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July 2009 Autism Group DISNEY Cruise

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there Cruise Line sponsored children's programs onboard?

How will my child with autism be grouped in the Children's Program?

Does the ship cater to special Dietary and other Special needs?

What are the guidelines for Tipping (Gratuities)?

What are the dress codes onboard?


 

What’s included in an Alumni Cruise price that’s not included in a regular cruise price?

For those never before cruisers let’s cover what a regular cruise price covers. Accommodations, gourmet meals in the dining rooms & cafes’ and snacks throughout the day.  Even 24 hr room service.  All of your entertainment, use of the fitness center, sports equipment, ship sponsored activities and more are included. 

Alumni Cruises includes all of the above and more. Please go to our What’s Included” page for Alumni Cruises Exclusive Services and Private Autism Group Activities.

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Will Alumni Cruises Staff members be onboard with us?

Yes, there will be at least one Autism Group Specialist (with more as required), as well as Cruise Concierges from Alumni Cruises.  Please visit our "Staff" page.

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What do the Alumni Cruises Staff members do onboard?

We are onboard to ensure your cruise meets and exceeds your expectations.  We will be there as your personal concierges, providing you with assistance in any matters or requests you may have.  We will be available 24 hours a day and just a phone call away.  We will also be coordinating all group activities.  See the "What's Included" page for details of the activities.

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Can I book this cruise through another travel agent or Disney?

Yes you can.  BUT IF YOU purchase a cabin through an outside source (another Travel Agent, Disney Cruise Line, etc.), you will be EXCLUDED from all Autism Group Cruise related events and activities.

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Can we book this cruise even if no one has autism in our immediate family or in the same cabin on the cruise?

Yes, everyone is welcome to join us, and there are no restrictions or special criteria to book this cruise!!!

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PASSPORT INFO: What Travel Documents and identification do I need?

Passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling by sea (on a cruise), as of
June 1, 2009 including children and infants.

Click here to find out WHERE to get your Passport
Click here to find out HOW to get your Passport

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How early do I need to arrive if I make my own travel arrangements?

You should plan to arrive at the pier at least two hours before the ship is scheduled to depart.  Boarding times varies by itinerary.   Please check your cruise ticket booklet for confirmed boarding time. It is your responsibility to arrive on time. In preparation for prompt departure, cruise check-in will close 30 minutes prior to sailing.  Guests arriving after will not be permitted to board.

See the Transportation - Air / Ground page for more info.

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What will I be charged if I cancel?

Please see our Booking / Pricing Page

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Are there Cruise Line sponsored children's programs onboard?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line's Children's Program is included in your price. 

Disney's Oceaneer Club
Welcome to a place like no other, where kids ages 3-7 find new friends and fun. Delight in programs run by trained counselors who know how to inspire the imagination. See why no one brings adventures on the high seas to life like Disney with activities tied to kids' favorite Disney Characters and stories. And Moms and Dads can always stay in touch with the provided pagers.

Disney's Oceaneer Lab
Explore a world beyond your imagination. Discover a giant video wall with wireless controllers, private listening rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, flat-screen computers loaded with "family-rated" software, animation programs and activities you won't find anywhere else. Be guided by Disney counselors who know how to facilitate fun. And Moms and Dads can always stay in touch with the provided pagers.

Ocean Quest
Show 'em you're a nautical natural and "steer" the cruise ship in and out of ports around the world! In this scaled replica of the ship's bridge, sit in a captain's chair surrounded by LCD screen "windows" that let you look out over the actual bridge via live video feed. This is also the perfect place for kids aged 10-14 to "chill" as they play video games, create arts and crafts, or watch a movie on one of many plasma screen televisions.

Aloft
Discover the ultimate hangout on the Disney Wonder®: a teen-only (ages 13-17) world where you can relax by yourself or with friends, escape with music or a movie, sing and dance, or talk and play. With big-screen plasma TVs, video games, a lounge area, Internet cafe and more, here's a place where the counselors are cool and you can just be yourself.

The Stack
Meet on your own terms in this personal space. Teens (ages 13-17) cruise in style in this place packed with music, movies, video games, big-screen plasma TVs, a lounge area, dance floor, Internet café and teen-only activities into the wee hours. And the counselors are always cool. Are you a teen? Then you can make this vacation what you want it to be — at the Stack.

Studio Sea
Get ready for action in this family club that looks like a television soundstage — with lots of TV monitors, director's chairs, film cans and all the bustling activity you'd expect. Get set to take the stage or just sit back and enjoy the activities that always add up to pure fun, Disney style!

Please visit our What's Included page for information on our Cruise Staff Autism Awareness program, and to learn about our special Autism related activities.

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How will my child with autism be grouped in the Children's Program?

Disney Cruise Line's children program will allow our families to choose which group their child with autism will attend. 

Our children with autism will be put into the most appropriate group based on their ability.  Each child's parents will have the opportunity to visit the different children's areas and talk with the counselors to decide which is the most suitable for their child.

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Does the ship cater to special Dietary and other Special needs?

Yes. Disney Cruise Line makes every effort to accommodate our guests' dietary and disability requirements whenever possible.

Disney can accommodate special needs such as, Food Allergies, Gluten-free, Vegetarian (except for vegan/macrobiotic), Low-fat, Low-Sodium, lactose-free/Soy Milk, Ensure, and Kosher meals at no extra charge.

Your choices can be selected on our Booking Form.

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What are the guidelines for Tipping (Gratuities)?

So that you can thank those who have made your cruise vacation better than you could have imagined, Disney Cruise Line has developed these gratuity guidelines:

Dining Room Server

$14.75

 per person, per cruise

Stateroom Host/Hostess

$14.50

 per person, per cruise

Dining Room Asst. Server

$10.75

 per person, per cruise
Dining Room Head Server

$3.75

 per person, per cruise

Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages and are at your discretion for the service you receive.  Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion.  

For your convenience, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. All gratuities can be charged to your room charge.

Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise.

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What are the dress codes onboard?

Dining Dress requirements vary by venue or theme night on your cruise. In general, most meals are "Cruise Casual" — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops. Most cruises also have special theme nights with additional attire requirements. Here's a breakdown of these events by cruise itinerary.

On 4-night cruises:

  • First night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

  • One pirate or tropical night (deck party)

  • One "dress-up night" — jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women

  • Final night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

On 7-night cruises:

  • First night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

  • Three additional "cruise casual" nights — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops

  • One pirate or tropical night (deck party)

  • One formal and one semi-formal night — formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for women: gown or dress; semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket; for women: dress or pantsuit.

Dress for dinner at Palo (adult restaurant) on all cruises:

  • Men: dress shirt or jacket

  • Women: dress or pantsuit

Exemption for Dinner Dress Code
People with Autism have been granted a complete exemption to these guidelines, so they may wear whatever they are most comfortable wearing.

 

 

Can't find the answers to your questions?

Contact Us or try Disney's FAQ

 

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ALUMNI CRUISES™
Phone: 1-800-516-5247 • Fax: 1-888-286-2792 • Email: info@alumnicruises.org