{"id":1383,"date":"2025-04-10T09:14:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T08:14:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.awesomearchie.co.uk\/?p=1383"},"modified":"2025-04-10T09:14:24","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T08:14:24","slug":"support-available-for-autistic-families-on-pos-ventura-content-creating-in-stunning-bruges-and-our-hints-and-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.awesomearchie.co.uk\/?p=1383","title":{"rendered":"Support available for Autistic families on P&O’s Ventura, Content creating in Stunning Bruges and our hints and tips."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Welcome back to our website and to this, our latest blog post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our eldest Son Josh is not only a super hero sibling, but a huge behind the scenes content creator for us . I was elated to discover that he had treated me to a mini cruise to Bruges as a Mothers day gift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea was that we could enjoy some care free adult time and I could do one of the things that I LOVE most…content creating!. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have been Archie’s full time carer for the last 16 years and although I am proud to do this for him, I was more than overdue the break. I am Archie’s primary care giver and my Husband works REALLY long hours, so this was a real eye opener for us both. Ian stopped work to care for the kids and I had to try and remember what being “Beckie” not Mum, was like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Needless to say that although I tried, I never fully left Mum mode as the kids were of course relentlessly on my mind, but I had a wonderful break and grew so much closer to our adult son, which was magical. I certainly feel refreshed and ready for 2 whole weeks with our busy brood over the Easter break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P&O’s Ventura itself was beautiful and the size reminded me very much of The Disney Magic, my favourite cruise ship. But what hugely impressed us was the Autism support on board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was fortunate enough to chat to a number for staff about what we do at Awesome Archie and they willingly shared information about on board adaptations to support Autistic travelers. I certainly felt right at home and “seen” as an autistic woman who always has a lot of questions. Massive thanks to all the crew for talking to us about your neurodivergent support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“P&O Cruises offer accessibility support for autistic passengers, including assistance with boarding, dining, and during the muster drill. They do encourage advance notification of any specific needs via the on-board “needs” questionnaire<\/mark>” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can do this soon after booking but no later than 2 weeks before sailing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a disability service via an email where you can request assistance with boarding ( including a priority check in) or a security escort. Simply highlight your specific area of need and P&O will do what they can to support you in having a smooth and enjoyable holiday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How great is that? It made Josh and I wonder what would happen if mainstream schools took that same level of empathy and adopted that individualised support method?! I can’t help feeling that things would work out a lot better both in school and for the families that we proudly support and the pupils that so often go ” unseen”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also accommodations that can be made within the dining portion of your cruise. You can contact the MDR manager to arrange a specific table, time, and potentially pre-order meals to reduce your anxiety. You can even request a table in a corner facing the wall to minimize distractions. We just couldn’t believe the level of support available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well done P&O!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some additional tips for our Autistic families travelling on P&O’s Ventura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Consider Shore Experiences:<\/strong>Explore accessible shore experiences, which will be marked as “accessible” on My P&O Cruises. <\/li>
  2. Low Activity Filter:<\/strong> If you have reduced mobility or use a walking aid but are not a wheelchair user, use the “low activity” search filter when browsing shore experiences. <\/li>
  3. Safety Information:<\/strong> Be aware of the ship’s size, heavy doors, raised thresholds, and other safety information when moving around the ship. <\/li>
  4. Mobility Aids:<\/strong> Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are welcome .<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Support with food alergies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    P&O explained…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you have food concerns just Customer Contact Centre or your travel agent know about any allergies, special dietary requirements or food intolerances when you book or no later than 3 days prior to departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you book through the P&O website, you\u2019ll need to call and make the Customer Contact Centre aware of your special dietary needs on 03453 555 111 (local call charges apply).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Vegetarian and vegan diets are catered for as standard across our fleet in all restaurants.
    Guests who follow a kosher diet must inform P&O no later than 10 weeks before you set sail. The alergy web page says…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    “We\u2019re delighted to provide peace of mind through tailored menu options. We\u2019ll always do our very best to accommodate everyone\u2019s needs on board.
    <\/em>
    You\u2019ll receive a welcome letter in your cabin inviting you to meet the Food and Beverage team. During this meeting, you\u2019ll have the chance to talk with them about food safety during your holiday, gain advice on which restaurants to eat at, and find out how to pre-order your meals. We\u2019ll be happy to organise and book dining for you in the Freedom and Club restaurants or make any reservations for the speciality restaurants. Guests with severe allergies are advised to use the included Freedom and Club restaurants to further minimise the risk of cross-contamination.<\/em>
    Room service has a list of all guests\u2019 dietary requirements and allergies.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    On board info<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The horizon magazine that is popped into your room daily, gives you all the days activities. This meant that we were able to make a plan. ( As an AuDHDer I NEED a good plan)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We could schedule our meals and shows and press our formal wear in good time. Planning makes all the difference for me so this was a feature that I LOVED! There is also a phone in your room and you can call reception for any further queries \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For details on our day to day activities simply follow us on TikTok. We have also added some vlogs linked here for your ease ! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    @awesomearchie_<\/a>

    Spend the day with us on Ventura. Cocktails, soul, fine dining and Gallery \u2764\ufe0f#autism<\/a> #adhd<\/a> #awesomearchienonprofit<\/a> #stdwm<\/a> #taster<\/a> #tastercruise<\/a> #Brugges<\/a> #southampton<\/a> #cruise2025<\/a> <\/p> \u266c original sound – Awesome Archie -Autism \u2795ADHD<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote>