Galveston, Breeze, special needs questions.

[crzycick]

We are cruising on the Breeze out of Galveston in January and our 4 year old autistic son will be with us. I will be transferring our reservation to Autism on the Seas because they can coordinate getting his info to the children's programs, they make sure he's exempt from the potty trained requirement, they'll try to get us a private table in a quieter section of the restaurant, etc.

 

One of the things they offer is priority boarding and quieter waiting area. I have read Carnival no longer allows this for anyone with special needs or disabilities. I was hoping to get a better idea of the Port of Galveston so I can prepare stategies. How bad are the lines through security, are there quieter corners I might be able to take my son to if he's having sensory isssues, is there a possibility of having my husband stay in line while I remove my son to calm down if needed, those kinds of things? He's getting way better at standing in lines and waiting his turn (which we strongly encourage and actively work on) but sometimes the sensory issues kick into overdrive and he needs a break from the noise and visuals. Sometimes his headphones and tablet are enough but other times he needs to temporarily be removed from the situation.

 

My previous cruises were out of Miami and we always got there really early (before staggered check in) and had no lines to get in and plenty of chairs and quiet corners if needed. But Galveston and cruising with a child with autism are totally new to us

[PattBenatar]

You are correct about the priority boarding, its too bad people abused the system. But if you can not get a FTTF, I suggest go later in the day after 1 or 2. There should be no or very short lines at that time.

 

Good luck.

[crzycick]

You are correct about the priority boarding, its too bad people abused the system. But if you can not get a FTTF, I suggest go later in the day after 1 or 2. There should be no or very short lines at that time.

 

Good luck.

 

 

FTTF is also new to me, but it was sold out before we booked. My concern with going later is the difficulty finding a place to sit, especially if we're hoping to snag somewhere along a wall so he can turn away from people as needed. Our other cruises were ships with less people and we were often in the first or second zones after various priority boardings and it would already be hard to find a decent place to sit to eat. He's ship obsessed so I think that will keep his attention and help him through it all but it would be nice to have a feel for the port to have plans in place in case of issues. It's always good to have multiple strategies in place since we never know what will work each time. I already have a lot of ideas to help him once on the ship, it's just the port that I'm unfamiliar with.

[crzycick]

We also have a person coming with us with extreme mobility issues. She can have a hard time walking to the mailbox so we plan to rent a wheelchair but that would arrive to her stateroom. Are there places she can sit while waiting?

[easyboy]

You can also post on the Disabled Cruise Travel Forum for more response from members with direct experience.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190

[PattBenatar]

We also have a person coming with us with extreme mobility issues. She can have a hard time walking to the mailbox so we plan to rent a wheelchair but that would arrive to her stateroom. Are there places she can sit while waiting?

 

 

There is wheelchairs at the port drop off, you can use them to get the person aboard the ship. You will have to wait until the rooms open or have FTTF to get the wheelchair that you rented. Trust me it is a stupid procedure but again its people who abused the system ruined it all to people who need assistance.

 

I have been lucky all cruises I have had FTTF, only after checking daily day/night, mind you I had to book a cruise 550+ days to get a accessible room. I cruise alone so I have no assistance until I get my mobility scooter only after waiting a hour for another escort to my room once on board.

 

There will be plenty of seats available once aboard.

 

OP, if you cant get a FTTF, your only option is to come later, there will be plenty of space on lido for food as most people will have already have ate after 2 pm, and then also you should be able to access your cabin as well.

[Athankfulheart]

I agree with the suggestions of arriving later, especially at the port of Galveston. We have sailed out of Galveston multiple times. This is a port that is very chaotic when the embarking and debarking crowd are still passing. This lasts almost the entire morning. Given your little guys special circumstances, I wouldnt even show up before 1 with FTTF. While FTTF will get you the short line most of the time, you would do well knowing that Carnival also dumps thier airport transfers into the priority line as well. Its unpredictable and annoying for us, but could really make things challenging for your family. Even if you are in the shorter line, they all run together and it feels crowded and is quite noisy. I would recommend taking your time in the morning, even having lunch in Galveston and then showing up after lunch time. This will take so much of the rush,pressure, chaos and unpredictability out of your day. The other advantage of boarding later is that you can go straight to your room and decompress if needed. Have a great cruise. The Breeze is a nice ship !

 

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[Doctorsbaby]

By arriving later, after the ship has already started boarding there should be no reason to need a seat. You will be able to go through the check in process and then walk on board. Another benefit is if you get on the ship after 1:30, your room will be ready and you can take your little guy there for a break.

[springs741]

I am going to agree with all that say arrive later.

 

For hubby and I the most stressful part of the cruise is waiting in the terminal for boarding to begin. We have had priority thru FTTF, Premier Casino and now with Platinum status. It doesn't matter the order you are still waiting in the terminal until boarding begins.

With staggered check in and Sail and Sign cards now in the mailbox, boarding goes quickly but the wait is still unpredictable.

 

If you arrive at the terminal at 1PM, drop your luggage with the porter, go thru security you should walk right on board and your stateroom should be ready (1:30). Well worth giving up a little time on board to not have the hassle of waiting in the terminal.

[cruiser fanatic]

I agree, with the others, arrive later (after 1:30). The lines will be shorter and since Galveston now has your Sail and Sign Cards on the ship, you will be able to go straight to the ship and to your room.

[LambKnuckles]

I am Platinum, and I have traveled with a mobility impaired mother. I always wanted to be some of the first on board, so I've always boarded early -- and Galveston is loud and chaotic! And it seems it's a mad rush once the line begins. It was hard to push or have Mom drive her wheelchair through the crowds.

 

Arriving later, after 1:30, would be a best guess. I'm usually on board and in my cabin by noon in Galveston. There have been late boardings and in January, fog causes many of these. But sure to watch the Galveston.com Cams and stay in touch with Carnival to know when boarding begins. If the ship arrived late, adjust accordingly.

 

As for your husband waiting in line for you, if he can text you when he's next, or almost next, then walk around the lines to the front and wait to see which place he's being checked in and join him. That might work. Explain this to the uniformed workers, so they'll be prepared when you don't get in the corded lines. Maybe he can mention it too, when he gets in line.

 

God bless you for being a family who includes your child in all your activities. I know of many who just leave them at home and use this as respite. But I think cruising is a wonderful family time to take someone with differing needs! It works and it's great!

[MrsUsman]

I went w my special needs daughter when she was 4. My recommendations:

 

1. Call and email their special needs line listing EVERYTHING you might need from food to room needs.

 

2. Do NOT take no for an answer. If it is legally approved in US it can be done generally.

 

3. When you arrive, take son and husband right to front. YES, in front of ALL, even ELITE, and state kindly but without excuse that due to your son's disability he requires immediate boarding and a quick/quiet/calm process.

 

I remember asking a security or redcoat carnival person and in Galveston there was a glass office w chairs enclosed. It was super quiet and only disabled were handled in there. It was the busy time and there were my dd and me along w about 2-3 others in wheelchairs. The room was very quiet and calm.

 

They check you in, give you your things, then you literally go straight to the front of boarding line.

 

If someone says a thing about going to front, again state your child's needs kindly. Most parents get it. If you're kind, they are.

 

If you find a snarky one, just be calm and give them the look. You know the one we have as parents of special needs. The "aren't you rude with your typical easy a*s kid" self. Never engage, not worth it. Then move forward w your child. If they push it or fight, they then look stupid. Ha!

 

My girl is almost 14, had feeding tube removed last summer, low IQ, high functioning autism, had high sensory issues back then, still if big crowds but looks like any spoiled white brat. I get lots of grief.

 

The child staff were great...not one issue.

 

Mrs. Afeez Usman (Jennifer)