1. My son (10 years of age) has Angelman Syndrome. He has extreme behavior issues, is non-verbal, and has a seizure disorder. Cruises are the BEST vacations for a special needs family like us because there is so much FLEXIBILITY offered. I find that if I plan ahead and talk to the crew beforehand, they do everything they can so that my son can participate in activities.
2. We had a minor illness that led us to sending our son to see the doctor onboard. There is no guarantee the doctor will have any training or experience with special needs children. You will be the best source of information to bring the doctor up to speed with your child’s current health condition. I suggest talking to your child’s doctor ahead of time and try to think ahead and anticipate what your “possible” issues would be. They can write you a letter and you can bring that with you onboard. Also, ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH TRIP INSURANCE this at the very least, will help if any unexpected medical care is required
3. We’ve had A LOT of experience with this!!! My son has an erratic sleep pattern and could be awake in the wee hours of the morning full of energy. I try to request an “end” stateroom (if possible) so I only have to worry about ONE neighbor. I also do try to talk to our neighbors ahead of time and explain to them the situation. For the most part, almost all have been very understanding and sympathetic. I even bring earplugs to give (just in case they might need them). At the end of the cruise, I send them some special treats as a way to say thank you for putting up with us.
A lot of it just boils down to communication and planning ahead. Make sure you are prepared with medications, doctors note, prescriptions, etc. The ship staff for the most part is wonderful and will help you whatever way they can. We’ve gone on 9 cruises so far and we love it. We haven’t had any major issues that would make us feel otherwise =) Enjoy your cruise!
Cruising with kids/special-needs kids on Liberty?
in Royal Caribbean International
Posted · Edited by junnelsantos
1. My son (10 years of age) has Angelman Syndrome. He has extreme behavior issues, is non-verbal, and has a seizure disorder. Cruises are the BEST vacations for a special needs family like us because there is so much FLEXIBILITY offered. I find that if I plan ahead and talk to the crew beforehand, they do everything they can so that my son can participate in activities.
2. We had a minor illness that led us to sending our son to see the doctor onboard. There is no guarantee the doctor will have any training or experience with special needs children. You will be the best source of information to bring the doctor up to speed with your child’s current health condition. I suggest talking to your child’s doctor ahead of time and try to think ahead and anticipate what your “possible” issues would be. They can write you a letter and you can bring that with you onboard. Also, ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH TRIP INSURANCE this at the very least, will help if any unexpected medical care is required
3. We’ve had A LOT of experience with this!!! My son has an erratic sleep pattern and could be awake in the wee hours of the morning full of energy. I try to request an “end” stateroom (if possible) so I only have to worry about ONE neighbor. I also do try to talk to our neighbors ahead of time and explain to them the situation. For the most part, almost all have been very understanding and sympathetic. I even bring earplugs to give (just in case they might need them). At the end of the cruise, I send them some special treats as a way to say thank you for putting up with us.
A lot of it just boils down to communication and planning ahead. Make sure you are prepared with medications, doctors note, prescriptions, etc. The ship staff for the most part is wonderful and will help you whatever way they can. We’ve gone on 9 cruises so far and we love it. We haven’t had any major issues that would make us feel otherwise =) Enjoy your cruise!