Here ya go.....another Legend review, another perspective

[derksta]

DS came home earlier today from his steel drum lesson (his grandfather ended up taking him) with homework / practice music. The song? "Margaritaville"! How perfect! He also got the "in the jungle" song from the Lion King. So I'll have some fun steel drum music to listen to' date=' at least!

 

I realized I forgot to tell you about our autistic moment on Grand Cayman day. We made it through this whole week without having any significant incidents (which is a miracle!), but while we were on the tender from the port in Grand Cayman to the ship, it happened. I should have expected it, because I knew DS was overwhelmed by the excitement of trying two new things (dolphin encounter and swimming with stingrays) combined with so much anxiety-inducing wait time in between activities (especially with the uncertainty involved in them). Plus, he was hungry (wouldn't eat at Margaritaville and had only had a bag of chips for lunch) and it was hot. The tender was crowded, and we ended up on the bottom level again, which unloads last. He was also upset with me because when we got off the ship in Grand Cayman, he was worried we would miss the last tender and get left behind. I had told him that we would be on a tender at least an hour before the ship left. He interpreted this to mean that we would catch a tender at least an hour before the last tender. When he found out that we were leaving Margaritaville just in time to catch the "last tender" he panicked and got upset with me for "lying" to him. In his mind, there was at least some chance that, even though we were on a tender, the ship would leave without us, leaving him "lost" and hungry in Grand Cayman.

 

As soon as we got on the tender, he was showing signs that he was stressed and about to react, and I tried to help him calm down. He was fine until we got back to the ship and it took a really long time to unload (not so bad for most passengers, too much for him, an eternity for a mom trying to talk a kid with Aspergers through it). He started wringing his hands (first sign that he is no longer in control) and rocking from one foot to another. Then he complained loudly and whined about wanting to get off the tender NOW! After a few minutes of unsuccessfully calming himself, he started tearing up, and I knew I needed to help him. So, I left DD with DH, got mine and DS's sign and sail cards and helped him inch along the edge moving in front of others to get to the door. We made a deal that if I could get him to the door, he would check in and go to our room to wait for us. I would wait for DD and DH to catch up at the door.

 

People were not happy with us, and I get it. It looks like two selfish people trying to jump in front of everybody who really wants to get off the tender too. We didn't push anybody or move too quickly....we just moved along the edge and took advantage of opening spaces. I still felt terrible. I said "excuse me" a few times, but it seemed to just bring on more eye rolls or disgusted looks, like I was acting more important than everyone else. I didn't know what else to do but announce that my DS has an Autism spectrum disorder, but I couldn't do that to him, so we just went on. We finally got to the door and DS, after seeing that I was physically on the ship and therefore would not be left behind, went through security and on his way while I waited for the rest of my family to catch up.[/quote']

 

I too am humbled by your patience and wisdom! You remind me of my wife...she too show's me how to deal with life with grace and tact on a daily basis (I'm not always the best student but I do learn from her). I'm glad you and your beautiful family had fun on your trip and thanks for taking the time to write this great review. You're making me REALLY long for my Oct. 20th Liberty Cruise. We're taking our 3 kids (DS16, DD12, and DS6) on there first cruise and my moms going as well. Can't wait...thanks again.

[veryhotred]

I just read the 14 pages of your review :), found it through a thread on speial needs kids. My son also has Aspberger's so I can totally relate to things you wrote about...I have so many things I want to comment on about your thread that I took notes while I was reading :p

 

 

My son, 12, is also a VERY picky eater! Going on a cruise proves somewhat difficult for him as far as food..breakfast is easy, he eats just about any breakfast food but as the day goes on the selection gets smaller and smaller..did they ever ask you about a special diet? my son eats pb & j everyday but no way would eat it toasted..ome to think of it I wouldn't either..lol..

 

my son also loves maps! he has always been very interested in maps and has been able to show me how to get places after being there just once..he has a very photographic memory

 

my son also lacks the social skills needed today...we have to "teach" him. However, when we still expect him and have taught him to say thank you, excuse me, etc..and on his first cruise he was 7-8 and both my kids were complimented on how well they behaved and how respectful they are :rolleyes: I think it is important to raise my son as I do my daughter..seems like you do the same just with some accommodations

 

we also say my son has some "quirks" ... that is what he has :D and how you mentioned your son getting anxious about getting off the tender, I could see my son doing the same..and catching that last tender an hour before the ship left GC and him worrying about it, sounds like my son too. My son has a thing with time and routine..it's never 8:30 when it is 8:25, it is always 8:25 lol

 

All your pis are so wonderful but I really enjoyed the dolphin encounter!

 

Sorry I wrote so much, I can just totally relate to everything you say about your son. I feel blessed to have my son as there are so many people that could not handle a child with Autism, even high functioning. My son relies on routine, wears the same clothes week to week, only likes a few foods, and has a hard time when people accidentally bump into him, etc..but my son is also the sweetest, most loving, caring, funniest boy I have ever met too! He is a crazy nut and comedian like me and I have also learned so much from him...My daughter asked me and her dad one day if we could get into a family members head who would it be? we both said our son's so that we could see what it is like for him, for him to not be understood when he talks sometimes, to get frustrated when people bump into him, to not be able to adapt to a change in a routine, to get overwhelmed so easily, and then be able to help him.

 

Thanks for your review, very good and interesting to read about another Autistic child having a great cruise ;)

[tracyvansmith]

great pics, thank for sharing.

[shoppingfever]

Thank you for sharing an amazing trip! We are booked for my first cruise on Legend next April. There is a wealth of information in your review and I can't thank you enough! I also sent you an email with my fb info!

[AprilTaurus75]

I know this is a couple of years late, lol, but this has been the best review I have ever read! I'm almost mad I read it because my cruise isn't until June 1 and you have me so excited, I'm ready to go now!!! Thank you for sharing!