Sprained Ankle

[LovingNC]

I unfortunately have a severe sprained ankle and foot (missed a step). Does Carnival offer priority Embarkation at the terminal as well in ports? I can't stand for long periods of time. I of course can get a medical form filled out, but I'm not sure if this is even an option. I'm no longer on crutches, but in a walking boot to stabilize the foot/ankle.

[firefly333]

You can check in HC and if you cant walk the long way onto the ship you can ask for wheelchair assistance and go that route. Usually HC is first, but if you need a wheelchair you usually have to wait for them to finish using them to get people off the ship so you might have to wait and not get on first.

 

There is no such thing as priority at the ports ebarkation.. but getting off if its a tender port, there is a VIP for platinum you might go to the pursers desk and ask for.. but to me its usually not worth it as I get off just as fast without it.

 

Regular ports you just get off when you can. If you wait 30 minutes or so the line dies down. 45 minutes and you can get off at your ease.

[FlipFlopCruiser]

When/if they see your boot they will escort you to the VIP area for check in.

Right before one of our cruises, I hurt my knee at work.

2 tears in the meniscus. The pain was horrible and no time to have it fixed before the cruise.

The Dr. loaded me up with pain pills and a knee brace and crutches.

The knee brace made it hurt even more so I didn't wear it. And I couldn't handle anything else {luggage, documents etc.} using both crutches so I left one at home and only used one, so I would have a free hand.

So I really didn't appear to be all that injured really. I just walked in with one crutch. But they still came up to me as soon as we walked into the building and asked if I needed assistance. I said no thank you and then they tried to escort me to the VIP line. We were with a whole group so I told them thanks but I would rather stay with my group.

Then a little farther into the line, someone approached me again and asked if I needed any help.

At Grand Turk they even offered to push me back to the ship in a wheelchair.

Then at debark, the cruise director was at the kiosk where they check you out, our group was walking past to go to the lounge where the end of the line was and he stopped me and sent me right through the kiosk and out to a more direct route to the luggage area.

 

Anyway, to put a stop to my endless rambling, they will definitely do their best to take care of you if they notice you're injured!

[firefly333]

At Grand Turk they even offered to push me back to the ship in a wheelchair.

!

 

Several of the ports have things like this where they will take you back to the ship, but they either have a price or expect a tip, they are not doing this for free. cozumel they have bikes attached to cart like things. Other ports have something similar, but as I said to me its not a free service. Not the ones I have seen.

 

I have travelled with a HC sister so I have a bit of experience too.

[tampabrat22]

I don't have much info for you but wanted to say I know your pain. In 2009 I sprained my ankle on the Disney Wonder when i missed a step in the theater. Two months later we cruised on the Carnival Inspiration and my ankle was still not completely healed and was taking a beating with all the walking and standing I was doing so in Grand Cayman I had to hobble around town until we found a pharmacy where I could buy an extra ace bandage. We did our tour then made our way back to the ship. Everyone was very nice & helpful and tried to assist me often for the remainder of the cruise. :D

[Jacob's Mom]

We leave Saturday and I'm also in a "boot". I'm not too excited about cruising with this thing!!

[serene56]

Have you considered renting a scooter to get around the ship. The walking you will do on the ship could make it worse

[firefly333]

Have you considered renting a scooter to get around the ship. The walking you will do on the ship could make it worse

 

For $79 or $99 you can buy a small folding wheelchair. My BIL went to a hock shop and got a nice one for $59. Needed one with big wheels the person in it could push themselves.

 

I would do this before Id pay to rent a scooter.

[LANDLADY]

Glad I found this thread. We are scheduled to leave Sunday and my husband is having arthroscopic surgery on Wed for a torn meniscus. Dr says he will be fine but we are bringing crutches and a cane just in case. May ask for help to board ship for him as I understand getting on ship in Baltimore is a hike.

[eoconnor]

My wife waks with an arm crutch, and on all our cruises when she walks in the building they bring us to the VIP area. both on the ship and the terminals everybody have been very helpful. Also in Miami if you have a handicaped tag or placard the parking is free.

[FlipFlopCruiser]

Several of the ports have things like this where they will take you back to the ship, but they either have a price or expect a tip, they are not doing this for free. cozumel they have bikes attached to cart like things. Other ports have something similar, but as I said to me its not a free service. Not the ones I have seen.

 

I have travelled with a HC sister so I have a bit of experience too.

 

 

Well if you're in enough pain, it would be worth a few bucks.

We tip for other personal services, and I would pay for that too if I needed it.

[nremtb90]

Glad I found this thread. We are scheduled to leave Sunday and my husband is having arthroscopic surgery on Wed for a torn meniscus. Dr says he will be fine but we are bringing crutches and a cane just in case. May ask for help to board ship for him as I understand getting on ship in Baltimore is a hike.

 

Baltimore port is a little hike. Getting into the building isn't so bad. It's once you start to board the ship. Hope his surgery goes well and he is able to enjoy the cruise.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[LANDLADY]

Thanks for the good wishes. Think we will look for wheel chair to get him onto the ship. After that he is on his own!!!:)

[It's a Ship!!!]

The best thing to do is call whoever you booked with and get them to set up wheel chair assistance at the pier. Then just let an employee at the pier know, and they will take care of you.

[SadieN]

Have you considered renting a scooter to get around the ship. The walking you will do on the ship could make it worse

 

Scooters have 'issues'. Many do not fit thru a standard cabin door and cannot be stored in the hallway, they have to be in the cabin when not in use.

 

Call Carnival and ask for wheelchair assistance for the cruise. This enables them to have enough personnal available.

 

Might want to rent or bring on your own folding wheelchair for the cruise. Carnival's Special Needs department can give you the number of the rental companies they use. The chair will be in your cabin upon arrival and you just leave it there at debark.

 

Look on the Diabled Cruising Board. Almost all recommend a regular wheelchair as opposed to a transport chair. Evidently transport chairs are hard to push on carpeting.

[ccruisequeen]

Contact carnival special needs dept and let them know what you need. They will send a form to fill out and arrange for assistance to the ship

[suzybeezy]

I'm sitting in the same boat, with a broken foot atm. The doctor said I should be ok by the time we cruise in mid-September, but I'm skeptical as I'm still sitting here with this heavy, hot boot. ugh Anyway, I made modifications to my plans taking into consideration the high probability my foot will not be at 100%. We've opted for the FTTF (Faster to the Fun) option, giving us priority embarking, which will reduce the amount of time standing in line when we arrive. When it comes to excursions, rather than doing more 'active' outings, we've opted for tours where the driver will meet us at port and take us around to see things - dramatically reducing the walking I'd need to do. My only concern remains the ship itself, but figure I can do as much or as little walking as my foot will allow. The only port I'm concerned about is Jamaica, cause I have seen pictures of how long that dock is, and know it will be a challenge. At that port, I don't think I'll hesitate to request assistance to help get me to the end where we'll meet up with our tour guide. Best thing you can do is plan well in advance to increase your odds that your foot won't be a big hindrance to your fun.

[ourfamilylovescruising]

I was in a boot last Thanksgiving and the cruise line help us on and off the ship so I didn't have to stand.

[bia]

We leave Saturday and I'm also in a "boot". I'm not too excited about cruising with this thing!!

You will have a great time. anything is better then not going. I know from experience. hope I never have to wear a booth again' date=' but I will go on my cruise. they have shower seats, a real help. I did not want to go back home.[/size']

bia

[riclop]

Glad I found this thread. We are scheduled to leave Sunday and my husband is having arthroscopic surgery on Wed for a torn meniscus. Dr says he will be fine but we are bringing crutches and a cane just in case. May ask for help to board ship for him as I understand getting on ship in Baltimore is a hike.

Surgery on Wed and youre sailing Sunday? Not a very good or intelligent idea.

[thomarvin]

just off the Splendor today:(. There were alot of wheelchairs. More than I can ever remember seeing on a cruise. I would recommend getting one. There is so much walking. you can use it as needed. I hear they are only about $100 for the week. They obviously dont need alot of notice. We met a boy who broke his leg on Friday and we sailed that Sunday (7/28) and he had one. You dont want to not be able to do something because you are in pain. We have one for my son who just finished chemo and tires easily. It was great to have. When we just went to dinner we didnt use it but when we wanted to wander around it made if easier for him to have the chair. Once onboard you cant get one. Best to have it and use it sparingly than not have it and wished you had one.

[LANDLADY]

Riclop.....why do you say not a good idea. if doctor says he can go what is downfall other then him being having a little discomfort. Believe me as much as we both want to go I would never force my husband to go if he is really uncomfortable. Going to play it by ear. Hoping for a good result....:)

[Ga webbs]

Landlady, I just had the same surgery less than a month ago. He should be ok. I had my surgery on Friday and went to the beach on the following Monday with no issues. Just make sure that he continues to ice the knee often and he should be ok. I would not over do it but he will know what his limits are. Have fun and enjoy your "recovery cruise":)

[LANDLADY]

Thanks Skip.....you make me feel a little better about the whole thing.

[LANDLADY]

Surgery completed and husband home and resting on the couch. Walking on it with crutches already...small steps. Going to doctor for follow-up tomorrow. Looks like all systems go for us to leave on cruise Sunday. And bot, we could both use it...that's for sure. Thanks everyone for all your input.......