First of all I want to tell you that your family is absolutely beautiful. I am also so jealous of how close you live to DLR.
I understand dealing with special needs and how draining it can be. Don't get me wrong it has it's reward too but there are days where I feel like locking myself in my room and hiding for a week. I adopted 2 special needs boys a little more than five years ago. They are my world and I have never for a minute regretted my decision but I get where you are coming from.
We just came back from an eight day Christmas Cruise, that my "Fairy Godfather" gave us as a Christmas gift. You will come back so very rejuvenated and relaxed. The CMs treat you like royalty from the minute you walk on til the minute you walk off.
Here is a link to my TR if you are interested:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=43599888#post43599888
I can't wait to read your TR, the only bad part about the cruise is when you have to go back to real life lol.
Have a great time getting ready for the cruise, I considered that part of the adventure too.
Dianne