nancyls62

Hearing them boast was a fluke. I’ve never heard anyone do this. But, they did, I shared it with RC and through research, i discovered it’s a common practice. That’s why I and everyone like me haven’t been able to book an accessible cabin. These pinnacles have over 30 cruises booked out with accessible cabins with no disability. And today, I’m sharing the names of another pinnacle couple that is doing the same thing.

I don’t believe I’m owed anything either, but traveling in a regular room is unsafe for me and to continue exploring is very important to me.  When they book an accessible cabin without need, that is entitlement and it’s so morally wrong (but acceptable within RC’s current policy), that something has to change. There’s no perfect answer for this but I know we can make it better.

I agree..hard to fight but it’s so morally wrong, I have to. I was raised on fairness and standing up for what’s right. I will get lots of help and hopefully this will change and it will be one less thing we have to worry about. ❤️

Yes, me too...my disability is not seen right away. I get a lot of double takes on my scooter. My husband says it’s because I’m beautiful...I say it’s because folks are always judging if I need one or not. I have had so many people question my disability, from Southwest Airlines to Coors Field. I’ve been disabled for 1 1/2 years and in that short time, it’s made me realize, PWD have to fight harder, stand taller and be heard. This is not an easy path...please support these changes, so people like me can continue exploring through travel.

I can describe my disability to the cruise lines too and ask for what I need. But, that’s not going to ensure that someone without a disability isn’t getting my room. My first week on this ship, people were boasting about staying in an accessible room, while I was not. People are taking advantage of a system that is broken. We will not get the rooms we need because others are booking them with no need other than extra space. We have to put in steps to make it more difficult for others to ask for the rooms.

Yes, I agree, I don’t want to have to do those things either, but status quo isn’t working.

The earliest post I could find about this was 2010...that’s too long and I’m continuing my pursuit in changing their policy to ensure that everyone who books an accessible room truly needs it and that their doctor confirms their disability. Now that I’m aware that this is a common practice, I can’t sit back and do nothing.

This all needs to change. I’m so sorry! I’m not sure if you are going to book it without the guarantee of an accessible cabin, but if so....we shouldn’t have to do this, but find out where all the accessible rooms are on the ship and when you get on the ship, check the cabins to see if the person is truly in need. If not, ask for their cabin. That makes for a great vacation. 😁

Or...we band together to get the forms filled out and signed by a doctor.

An update....superior customer service by Zhenhong and JoAnn from Royal Caribbean. They are moving a pinnacle member out of the accessible room and I’m getting the room, just as their policy states. I feel supported...corporate is aware of the situation and checking into all of the future cruises they have booked but of course, this has become a common practice for everyone, so a lot of change needs to happen.

Anyone can book an accessible room. They are not requiring the paperwork to be filled out. This needs to change. It also should have a doctor signature verifying need. You’re able to upload a photo, fill out your set sail and luggage tags...why not follow accessible parking spots paperwork and if you ask for an accessible room, you’re required to upload a guest special needs form with doctor signature before your cruise. its simple, just fill out the form. It’s a start.Enforce the policy.

Yes they do but I’ve never been asked to fill one out and didn’t know they had them until I started researching about accessible staterooms.

I will keep you updated as I am booked in a regular room next week but have asked for them to look for an accessible cabin. I have the names and room numbers of two pinnacles that are booked in two accessible cabins next week without need...they have already had accessible rooms for the past two weeks.  We have contacted our attorney and he’ll be calling them with the information tomorrow.  I dont understand why everyone on here wouldnt want to support me in asking Royal to do the right thing and enforce their policy. This is fraudulent behavior and they will continue to get away with it unless something changes. I’ve traveled my whole life and I have a severe mobility issue... I can’t continue to explore if I can’t be safe in my room.

I have NEVER been asked to fill out the form. All I am asking is that they require EVERYONE to fill out the form . Follow their policy so pinnacle members stop booking them years in advance as their only “need” is extra space. They are acting entitled and Royal has to enforce their policy. The pinnacles brag about this and it is just wrong on so many levels. It is discrimination. Pinnacle status outweighs PWD. 

And as as for me stopping sailing royal, I’ve been accumulating my points my whole life on them and have only had my disability for 1 1/2 years...I’ve been loyal, I didn’t ask for this disease so I’m navigating the best I can working within their policies. I’ve got enough battles to fight in my life now, I don’t want to be adding stress to my situation. Royal should do the right thing. Shame on them.

Im on RCs Vision of the Seas, 1st of 3 cruises. I have a disability, was only able to secure an accessible room for week 2. Overheard a pinnacle “bragging” about securing an accessible room this week. Their need seems to be extra space as the accessible rooms are larger. They book these way out in advance. 

Appears as if frequent cruisers know that Royal Caribbean doesn’t enforce their policy so it leaves people with disabilities without an accessible room. 

Their policy requires people with disabilities to fill out a “guest needs form” but this is not enforced as I’ve never filled one out. This is wrong, unfair, unethical and an attempt to make this problem (their loyal handicapped customers) left with inferior rights as opposed to their top tier frequent cruisers (pinnacles) who are treated like royalty.

I found out that 2 of the 14 accessible rooms on Royal Caribbean’s vision of the seas last week were occupied by pinnacles without need and the same this week. This is a well known practice. They book early and secure an accessible room without a need.

I have been told by Zeze, a Royal Caribbean employee on the ship that this has been investigated thoroughly and it all checked out. #sweepitundertherug

Royal Caribbean’s policy states, “Please note we investigate and take action on potential misuse of accessible staterooms where there is good cause to believe that such staterooms have been booked fraudulently.” They don’t enforce these policies.

Royal Caribbean’s marketing brochure states they cater to people with disabilities but I’m not feeling the love.