Crutches (and wheelchair?) on Norwegian Gem

[dwiller]

So my wife had hip surgery, and will be on crutches whilst we are cruising on the Norwegian Gem from NY to the Bahamas. She is not supposed to be bearing any weight on right right leg (although when we cruise we'll be at the 6 week mark when she should be able to, but our doctor's appt is the following week). So she will be on crutches.

 

I don't have a handicapped accessible room. I have an aft balcony. Our plan is to do a low key cruise to allow her to relax. I'm hoping to request a chaise lounge chair on the balcony for her, and we will spend time in the spa. I thinking that maybe I should rent or buy a wheelchair to make getting around the ship easier, as it can be a long walk. I saw NCL refers us to "Special Needs at Sea" but the rental prices I see - I could buy a wheelchair for the same amount. And I'd have more control over the disembarkation.

 

I'm guessing I should contact the accessibility people at NCL to let them know we may need assistance? Does anyone know if it's possible to request a shower seat, or are these only in the handicapped accessible rooms? I'm guessing if we take the wheelchair to the spa, we can fold it and leave it in the locker room and she'd use her crutches? Anyone have any suggestions for navigating the buffet lines? Anything else anyone may have requested in the past that might be a good tip, or anything that is specifically relevant to NCL or the Gem?

[raindropsalways]

Do you belong to any fraternal or veteran's organization? Some have equipment that they loan to their members.

 

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

[Essiesmom]

Make sure it is a collapsible wheelchair, otherwise you won't be able to get it through the cabin door. And it can't be stored out in the hallway, must be in the room. EM

[xxoocruiser]

Do you belong to any fraternal or veteran's organization? Some have equipment that they loan to their members.

 

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

 

 

It's important to note that second hand wheelchairs ( or any other mobility equipment for that matter) generally no longer have any label information still on them. Being that all mobility equipment is sold and fitted based on weight capacity and height of the end user you can't be certain that a loaner will be suitable. Borrowing mobility equipment without making certain it can accommodate the weight and height of the individual as well as it having the correct seat width can and does place the end user at risk. Additionally you don't know how that equipment has been maintained over time.

 

OP is better off either purchasing a wheelchair that can properly be fitted to the end user or rent one from http://www.specialneedsatseas.com that asks the appropriate questions to ensure the right wheelchair is being provided.

Edited June 4, 2016 by xxoocruiser

[xxoocruiser]

So my wife had hip surgery, and will be on crutches whilst we are cruising on the Norwegian Gem from NY to the Bahamas. She is not supposed to be bearing any weight on right right leg (although when we cruise we'll be at the 6 week mark when she should be able to, but our doctor's appt is the following week). So she will be on crutches.

 

I don't have a handicapped accessible room. I have an aft balcony. Our plan is to do a low key cruise to allow her to relax. I'm hoping to request a chaise lounge chair on the balcony for her, and we will spend time in the spa. I thinking that maybe I should rent or buy a wheelchair to make getting around the ship easier, as it can be a long walk. I saw NCL refers us to "Special Needs at Sea" but the rental prices I see - I could buy a wheelchair for the same amount. And I'd have more control over the disembarkation.

 

I'm guessing I should contact the accessibility people at NCL to let them know we may need assistance? Does anyone know if it's possible to request a shower seat, or are these only in the handicapped accessible rooms? I'm guessing if we take the wheelchair to the spa, we can fold it and leave it in the locker room and she'd use her crutches? Anyone have any suggestions for navigating the buffet lines? Anything else anyone may have requested in the past that might be a good tip, or anything that is specifically relevant to NCL or the Gem?

 

NCL will only provide wheelchair assistance on embarkation and disembarkation day. If the wheelchair is required for use during the cruise including for use while in port you'll have either bring your own or rent one from http://www.SpecialNeedsatSea .

 

Buffet lines - The cruise staff will offer assistance navigating through the buffet. They'll assist in helping to get food as well as carry the plate and other items in addition to helping get a table.

 

NCL will provide a shower seat free of charge upon request. NCL does not have an no on-line form so you'll have to contact NCL's Access desk to request the form. phone 1-866-584-9756 , fax (305) 468-2171, email toaccessdesk@ncl.com https://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising

If the seat is not in the cabin upon your arrival track down your cabin steward as there are limited number on board. Don't wait thinking it will magically appear later that day/evening.

 

If there are tendered ports on your itinerary you'll wife will not be allowed to board the tender if she's unable to walk down/up the steps . The cruise line will offer assistance but if it's deemed unsafe (including but not limited to sea and weather conditions ) even with assistance she will not be allowed to board the tender The wheelchair must be collapse to board the tender.

Edited June 4, 2016 by xxoocruiser

[Stevi]

Here in the city I live in most of our stores that sell mobility equipment will rent it for short term use. It might be worth making a few phone calls. We also have a couple of organizations that offer free access to equipment. If you have private insurance rentals may also be covered (something I didn't think off until I contacted my insurance company when I checked on purchasing a scooter this week).

 

I have been disabled for over 15 years now and the two main things I have learned are first, that it never hurts to ask (while I may not get what I asked for some accommodation will be made) and second, people tend to be amazing and will do what they can to help - often without asking.

 

If you are flying to get to your port ask for wheelchair assistance it will make getting across airports much easier.

[raindropsalways]

It's important to note that second hand wheelchairs ( or any other mobility equipment for that matter) generally no longer have any label information still on them. Being that all mobility equipment is sold and fitted based on weight capacity and height of the end user you can't be certain that a loaner will be suitable. Borrowing mobility equipment without making certain it can accommodate the weight and height of the individual as well as it having the correct seat width can and does place the end user at risk. Additionally you don't know how that equipment has been maintained over time.

 

OP is better off either purchasing a wheelchair that can properly be fitted to the end user or rent one from http://www.specialneedsatseas.com that asks the appropriate questions to ensure the right wheelchair is being provided.

 

It is so unfortunate that you have such a low opinion of what people do for others. I cannot speak from experience regarding the fraternal organizations, but as a veteran who has been very active in The American Legion, I know that we take care to help other veterans and the equipment available is normally in good to excellent condition. I also know that in serious cases of need, some of the post actually purchase new equipment for individuals. The items loaned are normally for those that need it on a temporary basis.

 

Betty

[xxoocruiser]

It is so unfortunate that you have such a low opinion of what people do for others. I cannot speak from experience regarding the fraternal organizations, but as a veteran who has been very active in The American Legion, I know that we take care to help other veterans and the equipment available is normally in good to excellent condition. I also know that in serious cases of need, some of the post actually purchase new equipment for individuals. The items loaned are normally for those that need it on a temporary basis.

 

Betty

 

Absolutely do not have such low expectations of others and take offense to the fact that you assume that I do. My post was to bring attention to the concerns that one needs to consider when choosing to borrow equipment. In the end we both don't know who the OP might borrow from if he/she chooses to go that route . Being that it appears to be the first time needing such equipment it's important for the OP to know that weight capacity and height as well as seat width need to be considered to ensure the safety of the end user.

Edited June 5, 2016 by xxoocruiser

[dwiller]

Thank you so much for the ideas and suggestions everyone. I'm definitely leaning towards purchasing a collapsable wheelchair that works with my wife's height and weight. She's pretty good on her crutches (and should be even better in 3 weeks), but I know how long walks on the ship can be, and don't want her to be frustrated (or sore).

 

Will definitely request a shower seat from the NCL Access desk, as well as seeing if they can give us a chaise lounge chair for her on our aft balcony (which has a little more length). We'll play the tender by ear - She can do stairs on her crutches, but I'd imagine it's a different story when it's a small boat bobbing up and down.

 

We're in NJ, so we'll drive to the NYC port (well, we'll have a car drop us off right at the terminal).

 

Appreciate everyone's input!!

[LokiPoki]

Is your wife under care of a physio or only the surgeon who operated on her? Admittedly I've no idea how your medical system works - but if she's under a physio they might also be able do short term referral for a wheelchair suited to her size/weight just for her to use while you're away - and may well be cheaper than you buying something.

 

My cruising experience is a one and only - and that with Princess - but could not commend them highly enough. I am a wheelchair user and they - in my opinion - went well above and beyond to make things easy for me. No stairs to tender...one of the assistance staff took us down in an access lift, and a couple of the men would support me with my arms around their shoulders - they are not allowed to lift passengers, but can "provide support". If you plan to try to tender, have a look at NCL's policy with regard to mobility devices & what the maximum allowable weight is. Buffet should be no problem for you...we didn't eat in buffet often I actually had a hard time convincing buffet staff that I was okay to carry my own plate and get my own food...and eating in MDR nearly every meal I had family and several waiters conspiring to help me sneak past the HW, who decided it was his job to escort me to the table each meal ;) Really, we found everyone went out of their way to make things easier - and speaking to a few others with mobility problems heard much the same story.

 

As far as buying a chair - be aware that a number of cheaper, off the shelf chairs are quite heavy - probably will fit within their allowed weight (if you're going to try to tender) but can be quite cumbersome, especially if your wife wants to be able to push herself around as against relying on you to push her. No idea what specialneedsatsea and the like offer - with my own chair I've no need of them, but comfort/mobility is why I'd suggest your wife talking with her physio if she has one.

 

Other thing that comes to mind - as you're talking about a lounger - if she's using a wheelchair, is she going to need her leg elevated? An elevated leg rest will add length & weight to the chair, but it's something you should be able to request if your wife needs it and/or will make her more comfortable.

 

Enjoy your trip

[jpcello]

Thank you so much for the ideas and suggestions everyone. I'm definitely leaning towards purchasing a collapsable wheelchair that works with my wife's height and weight. She's pretty good on her crutches (and should be even better in 3 weeks), but I know how long walks on the ship can be, and don't want her to be frustrated (or sore).

 

Will definitely request a shower seat from the NCL Access desk, as well as seeing if they can give us a chaise lounge chair for her on our aft balcony (which has a little more length). We'll play the tender by ear - She can do stairs on her crutches, but I'd imagine it's a different story when it's a small boat bobbing up and down.

 

We're in NJ, so we'll drive to the NYC port (well, we'll have a car drop us off right at the terminal).

 

Appreciate everyone's input!!

 

Store in mid-town Manhattan called Big Apple Mobility. My sister has purchased several scooters from them over the years. There are some small, collapsible scooters that might also be a possibility (to rent). My sister uses a Luggie, which folds to a size of a carry on suitcase. Maybe they rent them? Worth a shot.

[Chunky2219]

I can't speak for NCL 'cos we've never sailed with them but generally:

 

 

• You can request a shower stool for a normal cabin, but get in early because availability is limited. On our last cruise it came held together with tape so I guess I got the last one available.
  
• Beware, a shower stool can be a tight fit in a normal shower cubicle, so the practicality depends entirely on the ship and the cabin.
  
• It might be a good idea to buy some portable "sucker" hand grips for the shower. They stick really well and will provide added stability for someone standing on one leg.
  
• You're taking a leisurely cruise, not trekking cross country so a run-of-the-mill wheelchair will do the job. Either buy a cheapie, borrow or rent. So long as it's not wildly wrong sized (like a bariatric chair) then it should be okay. You need a folder for a normal cabin unless you are in a suite.
  
• Confirm with NCL that they will allow a chair in a non-HC cabin. Some lines (Cunard, P&O) do not allow it and will reject you at embarkation.
  
• Register for wheelchair assistance at embarkation and disembarkation. It's a darn sight easier. You will have to carry the crutches while a helper pusher your wife.
  
• Even if good on crutches on dry land, beware that it can be a lot less fun at sea when the ship is moving about, so default to the chair earlier rather than later.
  
• Make advance contact and ask for a table near the door in the restaurant so that arrival by chair isn't a massive hassle for you (or indeed, anyone else).
  
• Beware about crutches in the spa. Rubber ferrules and wet floors do not a happy union make.
  
• Plan to arrive everywhere (muster drill, theatre, etc.) earlier than normal and leave later. A slow mover on crutches brings out the worst in people who haven't eaten or swilled alcohol for over an hour and getting an elevator can drive you nuts.
  
• Relax and enjoy!
  

 

 

.

[sand33647]

As an orthopedic OR nurse, please, please, please, keep your wife out of any of the hot tubs. We have had patients as far as a year post op, come in with infections due to using hot tubs. Of course, it might not have been due to the hot tub use, but is it worth the risk? Even though they are "cleaned" and have chemicals added, it just isn't worth what would happen should she get an infection (additional surgery, wound vac, PICC lines, etc.) Now a relaxing massage...that's the ticket.

[payitforward]

I can't speak to the cabins on NCL, but I have cruised after knee replacement surgery more than once. I rent a scooter.

 

A scooter would allow her to feel independent and get around easily. I never rent from the cruise line companies, as I've found that local stores in the port city cost about half. They will drop at local hotels; and some at the port.

 

Other posters have said they won't fit in the cabins on NCL. I don't know how different their cabin size/doors are, but I had no problems getting mine into and aft balcony on RCCL.

 

Either way - good luck. I hope you both enjoy.

[TravelingUnicorn]

I have been in a similar spot your wife is in. I was 3ish weeks post hip surgery when we cruised from NY to Bermuda on Royal Caribbean. I had arthroscopic surgery, not a hip replacement so if your wife had a hip replacement that may change things a bit. I was able to put 20#s of pressure on my post-op leg & was on crutches.

 

We did not have a handicap room either but we did bring a fold up wheelchair, not a transport chair. A transport chair is sometimes lighter but the user can't move themselves and the little wheels struggle on cobblestone and other bumpy surfaces. We have a relatively lightweight Drive chair that folds. The seating on it is not customized or anything fancy. It was the greatest thing we could have brought with us but it did not fit through the doorway so I would have to transfer to my crutches to go in the room. We used it for meals, particularly the buffets so that I was not getting pushed into and knocked over. Other people were the biggest concern as many people were completely oblivious to others around them and would run into me. Luckily my husband and brother were with me and neither are small guys. There were lots of really nice people too and the crew was very helpful. We got a lot of questions and looks on formal night with me in my wheelchair and my brother escorting me in his dress blues.

 

I did however use my crutches on shore, I even took them into the Atlantic Ocean. I worked with my PT before hand to make sure I was ready to be in the water and we went swimming in the pool on board. If she's working with a PT, definitely talk with them a head of time about things like the pool. In water you weight less than on land so it can mean that you can do things you can't on land, but ONLY if your dr and PT think its a good idea. If it was arthroscopic surgery, 3M Nexcare makes a great waterproof bandage that I used over my incision sites even though they were healed, just to keep the area clean and protect them from the sun. Scars are more susceptible to the sun.

 

Feel free to message me if you have questions. I have done 3 cruises post-first hip surgery & am planning my 1st for post-2nd hip surgery, this time with international flights and everything.

[LokiPoki]

TravellingUnicorn talking about her chair not having anything fancy in terms of seating - although you won't want to look at proper wheelchair cushions (as they cost several limbs & more - unless you're lucky enough to pick one up second hand somewhere like ebay), if you end up with a chair that just had a slung fabric seat as the majority do, it might pay to get a cheaper foam cushion - just the type you can get at a lot of office and seating shops. Will make it much easier on your wife if she's sitting for any length of time, and will likely also make it easier for her to self propel as she'll be sat that wee bit higher relative to the armrests.

[TravelingUnicorn]

LokiPoki, good point. I do have an extra cushion to put on my chair that makes it more comfortable. Its usable without it but more comfortable with it. It is as you reference, just a simple cushion. Also, if your wife has restrictions on her ability to sit at a 90 degree angle, they do make wheelchair cushions to allow one leg to maintain a 60 degree angle to the body while letting you sit in the chair. I imagine you have to get those through the dr. I have just seen them referenced so I don't know a lot about them.