AIBU to be in two minds about wearing a sunflower lanyard lanyard

[Ineedaholidayagain]

I have an invisible health issue, if I stand up for too long I get vasavagal syncope and I can collapse.
My friend and I are going on a cruise and I'm worried about queuing for the meals, theatres etc. My friend says I should get a sunflower lanyard so people are aware I've got a invisible illness but I think that although they were set up for that people tend to associate them with ASD, ADHD etc and so make the wrong assumption which wouldn't help.
AIBU to think the general perception of sunflower lanyards has changed?

My daughter ended up wearing a sunflower lanyard during Covid as she cannot wear a mask due to her asthma. But yes, people did just assume autism.

My son has ADHD and doesn’t wear one. However he has an access card which is much better as you just show it to those who need to see.

Check with the cruise company and see if they make accessibility concessions. They made use an access card or have their own wristband.

You really only need the person serving you to recognise your need; other customers will either take their cue from the person they perceive as an authority or be an asshole and there’s no lanyard, badge or hat that works on them.

This is true too. I would think a way to make sure you can wait without standing is the best thing. Some way in which you can virtually queue or queue sitting?

Or wait on a chair near the queue whilst your friend queues.

Incidentally do you wear a medic alert bracelet?

I actually already have an access card as I needed it for theme parks but I don't think the cruise line make allowances.
I think the idea of my friend queuing while I lean somewhere seems to be a good idea but I'm also looking at the little chair stools

These lanyards were abused during the mandatory mask wearing days I tell you now. People who were deniers, anti lockdown, anti mask all wore them.

Most claimed that they had asthma. As an asthmatic myself, I find that bloody insulting. I wish I could ask them questions only asthmatics know the answers to.

I sometimes wear a sunflower lanyard due to my rheumatoid arthritis. I don't wear it at work or when I'm having a normal day, but if I'm going through an airport, to the theatre, a large shopping centre, an aquarium, anywhere I'm doing more than normal and might get more pain than normal. I have my radar key on it so I can use the disabled toilet.
I don't care if I look like a "special snowflake", or that people think I'm a faker or a "benefit scrounger". I work full time while living with chronic pain and I will use the sunflower lanyard to make sure I can enjoy some of my downtime instead of being unable to.
I've also got an access card, and a CEA card.
I do think it's worth contacting the cruise operator to get specific advice, that's what I do for holidays or theatre trips etc.
Hope you have a lovely time!

My son has an Access card, that has different symbols on it for your individual needs. There is a symbol for queuing. A lot of places are familiar with Access Cards. Doesn't mean you can jump the queue as such, but it might mean you can sit down and then rejoin the queue when your place nears the front.

I am trying to remember the criteria for getting an Access card though, I think we had to submit his PIP info, or a medical diagnosis letter.

Just read that you have an access card. Even if they don't officially recognise it, you might find individual staff members are willing to assist. Take it anyway. Can you take a walking stick to lean on? I am not familiar with your condition so don't know if that would help.

I liked what @Singleandproud said - also my DD has similar condition and she just asks for priority pass wherever she goes and doesn't always have to have proof either eg PIP . Don't worry about sticking out, although I know that's easy for me to say without the condition but lots of people have different conditions and lots of people need help that is adequate for their needs. The cruise ship co would be going against disability law not to provide you with what you need .

I'm not sure you'll be getting to the front of the line wearing a lanyard. I've been on many cruises and seen people with mobility issues. In fact, I've cruised with my sister who uses crutches but she didn't get any additional treatment.

Oh also meant to say she carries a very small stick chair for sitting in queues , they are very light to carry

Yes, I was going to say a stick chair will help. I have POTS so I have every sympathy!

DS1 has a lanyard as he has many additional needs. I know many who use it and now I think it just identifies someone who may need assistance. I'd just do whatever you feel comfortable with.

Thats not my experience. We travel alot and use the lanyard and find that airport staff / cabin crew etc really respond in a very discreet, respectful way. But it has meant we have been directed to the front of queues etc at times. Which has actually enabled us to access travelling in particular as DS1 can be very tricky to keep on an even keel.

I cannot speak more highly of the experience we had this week in Greece at both Gatwick and chania airports where staff just quietly clocked DS's lanyard and in a very low-key way just opened up lines for us, or assisted him in a myriad of ways in a manner that was very quietly but efficiently done. It was really good for the soul tbh to see it, as our day to day life can often be quite difficult.

I think airports are pretty clued up about lanyards and are very used to accommodating travellers who have additional needs.
I'm not sure this is true for hospitality staff on a cruise.

Well that sounds miserable.

So people just stand and watch your sister as she struggles (I assume she cannot carry a plate or tray at the same time as getting about with her crutches?