wainwill

Following. I was wondering the same thing. It will help me plan and pack.

TIA!

Great ideas! We're in Rome for a few days before our cruise with our 14&16 yr olds in August. I appreciate all the info.

The only thing I was going to add is that we are planning on getting Roma Pass which gives metro transport and entrance to 1 or 2 skip the line sites and discounts elsewhere. Though we like to walk, I am anticipating hot weather and fatigue after long days so metro trips will help.

We are doing that cruise in August but leaving from Rome on the Wednesday. That way we can fly in a few days early on the weekend and start the circuit in Rome instead. If you can spare the time, it may work. You may check into it. Just a thought.

We're doing our first Norwegian trip this summer.

I'm guessing you could order hot water with breakfast room service for your own tea. I'm planning on bringing a thermal travel mug and getting coffee and/or tea from Garden cafe so that might be another option.

Happy sailing!

Wishing you a wonderful first cruise! I know it is disappointing and you want a worry-free holiday. In my very Canadian way, "Sorry!" ;). Many things will go smoothly and I hope you catch the cruise bug like we did. These boards always have great suggestions to make the most of your holiday.

We chose Norwegian because we ran the numbers and the Canada at Par deal saved us essentially 30% on the cruise, which added up to much more than we would have got with the Free at Sea deals. I'm just going to buy my chosen beverages without package and pay corkage fee for a couple bottles of wine when I board. Yes, it does add to costs afterwards but at least the spending is spread out.

Have fun and happy sailing!

Hi Everyone,

Our 14 yr old loves his gaming. He has his challenges (Aspergers syndrome ) and I would like to let him know what to expect on the Conquest in February. Does anyone know what types of Xbox or PS games may be on the ship in club O2? Does anyone know what the cost and types of games would be at the arcade?

Thanks!

We've done a couple of cruises on Carnival with our AS guy, starting when he was about 7. He loved it!... Most of the time. The kids clubs were great, experienced friendly staff that really like kids and can work with what you need. When you register for the kids clubs, there is a form to fill out or you can write a letter explaining what they might need to know. Our son wasn't into all they do in kids club but we helped him work out a few options and then created our own routines.

Some things that worked for us were making sure to have a few things handy to help with sensory times - ear plugs/ ear phones to block out noise, sunglasses for bright sun, fidget toys, suckers/lollies for oral distraction, books or games for waiting times, etc.

We also worked out a reward system game to encourage our kids to try new things or whatever the issue is so that we could relax too. Points added up for a gift shop ship or whatever was helpful. Amazing what a little bribery will do!

Scheduled quiet time or a quiet bunk 'tent' gave us all a chance to recharge during the day. Have a familiar show or music for them and some lego for in-room play.

Good luck and enjoy. I'm sure you will all have a great holiday.

We also have 14 yo aspie guy and have done alright with dining on a couple previous cruises. Previous posts have lots of good ideas. Talk to the staff onboard as needed and They should help you work out your concerns.

A couple things I've learned is to take some stuff with us to make him feel more at ease. For our guy we bring his Pokemon book and some ear plugs to help with noise sensitivity in the restaurant. Talking about what to expect and giving choices helps, and he can talk through some options. One thing I find is that our guy actually gets out of his comfort zone and enjoys a lot of new things on the ship, as long as he feels he can have some zone out time back in the cabin on his own later. (Note to self - pack 3DS charger!;) )

Good luck and have fun!

We did a Freedom balcony a couple years ago when our 2 were about the same age. Worked perfectly! The balcony gives a nice place to escape and enjoy the view whenever you like. The bunks work well the kids too.

With all the activities on the ship and kids club if they like that, you will all not be spending too much time in the cabin. We also did a little 'point' system when the kids could earn money for gift shop, arcade or candy with good attitude and behaviour. ;). Hey, made it happy for us all!

Happy sailing!

Lots of good advice already re Kids Camp. Our guy, now 13 (aspergers and Adha ) loves cruises though he wasn't too into going to the camp. Arcade is a hit and pool for him.

A couple things we bring are some items to help with the sensory issues - ear noise protector earphones (or ear plugs) to dull the noise and ship horn at sail away, something to do while in dining room or lines for the wait times, plan a schedule so he knows what to expect including some quiet time. Then sit back and have fun! It is a wonderful vacation.