Autism on the Seas

Has anyone taken a cruise with them out of Bayonne? Thinking about doing this and looking for some feedback.

Re: Autism on the Seas

No, but I have heard nice things. I have a friend that went years ago and had a good time. But, I believe the prices are pretty inflated, so I think whether it's "worth it" depends on your needs. Do you need respite care for your child while you are off doing something else? Does your child need a private muster drill? (most cruise lines will accommodate you directly). Do you want a private dining area to eat with the rest of the families that have children with special needs?

I personally wouldn't utilize that stuff, so I never had a need for a service such as theirs. And I'm not interested in making friends with other parents on vacation (I know, I'm weird). But, it's great for folks that want to go on vacation, and also want some "down time" from their child, and will utilize he other accommodations that they provide.

Autism on the Seas

We probably would use the respite care. It's just the 3 of us. We have no one helping us ever with DS. We went to Great Wolf with him last year and it was exhausting. Being able to have some down time for ourselves would be great.
I'm surprised to hear you say that about prices though. For the 3 of us for a 7 night cruise in March '18 would be $3400 for a balcony room, which when comparing to "regular" cruises we thought was pretty comparable.
I'm not really about making friends on a cruise either but the thought of having families around us that understand is appealing.

Autism on the Seas

Maybe they aren't inflated on other lines, but they definitely were on Disney when I saw something about it.

It sounds like it would be a good fit for you then! I would go for it!

Re: Autism on the Seas

We looked into it for the columbus day week for Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas sailing to Bermuda. I really only hear positive things. There is a substantial cost difference...I estimate it is the cost of a cabin. For us it did not seem worth it. My son is at the high end of the spectrum and I can put him in the cruise line's camp and he would be fine. For those that will be utilizing the respite aspect, it certainly seems like a way to get some relaxation on your vacation.

There are a bunch of local SASI members going in October (I know you said you're interested in March). If you would like more information you can go to the website. Jennifer would be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Autism on the Seas

Autism on the Seas

I have taken two cruises with them and have 3 more booked. Our next one is out of Bayonne this August. I LOVE them. We do not use all of their services but they get priority boarding - they meet you outside the terminal and walk you directly onto the ship. The same with leaving. That alone is worth sailing with them. The respite is really nice and my daughter loves it. She can not attend the kids club as she needs more supervision then the kids club can handle so she is thrilled to have some time playing. They have a private muster drill, they have their own reserved times for the activities on the ship, there is a special section of the dining room that we all sit in (you can choose to sit alone if you prefer) and they also have reserved tables in the buffet to use all day long.

I am not really one for meeting new families or really need that much help but it is nice to have just in case. My daughter met some really nice kids she still keeps in touch with and we are cruising with one of those families in August and the cruise after that, with two other families that our daughter clicked with. I can not say enough good things about them. All the staff is vetted and works in the special education field in some way - therapists, teachers, social workers, etc.

The price is minimal. Depending on the cruise fair it is anywhere from $150 to $250 per person for the week. For the services they give, that is really nothing.

Autism on the Seas

Oh and we have March 2018 booked as well (if you were looking at March). There is a good group of us already that have that cruise booked. Great kids and families!

Re: Autism on the Seas

Autism on the Seas

I had already booked a cruise - not related to Autism of the Seas - but was so happy to learn that for $75 I was able to purchase their Special Needs Cruise Assistance Package (this package is free if you book with AOS). I felt $75 was worth it for these four things - priority check-in onto the ship, modified muster drill, excursion reviews from special needs parents, and priority disembarkation!!! I got in touch with AOS a little over 2 weeks before my trip which was a bit short notice but it all worked out. The sooner you contact them the better. They are so accommodating and kind to deal with. We did not have to wait on that very long line to board the ship, my husband was the only one who had to attend the muster drill, we used the excursion reviews to help us decide if/which excursions we wanted to join, and although we got in touch with our contact for priority disembarkation, we didn't wind up using it. I'm adding the link for what is included in the package - I don't know if you will see info on purchasing the packing as I believe I found this out by calling. The $75 fee was last year - not sure if price still the same. https://autismontheseas.com/book-cruise/cruise-without-our-staff/special-needs-cruise-assistance-package

Re: Autism on the Seas

Hi. I sent a request to be added to the group, but it was about a week ago. Does anyone know how long it usually takes? Want to look into this for our family. Seems like many of the dates are when school is in session? Hate to pull my LO out of school that long as his routine will be so thrown off. Also, it doesn't seem like they ever cruise out of NY?

Re: Autism on the Seas

Re: Autism on the Seas

Re: Autism on the Seas

We just got off a 9 day cruise with Autism on the Seas on the Anthem of the Seas. It was one of our best vacations yet!