09/08/2014
Royal Caribbean now offers an autism friendly initiative for families with autism. This includes sensory friendly films and toys, dietary menu options, and overall autism friendly training for Adventure Ocean staff and more.
Royal Caribbean continues to provide a range of autism friendly products and services, and they include:
Priority check-in, boarding and departure
Special dietary accommodations including gluten-free and dairy-free
Adventure Ocean grouping by ability (rather than age)
Adventure Ocean toilet-trained policy exception
Pagers/phones for parents of children in Adventure Ocean program while signed into our care (subject to availability)
Royal Caribbean Introduces New Autism Friendly Features:
Autism Friendly Films - Autism friendly films are presented in a low-lit and low volume environment. Guests are encouraged to freely talk and walk around during the film. These films will be offered on all autism group cruises and cruises when there are at least five children with autism onboard. Dates and times will be highlighted in the Cruise Compass.
Autism Friendly Toy Lending Program - Autism friendly toy lending is available in our Adventure Ocean Youth Program on all ships. Upon request, we will provide a tote bag of autism friendly toys that may be used in Adventure Ocean or in their stateroom. Parents may select other autism friendly toys that are more appropriate for their child. Examples of Autism Friendly Toys include: non-toxic crayons, markers, water colors, building blocks, dominoes, and picture books.
Autism Friendly Activities - We offer activities for children of all abilities. Families are encouraged to consult with Adventure Ocean staff regarding any special needs that their children may have in order to identify which activities are appropriate for their child and any possible modifications.
Cruising Social Story - A Social Story is a written or visual guide describing various social interactions, situations, behaviors, skills or concepts. These Social Stories help individuals with autism to better cope with social situations. Royal Caribbean offers a Cruising Social Story about cruising to help families with autism prepare for their cruise vacation.
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/vanity/autismfriendly