Mabe OT: Vacation Information for PTSD and other special needs

Just returned from a seven day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines. I called the "access desk" prior to cruising as my son has PTSD and can become overwhelmed in large spaces which are crowded as well as a phobic reaction to being touched by strangers. I spoke to an agent regarding embarkation process, security clearance and the "muster drill" (emergency drill). They arranged a private drill and gave me a phone number to call when we arrived at the pier to board. We arrived, called the phone number, and were immediately met by an agent who literally walked us through the lines and directly up to the desk for us to check in and get our ID. She then took us to a very short line and explained she couldn't go further but to tell the gentleman at the gate that she had told us to get in the line. Within 90 seconds we had made it through security (no touching!) and were boarding the ship. My son, while wide-eyed and a bit tense, did fine. The private emergency drill was a breeze and handled beautifully. Without my asking, they also arranged for us to be on the first tender to get off the ship at an island (no waiting in line or in crowded quarters) and for priority disembarkation - where we were let off in the first group of passengers and while waiting were in a comfortable room with only a dozen others. Thanks to the accommodations made by Norwegian Cruise Line, my son had a fabulous time on the ship and was able to handle the experience with minimal stress reactions. I just wanted to share the experience because it was a relatively inexpensive vacation with a company who was willing to treat my son as an individual. We did need to book a room with a balcony as my son cannot tolerate being in a small space with only one exit, but the vacation was still reasonably priced. I hope it helps someone else. And no, I don't work for Norwegian Cruise Line!:evilgrin: I am just so pleased with the accommodations made I wanted to post it where others might find it useful. I think it was here, at A.com, where I first got the idea to research going on a cruise as a way to go on vacation without dealing with a TSA pat down. Sorry for the length of this, and if anyone has questions, please feel free to contact me privately.