iamkristen

Thank you Kristen, we are not going to ask for interpretation at this time, but may when he is older. My first exposure to ASL was many years ago helping with the deaf blind community and they do not see signing, but feel it.

That's a good plan to have! I have a little experience with the DeafBlind Community, but not much.

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He is only going to be seven, he has other disabilities as well and was born with only 30% hearing in some frequencies. He is always with family or an aide who helps him.

Hi,

I am the Service Coordinator and Lead Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program in a public school district. From my experience in Deaf Education, I can tell you that this is not uncommon. Actually, we usually see this more a little later, around age 9-10 when they realize that they are "different" and often don't want the attention of using sign language.

Given that he is so young, it's really your choice as to whether or not he needs an interpreter. (Around age 14-15, we really start strongly taking the child's preferences into consideration.) If he is fluent in ASL, my suggestion is definitely to request an interpreter. He is entitled to it, and there's no harm if he doesn't use it the whole time (or much at all). The Deaf Community is changing, and we see many Deaf people using an interpreter for "backup." This is completely normal and appropriate! Besides, if you request an interpreter, they will be placed so that he can see the show and the signing at the same time (as opposed to having to look away to see you signing).

I say go for it! Let me know if there's anything I can help with!

Kristen

Does anyone know what coca cola drinks are on board and what the frozen cocktails are?

On allure and oasis they have those machines that mix all kinds sodas and flavors. Not sure about the smaller ships.

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From everything I've read, no it can't be canceled the last day. On the website it says that it must be purchased for at least 4 consecutive days and must finish out your cruise

 

 

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Definitely cannot be cancelled under any normal circumstances.

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Thanks heaps tee718!

 

 

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Depends largely on the ship and specific rep. The option to buy for just one person is new (dec. I think) and IMO shoreside employees aren't always kept up to date.

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I don't necessarily agree only because the package also covers Cokes and bottled water, so if you drink those, take that into account. Cokes are $3 or so and water is $4, I believe. Even if you just grab a few bottles of water to take off the ship it does add up.

 

I know there's a spreadsheet someone created for Celebrity, maybe I'll try to do something similar for RCI

Definitely see what you're saying! I meant if the primary/sole purpose was for alcohol.

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17 days away here, and believe me the obsession gets greater with each passing day. Then nerves, then frustration that the days aren't moving fast enough, then excitement that it's right around the corner. It's almost like Christmas.

 

BUT, once you are on the ship, RELAX, ENJOY, and GO WITH THE FLOW.

 

If you continue to obsess on the ship that you have to do and see everything, you will not have a great time. Enjoy the fresh air and scenery, the good food, and the wonderful people you will meet. It's those quiet moments of a beautiful sunset and "loud" moments of being in side splitting laughter that will keep you coming back time and again.

 

Hope it's all you have been obsessing about.:D

Perfectly stated! I can certainly relate to this as it's almost 12:30 at night, I've got work at 7, but I can't sleep at all because I'm leaving Sat. For cruise number 4. It's going to be a long week!! If only the weeks at sea seemed this long!!! :)

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I recommend not buying it if you are not sure. You can buy it prorated until the 2nd or 3rd day of the cruise. That will give you a little bit of time to compare prices. You might find that you aren't drinking nearly as much as you expected. For the alcohol package, we figure it to be at least 7 beer/ mixed drinks per person per day (everyday) to make it worth it.

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I just realized I never followed up on this post. We had two terps and they were awesome! They made themselves available anytime they were needed but also were really respectful as far as when interpreting was not needed. They were not the attention seeking, "everyone look at me doing sign language" type. We personally requested them for our next trip! Of course there are no guarantees.

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We've reserved an interpreter for an upcoming RC cruise. My bf is deaf and sounds very similar to your husband in terms of how he communicates. We have received NO info. about how the interpreter situation will work. As far as I know, reservations for entertainment are not required on this cruise, so I don't know how they will know when we are at the show. From what I've heard, they always hire two terps per cruise…. I'll be happy to let you know how this works out after we get back, BUT you'll have to remind me!!!! (Would love to know if you find out any additional info. as well!)

Kristen