Priority embarkation for disabled cancelled because of FTTF?

[riclop]

Cruising soon with our son and his wife. This year, she has lost her sight (completely blind), has developed chronic myelogenous leukemia and is having a bone marrow biopsy (in her hip) done the day before we cruise. Not a good year, so we're going to create some good memories on this vacation.

 

She called customer service, and they told her that they will have a wheelchair ready for her at the terminal. However, because of the new FTTF program, they are no longer providing priority access onto the ship for those requiring wheelchair assistance. Anyone heard of this new policy?

Not true at all on my recent cruise there were people being helped on with wheel chairs.

[Dicecatt]

Recently in long beach the wheelchairs were loaded right After Us, priority...I was right by the entrance but they weren't far behind me. That was 2 weeks ago...

 

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Edited November 14, 2013 by Dicecatt

[Nathanyell]

On the pride last weekend the wheelchair guests boarded right after the FTTF group. So it was still before those without.

[fireofficer5]

If its not a problem, arrive later at the pier.

[Boof80]

I noticed you said you are cruising the day after the biopsy. I had a friend (early 20s at the time) that had leukemia and had to go through numerous biopy procedures over the years. Many times she was in no condition the next day to do anything - let alone head out on a cruise. I don't know if your daughter has had this done before - but in case she hasn't I just wanted to pass along some info. She has definately had one hell of a rough time lately and I wish her the best on her long road ahead.

 

I agree. As someone who has actually gone through this the first time was a killer. The second and third not so bad as I knew what to expect.

 

But I think people are missing the point here. It is not about the wheelchair or the blindness but more the uncomfort that the DIL will be experiencing from having the biopsy the previous day. Sitting, regardless of whether it is in a wheelchair or on a seat, will be uncomfortable. Getting the woman to her cabin so she can lie down and rest so that she can enjoy the rest of her holiday is the point. I am sure any other day she would be happy to wait in line like anyone else.

When I was given a 50% chance with my cancer I went on holidays with family because we wanted to create wonderful memories and I wanted to visit certain countries just in case. I was lucky but I still have those wonderful memories.

Edited November 14, 2013 by Boof80

[snowskier]

I agree. As someone who has actually gone through this the first time was a killer. The second and third not so bad as I knew what to expect.

 

But I think people are missing the point here. It is not about the wheelchair or the blindness but more the uncomfort that the DIL will be experiencing from having the biopsy the previous day. Sitting, regardless of whether it is in a wheelchair or on a seat, will be uncomfortable. Getting the woman to her cabin so she can lie down and rest so that she can enjoy the rest of her holiday is the point. I am sure any other day she would be happy to wait in line like anyone else.

When I was given a 50% chance with my cancer I went on holidays with family because we wanted to create wonderful memories and I wanted to visit certain countries just in case. I was lucky but I still have those wonderful memories.

 

The easy answer - arrive at the port around 2:00 and there will be no lines. You can go straight to your cabin.

 

I had knee surgery on Thursday and sailed on Saturday last week. I could have added the stress of figuring out how to have Carnival make an exception for me but it was easier to just take care of myself because that is what it was really all about.

[okgirl]

My experience in Miami in January, NOLA in April and Galveston in October was Weddings, Diamond/Platinum/Suites, FTTF, Handicapped then Zones.

[Georgiagolfer]

In August on the Freedom, Weddings went first, then priority & FTF. Then handicapped followed. Maybe it's changed since then?

 

FTF ticks me off as well~ I paid thousands for what they get now for $50.

 

As for handicapped embarkation.. There are a lot of people using it that don't need it. They have learned the ropes to getting on early. That may have caused the change as well. The only reason IMO handicapped should get any kind of priority is if they are in a wheelchair and after the other above mentioned categories. And that would be because wheelchairs do hold up the process for boarding. Not meaning anything negative at all by that, certainly people need them, my father uses one. If they are well enough to cruise they are well enough to wait their turn.

 

You did not pay (thousands) to get the perks that people pay $50 for (FTTF). You paid to cruise, just like me and DW, the perks are a nice reward for our cruising on CCL repeatedly.

[Dee777]

My husband and I cruised with his parents to Hawaii in 2012 on the Spirit. My father in law is not in good health. He is blind, has osteporosis, and Parkinsons to name only some of his issues. He was never once offered priority assistance to board.

 

In fact I broke my foot 2.5 weeks prior to that cruise and was in a cast at the time as well. I was offered no help either. We had to schlep along the lines like everyone else. I don't believe it is fair to say that FTTF is the reason people with disabilities are not being offered priority boarding. FTTF was not available for purchase in 2012. If it had been, we would have purchased it.

[Jamman54]

You did not pay (thousands) to get the perks that people pay $50 for (FTTF). You paid to cruise, just like me and DW, the perks are a nice reward for our cruising on CCL repeatedly.

 

Well said!! I have been Platinum since the Loyalty program was introduced, and I never had immediate cabin access and luggage delivery until FTTF, did you? :)

[Georgiagolfer]

Well said!! I have been Platinum since the Loyalty program was introduced, and I never had immediate cabin access and luggage delivery until FTTF, did you? :)

 

No I didn't, as I never heard or read that it was available for Platinum. We haven't cruised as long as many on these boards. DW and I took our 1st CCL cruise in 1995, although our 1st cruise was in 1992. We will accept any perk offered that we like, but sail for the cruise, not the perks, although they are nice.

[RuthlessBoss]

Well said!! I have been Platinum since the Loyalty program was introduced, and I never had immediate cabin access and luggage delivery until FTTF, did you? :)

Can you imagine the uproar that would have occurred if platinums had to remain seated while people "bought" the right to board ahead of you?:eek:

[bridgetjonesni]

Just my two cents as someone with both FTTF on an upcoming cruise and who has already been on a cruise with a disability (though with Royal Caribbean not Carnival).

 

Firstly, those who are saying that only those in wheelchairs should be classed as "disabled enough" to have any kind of priority boarding are, in my opinion misguided about disability. In a day where you can buy a wheelchair on eBay, many people who use wheelchairs can actually walk without assistance but use one because they tire easily or have a disability that is aggravated by standing for long periods. However there are equally a lot of people walking with a stick or on crutches who are in a lot of pain the whole time, but who have chosen not to use a wheelchair because they value being more independent and don't want to cause a burden to their travelling companions. On my last cruise I class myself as the latter. And then there are those with "invisible" disabilities, who might really struggle waiting around in large crowds, or with navigating the terminal/check-in/boarding/etc. Such disabilities can require just as much (and sometimes more) assistance than some people in a wheelchair.

 

Thankfully the port staff last time actually did escort me to a shorter check in line only for people with disabilities. I really appreciated this thoughtful touch, especially since I hadn't indicated a disability ahead of time. It was a huge relief only to have to queue for maybe 15 minutes instead of what must have been at least double that in the other queues. Luckily our ship had already been boarding for a while by the time we completed check-in, so we were able to go straight onboard. However even if that had not been the case, as long as there had been somewhere comfortable for me to wait (chairs available etc) I wouldn't have expected any further special treatment. It was my decision to go on a cruise knowing my limitations and pain/mobility issues. It was also made clear before I went what the boarding process was. I signed up to it. So why should I expect any further assistance?

 

For this cruise we have FTTF. I bought it because, again, I read Carnival's policies beforehand and don't expect any special treatment, but nor do I want to be in pain queuing for a long time or dragging my carry on luggage around the ship until 1.30pm. Again, it was my choice to go on this cruise, knowing Carnival's boarding policy. It was also my choice to buy FTTF. I have to agree with the person above who said that if you're well enough to go on a cruise, you're well enough to sit quietly and wait for a while to board if you have to. Queuing to check in is perhaps another matter if your disability causes you pain when you stand for too long (I know that feeling). If Carnival doesn't have a priority check in line for guests with a disability, perhaps that's something they should look at. It doesn't have to mean priority embarkation, but it just means people are a little more comfortable while they wait.

 

All that being said, if Carnival changed their policy tomorrow to allow guests with disabilities to board at the same time as Diamond/Platinum/FTTF, I would be very happy about it. But in the meantime the policies are what they are, and it's up to the individual guest whether or not they sign up to them.

[Budget Queen]

Flame away, but I travel with a wheel chair user. I don't care when I get on the ship and if we have to wait, so what? I am platinum and never would expect to just go to the head of the line, just because someone is in a wheel chair. There is no need for me, to have to get on the ship "early".

[TerReuv]

Last month we were on the Conquest out of NOLA and had my parents with us and my Mother was in a wheelchair. Anytime a Carnival person saw her, they came and took her from my Dad (who was pushing) and took very good care of getting her on and the such. In fact, it was all we could do to keep up with her! LOL It started as soon as we were in the port in NOLA and did not stop until we had her waiting for the van as we left.

 

When we were getting back on the ship in Cozumel, it started pouring. My Dad pushed my Mom away from the huge line waiting to get on and as soon as a Carnival employee saw them he immediately took charge and got them on the ship quickly.

 

I can honestly say that both times we have cruise and out of two different ports the Carnival employees both at the ports and on the ships have gone out of their way to help with my Mom.

 

As for those who say they can wait with the rest of the crowd, I agree to a point. The problem we have seen (not just with cruises but in every day life) is that people have no respect for those in the wheelchair or those pushing the chair. Try moving that thing in a mass of people who don't care who they step on or who they push out of the way. Especially if the person in the chair is the least bit claustrophobic. It is like being a small child with all the others looming over you and not caring if they step on you or get in your way. Sometimes ending up in your lap! :eek: Also, for the person pushing to try and not run into others. Believe me that hurts!

 

So it is not that they are special or better than others, it sometimes is a matter of safety.

[Cruizinman]

There are a few members in our group that are disabled and use a wheelchair .

One vet made the comment on this ,when Carnival places money over the disabled especially those that were injured fighting for our country , it's a bottom of the barrel scraping company.

[Carnival_Brides]

Must be because Carnival makes a tidy profit on weddings:rolleyes:

 

It's actually much simpler than that. Weddings board first because on a normal boarding day, you have 3-4 hours to get the guests (sailing and non-sailing) checked-in, boarded, get the happy couple dressed, have a wedding, attend a reception and get them off 30-45 minutes before the ship sets sail. This is all assuming that the ship isn't late getting back which is another set of problems.

 

Carnival also makes a tidy profit on that since many times family and friends will sail with the happy couple and they charge $$$ for a 60-90 minute reception.

 

FWIW--on our past cruises this June there were no weddings, so it went Plats/Diamonds (there was no FTTF) followed by those needing special assistance and ONE family member/friend to accompany them. The rest of the group had to wait to board with their zone.

[GottaLuvCruising]

I agree with you 100%. I have seen it with my own eyes. I've seen people hop into a wheel chair and get wheeled on board with family in tow. I saw the same person later on in the cruise dancing the night away. Tacky, but people feel entitled even when they aren't.

 

Generally I think it's adequate for the cruise line to board special needs guests separate from the crowds so perhaps after Diamond, Platinum, then FTTF. Simply because a passenger is in a wheelchair or has some other disability does not mean they are not able to wait their turn. If waiting is an issue, I'd encourage them to arrive at the pier after the big rush.

 

We were on the Paradise last weekend. Platinum, we waited in the Priority area. Sitting right across from us was a older lady who had arrived (with her extended family) using a walker and carrying a "special needs" (can't remember the wording) embarkation card. On numerous occasions during the cruise we saw her walking around unassisted, moving chaises by the pool and once dancing. Did she fake some concern to get on board faster? That was our conclusion and we joked about "grandma" all cruise.

 

FYI Paradise did a great job boarding Diamond & Platinum first, then FTTF. Grandma was on the Lido Deck shortly after we were, but don't know the order after FTTF.

[Elaine515]

I would have no problem at all if Carnival or any other cruiseline allows someone with a disability to board right after FTTF passengers with just ONE (1) other passenger.

 

 

What I had a problem with at the Port of Miami was watching Grandma and her Grandson RUN into the terminal towards the back where the wheelchairs are stored. Then I watched as Grandson came out pushing Grandma in the wheelchair and Grandma yelling "come on guys" and SEVEN (7) other family members entered the building and ALL OF THEM proceeded to enter where the Platinum/Diamond and FTTF passengers line is... :(

 

 

And Yes, I did see Grandma quite a few times during the week having a grand time with no wheelchair in site... And yes, I did say to her "I thought I saw you in a wheelchair when we boarded the ship" or something like that and her answer to me "Oh, I do that all the time so we can get on the ship quicker and not have to wait on those long lines"... I was so upset I just walked away from her.. Now I'm sorry I didn't tell her exactly how I felt at that moment...

[sanmarcosman]

followed by those needing special assistance and ONE family member/friend to accompany them. The rest of the group had to wait to board with their zone.

 

The procedure of one companion allowed per wheelchair should be standardized by Carnival and enforced rigorously at all embarkations.

 

The extended family members and hangers on boarding with wheelchair bound passengers on our last cruise was shameful to witness. One family placed their multiple cases of beverages on the seat of the wheelchair and then had "old ma" (their expression, not ours) sit on top! :eek:

[Sparky2]

I agree that "priority" boarding can be abused, and from what I've read on CC, it's not just in the case of passengers in wheelchairs. So I understand your point.

 

The cruise has been booked for several months and her condition has changed in the last 10 days or so. My DIL tried to reschedule the biopsy until after the cruise, but the doc said no, although he okayed the vacation. Unfortunately the last time this procedure was done, it was botched and she was in pain for a month. She's on extra meds right now, so needs a little TLC. Just trying to make her life a little easier!

 

 

Where did the quote above your response come from?

[Sparky2]

the answer

 

John Heald Guests who need wheelchair assistance will be made comfortable in the wheelchair and have a Carnival staff member with them. Once our Diamond and Platinum and FTTF guests have embarked those who need wheelchair assistance will be assisted on board before the rest of the guests so they do so comfortably and with no stress. It has been this way for some time.

15 minutes ago · Like

 

Good answer by John. I agree with how this is done. Wheelchair folks should not be part of the mad rush after Weddings, Diamond, Platinum, & FTTF, but I don't think they should be at the head of the line as it takes a lot longer to board the wheelchair folks.

[Sparky2]

I am disabled and just got off of the Triumph2 weeks ago. I ride a scooter to get around as I cant hardly walk. They embarked the disable with the zone that you are waiting in. I was in the first group after they loaded the Wedding groups first then the platinum and the FTTF. I arrived at the port at about 10am and was on the ship at about 11:45. The only accomadations that they have is a special check in station for people with special needs. I don't see that it is problem for anyone to wait their turn to board. There are people that earned or paid to board first. Just because someone is disabled, they are not special. Just go with flow and enjoy your cruise and family. I DID!!!!!!

 

Excellent post, lumberbutcher. Wish there was a "like" button.

[PresDuLac]

Where did the quote above your response come from?

 

There was housecleaning in this thread because it got pretty messy last night.

[BeachChik]

Generally I think it's adequate for the cruise line to board special needs guests separate from the crowds so perhaps after Diamond, Platinum, then FTTF. Simply because a passenger is in a wheelchair or has some other disability does not mean they are not able to wait their turn. If waiting is an issue, I'd encourage them to arrive at the pier after the big rush.

 

We were on the Paradise last weekend. Platinum, we waited in the Priority area. Sitting right across from us was a older lady who had arrived (with her extended family) using a walker and carrying a "special needs" (can't remember the wording) embarkation card. On numerous occasions during the cruise we saw her walking around unassisted, moving chaises by the pool and once dancing. Did she fake some concern to get on board faster? That was our conclusion and we joked about "grandma" all cruise.

 

FYI Paradise did a great job boarding Diamond & Platinum first, then FTTF. Grandma was on the Lido Deck shortly after we were, but don't know the order after FTTF.

 

I guess I would be what you classify as a faker. I traveled with a wheelchair on my last cruise. And yes there were times you would see me in the wheelchair and other times walking around just fine. I have a problem that doesn't always bother me but when it does I have a hard time walking without pain. Don't assume just because someone appears fine that there isn't an issue you can't see.

 

Yes people that abuse any system stink. But I am not going to accuse people of faking it just because I can't see an issue. It is not my place to judge.