Things you wish you'd told/asked your travel agent

[Thoenix]

I'm booking my first cruise soon, hopefully for Jan/Feb (for my birthday).  It'll be me and my spouse, both autistic adults who struggle sometimes with routine changes and airports but otherwise we are able to live largely independently and we have traveled independently in the past.  We have an appointment with a travel agent on Thursday, and while I know that I cannot ask for recs for specific travel agents, I've never used one before, especially not for a cruise.  I did make sure this is an agent who specialises in cruises, though.  We are thinking about Royal Caribbean, but we're not tied to any one line by any loyalty or anything.

I was wondering if there is anything people wish they had or hadn't told their travel agent when their agent was helping them find the right trip for them for their first cruise?  Any questions you wish you'd asked that would have indicated this was the wrong agent or the wrong cruise for you?  Thank you so much for any help.  I tried using the search feature but it doesn't sort the content very well.

[leaveitallbehind]

If the travel agent is associated with a company the specializes in cruises, or if he is independent but advertises so, then they will likely be good to use.  As long as they have gone through the individual line's training and are members of CLIA, then you should not have much concern.  And there is nothing wrong in asking them this.

 

To assure that they best match you with the right cruise line, you just need to detail your ages, travel likes and dislikes, expectations for your cruising experience (tour / sightseeing preferences, educational or lecture interests, individual activities or interests, etc.), and anything else that will help reveal your personalities. 

 

Most cruise lines target specific demographics (families, younger couples, adults, older travelers, etc.) and their cruise atmosphere and on board activities will reflect that.  Royal, as you mention, while catering to all, is primarily family oriented with a lot of on board activities targeted to that demographic. Celebrity, by comparison, is more adult oriented with less family attractions on board.  You should be very candid with the travel agent regarding your preferences to hep assure a good fit.

 

It would be helpful to have some ideas as to itineraries you prefer. Look at different island destinations ahead of time to get some ideas of ones that may be appealing over others.  But mostly, just engage in a good Q & A session with them to cover as much information about yourselves and your travel goals as possible.

 

 

[Essiesmom]

Make a list of the things that make you uncomfortable or approach a meltdown.  Avoiding those things/situations may depend on the type of cruise line you choose.  Crowds, loud noises, etc.   There are a number of members here who travel with neuro diverse family members.  You might also post on the board here for Disabled Cruising.  Realizing you are not disabled, though disability can take many forms.  Some folks there with neuro diverse family members might have suggestions.  EM

[SoloAlaska]

There are cruise lines that cater specifically to the neurodivergent so I would ask about that or do a little research. For arrangements like flights since that can be a pain point take into consideration anything that could improve the situation. Is there a time of day that is easier for you to fly? Are connections going to make the trip more difficult? For airport transfers are buses etc ok or would a private transfer be better? Same applies for tours, are large groups ok or can they arrange private tours for your family? If you carry certain food and drinks for your kids will that cruise line be ok with that. If your kid is a picky eater I would ask your agent to show you menus of the cruise lines MDR and room service

 

Don’t forget to put travel insurance on your list wether you ask the agent or research it yourself.

[Thoenix]

1 minute ago, SoloAlaska said:

There are cruise lines that cater specifically to the neurodivergent so I would ask about that or do a little research. For arrangements like flights since that can be a pain point take into consideration anything that could improve the situation. Is there a time of day that is easier for you to fly? Are connections going to make the trip more difficult? For airport transfers are buses etc ok or would a private transfer be better? Same applies for tours, are large groups ok or can they arrange private tours for your family? If you carry certain food and drinks for your kids will that cruise line be ok with that. If your kid is a picky eater I would ask your agent to show you menus of the cruise lines MDR and room service

 

Don’t forget to put travel insurance on your list wether you ask the agent or research it yourself.

I did look into the options for neurodivergent-supporting cruiselines/agencies, but the general opinions I can find from autistic adults is that this is once again a situation where it's actually catering to the mothers of autistic children as well as autistic children.  It is very very very very rare to find anyone that caters to autistic adults or even treats autistic adults as fully realised adults.  Either we're treated as adults who require zero accommodation or we're treated as children.  We have no children, only the two of us, and I anticipate that carrying any additional foods and drinks for adult autistics will become difficult since most special needs orgs/departments for most companies do not actually cater to autistic adults.  

[SoloAlaska]

29 minutes ago, Thoenix said:

I did look into the options for neurodivergent-supporting cruiselines/agencies, but the general opinions I can find from autistic adults is that this is once again a situation where it's actually catering to the mothers of autistic children as well as autistic children.  It is very very very very rare to find anyone that caters to autistic adults or even treats autistic adults as fully realised adults.  Either we're treated as adults who require zero accommodation or we're treated as children.  We have no children, only the two of us, and I anticipate that carrying any additional foods and drinks for adult autistics will become difficult since most special needs orgs/departments for most companies do not actually cater to autistic adults.  

I’m sorry I miss read and assumed. So let me tailor a few things.

 

You travel enough to know what makes it easier for you and I would communicate that with the agent. You can make a list if that helps. If you like routine and consistency I would suggest looking at the option of traditional dinning which is the same time and table every night. This way you also get the same waiter who will get to know you. I am neurodivergent by not autistic and one of the things I like always bringing with me when I travel especially cruises is a pad of post it notes, I like having a way to communicate with my room steward even if I don’t see him or her. 
 

my favorite part of cruising is the consistency and routine. I love being able to travel and see many places without having to move or adjust to a new space. Once you know what ship you’ll be cruising on you can ask the agent more specific questions as to recommended quiet spots for example. 

 

bringing some snacks in moderate quantities wouldn’t be a special accommodation for some cruise lines so just ask your agent. One thing to note is you can’t bring food or drinks other than water into port though. There is a lot of food on cruise ships though so you can usually always find something you’ll enjoy.

[crystalspin]

1 hour ago, SoloAlaska said:

One thing to note is you can’t bring food or drinks other than water into port though. 

You can usually if not always take sealed snacks like granola bars ashore, or back on board.

[tundra1]

I would suggest getting a balcony cabin.  Since you may need time to just get away and decompress, it would be nice to have your balcony as a quiet option.  Download music and bring your air pods.  Also if your ship has a deck behind the lifeboats, that deck is usually not crowded and a great place to walk.  Hot tubs are usually less busy during dinner time or later in the evening, which is also a nice way to reset yourself.  If your ship has a thermal spa, that is also another option if it is within your budget.

 

Have a great time!  There are so many options, I am sure after the first day, you will have a routine that works for you!

[Mum2Mercury]

Welcome to cruising!  Random thoughts, which I hope will be helpful: 

 

- You've made a good choice to sail January /February.  Crowds will be smaller, and that makes all the difference in the world to me, so I'm sure it would make a difference to you. 

- Last fall we sailed on a Buddy Cruise -- not a plan, just worked out that way.  They do this every year; it's a cruise specifically for people /families who are "different".  Many of our fellow cruisers used mobility aids, others had differences that were less noticeable, but it was a very friendly, accepting crowd.  My husband is a stroke survivor and walks with a limp -- he is sometimes self-conscious and appreciated "blending in".  It was a family-oriented cruise -- early to bed, early to rise.  We agreed that we'd love to cruise "with the Buddies" again.  I think they sail exclusively in the fall, which is our favorite time of year. 

- A quick Google Search tells me they're cruising at the end of October 2023 -- I'd be amazed if they weren't sold out.  But they go again next year at the end of September 2024 on Adventure of the Seas.  

- How big a ship are you considering?  The larger ships do have more food options, more show options, but the smaller ships might be quieter, more accommodating for your specific needs.  

- We have sailed at this time of year, and it can be a bit chilly on the beach.  I have just bought a long-sleeved rash guard, and I think it's going to be "just right".  Can't wait to try it out next month.  I suspect focusing on such creature-comforts will make you feel more "at home" onboard.  

- As others have said, a balcony will give you a quiet "away spot" for just the two of you.  If you opt not to go that direction, I suggest that on the first day you walk around and around the ship and seek out "quiet spots".  They do exist!  If you're on Wonder, for example, the walking track has several bump-outs with seating that are quite private.  Many ships have areas far-forward with quiet seating -- on most ships go forward past Johnny Rockets.  (I'm speaking of Royal Caribbean ships.)  

- Our personal pattern:  When we board the ship, we go to the tip-top and "circle our way down".  As we walk, we usually identify "this is our quiet outdoor spot" -- we usually sail in an Inside.  Almost always a choice of sun or shade.  We bring sticky notes and leave notes to one another on the room TV -- if I leave my husband a note, "I'm on our balcony", he knows I'm at that spot we identified on our first day.  

- The main pool probably isn't for you -- too loud, too stimulating -- but the Solarium pool is quiet and adult-oriented.  

- You're probably going to hate boarding and disembarkment.  I don't know any way to get around it -- perhaps contact the cruise line ahead of time and ask about priority boarding for a special needs couple?  All they can say is no.  

- Read details on exactly how boarding works -- knowledge is power, and knowledge is comforting.  You will be in long lines, you will be in crowds.  The first few hours, a cruise feels crowded.  If you go to the buffet for the first lunch, it will be crowded.  Do not think you've made a mistake.  The moment the rooms open, things'll change. 

- Consider going "against the grain" -- have your lunch in the fairly empty Main Dining Room, then have your dinner in the fairly empty buffet.  

- About food:  The buffet will carry a wide range of foods, which you are free to take back to your room.  We always take a bit of fruit back to the room on the first day (before it gets picked over).  We like to bring a small tupperware and bring a small selection of cheese and crackers back to our room.  You will not find much in the way of chips, candies or nuts.  If you must have /would feel most comfortable with your well-known brands, you can bring them onboard.  Homework for you:  Watch some You Tube videos of your specific ship's buffet -- you'll find plenty, and you'll get an idea of what types of foods will be available to you.  

- You can order room service, but you'll pay a fee for delivery.  You can see this menu online ahead of time.  

- Get the daily cruise newspaper (ask your room steward to leave you a paper copy on your bed each evening) and study the shows, etc. you want to attend.  Seats towards the back or in the balcony tend to be less crowded.  

- How do you feel about leaving the ship for island stops?  Getting on /off can be crowded /busy -- if you leave with the crowd.  If you wait 30-45 minutes, the crowd'll be gone, and you can walk right off.  Or consider staying on the ship and "having the place to yourself."  

- If you want to take an excursion (planned group tour), I would not go with ship's excursions; instead, look online /on this board for private excursions.  They'll be much smaller.  Let this decision go until after you've booked your cruise /have your dates.  

 

In closing:  This is a helpful board full of people who WANT to help you.  If you're comfortable sharing your specific concerns, things you fear may be difficult for you personally, we'll do our best to throw out ideas -- zero judgement.  At a glance, making assumptions about you, I suspect boarding and disembarkment will be your personal nightmares, but you'll have a blast in between.