Royal Caribbean's autism-friendly program covers every cruise: expedited check-in, boarding and departure, special diets, toy lending, and kids' club staff trained in autism awareness. Some ships add low-lit, low-volume films and social stories.
“Royal Caribbean offers an autism friendly initiative for families living with autism, Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities.”
“Autism friendly films are presented in a low-lit and low volume environment. Guests are encouraged to freely talk and walk around during the film.”
“Upon request, we will provide a tote bag of autism friendly toys that may be used in Adventure Ocean or in their stateroom.”
Adventure Ocean, the kids' program for ages 3 to 11, can group children by ability and makes an exception to its toilet-trained rule. Parents of kids signed in can get a pager or phone when available. Talk with Adventure Ocean staff about your kid's needs and any changes to activities.
Film dates and times are in the Cruise Compass, the daily schedule on board.
Autism-friendly films run on every Oasis-class sailing, and on other ships when there are autism groups or at least five guests with autism aboard.
All Aboard My Cruise social stories are available for Oasis-class ships (Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, Utopia of the Seas) and Icon-class ships (Icon, Star, Legend of the Seas).
Youth staff have autism awareness training. Teen activities are hosted but don't include supervision or one-on-one attention.
The Autism Channel is in the iTV OnDemand menu on Quantum, Oasis, Freedom, Voyager and Radiance class ships.
Access Department: (866) 592-7225 or special_needs@rccl.com. A Complaint Resolution Official is available at every US port and on every ship.
