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Using buffet in a wheelchair


silversurf
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Did our first cruise using my wheelchair. It was great for getting around most of the ship but I found the buffet difficult. A staff member approached me immediately with a tray and cutlery, but he asked what I wanted. The buffet area was huge and I had no idea what I wanted without wandering round to see what was available. I didn’t want to waste the waiter’s time as buffet was very busy so just chose the first item I saw. Then he dished up a portion as I couldn’t reach from my chair.

We used the MDR as much as possible, but early starts did not always make this possible.

How do others cope in the buffet area?

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I'm either on a scooter, or using a rollator, so the situation is similar.

First, the cruiseline I frequent posts a menu outside the Lido, so I check that first to get an idea what I want.

Then, when a steward comes to help me, I let him get me those things I have decided on, even if it means I am tying him up a while. That's what he's there for, and he would be on duty even if he weren't helping me. Might as well use the service.

When my cruiseline provided trays, I was quite capable of getting everything for myself. When they removed them, with the promise that help would be available, I decided to hold them to the promise.

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I have limited mobility and use two sticks. Normally my OH helps me, but I have had a steward help too. I walk around to see what I fancy and then return to choose what I want. The stewards patiently comes with me.

 

I've never heard of a buffet without trays. Sounds very strange to me. How can anybody, let alone disabled people carry their food and cutlery.

 

 

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I've never heard of a buffet without trays. Sounds very strange to me. How can anybody, let alone disabled people carry their food and cutlery.

Holland America eliminated trays in the Lido back in 2009, with the promise that there would be stewards there to help those who need assistance.

Over the years the amount of help has been hit or miss. I have gotten more insistent as my needs have grown, and now I stomp my delicate little foot and pleasantly get what they promised.

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  • 2 weeks later...
I have limited mobility and use two sticks. Normally my OH helps me, but I have had a steward help too. I walk around to see what I fancy and then return to choose what I want. The stewards patiently comes with me.

 

I've never heard of a buffet without trays. Sounds very strange to me. How can anybody, let alone disabled people carry their food and cutlery.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Was on Grand Princess last month. No trays. Very difficult trying to get me something as well as for my wheelchair bound husband.

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I cheat and use the floor board on my scooter (prop my feet on the far end). Also, I ask the servers to put a number of things on the same plate (less clutter). Can drive with one hand and carry a glass of fruit juice with other hand or secure the glass in the basket. I prefer getting my own food as long as I can.

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  • 7 months later...

Honestly, I don't think the staff member who wanted to help you felt you were "wasting his time" at all. I would have just admitted that I didn't know what all was available to eat and asked him what my choices would be. I am sure he would have been happy to tell you what various items were available and escort you around while carrying the tray so you could look for yourself. They are very pleasant and helpful, in my experience. I went with a group of family members on my last cruise and I had a scooter, so I generally drove around and looked at the various choices. Crew members often offered to help carry a tray, plate items for me, But I explained I was with family members and just looking, and would send my family shortly to make a plate for me. They were very genuinely kind and I believe would not have hesitated to walk with me to the various stations and assist me even if it took ages.

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  • 2 months later...

Celebrity don't have trays in the buffet either - it was my first cruise with them and I was new to this situation. 

 

I usually park my chair and negotiate the food stations on foot + 1 crutch and actually find I can manage with a plate without help (although I was always offered help), whereas I couldn't manage a tray. I appreciate that I am lucky to be able to do this! However, this arrangement does mean that I have to make a second trip for dessert which means I tire more quickly.

 

It does seem that more lines are doing away with trays in the buffet.

 

 

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