets overstimulated. Are you going back to the room with him? etc.
Generally, people with autism recognize their limits, so the most important thing is to believe that "going back to the room" is the thing he needs to do when he says he's going to do it. Mostly, you can't always do or change something. It's very unlikely that you're going to think of something that he hasn't already considered, especially if he's done Disneyland before.

The stuff you can do is more general stuff that anyone going on a cruise should think about....like motion sickness, hydration....etc.

Thank you! Yes, he's very good at managing what he needs and communicating it. He's just never cruised before so that's the part I wanted to be prepared for and as helpful as I can be to make sure it's not stressful for him.