Cruise Vacations

Anyone ever take their family on a cruise? My DH wants to do a cruise this summer for 5-days with the kids. I have three kids and my younger DS is PDD/NOS (he just turned 4).

I am wondering if I should look into the kids programs they have (we are looking at Carnival and RC right now). I read that they don't provide a 1:1 (which I don't think DS needs - his twin sister will be with him and he adjusts nicely to new things) and must be able to feed himself (which he can - otherwise they will call the parent to feed them). He is very limited verbally though. They would give us a pager to have at all times in case they need to contact us. I wouldn't put them in all day, but maybe a few hours (and not while we are off the boat, just when on it). Unfortunately, my older DS is 6 and would be in the age above them for the play group.

Any advice? TIA

Message edited 5/8/2012 10:42:35 AM.

Re: Cruise Vacations

I saw something like at the Carnival Cruise line about special needs. There is forums at the website. Go to Community & buzz section then click on forums then cruising with special needs.

Re: Cruise Vacations

Check out Autism on the Seas. They partner with several cruise lines, and provide a lot of accommodations you wouldn't otherwise receive. It's a little pricey though.

Re: Cruise Vacations

Great advice. The message boards provided a lot of positive feedback for kids on the spectrum going to the kids programs. I am also looking into Autism on the Seas since it might be worth the extra cost.

Thanks you!