Rapid PCR tests take about 1 hour and are resolved under lab conditions. A LFT can be as quick as 15 minutes and can be done anywhere.

On 9/5/2021 at 10:37 PM, chengkp75 said:

Well, as usual with the information given by customer service reps at all lines, some is correct, and some is not.  The correct part is that a ship sailing in Europe, and I don't know how Brexit changed this for the UK, sails under the EU's ShipSan program, and they do not require separate recreational water facilities for those not toilet trained.

 

...

 

I'm glad your daughter was able to swim on your cruise, I am just pointing out that this will not be a universal situation, and that the information you were given is incorrect, should you try to use it to justify her inclusion on another occasion. I don't want you or her to be disappointed.

 

I have worked for NCL, and been the point man for transitioning a foreign flag ship (where the ADA does not fully apply) to a US flag ship (where the ADA does fully apply), so I have been down this route before.

Thanks for your insight - its really useful. Never suspected it word be a universal situation however given we don't cruise out of any ports other than UK, its been useful to understand what the difference are. We also really understand why Royal have one set of published rules to avoid confusion but am glad that they will confirming the more relaxed version where possible / appropriate to do so.

Interesting also to hear that some of the information we were given was not 100% correct.

On 9/6/2021 at 1:31 AM, maria1122 said:

All bathrooms On the Anthem have a handicapped stall in it.

 

So we now realise... but not all cruise ships are as accommodating. When travelling with a disabled child (or an adult), you are constantly trying to predict what problems may arise and how to solve them.

On 9/5/2021 at 11:46 PM, Cigar King said:

Actually I find that chengkp75, seems to know the straight dope.  That beings said, what matters is what happens on the ship, and that's likely a variable.  

So it may be, but we don't want to upset anyone or get into trouble. Unlike the idiots who were trying to argue with the crew that wearing a mask on one ear counts as complying with the Covid rules as 'i'm wearing it'!

I wanted to give an update on this as it turned out really well in the end. The special needs team advised to check with Guest Services on board as the rules actually vary from ship to ship, cruise to cruise. This is what I found out.

Firstly: the filtration system is essentially the same for all pools and the splash pool is no different. Apparently it has to be, for the odd occasion that an adult has an accident. (Apparently it happens more often than you expect).

Secondly: the 'default' no swim-nappy rules apply specially if a ship is cruising in US waters, or calling at a US port on the cruise, or flagged in the USA. These are legal rules which the company cannot change. [certain other countries also]

Currently Anthem is cruising from the UK and is not subject to these rules. "To avoid confusion", the company does not shout about the fact that the ban on swim nappies do not apply as most of their ships are in/out of the USA. However, they pointed out that on the stateroom TV information channel, it does say to enquire as to which ships allow this.

Finally: Guest Services confirmed that as she is toilet trained, it didn't matter anyway. The fact that a swim nappy is being worn 'as an extra item of clothing' would be acceptable precaution for a disabled child. They confirmed that if a disabled person is toilet trained, stopping them using the pool just because of what they are wearing would be discriminatory and against UK and US disability laws.

They key here is not whether a swim nappy is being worn but whether someone is toilet trained. I should note that it was pointed out that non-swim nappies are banned as they disintegrate and clog the filtration system.

To summarise: Guest Services confirmed that their signs cannot account for every scenario and that the idea is to catch 99% of situations. We used the pools, the swim nappies weren't needed in practice but she did wear them and it provided her and us with added reassurance.

On 8/15/2021 at 7:33 PM, CruiszBug said:

I am also the parent of a special needs cruising kid. Have you thought about saving swimming for the ports on a beach day? That is where we do our water play with our daughter. In these Covid times of hyper-elevated health and safety protocols, I think cruise liners are going to be extra cautious. The Special Access Dept is wonderful in many ways, but not sure if they have power to change these kind of rules? Wishing you the best on your cruise!

Sadly no beaches on UK staycations and only able to leave ship if on ship excursion.

1 hour ago, carolyn22 said:

Could you let her swim in her regular bathing suit?  Then when she says she has to go just put a pair of pull-ups over her suit and wrap her in a towel just in case you can’t find a bathroom in time?  

This is a great idea - thanks. Not sure why I didn't think of that.

1 hour ago, Bloodgem said:

This is a good suggestion.

Here's the email address:special_needs@rccl.com   

Thanks. Will try this also.

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

If lrin ess allows swimming in their pool wearing nappies and it's important to you, I'd stick with them. I saw that post on a similar request where it was spelled out how the pool needs to circulate water for it to be allowed. I can find that post but cant see if will help. It may not be something rcl has control over if it's a health requirement about recycling the water.

 

Good luck. 

We would have but they are not accepting unvaccinated children during the UK summer holidays. So thought we'd try someone different and have always heard good things.

1 hour ago, Tee & Chilli said:

There is a special needs forum here on cruise critic. Try posting your message and maybe someone else has experience in this area. Have a great cruise.

Thanks. Will try this also if I don't get any job from Royal.

Thanks everyone else also. I fully get the reason behind non-toilet trained kids not being allowed in the main pools. What I don't get is why a toilet trained kid who only wears a swim nappy in case the disabled toilet is not available gets disadvantaged. She is afterall, no more risk than the normal toilet trained kid.

I'm hoping someone can help me.

I'm taking my four year old daughter on Anthem in a few weeks time. She is toilet trained and will tell me if she needs to go with ample time to get out of a pool and visit the toilet.

However, because her disability requires that she needs an accessible toilet, we choose to put her in nappies / swim nappies because very often the first accessible toilet you reach is already in use and we don't want her having an accident while waiting / on the way to find another.

The following has been brought to my attention on the Royal website:

We've travelled P&O and Princess before and its never been a problem as its a disability issue rather than a toilet training issue. Swimming is a key part of our daughters physical development and our holidays. A splash zone isn't appropriate as she can't sit or stand safely but can swim.

Does anyone have any thoughts?