PTSD

[pkay414]

While this is not a disability cruising question per se, I would like to know if arrangements can be made for those who suffer from PTSD.  My boyfriend while not officially diagnosed is a combat veteran and having to stand like sardines during the safety briefing I think would be extremely uncomfortable for him.  Before I start planning a possible cruise, I wanted to get as much information as I can about this subject.

 

Thanks in advance for any information.

[Essiesmom]

Before we can give you any advice, we need to know which cruise line/ship you are considering.  Different ships, even within the same line, hold their safety drills in different ways.  Some still line you up on deck by your lifeboat.  Others have them in various public areas around the ship.  EM

[GUT2407]

Firstly I’m sorry that his service to his country has left these scars.

 

I agree with What Essiemom said, but I’ll add the ship will bend over backwards to make it work.

 

some will even give a one on one drill.

 

The one concern I’d have is if the drill might be too much for him how will he handle other crowded, bustling situations, sometimes just buffet can be a scrum as just one example.

[Bloodgem]

I have to agree with GUT2407, on sea days it can be very hard to find somewhere quiet other than your cabin

[pkay414]

Thank you for the replies!

 

I just went on Carnival if that helps any!  

 

I'm not too concerned with the buffets, et cetera as he's not closed in by people as we were at the muster drill.  I don't have PTSD and being closed in by people like that was a bit much -- I'm only 5 foot so being surrounded by people was a bit claustrophobic.  The rest of the cruise I think he would do just fine as it's not the loud noises, et cetera that will get to him.  

 

 

[spookwife]

since you won't know until you board where the muster station will be,  you will most likely have to wait until then.   first thing we always do is find it so we know where to go.  if it is outside, then  head to the guest services desk and request the  special needs muster station( typically the theater)  

[Semi Retired]

Don't let some experiences of cruising discourage you. I have PTSD from a terrible vehicle accident. I get emotionally drained from 1 week prep of going and the day of travel to the port. But, when I reach the checkin, I ask for disabled line (shorter and get on ship faster without crowd),and once I step on the ship...I am at peace. I go straight to front desk and ask to be in the handicap muster area (less crowded). Sometimes, I have breakfast in the main dining rather than the buffet. On Royal Caribbean, they have a small buffet as well as your sit-down service (I like ordering fresh eggs). I find small areas on deck for relaxing that are not near the bustle of pool ppl and activities. I like Royal Caribbean coffee shop to ppl watch. There are small lounges to relax that aren't as popular. Whatever ship you choose, take the time to explore and you will find your areas of peace.

[spookwife]

On 2/10/2019 at 3:48 AM, Semi Retired said:

Don't let some experiences of cruising discourage you. I have PTSD from a terrible vehicle accident. I get emotionally drained from 1 week prep of going and the day of travel to the port. But, when I reach the checkin, I ask for disabled line (shorter and get on ship faster without crowd),and once I step on the ship...I am at peace. I go straight to front desk and ask to be in the handicap muster area (less crowded). Sometimes, I have breakfast in the main dining rather than the buffet. On Royal Caribbean, they have a small buffet as well as your sit-down service (I like ordering fresh eggs). I find small areas on deck for relaxing that are not near the bustle of pool ppl and activities. I like Royal Caribbean coffee shop to ppl watch. There are small lounges to relax that aren't as popular. Whatever ship you choose, take the time to explore and you will find your areas of peace.

  the disabled line does NOT get you on the ship faster without crowds.   the check in line may be shorter but to board you are either waiting with those needing wheelchair assistance or  at best you board after suites and whatnot and just before regular boarding begins.  and I definitely disagree  the muster station is less crowded..   in fact last cruise it was actually worse than if I had been able to stand up in the regular station. all these grumpy old ladies who rode their scooters in barely far enough to qualify being inside the theater and then parked with no consideration  whatsoever that they were blocking the entrance  the only way you would get 'non crowded'  is to show upon very early and sit towards the front since most people( including myself) were too lazy to walk further down than 4-5 rows.  

[Semi Retired]

Oh contraire.....my husband has a motorized wheelchair and we have been on Explorer OTS-Seattle, Oasis OTS-Port Canaveral, Bliss-Vancouver.  ALL had handicap checkin with us being on the ship within 10 minutes (before his device was purchased, we got same handicap treatment with my PTSD, on RC, HA, Princess). ALL had a bar/lounge that handicap went for muster, with lots of room and no "huddling". EVERYONE was pleasant and courteous with their mobile devices.

[lenquixote66]

I have a visible disability. When arriving at the port for a RCI or NCL cruise I am always taken to the side and allowed to board earlier.

At the Muster drills I am allowed to sit inside somewhere. I can only speak for these 2 cruise lines

[bettece]

Thanks for your families' service.  I too am a DAV PTSD and handicap individual.  I have traveled on so many cruises, I fill out the Special Needs form in advance.  I usually get a call with a few questions.  NEVER have I had problems.  Some suggestions, seek out the Library for a quiet space.  If you have a suite (not mini) you have access to the Conciesier Room and it is a medium size room to go for quiet.  Make sure you have the VA 1 800 number pre programmed in your phones, I even have my local VA therapist and Crisis Support in my phone.  I have even called from out at seas once when needed.  I hope I have been of help.  God's Blessings and Happy Sailing. 

[babchia]

I want to thank him for his service. I understand diagnosed PTSD, mine is from some recent medical (mis)treatment. It can be scary just thinking about what might happen. Please reassure him that most of the time, he will have a good experience.  In point of fact, he does not have to disclose what his disability is, whether it is diagnosed or not, because of privacy. He might need to answer about how it affects him and what can be done to help.

 

I also have difficulty standing for long periods, and walking distances. When it first started, I wasn't using a cane, just walked slowly and sat down when needed. We were on RCCL, before the larger ships and muster was on deck, outside, and everyone was told to "get close and friendly".  I knew muster drill would be a problem.  So, we simply went up to the person checking names and cabin numbers and explained the situation. She was so sweet, told us it was not an issue, and directed us to a seating area. Once, it was the casino, another time a bar. For the last couple of cruises (Anthem in this case), muster was almost completely inside, with a video to watch. Totally different!

 

I hope this helps allay his concerns and you both have a great time!

[pkay414]

Thanks all for your information.  I haven't broached it with him yet.  It was just something I noticed on my last cruise (a girls' trip) and realized it might be an issue.  He's also a cop :-)  So being that crowded in by a bunch of people might be an issue -- but being at the back where he can see everyone around him might be a help.