Autism on the Seas

I have a little confession to make.  I am a travel agent who has  had never been on a cruise.  With all of our moving and living in Europe for so many years, it just wasn't a logical choice for us...until recently.  So when I had the opportunity to go on a cruise AND learn more about Autism on the Seas, I knew the time was right- especially since it fell during my husband's Fall Break and I could take him along!!  Win-Win-Win situation!!

Our cruise was a 3 night cruise to the Bahamas on Royal Caribbean's newly renovated Mariner on the Seas.  Marketing itself as the "boredom busting getaway for the whole crew" with the tagline "Weekend Like You Mean It," on the Royal Caribbean website, the Mariner is full of activities, cuisine options, and entertainment to cram a whole lot of fun into a quick getaway.  RCL is not exaggerating.  The energy and activity on this ship was never-ending and they did deliver on their promises.

As much as I loved the food, the activity, the relaxation and the time away with my husband, the highlight of the weekend for me was experiencing and being part of the Autism on the Seas family on board.  Autism on the Seas (AotS) is an international organization that began working with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in 2007 (and has since expanded to other cruise lines) to help adults and families with children with disabilities accommodate regular cruise services and enjoy a family vacation.  Autism on the Seas offers select staffed cruises throughout the year.   The AotS staff on board are volunteers who have degrees relating to special education, child development, or behavior therapy.  An added bonus of their services, is that they extend to family and friends of these families so grandparents, extended family and friends travelling with a special needs family can also take part in their services.

Autism on the Seas Staff on duty can always be identified by their orange t-shirts.  This team of ladies were amazing!  I was so touched by the love they had for these children and their families, as well as how adept they were at making sure everyone's needs were met and any difficulties overcome.  We met them at the entrance to the ship and were escorted in to avoid lines and crowds. (The same service was provided on our final day as well with early disembarkation and staff assistance to avoid the crowds and chaos of mass disembarkation.)

We were given a schedule and after finding our room and settling in a bit, we reported to our own conference room where we had introductions, each staff member met with the families to learn more about their children and how they could best be served, and we had our own private muster drill away from the crowds.

And then we headed to the HeliPad for our send off and away we went.  (Orange lanyards were provided to each of us in the group.)

 We had our own special seating area in the dining room.  The wait staff was super attentive and special orders were awaiting the children to expedite getting them fed.  The staff attended to antsy children so parents could enjoy their meals as well.

As I mentioned above, the Mariner on the Seas is full of activities!  The AotS staff arranged private sessions at the various venues so  the children, the families, and the extended friends and families could participate in all the offerings of the cruise ship but without the added burden of waiting in line or navigating a crowd.

I was super impressed with the Royal Caribbean staff as well.  They took the time to offer extra lessons and doses of patience to be sure everyone had a great time, including one who gave up her personal time to come and offer one little friend a second chance at the rock climbing wall when she was too tired and overwhelmed to participate during our regularly scheduled time.

The AotS staff was also on hand for some assistance during our beach excursion.  Parents had added assurance and assistance with extra hands and eyes so everyone could enjoy the water - or stay on the beach as they wished.

Reserved seating at the evening entertainment meant no one had to show up early and wait long to ensure seats for the performances.  Seating was also situated so that a quick getaway could be made if necessary.

And respite care was provided daily as well. The AotS staff lovingly played with the children while parents and family members enjoyed time focusing on each other and being refreshed.

On our final evening, the staff presented each child with a reward and we each got a special memento to take home.  I have my ladies in orange on my fridge and they make me smile every day.

This post is written with much gratitude and appreciation to the ladies in orange who took us in, answered my MANY questions, and let us be part of their family after our own little friend's family had to cancel, and to the families in our group who graciously welcomed us in and allowed me to post photos of them.   

"Resorts for Everyone" - Beaches® Resorts

A Caribbean beach resort vacation sounds like a dream come true, yet for many families with children on the spectrum, it sounds like a definite impossibility.   However, it doesn't have to be!  Beaches®, award winning Luxury Included® resorts, were the first Autism-Friendly Resorts in the Caribbean.  The kids camps are certified Autism Centers and all team members have the training and skills to work with children of all ages.  Optional One-on-One Beaches Buddies are also available for familes who desire additional assistance.  Beaches® is home to many  Sesame Street® characters, including Julia who lets childen express themselves through art at Amazing Art with Julia in the Kids Camps.

Last fall, I had the opportunity to visit Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios in Jamaica.  Arriving hot and tired, I started my stay at Beaches Negril by treating myself to the chocolate treats left in my club level room before heading down to the pool where I relaxed and cooled off floating in the lazy river.  During my journey on the river, a little boy swam by and chatted with me about how much fun he was having on his vacation.

After the Lazy River, I hung out in a hammock while I waited for the exciting Sesame Street® parade to begin.

Sesame Street® friends and guests gathered in the front of the resort for a little dance party and face painting, before beginning the parade down to the beach for a giant beach party.

 I am ashamed to admit I did not take photos of the tables and tables of food available for guests to enjoy, but I did manage to take a photo of the beautiful sky backdrop to the party!  However, in regards to food, I must say that Beaches® knows how to do food right!  And if you have special dietary requirements, a Culinary Concierge Desk works directly with the chefs and restaurant managers to ensure you have a worry-free dining experience on your vacation.

As the Beach Party wasn't the only option for dinner, we made our way to The Venetian restaurant for some delicious Italian food and first class service.  I am a tiramisu snob and very picky about my tiramisu.  No worries here - it was as tasty as it looks!

While I did not have young children with me, I did find their accomodations for children smile-inducing and just kept thinking "too bad my children are too grown for this! What a fun place for a family vacation!"  Maybe some day there will be grandchildren to share it with. (hint! hint! grown children of mine! haha) 

At breakfast, I couldn't help but smile at this little guest seated at his own child sized table, having gotten food from the child sized buffet line.  The pool, is having an early morning rest, before laughing, squealing, happy guests join it shortly.

After saying goodbye, to a Sesame Street® friend at Beaches Negril, it was time to move on to a different area of Jamaica. 

Beaches® Ochos Rios was very different from Beaches® Negril, and is also a wonderful destination for a family vacation.  While my room at Beaches Negril was in a garden setting, my room at Beaches Ochos Rios walked out to the beach.  Super convenient for my snorkeling excursion and sunbathing, not to mention the gorgeous view, especially of the sunrise on the morning of my departure.  Sadly, my camera was not a fan of the humidity and would not cooperate with my attempts to capture its image.  You'll just have to go see for yourself.

Having spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach and snorkeling, we had a delicious seafood dinner.  It was pouring rain  yet we were outside under cover staying dry and enjoying the humorous banter with our server as we ate our yummy feast.  After dinner, we strolled up to the main stage area where we enjoyed a cultural taste of Jamaica with Silver Birds and their steel drums.  Afterwards, we sung karaoke - yes, even me...my deepest apologies to the others gathered for the fun!! 

The Beaches resorts, with their beautiful beaches, bright blue sea and sky, luxury service and delicious food offer the best of both worlds for ALL families....a lovely mix of family activities and opportunities for couples time while children are well cared for and entertained in the Kids Camps!