Arlened236

I'm a paraplegic and use a manual wheelchair. I've cruised with RCL, NCL and Celebrity but not Princess. I'm interested in a Sth American cruise on Golden Princess. I like the look of the balcony cabins on the Caribe deck (eg C301/C303). I haven't been able to fiind any detailed information about wheelchair access on the Princess website.

 

I have read the older threads on the forum and wondered if anyone has sailed on Golden Princess in a wheelchair accessible balcony cabin recently? I would like to know whether there is still a threshold at the entrance to the cabin and whether there is still only a ramp on one side of the balcony threshold. Is there still a pull down shower bench to sit on in the shower? How about access to the outside decks? Is there a pool lift/hoist, if so to which pool/hottub? Also, is access to the steam room and sauna step-free (I read somewhere that there is no access to the Sanctury for wheelchair users - is this still the case)?

 

There are 3 tender ports on the itinerery (Falkland Islands/Punta Arenas/Puerto Montt). I understand there is a stair climber to get to the tender platform which I can transfer onto, but what about actually getting onto the tender? On my last cruise with Celebrity, the crew were very willing to push the chair onto the tender once I got myself down the stairs.

 

Grateful for any up to date info anyone can proivide (I'm aware the ship had a refit in 2012 and wondered whether access had changed). My TA has emailed my queries to Princess but I haven't heard back yet. Does anyone have a contact name/phone/email for Princess Access and Complianace team?

I don't know when you will be on the Golden, but I will be on the ship in C303 next Aug. I am an amputee and use a maual w/c on shore, and an electric scooter on the ship. I have not cruised on the Golden before but I have been on the Grand Princess several times (her sister ship)

There has always been a pull down seat in the shower. and safety bars around the toilet. The accessible cabins are large and there is enough room for all my equipment. There has been a ramp on both sides of the threshold of the deck, so I spend enjoyable time on my balcony.

As far as a lift into the pools...I heard that there is one but I have never used it...I manage to get into the pool and hot tub on my bottom up and down the stairs.

As far as the Sanctuary, it is not accessible on the Grand and I think that is the same on the Golden.

Princess has required me to walk on the tender (with my prosthesis)and then they fold and put my chair on board. They assisted me, but could not carry on someone that could not walk on.

You asked about the decks being accessible..there are ramps to the outside decks but not all doors are automatic, I soon learned which ones were and used them. I cannot answer about the sauna/steam room because I never used them...

Another tip..if you book the Golden...ask for anytime dining...the traditional dining room is only accessed by 2 elevators at the rear of the ship(there are 4 elevators but only 2 go to deck 6) and there are no bathrooms on that level

If you trip is after august I will be happy to answer all your questions then.

Remember my opinions were from the Grand Princess but I think they are the same for the Golden.

Hope this helped

Arlene

My understanding is that even if you booked this as 2 seperate cruises the answer is no...you must compete the cruise to get the credit. We will complete the number of days for elite part way into our 15 panama cruise but do not become elite until we complete the cruise.

If you booked this as one cruise you will not get the internet minutes until your next cruise. Sorry

Taken from Princess web site:

'Members are eligible for a higher tier on the next cruise following completion of necessary cruises and/or cruise days. Land portion of cruisetour does not apply'.

There are five ships in port that day (if you are coming in in Feb. 1). With over 20,350 passengers in port. You will not make your flight that early.

Suggest you chane your flight.

All the advice you have received is correct, given the spread of ages on Princess ships they have a chef in the kitchen that does nothing but special orders, so your requests will not be unusual or too much trouble for them.

Their main goal is that you enjoy your cruise minus any stress or illness.

As many others have said, thank you for your service. My younger brother is dealing with the effects of agent orange now. I send healing thoughts to both of you and wishes for a Healthy New Year.

As an above the knee amputee the info posters have given you is correct except I could not cruise if I did not have an fully accessible cabin. I take my prosthesis off at night (and in the pool) I could not navigate either the step into the bathroom or use a shower in a regular cabin.

I take my own wheelchair and rent an electric scooter for the ship. I have found that in some ports the scooter is not practical, and since I can walk now I can take the tenders if the seas are not too rough. Most Caribbean ports do not have the same understanding of cut outs for side walks, and many shops have a high step (to prevent flooding with all the storms they have), and many sidewalks are narrow and in bad shape which make using a scooter almost impossible.

I have mostly cruised Princess and RCCL...and found both to be accessible friendly. Be sure to check with the cruise line for the company they use you choose to rent a scooter (it will be in your cabin and you leave it there when you leave the ship)

My only advice is when you decide on a cruise...make your reservation immediately...there are not many fully accessible cabins on each ship.

Cruising is wonderful for anyone that is 'differently abled' I commend you for thinking of your dad and family...we are doing a family cruise to alaska in Aug. so far we have over 30 family members coming...can't wait.

Just remember that the Botticelli dining room does not have any restrooms on that level, you have to go up to 7 to find one...difficult if you use a scooter/walker, cane etc. only 2 of the bank of aft elevators go to deck 6.

Its no problem if you can use the stairs.

Phone cards are always appreciated.. We have used these for gifts. Just make sure they work internationally.

Be sure to check with your TA There is a sale 'three for treet ' that has been extended to the end of November. It includes a reduced deposit, credit towards an excursion, and dinner in a speciality restaurant . Our family from many parts of the country are doing the Alaska cruise in Aug. on the Golden Princess from Seattle. We have almost 30 going so far. We are very pleased with this special

Have a great cruise when ever you go, and Happy early Birthday

There is a special promotion until the end of Novembrt, '3 for Free'.

Free upgrade, dinner in specialty restaurant, and on board credit toward an excursion. You will still get any price reduction that may come in the future. This is a good deal. We are putting together a family reunion cruise in Aug. RT Seattle. Can't wait.

Hi Lewie...I am looking forward to your review, we will be on the Island Princess in March. Hope you are enjoying your cruise...thanks to your Aunt for helping you write your observations of your cruise.

Arlene in Chicago too.

akman2495...great post. i totally agree with you.

 

cheers

I agree with both of you...we were on the Grand in March and the food was great, loved the filet on the always available menu in the dining room (we did not eat in the buffet) yes the ship needs some upgrade's and rehab, but that did not spoil the cruise. The crew and staff still made it a worthwhile cruise. Still our favorite cruise line.

I take magnetic clips...the walls are metal so they work well to hang up hats, and other items depending on size of clips. If you are lucky you can win them as a trivia prize.

A clip on battery powered reading light is all good...not always enough light to read by at night, plus it does not disturb my husband if he wants to sleep. I still like books (not reading on my I-pad)

i know that's not a popular opinion but last time i checked, an accessible cabin is there for those who physically cannot use a regular cabin, correct?

 

Or are you saying that i am supposed to just not cruise? Seriously.

 

And i see you didn't quote the portion of my post that said that IF i can use a regular cabin, i WILL because obviously i wouldn't NEED it anymore.

 

have a great night.

As someone that must have an accessible cabin to cruise ( I am an amputee) Miss Rabbit has as much right to one as I do...anyone that really 'needs' an accessible cabin for whatever reason should have one if the itinerary, ship and cost meets their needs. They will have to book as early as I do for the cruse because there are so few cabins that meet our needs. I often find that the cruise I want has no accessilbe cabins even one year in advance.

Who are we to judge.

although I am a normal size person, I am an amputee and I need a scooter to get around the shp. I can walk short distances is the ground is not moving LOL...I get many strange looks because I do not look disabled when I have my prosthesis on.

Note to Kitegirl and others who use a scooter...get on the elevator NO MATTER which way it is going...'what goes up, will go down'...I also find some people are very rude and push in in front of me (most are very nice). I just say in a loud voice 'Watch your toes', that usually gets their attention.

Everyone has the right to simple consideration and courtesy, Life is to be enjoyed! Especially on a cruise.

Are there any resources for the southern carribean islands such as Barbados, St Vicent, St kitts, Santo Domingo and Grand Turk. I am looking for wheelchair accessible tours and what might be accessible on these islands, or problems I might find when I go ashore.

Thanks...I could not find this information in the resources that were listed. We sail on the Grand Princess in Feb 2010

I am an amputee and carry extra supplies for my prosthesis and w/c, including a tool kit. I put then all in a separate bag and tell them when I get to security that it is medical supplies. It does not count as a carry on. I have not had a problem in the last 5 years.

good luck...I also recommend the blue waterproof under- pads (get them at Walgreens) and the room steward can put special pads on the bed to protect it...I am sure they do this for small children.