Special needs kids.

[PAPAJIM]

Is anyone else on the cruise traveling with special needs kids? Our son came to us with a history-he is doing great now. He had an attatchment disorder which is non existant at this point. Love heals all! He still is delayed in aspects of speech and some moter skills. He is a trooper. He is the greatest blessing in our life, and we love to explore new places with him. He is always happy and curious and so eager to learn and challenge himself.
He told my partner and I the other day that " You are the best daddy/mommas in the whole world. " We are a same sex couple so he incorporates.
In our explorer mode , my partner gave us this trip for Valentines Day! He still suprises me even after 12 years as partners. He wanted to show our son other families like us. We are so excited to go on this trip, and meeting like folks. The countdown begins and we are antsy for this cruise to Alaska. No computers, work ,cell phones,cooking, cleaning etc.
Just blissful fun-see you all aboard :)

[kcs2moms]

We're travelling with our two special kids, 11 and 14, both of whom have mental health issues. We've spent the past six months getting ready for this, and have the meds packed and ready. They're looking forward to this like crazy, and so are we! We will need to take time outs occasionally, but we're hoping the positives of the cruise environment will reduce their stress enough to make this a good time for all of us. We usually do early boarding on planes to avoid crowds, but I was afraid if I asked for that from NCL they might bar us from the cruise, so we're getting there early and hoping it will not be too jammed. Our youngest really cannot tolerate big crowds and lots of noise. We're driving, not flying, to make it less stressful with too many transitions all at once.
See you on board!
Jill

[PAPAJIM]

Jill,
Thanks for responding. We look forward to meeting your family as well! I am sure that the cruise line would make any accomadation for you, The People With Disabilites Act insures this. That said, the cruise line is a leader in sea travel so they will do everything to make the trip easier for your family.You can even contact Rfamily and explain your circumstance, I am confidant that your needs would be adressed graciously.
There will be alot of kids and the commotion may be overstimulating to your kids, pre boarding. I know my son will be asking " When do we get to go inside?" "Why are they taking so long?" Telling a 7 year old to be patient is a concept which cannot be grasped at this age. Heck, it took me years to learn patience myself:)

[OneChip]

Just a thought, based on our previous 2 cruises experience. If you try to get on the ship early you'd be in a huge crowd. Everyone wants to get on as early as possible. If the stress level will be high for your family I suggest you plan on boarding an hour after the start time. I believe boarding is at 12 and the ship doesn't sail till 4 so there is plenty of time. This way you can all avoid the crowds. When we were at the Pier in NY the first year is was bedlam!!!!!! The second year the crew from rfamily and NCL were much better prepared and organized and even had food and drinks set up and seating because people had to wait so long. They also had magicians, jugglers, clowns and musicians to keep us entertained because the wait was so long. Checking in is a long slow process, it's not like getting on a plane. Although you do have to go through security. You have to check in and get your pictures taken for ID and then they have to organize your room keys and make sure you have lots of ID.
So I hope this helps. I teach Special Needs kids so I know what it's like to be in a crowd with anxious kids waiting for something big to happen. But you'll all have fun too!

[bluej]

I agree completely with OneChip. The first year we arrived at the scheduled time and had to wait in a huge line for hours. It was super crowded. Last year we arrived a couple hours after scheduled time and walked right on the ship with no line whatsoever. Your best option is to arrive closer to 2:00.

[PAPAJIM]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. We have never traveled on the family cruise before-We may delay our boarding until 1:00 or 2:00. Avoiding bedlum is good.