Please do not book a handicap room unless you need it.

[lilsis21]

yes, we booked through a Travel agent and we needed a letter from my moms Dr stating she was disabled and required the Handicap cabin. It was no problem to get one, they had one available when we booked. but when my mom couldn't go on the cruise we right away called our TA to have him change our cabin. RCI said not to worry about it. Again when we checked in at the pier we asked if we should move, I almost wanted to look through the crowd and see if anyone needed it, if not a disabled person then a senior who suffered from mobility problems or simply needed the grab bars etc in the bathroom. We tried but were told to just use the cabin. Having a mother who is now in a walker and needs assistance with so many things. something as simple as taking a shower with grab bars for the elderly can be such a good thing. so we understand the needs of seniors also. Not to mention the disabled or handi- capable. Maybe there were no other cabins available to move us to and they didn't want to slow down check in to see who would switch with us etc.

[CeeJayRocker]

What more is there to say? yes the rooms are larger for a reason. Some people really do need them and find out they are booked by non disabled people.

You really do not want to be disabled it is not fun. You really do not get special perks and life is not easy.

Just be glad you do not need the cabin and leave it for someone who does.

 

What if the cruise line upgrades your cabin on their own motion and places you in a larger (handicap accessible) room? Should you altruistically turn down the unanticipated extra space?

[xtrail]

My wife and I booked on the Norwegian Pearl mid december for sailing Mar/2/07.We had only requested requested a Mini Suite. When the confirmation and tickets arrived a week later we noticed we were given cabin # 11654 . On reviewing the deck plans we saw that this is an AFT HC cabin.I do not intend to question this and assume if someone requires this catagory between now and sailing we will be notified that we are being moved, as long as we are put in another mini suite I have no problem with being reassigned. If not we will enjoy the extra room size and balcony. :)

[Arwenmark]

What if the cruise line upgrades your cabin on their own motion and places you in a larger (handicap accessible) room? Should you altruistically turn down the unanticipated extra space?

 

That would depend on how far from sailing date they were making this upgrade. I would give them an earful and why the room was not being held by special services longer if it were more than a month fromt he sailing date.

 

But as has been said several times in this thread most of us that require the cabins do not blame AB people who are put into the cabins through no fault of their own, it is the cruiseline in these instances that is at fault.

 

The point of the thread is that MANY able bodied selfish people book them, sometime fraudulently, saying they will send the required documentation, which they don't, just because they want more room.

 

even though there is no Law forbidding booking them, it is the same thing as those that park in HC parking spaces, because it is raining or they just need to run in for a minute , or they just say hey I'm parking here deal with it.

[CeeJayRocker]

it is the same thing as those that park in HC parking spaces, because it is raining or they just need to run in for a minute , or they just say hey I'm parking here deal with it.

 

I've experienced more trouble with those who are not mobility impaired (I know this personally, I'm not making unwarranted observational leaps) displaying a properly acquired handicapped permit and utilizing those spaces . . . .

[Moeve]

There is another point we might be leaving out of the equation.. Cruising is becoming ever more popular with people that have disabilities who have discovered this way of travel as really interesting and possible for themselves. Unfortunately ship building has not quite caught up with this trend yet. There are ships out there with only one and two accessable cabins but when you look at the M class you have 26 in all different cat. So it is getting better and the number of accessable cabins is increasing but just not fast enough for the number of passengers who could use these cabins.

 

I wish Dr. would also be alittle more restrictive with their notes to make sure only those who REALLY need such cabins get those notes. At the end of the line is the cruiseline who should be interested in making sure that those cabins are not opened up until 4 weeks prior to cruising for regular passengers.

[Arwenmark]

IF the cruise companies were smart they would be building all the new ships now with all accessible cabins, because as the babyboomers age we are outpacing those 27 cabins by leaps and bounds. If all cabins were accessible at least to the minimum degree than this would not be such an issue. and a cabin does not have to be huge to be designed to be accessible.

[sadder101]

Wifey and I will be going on a RCCL cruise in Feb. and were able to book a handicap cabin, in 35 cruises taken this is the first time we were able to do so. I had just about given up on those cabins. Wifey is disabled, she can walk but not far then has to sit awhile. the reason I wanted her to have one is the bars in the shower area, for her safty and for my piece of mind. We always bring her wheelchair anyway but sometimes it gets tight finding a place for it, it folds flat but it still gets in the way. On one cruise the idiot cabin steward wanted to take it and store it for safty reasons and we were to ask him when we needed it, I asked the dummy how do I get it when he's not on duty and he told me to ask whoever is on...yeah right... like at 11 p.m. someone will be there to go fetch my wheelchair, I threw him out of the cabin and I didn't get any more lip from him. The cruise lines are another big pain in the *ss. I called up once for a good sale on a cruise and asked for a H/C cabin, they told me the handicap cabins are NOT on sale and if I wanted one I would have to pay the full fare. I told them that was discrimination against the handicapped and the bimbo I spoke to said "oh no...that's not discrimination because you can have one you just need to pay the full fare..." I gave up...maybe I'm wrong, I don't know.....anyway someone mentioned something about a supreme court ruling for cruise ships... could someone enlighten me as where I can get info on that ???? Thank You... One more thing about being in a wheelchair...If someone thinks it's a perk try to get in the dining room with one and try to get in the show lounges in one and try the casino and try to get past the photo people who set up their stupid cords and cameras and backgrounds right in the way...and try to get in an elevator when it's crowed or on and off the ship...yeah right it's a real perk...I just thank God she is still able to go, I don't care about all the problems because the alternative would be not to cruise anymore.

[cusyl]

I have found in most cases that the category that the HC cabins are in are charged a higher price. So, the cheaper inside cabins have to be a higher category in order to book the HC cabin.

[Len3]

HAL booked us into cabin 2702 which is designated as handicapped. We are not handicapped. If someone joins the cruise and needs this cabin, we'll gladly move - we're on the Volendam, March 13th.

[LHC]

DS is 22 and in an electric chair from a car accident 4 years ago.

I recently booked with HAL an Accessible room on the Volendam for the upcoming Holiday Panama Cruise (2007).

I explained to our ta that I have all kinds of documentation in regards to Greg and would be glad to send it. She told me not to worry that I would need to fill out the special needs form from HAL and that would take care of it.

Now I have asked and received pictures of this room, I also asked is there extra plugs in it for his charging of the chair, etc, or will I need to bring two multi plug units for this trip.

Handicap rooms which are truly accessible and trust me just because it is advertised as accessible don't make it so, but trying to fit a person in a non accessible room who truly needs it is like trying to put a whale in a fishbowl.

Actually, outside of the floor space I cannot fathom wanting one of these rooms. The floor in the bathroom is normally wet down from the shower and most people have to mop up the floor after every use to keep it safe for the person and the caregiver. I get all the stuff removed from the floor space, no hassack, no chair at the table, no oval coffee table or side table, I want everything out. Normally there are pull cord for emergencies, a handheld shower nozzle which is most important for the hc hygiene needs but most people want a shower curtain or door to keep them warm.

His equipment will take up so much of the space, wheelchair, charger, travel wc, leg and arm splints, quad cane, transfer belt and this does not even cover his night time supplies....

Would I use one of these rooms if assigned to it? Only after every passenger had been offered it and I did not see anyone who needed it on embarkation day. After dealing with the needs of a hc son and knowing how important the room is to making our lives easier I applaud all of you who go above and beyond not to use these rooms.

Thank you from Greg and His Mom (LHC)

[yellowbird23]

What more is there to say? yes the rooms are larger for a reason. Some people really do need them and find out they are booked by non disabled people.

You really do not want to be disabled it is not fun. You really do not get special perks and life is not easy.

Just be glad you do not need the cabin and leave it for someone who does.

 

I can understand your frustration, but if you are complaining before you even get on a ship, your handicap isn't in your body, it's in your mind. All cruise ships I've been on have been very accommodating. To ensure that you get the correct type cabin, I am hoping that you make your reservations in plenty of time to acquire something to your satisfaction. That's what I do.

[cusyl]

I know this has been discussed before but I can't find it. Carevacations say that their 23 inch scooter will fit through a standard cabin door. Will it?

"All of our

standard & heavy-duty equipment WILL go through a stateroom door.

this is to your advantage, as a handicap-accessible room will NOT be required with this equipment"

[Smitty24]

Regarding HC parking...please keep in mind some people have the cards for handicaps you can't see...like heart conditions, that limit their walking distance. Yes there are some a**holes out there who just don't care about anyone but themselves, but I've stopped judging by appearances alone.

[DesrtDrmr]

For those that wish to comment on the ADA regulations for handicapped passengers on cruise lines, here is the link to tell you what is going on, and where to submit your comments. You can comment by e-mail.

 

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-362.pdf

[mrsraggy]

We were assigned a handicapped JS on a guarantee booking. It was still 8 weeks until sailing. We took a downgrade (credit given)to an E1 balcony so we did not take a cabin that a handicapped person would need. (especially so far from the sail date). Now if it had been a week or two out, I would have kept it. I'm not condemning other people's values, but I have to follow my conscience and set an example for my kids. We have good legs and there but for the grace of God go us! Karma.

 

mrsraggy

[cruzqueen]

HAL booked us into cabin 2702 which is designated as handicapped. We are not handicapped. If someone joins the cruise and needs this cabin, we'll gladly move - we're on the Volendam, March 13th.

 

We also have that cabin assigned for December. Can you tell me anything about the deck space in back and if your view was obstructed?

[lady_cruiser]

On Royal Caribbean if a person is booked in a HC cabin and someone comes along that shows a need for that HC, that cabin will be reassigned to the person who will really benefit from it.

 

And before someone says anything, NO, I have never been or will ever book myself in a handicapped cabin.

 

As far as Sarahsmom goes - GO YOU GIRL! Thanks for telling it like it really is. It makes all of us who are not handcap realize how lucky we are.

[cb at sea]

If the ship can sell all the cabins, they will NOT 'hold back' a HC cabin simply in hopes of it being needed.

True, you should NEVER request it if it's not needed, but if it's the last room available and you call before a disabled person, you will get that cabin....supply and demand.

[mgm61]

yes and it says when booking that if you are handicapped to book early to be able to get the handicapped room. sometimes looking at rooms still available on sailings, it doesn't show that it is a handicapped room so I say if I choose the room then it's mine.

The cruise line should say what rooms are handicapped and which aren't. I would be fine if I happened to get bumped into a suite or something if someone needed the room, but the thing about booking early to get the room you want still sticks in my mind.

When I've looked at last minute cruises all the rooms left are shown and there seems to be handicapped availablity.

 

No I never park in handicapped spaces but I might take that handicapped room with the big balcony if its still available. Sorry

[firefly333]

yes and it says when booking that if you are handicapped to book early to be able to get the handicapped room. sometimes looking at rooms still available on sailings, it doesn't show that it is a handicapped room so I say if I choose the room then it's mine.

The cruise line should say what rooms are handicapped and which aren't. I would be fine if I happened to get bumped into a suite or something if someone needed the room, but the thing about booking early to get the room you want still sticks in my mind.

When I've looked at last minute cruises all the rooms left are shown and there seems to be handicapped availablity.

 

No I never park in handicapped spaces but I might take that handicapped room with the big balcony if its still available. Sorry

 

All's fair in love and war huh?? I wouldnt admit this, even if it were true, if I was able bodied. Why should they have to bump you to a suite if they want your cabin?

[mgm61]

All's fair in love and war huh?? I wouldnt admit this, even if it were true, if I was able bodied. Why should they have to bump you to a suite if they want your cabin?

__________________

fire

 

 

 

I'm not trying to make enemies on here, just stating what reservations told me. If someone needed it they can bump me. I wouldn't have a problem. It's just when you book they don't say which rooms are hc and which aren't. :confused:

Hubby is overweight and on cpap,but thats not a handicap. I do have a bad back that may require surgery, but thats not a handicap.

I guess the cruise industry should come up with a better way to distribute those rooms without us ''able bodied' seeing it available on the pick your room page, and picking it. Not even knowing if its hc or not.

 

Please don't flame me again fire, I see you have lots of posts and I just started. I really don't have a problem with getting bumped out if I have a hc room and they didn't tell me. My room looks the same size just the balcony is a little bit bigger. Room is turned differently.

 

have a nice day:)

[grammax3]

If you look at people, there is no way to tell if for some reason they may be handicapped or not. To look at both myself and d/h, you would think we were both very able people. However, I am a cancer survivor that has been left with disabilities that you might not see, but can be quite debilitating to say the least. I have neuropathy in both my hands and feet, leaving me with very little feeling in my limbs, which causes a gait and balance problem. I need the handicapped bathroom, or I probably wouldn't be able to shower while on a cruise, and then I would rather stay home. My husband also has, at times, a problem with dizziness, yet most of the time you wouldn't be aware of it. We PAY MORE to get a HC, and our disabilities are just as bad, if not worse, then some of you using scooters or wheel chairs. Why, because they are not recognizable to most. I often get stares from people when I am walking because I can't walk a straight line in an open area, and people usually think I am drunk....and I do hear snide remarks. The funny part, I don't have more than one or two drinks all during the cruise. There are many people who think they deserve more because they are handicapped....well, it is something that has happened, so stop looking for pity....you are able to go on a cruise, a lot of people would love to be in "your chair" because they can't leave a home or facility because of their disabilities. No matter how bad things are for you, there are always people a LOT WORSE!

[mftrader]

I didn`t book with carnival because they wanted me to comit to purchase before they would check into weather the cabin we needed was occulied by a HC person.

[Tiggertastic]

We booked a suite on NCL and were then allocated to the handicapped room. We advised them immediately that we did not need the accessible room and asked to be moved - to be told there were no other suites.

 

We told them to move us and if they couldn't then if someone wanted to book it that needed it to contact us and move us - they then sent us lots of paperwork to complete to tell them of our special needs - again we contacted and said we didn't have any and could they move us.

 

My husband checked quite often online until one opened up and asked to be moved to it. Which they did finally

 

We didn't want to take this room from someone that really needed it - sometimes its not us that does it - its the cruise line