debbiewp

11 minutes ago, Coral said:

It maybe too late for this but having them have a cabin on Lido deck (as close to the pool area as possible) may solve a lot of your issues on port days.

 

This way, they can walk to the pool deck and also get burgers and drinks if they want to. And return to their cabin when they are tired with out anyone's assistance.

Coral....that’s a great idea, wish they had thought of this when they booked! Too late now, but thanks for the thoughtful response 

45 minutes ago, keithm said:

Hate saying it, but the crew is NOT responsible for caring for your parents, YOU are! We saw an elderly British couple who was very well looked after by a care provider. This is what you'll have to do. In nearly ALL cases the ship staff will probably not allow your parents off the ship, most especially if there are tender ports involved. Everyone else's safety is paramount over just 2 pax when it comes to tenders. What about buses? Same thing. Remember to maybe, just maybe, take into consideration everyone else on that ship. It's best they stay on board, but as I said earlier hire a fully licensed care attendant. They are available, but will be expensive.

I am well aware that the crew is NOT responsible for caring for my parents, and in retrospect I guess I unintentionally exaggerated their handicaps and should clarify for all that my parents live independently in their own home over 400 miles from us (and further from all other family)...they attend social events, go out to dinner and enjoy a beach vacation with their entire  family in the summer.  They both still drive, do their own shopping and they are both quite able to walk on their own...the transport chairs were just a thought to make things easier for them on a large ship.  

I have been on 19 Princess cruises -- as have my parents and my children from the time they were young children.  Believe me, we know how to treat the staff, we know how to dress appropriately for the occasion and we know how to show some consideration and kindness to others. 

Remember to maybe, just maybe, take into consideration your snarky responses to a simple question on this board.

42 minutes ago, memoak said:

You cannot expect the ships staff to move your parents from place to place. This should be the family’s responsibility 

Wow...I'm pretty sure that I did not in any way state that I expected the ships staff to move my parents place to place and I am well aware of the family's responsibility.  

 I think that perhaps I unintentionally exaggerated their handicaps and should clarify for all that my parents live independently in their own home over 400 miles from us (and further from all other family)...they attend social events, go out to dinner and enjoy a beach vacation with their entire  family in the summer.  They both still drive, do their own shopping and they are both quite able to walk on their own...the transport chairs were just a thought to make things easier for them on a large ship.  

Obviously, I cannot expect everyone to be as kind in their responses as others.

6 hours ago, JennyB1977 said:

Why not rent scooters? 

https://www.princess.com/learn/faq_answer/pre_cruise/prepare.jsp#Passengers_Special_Needs

"Alternatively, you can contact Scootaround at  888-441-7575 (or outside the U.S. or Canada at 204-982-0657), email at webinquiry@scootaround.com or visit the scoot around website."

Thanks, this would be a great idea if I could ever convince them to use one!

6 hours ago, reedprincess said:

Not really. There's no a cadre if crew standing by just waiting to help push passengers in their chairs or such.  If it's an immediate need, a deck hand may (may!) be able to help them from one side to the other or such, but that would be about it..

You may want to consider bringing a carer along. Yes, extra costs, but that's also an extra pair of hands, and someone that can actually be helpful in cabin, getting around, etc.  Maybe one that could share a cabin with your daughter? That would defray some cost.  Something to consider.

Otherwise, at least one of you would need to stay aboard with them to push them, help them at meal times, bathrooms, etc.  

Hope you are all able to enjoy your cruise together !

reedprincess,

I understand and thanks so much for your suggestions.  I think that perhaps I unintentionally exaggerated their handicaps and should clarify for all that my parents live independently in their own home over 400 miles from us (and further from all other family)...they attend social events, go out to dinner and enjoy a beach vacation with their entire  family in the summer.  They both still drive, do their own shopping and they are both quite able to walk on their own...the transport chairs were just a thought to make things easier for them on a large ship.  They are also quite stubborn about asking for help.  I appreciate your reply and I'm sure we will all enjoy the cruise!

My husband, adult daughter and myself will be on the Crown for a 10-day cruise in November.  Our family has been on 19 previous cruises with Princess, accompanied by my parents. Due to separate health reasons, they have had to cancel their last two cruises, but are determined to be on this one with us. My 85-year-old father has multiple issues (breathing problems when walking ANY distance) and my 81-year-old mother is recovering from a broken ankle.   It looks like they will both need transport chairs while on board, and the three of us will be on call to push them around lol. My husband, daughter and myself will want to go off ship at every port...I doubt this will be possible for my parents.  

Does anyone know if there are crew members that we could request to transport  my parents in their  chairs to, for example, the pool deck or Horizon Court, if we are not available to do so? Obviously, if my mom didn’t have the ankle problem, she would be able to push his chair. Several years ago, my father used a transport chair following his hip replacement, so we are familiar with how they work and we did take him off ship.

And for those that think they should just stay home, they love cruising, love Princess and realize that this will be their last trip..We are trying to keep them happy and comfortable and hoping all goes well, it will just be a different cruise experience than the past 19.

Thanks for any advice....