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Ferry to Isle of Wight with ASD DD - any tips?

31 replies

FFSFSFFS · 20/02/2024 18:16

We are planning a trip to the IoW in autumn. Travelling midweek which I hope will help.

I'm wondering if anyone can help with some tips for managing DD (13). She struggles with too much noise and crowds although we can probably help her to regulate herself if we can find somewhere to sit where she won't get bumped. She does, however, struggle with the sound of babies and small children crying.

She will have her ear defenders and we will do lots of prep work with her, but I wondered if anyone could advise if Wightlink or Red Funnel might be a better option?

Usually we would travel super early to avoid the crowds but it doesn't look like it would be possible this time - we will have to travel in the middle of the day - peak time - because we can't get into the holiday cottage early and she'll struggle with lots of hanging around at the other end.

We usually do holidays that take us through the tunnel as much easier just sitting in the car for 30 minutes, but I thought we'd try something else this time as feel a little as though DS misses out (getting on a plane is out of the question).

Any advice gratefully received.

OP posts:
purser25 · 22/02/2024 12:49

Don’t think that anyone is sick on the Isle of Wight ferries it’s such a short journey across the Solent

NorthernDancer · 22/02/2024 13:14

bastedyoungturkey · 20/02/2024 21:49

The only time I've known it to be mega busy is mid summer on a weekend. I have NEVER in 40 years known anyone to throw up on the Isle of Wight ferry.

Maybe worth considering that Lymington - Yarmouth is only a 20 minute crossing (wightlink) whereas Southampton to Cowes is an hour. (Red Funnel). The wightlink ferries are smaller, and sitting outside might be a better option as other posters have mentioned. I'm sure if you contact either red funnel or wightlink beforehand they'll accommodate you as best they can. I've always found both to be really helpful.

My grandma threw up on a ferry to the Isle of Wight. We never heard the last of it!

Ariela · 22/02/2024 13:18

One thing I would say is avoid pensioners coach parties! I used to have IoW as my sales patch many, many years ago, and I can honestly say the worst sailing was one back about 4.30pm that had two big coach parties of noisy yakking pensioners. It didn't help that I'd had a busy day and a thumping headache before I got on!

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Andthereyougo · 22/02/2024 13:19

Wightlink have a quiet room. We were directed to it when we took a wheelchair.

Springersrock · 22/02/2024 13:25

I live on the Island so use both ferries pretty regularly. I also have a child with autism who finds it quite stressful. She uses Loop earplugs which are fab as she can block out some/lots/all noise with them if she gets a bit overwhelmed.

I prefer Red Funnel, I find the staff far more helpful than Wightlink.

I’ve never found it rough enough for anyone to be ill. I’ve come home on the ferry in some pretty atrocious weather and it was fine. Bit rocky but certainly not crying and throwing up.

Red Funnel seems to be a bit better for car alarm noise than Wight Link for some reason.

Bank holidays/school holidays/festival weekend/etc the boats tend to get rammed, but during the Autumn you should be fine.

TheRealKatnissEverdeen · 23/02/2024 00:02

ohdamnitjanet · 22/02/2024 09:15

You’re not allowed to stay in the car. The Red Funnel Signature lounge is your best bet.

Thank you. I figured after with all of the other replies. I've only taken WightLink which hasn't been too busy but doesn't offer what the OP needs. I usually book them as they offer a kids play area.

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