South Jersey mother advocates for autism awareness after her adult son was removed from a cruise ship.

In December, Carolyn Piro and her family eagerly anticipated a much-needed vacation aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in the Caribbean to celebrate her 60th birthday. The trip was meticulously planned, especially considering the specific needs of her children, including her eldest son, Sean Curran, who has autism. Despite requesting accommodations in advance, the family’s celebration took a troubling turn when Curran was disembarked from the ship in Cozumel on Christmas Eve.

The incident that led to Curran’s removal stemmed from an interaction involving a minor. According to reports, while relaxing by the pool, Curran was approached by a teenage girl who requested a Long Island iced tea. Unaware of its alcoholic content, he complied. The situation escalated with accusations involving inappropriate behavior. Family members believe that cruise personnel mishandled the situation, lacking the necessary understanding and sensitivity towards Curran’s autism.

Following the incident, Curran was escorted to a security office and given only 90 minutes to gather his belongings before being removed from the ship, with many passengers observing and commenting on the situation. The family expressed frustration over the lack of alternative actions that could have been taken by ship officials. Carolyn Piro criticized the response, stating that there were options available, such as limiting Curran’s access to certain areas or providing guidance instead of removal.

Royal Caribbean, which operates Celebrity Cruises, acknowledged the incident and vowed to improve staff training to foster a more accommodating environment for individuals with disabilities. A spokesperson indicated that while the company advertises an “autism-friendly” environment, it recognizes the need for enhanced sensitivity in handling such situations.

This ordeal has propelled Carolyn Piro into a mission to raise awareness and understanding of autism and similar disabilities. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism, highlighting the urgency for societal acceptance. Piro advocates for systemic changes within the tourism industry to prevent similar experiences for families in the future.

Curran himself wishes to use his experience as a platform for advocacy, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with dignity and compassion. As he seeks to become a stronger advocate for himself and others on the spectrum, the family continues to press for heightened awareness and understanding across society, particularly in contexts like the cruise industry, which should be inclusive and sensitive to diverse needs.

The family intends to monitor Royal Caribbean’s implementation of the promised training and hopes to effect meaningful, lasting improvements so that future travelers with disabilities can enjoy a vacation free from such distressing experiences.