Disabled Cruise Travel Latest Topics

Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 21:55:12 +0000

We travel with a service dog..she is going to be on her 6th cruise in September and 7th in November.....We've learned a lot and have some suggestions for you....

Don't be hesitant to do it.....it's wonderful! And truly has made our cruising so much more fun!!!!!! :p
We've cruised on Celebrity/NCL/Princess/Carnival and HAL.
The Best (most accomodating-all around) - HAL
The Best set-up (potty-box) - NCL/Princess
The Best crew for dog friendliness HAL/Princess
Passenger friendliness...every ship we've ever been on. We only 1 passenger in all of our cruises who absolutely refused to eat in the Buffet area, with a dog!

If you have any questions about the ship requirements/easy way to deal with "special needs" departments/cabins/dining area/potty box/food/exercise/hotel/excursions/airplanes, etc. Ask away......

I don't want to bore you with all the details...so, I'll let you lead the way! ;)

Best Accessible Destination for Shore Excursions.

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 06:12:48 +0000

Like many, I'm dreaming of cruising again. Previously, I've rented a mobility scooter from Scootaround and pretty much stayed on board when we're docked. But now I have my own scooter and I want to get out and do shore excursions. I know getting around the ship in a scooter is a breeze, but what about at destination ports?

We travel on Princess and have a Hawaii and Alaska cruise booked in 2022 (I hope it's all good to go by then!) I'm quite certain we'll do the Hawaii cruise and I've looked at accessible shore excursions and there's enough available that are of interest. But, I've started to wonder if we should switch out the Alaska trip, since we've been to Alaska already.

So, if we did switch to another destination, knowing that we cruise on Princess, where would you suggest? I've looked at most destination ship provided accessible excursions and some places have them and others don't. We're open to exploring new places. Any suggestions which destinations provide the best accessibility options? Thanks in advance.

Rome hotel

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 23:39:06 +0000

I would like some accessible hotel suggestions. I want to stay around the Pantheon, or central Rome is fine. I’ve noticed that some hotels don’t have street side front doors. So I’m not sure how those work. Also would like accessible restaurants nearby. I use a manual wheelchair and can walk a few steps and can climb 2-3 stairs with assistance from my husband. Thanks

Paula

Israel

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 13:16:46 +0000

hello,

i am going on a 10 night NCL eastern Mediterranean with my father in November 2021 ( i hope).

there are two stops in Israel which he is really looking forward to. with that being said ALL of the shore excursions on NCL are actively level 2 & 3 (on a 1 - 3 scale).

he has walking issues that consist of problems with distance, inclines and stairs.

can anyone offer any suggestions for a suitable mobility tour?

overnight with all the biblical sites would bee idle.

thank you.

Mobility Scooter

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 17:44:41 +0000

Do they allow Solax Genie type mobility scooters on tenders? I know they don't allow traditional 3 or 4 wheel scooters, so my husband has to stay on the ship when there is only tender service to the port. We are thinking of getting a Genie because it folds up to the size of a suitcase and we could carry onto the tender. Hubby can walk a bit, so he could board the tender.

Cruising when you're on oxygen

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 16:08:00 +0000

I'm considering cruising next year with my husband who needs oxygen 24/7. I'll need to rent a room concentrator for our cabin. I'm wondering if anybody has had this experience?

Koningsdam Accesible Cabin 4096

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 15:30:52 +0000

My wife and I recently cruised on Holland America's Koningsdam. This was our 11th cruise with Holland America, so obviously we enjoy the cruise line. I am a full-time wheelchair user, so we always book accessible cabins. My only complaint in the past with HAL's accessible verandah cabins is access to the verandah. The heavy , outward opening door and steep ramp makes it virtually impossible to access independently, and I have noted this on every post-cruise survey.

I am happy to say this has been corrected on the Koningsdam. We were booked in cabin 4096, which is an obstructed view balcony. We loved this room and verandah and would not hesitate to book it again. The room itself was very open and had plenty of room. The verandah was the largest we've ever had and could easily fit 10 - 12 people. A friend of ours was also on this cruise and he too is in a wheelchair. He and I had plenty of room both in the cabin and on the verandah. That wouldn't be the case on ships we've been on in the past. A sliding door is used to access the verandah and worked very well. The only possible way to improve this would be to add power to the door.

This may be old information, but I thought I would share. When booking this cruise, I had trouble locating photos of accessible cabins on the Koningsdam, so I thought I would share some of ours. The link below is to the entire photo gallery from the cruise.

http://www.pbase.com/510picker/koningsdam_november_2018_cruise

Electric wheelchair use in Nassau port area

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 14:30:40 +0000

I have not been to Nassau in many years. Did not really look at hadicap access until I now need a wheelchair.

Watching recent walking tour videos online. From what i see whhelchairs may have trouble getting off sidewalks to cross at the corner. I also it it would be suicide for me to try and ride in those tight streets.

My question has anyone had experiebce with handicap acces. Are there curb cuts at the corner or would I have to get off my chair and lift it up or down from sidewalk to sidewalk?

Any advice you can give on me doing a self tour. I know the Straw Market would be nice but the videos I see those aisles are so narrow. making it unsafe for my chair. And I would rather check out other sights rather than just the certified hair braiding station. They have a handicap ramp from what i have see.

I operate a Jazzy Elite electric wheelchair

handicap transport questions

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 23:41:47 +0000

first time I am traveling to Tampa with a family member who requires a mobility scooter to get around, we are flying to Tampa the night before, I need all options on how I can get her to cruise port with her scooter, as we wont have a vehicle. Never done this before so I am preparing everything now for next summer, I thought about Uber but not sure they would accommodate her scooter and all our luggage... So 1,2,3 go hit me with all options

Looking for Accessible Aft Cabin - what ships have them besides NCL?

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 20:55:40 +0000

4 of us (DH 65, DS 25, DS 19) are going in January 2022. Looking for 7-8 day Caribbean cruise, 2 cabins. Husband needs accessible cabin and we prefer aft. NCL is an option but we are trying to see what else is available. Would also settle for regular aft with nearby accessible inside cabin. Help!

Cunard New Restrictions

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 23:40:21 +0000

If you are using supplemental oxygen or are undergoing kidney dialysis will no longer be welcomed on any Cunard ship. This information is from Cruise Weekly, a daily publication out of Australia. Personally, I don’t see how those two things are a part of the CDC’s rules for resuming cruises.

Bermuda

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 22:41:05 +0000

We are planning a cruise to Bermuda on Freedom of the Seas for next August out of New Jersey. We’ve got two boys ages 13 and 16. I’m in a manual wheelchair and get around by myself pretty easy. Who has recommendations as to what we should and where we should go? Thank you!

Can a 3 wheel scooter fit in an Specious Ocean View room

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 03:24:35 +0000

I ask this because in this non-accessible cabin, the bed is next to the bathroom with the sofa near the ceiling to floor window. It's a 200 sq ft room. Off hand, I think I can park it in front of the closet then move when necessary in front of bathroom as I'm not sure I can get around the bed. I will need an outlet to charge the battery, though. Don't know if there is an outlet outside of the desk cabinet. It will definitely fit though the door which is..28inches wide and scooter is 21inches wide by 41 inches long.

Can you either bring an extension cord or will RCCL supply you with one if need be?

I would be grateful for any opinions? Cruise is almost sold out so I can't really change rooms.

Accessible activities in Skagway - and free

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 18:44:46 +0000

In this video, I share a variety of accessible activities in Skagway, which is one of the more accessible ports in Alaska.

Weight limit for scooters ?

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 21:01:14 +0000

I have 2 questions

I’ve promised my BFF a cruise for her 70th birthday & will be renting her a scooter, as she can’t walk too far.

is there a weight limit ?

second question:

I’ve seen a fellow cruiser assembling their scooter in the hallway- attaching the back on to the base- I wish I had asked about it and, if that would open up what cabins we could get into

Thank you !

Lyannea

Scooter friendly RCCL New Zealand shore excursions

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 17:48:56 +0000

Doing the Ovation 11Night New Zealand cruise March 30, 2022 cruise. Any suggestions for the best excursions?
Thanks

Sue

Scooters on board a cruise ship

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 02:15:42 +0000

I have 2 cruises coming up in Feb and Mar 2021. Will I be able to use the scooters on the cruise ship

Hawaii cruise questions

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:17:23 +0000

I am thinking of taking a Hawaiian cruise on Norwegian’s Pride of America. I am looking at this over the cruise line I usually cruise with because of the itinerary. I have never sailed with Norwegian and have some questions.

1. Any advice or reviews for those who have taken this cruise?

2. Are there any tender ports? If so does this ship have any devices or ways for wheelchair users to be able to tender? I use a regular manual wheelchair. I can walk short distances with a cane but have very poor balance and am worried about stepping from a dock across a gap into the tender.

3. How are Norwegian’s wheelchair accessible excursions for this itinerary? I haven’t seen any labeled wheelchair accessible on their website, are they just not listed? How do you book accessible tours?

4. Also thinking of doing a pre-cruise land stay in Oahu, does Norwegian provide any wheelchair accessible options for this or do I need to book this separately?

5. What island is the best island to do a luau on? Any favorite ones you’ve been to (is companies)?

Thanks in advance for all of the information!

Wheelchair Hire Malta

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 18:47:15 +0000

I am looking at a P&O cruise departimng from Valletta in Malta.
I will be travelling with a friend who has limited mobility but refuses to use a wheelchair until she is at cruise check in, has anyone any experience of a supplier who hires wheelhairs to cruise ships from this destination? I have only been able to find providers who deliver to hotels so far.

Cabin reviews from MSC Armonia for disabled cruiser?

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 22:39:05 +0000

Hey y'all,

I was hoping someone here might be able to get me a quick answer - I was looking at some of the deals next fall for the MSC Armonia, but am having a hard time finding information on their disabled cabins, or ease of access for regular cabins for a disabled cruiser. Here's the two issues:

We sail with our teenage daughter, who typically sleeps in a pullman or on a sofa. Does anyone know if the Armonia's handicapped cabins have pullmans or sofas for a third passenger in the same cabin?

My husband is partially mobile, using a wheelchair mainly for distance, but has issues with narrow doorways and stepping over high (over 2") door thresholds. In the regular cabins (where we're more likely to find a pullman), can anyone estimate the doorway width (more than 24"?) or if there's a high ledge between the bedroom and bathroom?

I really appreciate any help y'all can provide! Cross-posted to the MSC board.

Buenos Aires cruise terminal

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 00:28:04 +0000

I’m looking for information on the cruise terminal and cruise port situation. I understand that they are separate places and accessed by shuttle busses. I use a manual wheelchair and need information on how the process would work for me. I posted on the South America port board but haven’t received a reply.

Paula

American Airlines Now Refuses Power Wheelchairs on Regional Jets

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 20:23:22 +0000

Just be aware that if you use a power wheelchair that weighs more than 300lbs, American will not allow you to fly on their ERJ and CRJ aircraft. So, you either have to switch to a smaller chair or only fly their larger jets. That’s going to be difficult because many airports only have regional jets or they fly to popular destinations using only the small jets.

Scooter or Wheelchair rentals in Rome?

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 15:59:22 +0000

Has anyone rented any mobility equipment in Rome? What company did you use? What was your experiance on getting around Rome?

Sue

Rome, scooter transportation to hotel and pier

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 03:28:04 +0000

Would appreciate if someone has experience or could give me advise on how to make reservations with private transportations companies that

can accommodate my scooter. It does break down to 5 pieces. My daughter and I will each have one large suitcase and 1 carry on each plus 1 scooter.

I am an experienced cruiser but a first time scooter user.

Appreciate any information.

Norma

South America and Antarctica cruise tips

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:21:19 +0000

I plan on booking a South America and Antarctica cruise with Princess for January 2022. Based on a thread on the Princess boards this may be the last year they are allowed to sail that far south. I hear the cruise is an amazing experience.

I was wondering if anyone else has done this or a similar cruise and whether you have any tips for me? South America is notoriously not very accessibility friendly, so wondering if there was anything you did that you loved or would skip in the future? Any tour companies you would recommend? How bad was the Drake passage?

I use a wheelchair but can walk short distances with a cane. I can also transfer to a regular car or van. The ship I will be on is the Sapphire Princess. Ports of call are:

Santiago Chile

Punta Arenas Chile

Ushuaia Argentina

Falkland Islands (Stanley)

Montevideo Uruguay

Buenos Aires Argentina

there will also be scenic cruising around Cape Horn and Antarctica.

Thanks in advance for any tips or recommendations you have!