Carnival Faster To The Fun with wheelchair assistance

Hi all! My grandmother will need wheelchair assistance while in the terminal and during embarkation at Port Everglades. I understand the new-ish Carnival policy that wheelchair assisted passengers wait to board with their group and no longer get priority boarding privilege. I'm considering buying FTTF for our entire party, just to start the vacation as quickly as possible. Has anyone had experience with FTTF for a wheelchair assisted passenger? I'm concerned that having to wait for an available wheelchair escort will lessen the likelihood we get on board significantly faster, making my FTTF fun purchase less valuable. We have an early check-in time, so hopefully we would be one of the first on the list for an escort.

Any experience with this? Thanks!

I have not ever boarded a Carnival ship in Port Everglades. However, at most terminals, it is not a matter of priority for the disabled, it is a matter of accessibility. At many of the terminals, the only access for those with mobility devices is via an elevator. Thus, we would board in a first come, first serve basis using the designated elevator(s). If an elevator is not required, we board with the other passengers.

Hopefully, someone that has sailed out of Port Everglades on Carnival can answer your question.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Hi all! My grandmother will need wheelchair assistance while in the terminal and during embarkation at Port Everglades. I understand the new-ish Carnival policy that wheelchair assisted passengers wait to board with their group and no longer get priority boarding privilege. I'm considering buying FTTF for our entire party, just to start the vacation as quickly as possible. Has anyone had experience with FTTF for a wheelchair assisted passenger? I'm concerned that having to wait for an available wheelchair escort will lessen the likelihood we get on board significantly faster, making my FTTF fun purchase less valuable. We have an early check-in time, so hopefully we would be one of the first on the list for an escort.

 

Any experience with this? Thanks!

If the only benefit you plan to use regarding the FTTF is early boarding than personally I wouldn't spend the $69.95 ( assuming 7 day cruise) . Reason being that FTTF guests board after VIFP Diamond, Platinum and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations. After that boarding goes very fast. Now if you plan to use the other FTTF benefits than that might influence your decision,

BTW most people arrive early at the port despite what their assigned boarding time is who didn't purchase the FTTF and start their vacation early. If it were me I'd just plan to arrive early and get in line for wheelchair assistance.

Two cruises out of Baltimore with FTTF and wheelchair assistance. First one we were left till the end to board, supposedly because of lack of wheelchairs. Second cruise were boarded with other FTTF passengers. So really, you take your chances that you will board earlier. We still like FTTF because of other perks, i.e. not waiting in long line at guest relations, priority tender boarding.