Obesity Questions

[Skylee131]

Going to be cruising the Norwegian Dawn in November...

 

I weigh in excess of 400lbs and 6ft tall, have difficulty standing and walking for extended periods of time (more then a couple of min). What do i need to know, what suggestions/observations etc does anyone have about my trip. The more info the better.

 

Already booked a HC room in the BB range. Tips on suggestions for boarding, dining, shows, mobility would be greatly appreciated. As well as shower bench availability, bed height, shower "space", are there elevators, how practical is a scooter, can they be rented? What shows can I "comfortibly" go see and fit in the seats?

 

My biggest concern is also walking down hallways...are they wide enough where people can pass me in the hall?

 

Thx in advance for any asistance anyone can provide.

 

Adam

[Arlened236]

Adam...I cannot speak to the Norwegian Dawn, but I have cruised many times (I am also a retired RN) I am now an above the knee amputee that uses a w/c and an electric scooter on board ship. (I do not have a weight issue, but many of my patients did and I understand the difficulties you face) The best place to get informaion about renting an electric scooter is http://www.Carevacations.com. they will ask your weight and provide a 4 wheel scooter appropriate for you. It will be waiting in your cabin when you arrive and you leave it there when you disembark at the end of the cruise. It would be almost impossible to navigate the ship with a w/c...you will be happy you have the scooter. Even able bodied persons get tired walking around the ship...they are much bigger than you think.

As to the ship...let Norwegian know that you will need an oversize w/c when you check in and when you disembark..they will provide it for you.

Also let them know that you need a chair without arms for dinner...I have used my scooter to sit on for all the evening shows with no problem. There is always some problems on board getting thru doors that do not have automatic openers (usually there is someone that is only too happy to help) some of the washrooms are difficult to get into with the scooter, but you said you can walk a little so this should not be a problem.

As to the washroom...the HC cabins ususally have a pull down shower seat..just check with the cabin steward as to the weight limit...if you are over it they can get you a portable shower seat. the toilet will be raised and should be no problem. If you are in a 2 twin bed room they can put the bed together to make a queen size bed and even put a bed board under the matress to make it stronger.

I hope these suggestion help...have a wonderful cruise

Arlene

[Arlened236]

Adam...you asked about the hallways...they can get crowded when the steward are cleaning up the cabins...I always came thru on my scooter and would yell out...'Hello, your favorite pest is here again' it alway made the staff smile and they were only too happy to move any obstical in my way...as you someone passing you in the hallway..people will just get into the doorway of a cabin and you can pass easily...it has never been a problem. Just keep a smile on your face....an remember things will never be perfect on board, but any day on a cruise beats any other day.

Arlene

[TinAngel]

Thanks to my RN sister

 

I know this topic is archived in this board but no idea as to which cruise line.

 

I suspect that many will have more deatils on the Dawn. NCL was always great to me with both years with a cane then wheelchair but I am a thin fellow.

 

Regretfully, I as in the "owners Suite" and suspect I got the best of service.

But as a Nurse and a Rehabilitation specialist, I had to answer.

 

Scooter is the best: wheelchair was impossible to push and move about

 

Using a cane helped keep folks away from me as it signaled I was a bit weak.

 

I got a "special lifeboat" station with all the other gimps (well that is ok as well)

 

You can figure out what size wheelchair and scooter you need by asking

here some more or locate a physical or occupational therapist

 

EMAIl and call NCL's "special needs" folks. Please. They helped me

but seem busy, suspect they are.

 

So much more as to ports and such, do try and carry as little as possible!,

dress smart. NCL always catered to my needs as in the buffet lines and more.

I do have the advantage of being in a bilingual family but the staff was as great in English or Spanish. Had one push my wheelchair on the pen deck to meet me when I passed a cleaning cart in the hall! OK I gave him $10 but he just did it. I did not want them to have to move the cart and they knew what to do. On some decks you will be unable to do the same as one has say 30 inches. I recall detailed floor plans for NCL as we looked for my wheel size

as to what stateroom wwe booked. I retired and well had the $ for the "grande suite".

 

Take care Adam

 

Joe

 

 

 

Hey, good cruising!

[CaptData]

When you call Speical Services Tell them your size both weight and height. Request a shower stool as the wall one will not hold your weight at 400+. Also request a back board and bed extention if needed.

 

Talk to the Mait'd just after borading (he will be set up somewhere) and check where they have you seated. Ask at this time for an armless chair and ensure it is an easy in and out for you. You drive your scooter to the table then they will remove the scooter for you. They will return it when you require it.

 

Do rent a scooter for on board. Carevacations or ScootAround will bring it to the stateroom and remove it from there. Ensure you talk to a live agent re your scooter.

 

Have fun, cruising is one of the best vacations for those of us with less then perfect bodies and disabilities.

[SRAFROG]

Hi Adam,

 

I know your problem, I am also a big guy 400+ and I have a wheelchair 24" wide heavey duty to hold my weight. I only cruise RCI and we get a HC room 8542 on Visions of the Seas. I have them put an extra mattress on the bed to raise it up so I am to low. They also a plenty of restrooms in the public area for HC use. I also use my chair when I am at dinner but they will provide an armless chair for you. The only problem we have is on the carpeted areas of the ship so an electric scooter would be better, but we still manage to get around with my wife help.

 

Dennis

[RevSmith]

rent a scooter and make sure you tell them you are over 350 pounds, because that matters. Also book a disabled cabin, because it will be a lot easier for you to maneuver in a disbled cabin. Have a great cruise.

[KathyRN]

On my first cruise I weighed 320lbs with very wide hips. (Luckily have worked hard to lose 50lbs since then!) I cruised Holland America-Zuiderdam and Ryndam and Princess--Caribbean and Grand. HAL had theatre couches which were very comfortable for watching shows. Princess had theatre seats, like you would see in a movie theatre with narrow individual seats and arm rests. I was unable to enjoy a show, the seats were so uncomfortable. Never been on NCL.

[shipaddict]

If you find the room shower to be to small for you go to the spa and use the shower there by the sauna. The showers are big and nice. Plus it it has a large are to get dressed in.