GriffinAlexander

Didn't mean to hijack the post, but thanks for the input from all who did respond. I have days where I walk fine without the cane, others where I can barely take a step even with it, it all depends on how my back feels that day. To make matters worse, because I am in my mid 40s and used to work out regularly, I don't look disabled, so people often misconstrue me as being completely healthy and just rude if for example I don't offer my seat to someone older or female (which I used to do before I became hurt). I will consider everyone's advice, and probably try to get a mid-ship cabin when I book my trip. I'm going to upgrade to a balcony room, possibly even a mini-suite, and I think that it makes sense to be centrally located rather than worry about a step, which might be difficult some days, but will probably be easier than having to walk the length of the ship on bad days.

Hmm. I count as handicapped, with 8 herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and a multitude of other related ailments, but I"m not in a wheelchair. I do, however, use a cane depending on whether I'm having a bad day or not. I'm wondering whether I should request a handicapped room when i book my cruise or leave it for someone who might need it for a wheelchair. On the one hand, I feel like I should take advantage of the room if I can, on the other, I don't want to potentially take a room from someone worse off than me. I know how hard it is to get around with the damned cane and the sciatica acting up, or a migraine hitting from the 4 discs in the neck, so I'm sympathetic to anyone who may need one worse than me. But then again if I don't request it, someone who doesn't need it may end up with it... any advice?