The only times I had difficulty with my wheelchair on my last cruise (the first time I had used one) was at the elevator after the lifeboat drill. Even though they postioned me so as to let me get out first, a number of people rushed around us. The problem was intensified because at least half of the elevators were being dedicated to luggage delivery. Interestingly, though, I have a different take on things. I don't really think anyone around us was being intentionally rude. They were excited to dump the life preservers and get on with their cruise. One of the staff from the purser's office walked by and when she came back by several minutes later and we were still waiting, she basically made a group of people diving for next available elevator wait and got me where I needed to be. I was grateful for her help. Incidentally, no one reacted angrily (at least in front of us) - I think they just hadn't been paying attention. After dinner and shows and things, I just made it a policy to wait and let things clear out before I even tried the elevators and never had another problem. In fact, I was surprised by the number of offers of help we got all during the cruise. I also think it has a lot to do with my attitude - I spend a lot of my hard-earned money on a cruise to relax and have a good time. Even if I were the absolute last person on the elevator, I am not going to let it ruin my fun.
How do you deal with rude people?
in Disabled Cruise Travel
Posted
The only times I had difficulty with my wheelchair on my last cruise (the first time I had used one) was at the elevator after the lifeboat drill. Even though they postioned me so as to let me get out first, a number of people rushed around us. The problem was intensified because at least half of the elevators were being dedicated to luggage delivery. Interestingly, though, I have a different take on things. I don't really think anyone around us was being intentionally rude. They were excited to dump the life preservers and get on with their cruise. One of the staff from the purser's office walked by and when she came back by several minutes later and we were still waiting, she basically made a group of people diving for next available elevator wait and got me where I needed to be. I was grateful for her help. Incidentally, no one reacted angrily (at least in front of us) - I think they just hadn't been paying attention. After dinner and shows and things, I just made it a policy to wait and let things clear out before I even tried the elevators and never had another problem. In fact, I was surprised by the number of offers of help we got all during the cruise. I also think it has a lot to do with my attitude - I spend a lot of my hard-earned money on a cruise to relax and have a good time. Even if I were the absolute last person on the elevator, I am not going to let it ruin my fun.