crewnewbie Posted July 22 #1 Share Posted July 22 Headed out next Thursday - first time cruising on Carnival in years. Taking my 3 kiddos (one of whom has special needs) out of Charleston for a 4 night quick cruise to see if they like it. A few questions! A million brownie points to whoever takes the time to read this 🙂 I've read here today and am nervous about how bad I'm seeing the port is. We planned to drive to Charleston that morning so we booked a 1:30 boarding time (the latest time). Now I'm nervous so I've booked an airbnb for the night before and we'll come down that night. Are we able to check in early or are we stuck sitting around until 1:30? We did pay for "faster to the fun". One of our kiddos has autism and REALLY struggles with lines and crowds (ADHD, non-verbal, so his vocalization of this can be jarring to others). I'd like to make this day as easy as possible for him (and us). Any other suggestions for a special needs kiddo on board? I keep reading how miserably crowded the pool and everything are - wish I'd seen that before booking, but alas. Can we bring a backpack or just the one suitcase each? We tried to get our meals for early - and they put one of our rooms (even though they're side by side and connected bookings) as the 9:00 seating.. we really don't want our kids up and eating that late 😕 so we're on the waiting list. Any chance you think that we'll be able to get that 2nd room to have the same seating as the other half of the family or are we out of luck (husband and I have separate rooms to manage the kiddos). Help! 🙂 Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsglow Posted July 22 #2 Share Posted July 22 I'm going to begin by suggesting you contact Carnival's Special Needs Department directly. Here's a link with info and a phone number. https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crewnewbie Posted July 22 Author #3 Share Posted July 22 5 minutes ago, jsglow said: I'm going to begin by suggesting you contact Carnival's Special Needs Department directly. Here's a link with info and a phone number. https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs Thank you so much. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsglow Posted July 22 #4 Share Posted July 22 I'm confident that reasonable accommodations can be made. I just don't have personal experience. I hope your family enjoys the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drazil65 Posted July 22 #5 Share Posted July 22 (edited) First, welcome to Carnival and take everything you read as subjective, only you know what information pertains to your family and how your family will react. We cruise on Sunshine at least once a year as it is only a little over 3 hrs from home and its one of our old time favs. We always drive the day before and sometimes stay in Summerville and drive into Charleston (unless we want to do something in Charleston then we stay in there) the next morning. A 23 minute drive to the port from Summerville, we park at port. Boarding is a little different (you need to go to 2 different buildings) but just follow the directions and have your all your paperwork at the ready. As far as your timeframe goes, I hesitate to say as we board early (platinum so pretty early) as we like to make the most of our first day. I do know we have been in different ports for other ships and they have had people that are early for their cruise time wait in a different line. Your FTTF could make it so you can get in line to board earlier than your time slot so it may be a chance you are willing to take. BTW, you can all bring additional items to carry on such as a backpack. Its a medium size ship for the most part with plenty of activities for children but I would definitely start by calling the special needs department at CCL to answer any questions you may have for your SN child. The pool areas on all of the ships are going to be popular and congested, our son was more the waterslide/splash zone type of kid when he was young. We saved pool/ beach time for the ports. He had a blast though and DH was able to take advantage of the water slides as well with him. A 4-day cruise is going to be a different clientele as many of the cruisers are there for a quick, party cruise and it could be a little more rowdy than you are looking for. Scout out the kid clubs as soon as you board (after muster of course) and check your kids in if they are interested. CCL does a great job with keeping the kids busy with fun and they will give you a schedule of all the fun things. Also keep in mind to build in some "standing in line time" for shows and such into your schedule. If you need to adjust your dinner time, go to the dinning room once you are aboard and speak with the front desk there (there may be limited times you can speak to someone so do it sooner rather than later). Let them know and hopefully they can change it so that your reservations for all your cabins are same. You can find places away from the crowds as you walk around and make mental notes as you explore. This ship has one of the best Serenity decks (adults only) so a great place to chill if the kids are in clubs or otherwise occupied. Have a great time and hopefully the kids will become future cruisers. Edited July 22 by Drazil65 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crewnewbie Posted July 22 Author #6 Share Posted July 22 19 minutes ago, Drazil65 said: First, welcome to Carnival and take everything you read as subjective, only you know what information pertains to your family and how your family will react. We cruise on Sunshine at least once a year as it is only a little over 3 hrs from home and its one of our old time favs. We always drive the day before and sometimes stay in Summerville and drive into Charleston (unless we want to do something in Charleston then we stay in there) the next morning. A 23 minute drive to the port from Summerville, we park at port. Boarding is a little different (you need to go to 2 different buildings) but just follow the directions and have your all your paperwork at the ready. As far as your timeframe goes, I hesitate to say as we board early as we like to make the most of our first day. I do know we have been in different ports for other ships and they have had people that are early for their cruise time wait in a different line. Dont know how long they made them wait but I probably would not arrive too early if your time slot is later. BTW, you can all bring additional items to carry on such as a backpack. Its a medium size ship for the most part with plenty of activities for children but I would definitely start by calling the special needs department at CCL to answer any questions you may have for your SN child. The pool areas on all of the ships are going to be popular and congested, our son was more the waterslide/splash zone type of kid when he was young. We saved pool/ beach time for the ports. He had a blast though and DH was able to take advantage of the water slides as well with him. A 4-day cruise is going to be a different clientele as many of the cruisers are there for a quick, party cruise and it could be a little more rowdy than you are looking for. Scout out the kid clubs as soon as you board (after muster of course) and check your kids in if they are interested. CCL does a great job with keeping the kids busy with fun and they will give you a schedule of all the fun things. Also keep in mind to build in some "standing in line time" for shows and such into your schedule. If you need to adjust your dinner time, go to the dinning room once you are aboard and speak with the front desk there (there may be limited times you can speak to someone so do it sooner rather than later). Let them know and hopefully they can change it so that your reservations for all your cabins are same. You can find places away from the crowds as you walk around and make mental notes as you explore. This ship has one of the best Serenity decks (adults only) so a great place to chill if the kids are in clubs or otherwise occupied. Have a great time and hopefully the kids will become future cruisers. Thank you so much for this thorough response - it was SUPER helpful. Any idea if there's a value in trying to call Carnival to ask in advance about changing the lunch time and arrival time? Or is it a waste of time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drazil65 Posted July 22 #7 Share Posted July 22 You can certainly make that call and try, no worse off if they dont help. We have not purchased FTTF in years but this is what is posted in the FAQs section under FTTF benefits: Priority Check-in Upon arrival to the terminal (during your arrival appointment), look for the Priority line to check-in. I am not sure what I would do in your circumstance but I know that there have been many posts on this forum related to this. Several people have stated that they arrived earlier than stated time frame and were allowed to get in line anyway due to FTTF. Maybe go somewhat earlier, like an hour just in case they make you wait you can minimize the wait time? If they let you get in line with your FTTF, then you will be earlier than anticipated. At least you will not need to worry so much the morning of the cruise about driving all the way to Charleston so hopefully it will be more relaxed for you and your family anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mz-s Posted July 22 #8 Share Posted July 22 1 hour ago, crewnewbie said: Headed out next Thursday - first time cruising on Carnival in years. Taking my 3 kiddos (one of whom has special needs) out of Charleston for a 4 night quick cruise to see if they like it. A few questions! A million brownie points to whoever takes the time to read this 🙂 I've read here today and am nervous about how bad I'm seeing the port is. We planned to drive to Charleston that morning so we booked a 1:30 boarding time (the latest time). Now I'm nervous so I've booked an airbnb for the night before and we'll come down that night. Are we able to check in early or are we stuck sitting around until 1:30? We did pay for "faster to the fun". One of our kiddos has autism and REALLY struggles with lines and crowds (ADHD, non-verbal, so his vocalization of this can be jarring to others). I'd like to make this day as easy as possible for him (and us). Any other suggestions for a special needs kiddo on board? I keep reading how miserably crowded the pool and everything are - wish I'd seen that before booking, but alas. Can we bring a backpack or just the one suitcase each? We tried to get our meals for early - and they put one of our rooms (even though they're side by side and connected bookings) as the 9:00 seating.. we really don't want our kids up and eating that late 😕 so we're on the waiting list. Any chance you think that we'll be able to get that 2nd room to have the same seating as the other half of the family or are we out of luck (husband and I have separate rooms to manage the kiddos). Help! 🙂 Thank you! I don’t think you’ll really need FTTF at Charleston especially since you’re arriving later. I can’t help with special needs but I will say the ship will be very crowded nearly everywhere. It’s summer time on one of carnivals smaller ships. you can see if you can switch to early sitting or your time dining by speaking with the maitre d once onboard. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyglow Posted July 22 #9 Share Posted July 22 If your child struggles with lines and crowds, there are going to be far fewer of that at the port at 1:30 than there will be earlier. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
five. Posted July 22 #10 Share Posted July 22 FTTF and the special needs line would get you on the ship sooner, but there will still be lines and waits if you get there before things are ready. The fastest I've ever gotten on a ship was coming after 1:30, when the madness has cleared away. But you'd need to have a plan for that morning so the kids aren't just waiting around until then. It's been too long since I've been to Charleston to have specific info about that port. It's definitely worth reaching out to them with that form, they have been super accommodating to my family in the past. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrinaLC Posted July 22 #11 Share Posted July 22 Honestly, you are better off boarding at 1:30 given your circumstances. The crowds will be vastly diminished. So maybe check out of your accommodations and then walk around Charleston? The waterfront park might be a great place to do that. If you let us know where you are staying we can suggest near by attractions. Once you board one of you should go straight to the Maitre D’ who will be on duty to arrange changes in dinner times. I can’t remember which dining room - hopefully someone will post that information. I would also try to see if the special needs phone line help can do that ahead of time. yes you can bring backpacks. There is no serious limit on bags - either number or type. Note that the very back/aft on the lido deck - the Havana Bar area - is much quieter for breakfast and lunch especially the first several days. You can also order included lunch pastas which might help make for a more peaceful meal - on the port/left side in the Havana area. That is where they also do eggs to order in the mornings. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ninjacat123 Posted July 23 #12 Share Posted July 23 (edited) We have cruised on Sunshine a number of times (love it!) and if your family enjoys Asian food, JiJi's is delicious! Dishes are served family style. and I have always had great service. It is an upcharge ($24/adult, $11/child 12 and under I believe) but it's totally worth it! If the airbnb you are staying in has a pool, the kids could splash around until it's time to go to the ship. Like others have said, 1:30 arrival would be less crowded. I hope you and your family have a wonderful cruise!! Edited July 23 by ninjacat123 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bstel Posted July 23 #13 Share Posted July 23 We sail with our autistic kids all the time. Contact Special Needs department, as someone mentioned above. They will register you and make sure you get your needs met. When you arrive at the Port Terminal (any port of Carnivals) grab the first guest service person at the front door and tell them you have Special Needs and need an escort (tell them Special Needs department told you to). Honestly you can do this, even if you don't pre-register with Special Needs department, but it is good to get the confirmation letter just in case there is an issue. That person will escort you right to the front of the line, get you checked in, and then escort you directly to the ship and then hand you off to a guest services person on the ship, and then they will help you to your room or muster station depending on what you need. When we did Charleston a few years ago from the time we entered the Terminal to the time we entered our room, was like 20 minutes. It still can be a little stressful since you will be cutting the line and sometimes squeezing past people or cutting under ropes, but much better than waiting in the cattle call. Couple other things to note. -You can request a sensory kit from Carnival, that comes with headphones and other stuff -The guest service person will take you to your ship room, even if you don't have FTTF or even if it's before 1:30, so the kids can decompress. All the people huddled outside the fire doors to the rooms will give you dirty looks, but who cares. -On the last sea day, go to guest services and request an escort for leaving the ship. They will give you a time to meet (usually about 8:00-8:30am) at the Service Desk the next day, and just like check-in, someone will escort you off the ship, through customs, and then to baggage claim and then out to the curb. Skipping all the lines. I would also recomend getting a porter at this time, so you can take the porter line, which is quicker than waiting with everyone else lugging bags. -On debarkation day, its best to check your bags the night before, since you will be skipping all the lines, so cutting past people can be tight and trying to lug a bag makes it more difficult. -We also check an entire suitcase with food (prepackaged food only) since one of our kids has eating issues, no issue with that either. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
five. Posted July 29 #14 Share Posted July 29 @bstel I appreciate this detailed reply. I can confirm the "skip to the front of the line" but I was a bit concerned with the large crowds and rope hopping and mean looks. Good to get some firsthand perspective from a parent. Have you ever been too early to the port, before the boarding process had begun? If so, how was that handled. Just trying to think through the scenarios. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nc762shooter Posted July 29 #15 Share Posted July 29 9 minutes ago, five. said: @bstel I appreciate this detailed reply. I can confirm the "skip to the front of the line" but I was a bit concerned with the large crowds and rope hopping and mean looks. Good to get some firsthand perspective from a parent. Have you ever been too early to the port, before the boarding process had begun? If so, how was that handled. Just trying to think through the scenarios. With Charleston's port the way it is if you get there that early I think you would be stuck in the line of cars waiting to drop off luggage and park before you ever got a chance to talk to anyone. I have no idea if communicating you have a special needs passenger to any of the first port employees you have contact with will make a difference as far as speeding up the process of dropping off luggage and parking and the shuttle ride to the terminal, etc. I know they have a different process and parking for handicapped tagged vehicles to get wheelchiar passengers to the terminal, no idea if those guests enter through the same car line as everyone else and are then split off or if there is a different entry point into the port area. I definitely think it would be wise to have talked to the special needs department before arriving so they are aware of your situation and can give specific instructions for where you need to go on arrival. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bstel Posted July 29 #16 Share Posted July 29 2 hours ago, five. said: @bstel I appreciate this detailed reply. I can confirm the "skip to the front of the line" but I was a bit concerned with the large crowds and rope hopping and mean looks. Good to get some firsthand perspective from a parent. Have you ever been too early to the port, before the boarding process had begun? If so, how was that handled. Just trying to think through the scenarios. no I have never been early. I would suggest going closer to the end of check-in, by picking the last time slot available. Not sure about Charleston, specifically, as I have only been out of there once, but usually closer to final call is less crowded. The last cruise, we did, out of Tampa, we got to the check-in about 15 min before last call (due to some extreme delays beyond our control) and we were hurried through with no one around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DramaQueen22 Posted July 29 #17 Share Posted July 29 (edited) On 7/22/2024 at 1:53 PM, TrinaLC said: Note that the very back/aft on the lido deck - the Havana Bar area - is much quieter for breakfast and lunch especially the first several days No Havana area on Sunshine. Strictly on Vista Class vessels. You are correct that the bar area would definitely be quiet for meals. Edited July 29 by DramaQueen22 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crewnewbie Posted July 30 Author #18 Share Posted July 30 Thanks all. We returned today. We were able to get on and off the boat quickly and on our own time with FTTF. Our meal times were adjusted before we even got on the boat. All in all- a success. I don’t think I’d take this cruise again though. The boat was small, pool is tiny, and the crowd was a little rough around the edges- maybe because it’s mostly people driving in to SC and a cheaper shorter cruise? But last night I had to rush my kids back to the room after a brutal and very bloody fight took place right in front of them on the Lido deck, requiring like 10 security guards to restrain the folks and a lot of deck cleaning to remove the blood. Just not the classiest bunch, and I have pretty low standards for class. 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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