FTTF options for disabled folks that is not FTTF

[Elaine5715]

Thanks for all those have responded.

First off, there is only 20 accessible rooms on the Vista and Horizon and roughly a bit more on the other ships. And if someone is going to pay 200-300+ dollars to get on board earlier by scamming CCL, then wow they really need to get on board.

 

If someone already has a scooter/wheelchair why would they really need to go to the cabin? There is no reason. Most people that are wheelchair bound have no issues waiting because they can actually use the rest room or get out of the sun or I don't know maybe look around the ship. My case I would have to sit in a corner and wait for 3+ hours and hope the cabin is ready. And then pray someone actually comes back for me to assist me to my cabin.

 

I do not have a companion that cruise with me, this cruise my friend is coming with me and she has her own cabin, her own rental mobility scooter and thank goodness we both got the FTTF, if it was not for boarding issues I would not even stress over not having one.

 

A simple solution to a serious issue, so charge me for the service to get delivered to my cabin and then call it a day. I am not suggesting this would be made available to every handicapped person only the ones who has transport waiting for them. I would suggest crew bringing it to me but that would never happen because they would be responsible for any damage or loss.

 

My suggestion is: Handicapped special tag- Price $20 bucks (to be used for a tip for the escort person) deliver cruiser with a (documented NEED-rental from rental company on file) only to the cabin to get the TRANSPORT vehicle and escort cruiser back out of the area. The tag works for embarkation and debarkation as well.

 

Vinlin06 there will be a wheel chair at drop off at the port. They will assist you on to the ship.

You do know that if you complete the proper paperwork, you may be able to bump someone from a accessible room in your category?

[Elaine5715]

Patt, i personally believe that physically challenged passengers should be allowed on before the rest of the passengers. This would make navigation so much easier and less stressful for them. Logistically however, it would be a nightmare....here is why

 

1) a good portion of the Diamond/Platinum crowd would have a complete coniption if some passengers were allowed on prior to them. Seriously, a good many of them tout "We are Diamond/Platinum" and couldnt accept someone getting on the ship before them. They NEED to be online at the dining room so they can pick their table number for dinner. It would be a crime if they didnt get that. They would bombard Carnival with complaints

 

2) For arguments sake, lets say their are 100 passengers with a physical challenge that would allow for a "pre board"....It stands to reason that their cabin mate (spouse/partner) should be able to board with them. People would take advantage. Uncle Elmer uses a wheelchair, so him and Aunt Tilly line up to board early. That seems to indicate that all 12 people that are traveling with them also need to board with them because....well.....we all have to walk up the gangplank together (yea, i dont get that but apparently that is a "thing", to walk onto the ship together. Not like you cant meet up on the Lido for lunch :rolleyes:)

 

3) Here is the biggie....I dont have to pay for FTTF and all i have to do is get a cane or a walker and i can get on the ship at 10:30 as opposed to 2:30....BAM!!!! you would see more "physically challenged" passengers than ever before. They would come out of the woodwork (pathetic yes, but you know it would be done)

 

So you go from 100 people who really need it to about 600 people trying to bastardize the system

True, true and true.....and why does a crew member need to push Grannie in the Carnival wheelchair while the 15 family members play on their phones?

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Being disabled is not much fun...I lived with a Father who survived from age 20 to age 90 having a major disability and his mantra was always: "I don't want anything special just because I have a disability. I'll adjust, people and places don't need to adjust to me."

 

I always loved his attitude. When we cruised we always arrived "later" when the crowds had dissipated because he was comfortable with that. Immediate access to the room, plenty of wheelchairs and available help to get him on board. No crowds in the buffet, elevators had freed up.

 

We learned early on to plan ahead, book vacations and hotels and airline flights early to get appropriate seating and accessible rooms and we never felt discriminated against. Attitude is a wonderful thing.

 

Sure it wasn't always easy, but the end result was worth the effort. And, as Dad also said, "I'm just happy I can still get to places and enjoy what other people do." Life isn't always "fair" or equitable...thinking it "should" be only leads to heartache.

[Elaine5715]

Thanks for all those have responded.

First off, there is only 20 accessible rooms on the Vista and Horizon and roughly a bit more on the other ships. And if someone is going to pay 200-300+ dollars to get on board earlier by scamming CCL, then wow they really need to get on board.

 

If someone already has a scooter/wheelchair why would they really need to go to the cabin? There is no reason. Most people that are wheelchair bound have no issues waiting because they can actually use the rest room or get out of the sun or I don't know maybe look around the ship. My case I would have to sit in a corner and wait for 3+ hours and hope the cabin is ready. And then pray someone actually comes back for me to assist me to my cabin.

 

I do not have a companion that cruise with me, this cruise my friend is coming with me and she has her own cabin, her own rental mobility scooter and thank goodness we both got the FTTF, if it was not for boarding issues I would not even stress over not having one.

 

A simple solution to a serious issue, so charge me for the service to get delivered to my cabin and then call it a day. I am not suggesting this would be made available to every handicapped person only the ones who has transport waiting for them. I would suggest crew bringing it to me but that would never happen because they would be responsible for any damage or loss.

 

My suggestion is: Handicapped special tag- Price $20 bucks (to be used for a tip for the escort person) deliver cruiser with a (documented NEED-rental from rental company on file) only to the cabin to get the TRANSPORT vehicle and escort cruiser back out of the area. The tag works for embarkation and debarkation as well.

 

Vinlin06 there will be a wheel chair at drop off at the port. They will assist you on to the ship.

As another poster noted, there is already rampant abuse of systems in place from fraudulent service animals to people demanding early access to board by proclaiming a disability. Every cruiser in a Carnival port loaner wheelchair is accompanied by dozen or more family members, none who are assisting, all who expect to board early. It was much worse before staggered boarding. I have been waiting to board during an extended delay, listening to cruiser after cruiser demanding access "right now because of ".

[SadieN]

Clarifying the issue....

Are you asking for early access to your cabin or wheelchair assistance TO your cabin?

 

How does the process work now?

 

Have you asked on the Disabled Cruising Board for their input?

 

 

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[bingomamma19]

No it is not that simple, you are wheeled in a wheel chair into the Atrium and then you SIT and wait and wait until someone from Special needs comes to get you to escort you to your cabin. Heaven forbid if you want a drink or need to use the rest room. You can get up and go do both, some of us can not. Being a solo traveler it is not a want it is a need.

 

If I have to book a cruise 550+ days out then you tell me I should wait until the last people get on. I have just same rights as you or anyone else who chose a 11am boarding time. How would you like be told because you have a disability you have no right to board early like "normal" people. Really?

 

Maybe make FTTF spots open for accessible rooms only then once they are filled you have a chance to get one? See not such a great idea now is it to restrict or tell someone too bad so sad get behind the line.

 

I really find your comment offensive btw.

 

ok..offensive :):) BTW I always choose boarding of after 1:30 since its way easier to get on and you have no lines.

 

I have no desire for FTTF.

 

Time has proven that people abuse any handicapped advantages. You can board when I do (after 1:30p) and have the same rights to get to your room. And no way is Carnival going to charge for handicapped access since that would be a PR nightmare.

[naz022292]

[quote name=Maybe make FTTF spots open for accessible rooms only then once they are filled you have a chance to get one? See not such a great idea now is it to restrict or tell someone too bad so sad get behind the line.

 

I really find your comment offensive btw.[/quote]

 

I'm sorry about your dilemma. But, I don't think that making FTTF available for accessible rooms first is a good idea. I'm guessing that there would be a whole group of people that would try to book accessible rooms just to get FTTF. I'm thinking that you would end up with a bigger problem... no accessible room available! My parents were planning on coming on our cruise at the end of the month. My mom ended up sick and so we were researching having a mobility scooter delivered. I don't know if it's available at your port, but there were several companies that delivered the scooters to the terminal instead of the ship. Actually, they were about $20 cheaper. That may be an option... In the end, my mom realized it would all be too difficult and they cancelled this time.

[hftmrock]

To the OP... I'm sorry about your situation and I hope you find a solution that works for you.

 

As for the comments here giving reasons why they should not have early access or priority in any way due to the scammers that will take advantage of the situation, its just another sad note in a never ending list of people believing like they are entitled...

 

Why does everybody need to scam the system...

• Fake disability
  
• Sneak alcohol
  
• Chair Hogs
  
• Hiding from muster drills
  
• Smoking or e-cig in room or balcony
  
• sharing cheers
  
• Bringing prohibited items because they dont 'think' it should bother anyone
  

 

There is probably more... This one really makes me sad. A disabled person is trying to be able to get to her wheelchair or scooter and because of all the scammers, there is no way she can get any priority...

 

 

There are handicaps spots in most parking lots. airlines lets handicapped people get on first. why would this be different.

 

 

Lets care for one another instead of trying to scam everything.

 

 

*runs off soapbox

[momof3cruisers]

No it is not that simple, you are wheeled in a wheel chair into the Atrium and then you SIT and wait and wait until someone from Special needs comes to get you to escort you to your cabin. Heaven forbid if you want a drink or need to use the rest room. You can get up and go do both, some of us can not. Being a solo traveler it is not a want it is a need.

 

If I have to book a cruise 550+ days out then you tell me I should wait until the last people get on. I have just same rights as you or anyone else who chose a 11am boarding time. How would you like be told because you have a disability you have no right to board early like "normal" people. Really?

 

Maybe make FTTF spots open for accessible rooms only then once they are filled you have a chance to get one? See not such a great idea now is it to restrict or tell someone too bad so sad get behind the line.

 

I really find your comment offensive btw.

My suggestion is to bring a scooter on with you. Stay in a hotel in your port city the night before and have a rental scooter delivered to you there. Then you can board with the scooter.

 

No one is saying you don't have a right to board whenever you want to. But if you can't walk at all, having your own assistance device seems to make sense.

 

BTW, I am handicapped. The ADA requires equal whenever possible. It doesn't say better than is available to the general public.

[bingomamma19]

To the OP... I'm sorry about your situation and I hope you find a solution that works for you.

 

As for the comments here giving reasons why they should not have early access or priority in any way due to the scammers that will take advantage of the situation, its just another sad note in a never ending list of people believing like they are entitled...

 

Why does everybody need to scam the system...

• Fake disability
  
• Sneak alcohol
  
• Chair Hogs
  
• Hiding from muster drills
  
• Smoking or e-cig in room or balcony
  
• sharing cheers
  
• Bringing prohibited items because they dont 'think' it should bother anyone
  

There is probably more... This one really makes me sad. A disabled person is trying to be able to get to her wheelchair or scooter and because of all the scammers, there is no way she can get any priority...

 

 

There are handicaps spots in most parking lots. airlines lets handicapped people get on first. why would this be different.

 

 

Lets care for one another instead of trying to scam everything.

 

 

*runs off soapbox

 

You forgot "fake service dogs"...it has ruined the legitimate service dogs place.

[kgb46]

You forgot "fake service dogs"...it has ruined the legitimate service dogs place.

This is just a suggestion but have you joined the Roll Call for your cruise? You could possible find someone on there who is Diamond/Platinum who will be close to your room. Ask them if they could possibly meet you in the lobby and give them your card to go get the scooter from your room for you. Before people get antsy about giving out your sign and sail to a stranger they are only going to have it for a very short time and they can't charge anything on it. Only a suggestion.

[PattBenatar]

I just want the opportunity to get my transportation so I can use the rest room, get a drink, eat or see the sites. I just wanted access to my mobility scooter/power scooter. I would have no perks as a FTTF, with the exception of the escort to and from the cabin to get the scooter. And assistance to debark from the ship.

 

Accessible cabins must fill out a "NEED" form to request a room or any extra services you will need. Do you really think someone would pay 300+ bucks and lie on a form to scam to get into your room and leave right away?

 

I just don't understand how people think its ok to be insensitive to a problem that they may never have had or will have. Maybe one day you will see the need for things when you can not do things for yourself.

 

I do not need a assistant nor would I want one, I am a very independent person who wants to enjoy my cruise with my friend who also is wheel chair bound.

 

 

I have 2 FTTF purchased for my Dec. cruise, to avoid this situation. But I am looking for the future cruises or lack of cruises I will be taking.

[RTRMom]

I just don't understand how people think its ok to be insensitive to a problem that they may never have had or will have. Maybe one day you will see the need for things when you can not do things for yourself.

.

 

 

 

This. I also never understand why some people have a problem with others getting accommodations that can help make things easier for them. You don't know what that person is going through...what they have to go through day in and day out. Why judge? Just enjoy your vacation and move on.

[RWolver672]

Knowing how crowded it gets on the Lido deck until the cabins open, I would just wait until 1:30 or 2:00 to check in. That way you can go straight to your cabin, then hit the Lido deck to eat after the crowds have left.

 

Until the cabins open, most of the people on the ship will be crammed in on the Lido Deck with all of their carry-ons sitting on the deck next to them and in the aisles. Maneuvering a scooter or wheelchair will be very difficult going through those crowds. I've seen people get run over by them.

[Elaine5715]

I just want the opportunity to get my transportation so I can use the rest room, get a drink, eat or see the sites. I just wanted access to my mobility scooter/power scooter. I would have no perks as a FTTF, with the exception of the escort to and from the cabin to get the scooter. And assistance to debark from the ship.

 

Accessible cabins must fill out a "NEED" form to request a room or any extra services you will need. Do you really think someone would pay 300+ bucks and lie on a form to scam to get into your room and leave right away?

 

I just don't understand how people think its ok to be insensitive to a problem that they may never have had or will have. Maybe one day you will see the need for things when you can not do things for yourself.

 

I do not need a assistant nor would I want one, I am a very independent person who wants to enjoy my cruise with my friend who also is wheel chair bound.

 

 

I have 2 FTTF purchased for my Dec. cruise, to avoid this situation. But I am looking for the future cruises or lack of cruises I will be taking.

You do not need to fill out the form to get an accessible room. These rooms can be booked by anyone. If you do not complete the required paperwork, you will be bumped from the accessible cabin should another cruiser need the cabin and who has filled out the forms. There is no extra cost for these staterooms. There are priced the same as the other staterooms in thier category.

[Elaine5715]

To the OP... I'm sorry about your situation and I hope you find a solution that works for you.

 

As for the comments here giving reasons why they should not have early access or priority in any way due to the scammers that will take advantage of the situation, its just another sad note in a never ending list of people believing like they are entitled...

 

Why does everybody need to scam the system...

• Fake disability
  
• Sneak alcohol
  
• Chair Hogs
  
• Hiding from muster drills
  
• Smoking or e-cig in room or balcony
  
• sharing cheers
  
• Bringing prohibited items because they dont 'think' it should bother anyone
  

There is probably more... This one really makes me sad. A disabled person is trying to be able to get to her wheelchair or scooter and because of all the scammers, there is no way she can get any priority...

 

 

There are handicaps spots in most parking lots. airlines lets handicapped people get on first. why would this be different.

 

 

Lets care for one another instead of trying to scam everything.

 

 

*runs off soapbox

 

 

 

The marked handicapped spots are required by law. The places that provide "free parking" with proof of disability do so to avoid creating designated spots not out of compassion eventhough it spreads that myth that handicapped parking is free.

 

 

The law requires "equal access" not superior access. The choice of the OP to select a vendor that delivers onboard is a choice.

[GOLDENBONNY]

Just throwing this out there.....

I can see this being abused. Disney no longer allows HC front of line privileges because there were those who were abusing the system. They were actually hiring HC people for their privileges.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

O yes. I saw it so many times -night time they party and dance like crazy and in morning of debarkation they all in wheelchair to be first on from ship.:mad:

[hftmrock]

The marked handicapped spots are required by law. The places that provide "free parking" with proof of disability do so to avoid creating designated spots not out of compassion eventhough it spreads that myth that handicapped parking is free.

 

 

The law requires "equal access" not superior access. The choice of the OP to select a vendor that delivers onboard is a choice.

 

 

its kinda sad that we cant look past what is law and do what is right. and I am fully aware that what's 'right' to me , might not be what's 'right' to you (the general you... not Elaine5715).

 

it takes so little effort to help others that might not have it as easy as some others.

[MischaH123]

O yes. I saw it so many times -night time they party and dance like crazy and in morning of debarkation they all in wheelchair to be first on from ship.:mad:

 

It reminds me of the classic "Hallelujah" flights, when there use to be 20 people who showed up to the gate to get on an airplane stateting they needed to board early because they needed the extra time. But when the flight landed, "Hallelujah", they don't need any help to get off. In fact they shove people out of the way to try to get off faster.

[meatloafsfan]

I can understand where you're coming from; I don't agree with your conclusion or solution.

 

My mother requires a wheelchair or power chair full time; a right sided stroke left her unable to walk or stand. She requires assistance to transfer from her chair to the bed, toilet, car, etc. She travels with her own mobility device - always. As well as someone to assist her with her functional limitations.

 

I would expect the same of everyone.

 

If you require the scooter or power chair to get to your cabin (or the bathroom or to get a drink), I don't understand how you are not already travelling with one? or at least some other mobility assistive device that would help you perform these functions.

 

We have sometimes rented a secondary wheelchair or power chair (one to be waiting in the cabin) - we always have her transport chair (which is what she uses 90% of the time at home since it's all terrain) with us.

[fair-winds39]

Thanks for all those have responded.

First off, there is only 20 accessible rooms on the Vista and Horizon and roughly a bit more on the other ships. And if someone is going to pay 200-300+ dollars to get on board earlier by scamming CCL, then wow they really need to get on board.

 

If someone already has a scooter/wheelchair why would they really need to go to the cabin? There is no reason. Most people that are wheelchair bound have no issues waiting because they can actually use the rest room or get out of the sun or I don't know maybe look around the ship. My case I would have to sit in a corner and wait for 3+ hours and hope the cabin is ready. And then pray someone actually comes back for me to assist me to my cabin.

 

I do not have a companion that cruise with me, this cruise my friend is coming with me and she has her own cabin, her own rental mobility scooter and thank goodness we both got the FTTF, if it was not for boarding issues I would not even stress over not having one.

 

A simple solution to a serious issue, so charge me for the service to get delivered to my cabin and then call it a day. I am not suggesting this would be made available to every handicapped person only the ones who has transport waiting for them. I would suggest crew bringing it to me but that would never happen because they would be responsible for any damage or loss.

 

My suggestion is: Handicapped special tag- Price $20 bucks (to be used for a tip for the escort person) deliver cruiser with a (documented NEED-rental from rental company on file) only to the cabin to get the TRANSPORT vehicle and escort cruiser back out of the area. The tag works for embarkation and debarkation as well.

 

Vinlin06 there will be a wheel chair at drop off at the port. They will assist you on to the ship.

 

We just came off of the Pride on Sunday. I use my own scooter now, and we just chose a boarding time of 12:30-1:30, or somewhere around that time. We were being shuttled over to the port, so I think the shuttle p/u was scheduled for 12:15, but we left earlier than that. We were seated in the cruise terminal by about 1:00 and we boarded around 1:45. We sat in the Atrium after boarding for about 1/2 hr., and our cabin was ready about 2:15-2:30. The order we boarded was the same as someone posted earlier.

Edited April 5, 2017 by fair-winds39
Just wanted to add that all in all, it was a smooth transition from getting to port and boarding. I think choosing a boarding

[fair-winds39]

We just came off of the Pride on Sunday. I use my own scooter now, and we just chose a boarding time of 12:30-1:30, or somewhere around that time. We were being shuttled over to the port, so I think the shuttle p/u was scheduled for 12:15, but we left earlier than that. We were seated in the cruise terminal by about 1:00 and we boarded around 1:45. We sat in the Atrium after boarding for about 1/2 hr., and our cabin was ready about 2:15-2:30. The order we boarded was the same as someone posted earlier.

 

I tried to edit my message (above), but I don't think I edited correctly. I just wanted to mention that choosing the right boarding time made it a smoother transition from arrival to the port, boarding the ship and getting to the cabin.

[Pellaz]

There are handicaps spots in most parking lots. airlines lets handicapped people get on first. why would this be different.

 

 

It's not different. Carnival already provides priority boarding to people with special needs; see the post above where someone thoughtfully posted the official boarding order from Carnival's website.

[hftmrock]

It's not different. Carnival already provides priority boarding to people with special needs; see the post above where someone thoughtfully posted the official boarding order from Carnival's website.

 

agreed but they take you to the atrium and then can leave you there for a long time (hours)... why not assist to the room. I doubt that will take much time at all. there aren't hundreds of handicapped people on any given ship.

[Maggiebobo]

I think the idea of the $20 fee paid to take you to the cabin to retrieve your scooter is a good idea. Since it isn't a viable option at this time, I would also suggest boarding at a later time. If you chose to board earlier, AND IF someone was able to take you directly to your cabin, you have no guarantee that the scooter would be there anyway.