FTTF options for disabled folks that is not FTTF

[naz022292]

OP - I do feel for your situation.What I don't understand is what you do while waiting in the terminal to board. On our last cruise, we arrived for our chosen time of 10:30, but we weren't allowed on the ship until around 2pm. I've heard many stories that boarding was delayed until even 3pm because of problems as well as inspections. If you're getting to the port early, you must have all the same problems in the terminal. What if you need to use the restroom? Why would that be different. If you don't have any backup plan for that, it seems a bit risky to show up at the port so early.

 

I know that you would like to be able to get on early and get settled... I don't like the crowds with the elevators either on the first day - but unless I am lucky enough to snag a FTTF, I have to deal with it. My mom hasn't needed a wheelchair for past cruises but she CAN'T walk up any stairs, so the elevators are her only option. Crowds are difficult for her because she has to stop at times because of her breathing. We have had FTTF on our past cruises, but after the first, we learned to stay on the ship with her on debarkation day until the crowds have left the ship. Being in the front of the pack of people trying to get off was just too stressful. She was almost run down when she had to stop to get oxygen. We adapted. She was the one with the disability - it made sense that she made decisions that had the least trouble for herself.

 

As for your answer that you need documentation to get an accessible room, anyone can get that documentation. It's pretty easy... "Hi Dr. I've been having difficulty with my foot. I MIGHT need a scooter or wheelchair on my cruise next month... would you mind signing this?" As for any additional cost for the rooms, there is NO additional cost for an accessible room. We've had them before and never paid anything extra. So, yes... some people would lie to save the $70 FTTF fee. Many more would lie when they were unable to book FTTF!

 

I know that sounds harsh and for that I sincerely apologize. Honestly, if I walked by you in the lobby and you needed assistance to be pushed into the ladies room, I'd be more than glad to do it! If I had FTTF, I'd be happy to go get your scooter for you too! Actually, I don't understand why they can't have the scooters available in a lounge. There are plenty of empty lounges that could be used and it would be easy enough to get the key at check-in.

[firerunner]

I have read this thread and will give my two cents. Initially I was not going to reply for I can come off as *harsh* but well here goes.

 

I am disabled and have been for a number of years due to a progressive disease.

 

"people say I PAY for FTTF so why should YOU get it free just because you are disabled. You have the same rights to get to you room as i do just go later in the day"

 

funny for I do not have the same rights as a healthy person.

 

You know I would die to see the ship tour they do. And I can't it is not accessible. Most behind the scene tours are not accessible to us, but they are to healthy people. Most ships I cannot get to the top deck. Sometimes I think how cool it would be to just SEE it. But I can't, on many ships, not accessible.

 

Tendered port? Forget it - a ship day for me.

 

Excursions - not likely unless they can accommodate my 300 pound wheelchair.

 

I do not have an *entitled* attitude, but I do think *who the hell cares if a disabled can go to their room before others? not like they can stay up all night..and dance. "

 

and its funny right, for the disabled are not abusing the system we fight tooth and nail to get the same rights, its the healthy that are abusing it, cheating it, and we , the sick pay for it and the healthy ones yell about the few *extras* we do get.Some healthy people make it seem Like dying from a progressive disease is some special thing.

 

True story - Disney last year and it was HOT, hubby has customized my wheelchair, I have shade, I have a fan, even a cell phone charger on it. Standing in line a woman looked at me and said..you are so lucky a fan and shade...I quickly replied..you can have my fan and shade..if i can have your legs.

[kgb46]

I have read this thread and will give my two cents. Initially I was not going to reply for I can come off as *harsh* but well here goes.

 

I am disabled and have been for a number of years due to a progressive disease.

 

"people say I PAY for FTTF so why should YOU get it free just because you are disabled. You have the same rights to get to you room as i do just go later in the day"

 

funny for I do not have the same rights as a healthy person.

 

You know I would die to see the ship tour they do. And I can't it is not accessible. Most behind the scene tours are not

 

Disnaccessible to us, but they are to healthy people. Most ships I cannot get to the top deck. Sometimes I think how cool it would be to just SEE it. But I can't, on many ships, not accessible.

 

Tendered port? Forget it - a ship day for me.

 

Excursions - not likely unless they can accommodate my 300 pound wheelchair.

 

I do not have an *entitled* attitude, but I do think *who the hell cares if a disabled can go to their room before others? not like they can stay up all night..and dance. "

 

and its funny right, for the disabled are not abusing the system we fight tooth and nail to get the same rights, its the healthy that are abusing it, cheating it, and we , the sick pay for it and the healthy ones yell about the few *extras* we do get.Some healthy people make it seem Like dying from a progressive disease is some special thing.

 

True story - Disney last year and it was HOT, hubby has customized my wheelchair, I have shade, I have a fan, even a cell phone charger on it. Standing in line a woman looked at me and said..you are so lucky a fan and shade...I quickly replied..you can have my fan and shade..if i can have your legs.

Disney was the worst place in the world we have taken our son. He is in a wheelchair, has CP, blind, mentally about 2 and has seizures. No only were the staff nasty but most of the elderly who were visitors were just as bad. They pushed my sons wheelchair out of their way when we were standing in line. I actually see some of this on the ship and I would love to have a bowling ball and knock a few people down for not letting someone in a wheelchair onto the elevators. As for the lady who started this thread I hope she can come up with a good solution.

[Elaine5715]

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.

The part that the general public is unaware of is that the ADA and similar laws came from the commonplace practice of segregation for those born with specials needs, from separate schools, institutions, work places, from doctors who refused to treat, schools that refused attendance, to places who simply said "go away" and don't even think about renting an apartment..."wontcha be more comfortable with others, you know, like you?".. Disability advocates fought for equal, universal treatment because we know separate isn't equal, that shared experiences are important, warts and all. It is a hard won right to sit in a crowded terminal to go on a regular cruise you paid for due to a job that pays a real wage. (and I knew you meant the general you ;p)

[hftmrock]

The part that the general public is unaware of is that the ADA and similar laws came from the commonplace practice of segregation for those born with specials needs, from separate schools, institutions, work places, from doctors who refused to treat, schools that refused attendance, to places who simply said "go away" and don't even think about renting an apartment..."wontcha be more comfortable with others, you know, like you?".. Disability advocates fought for equal, universal treatment because we know separate isn't equal, that shared experiences are important, warts and all. It is a hard won right to sit in a crowded terminal to go on a regular cruise you paid for due to a job that pays a real wage. (and I knew you meant the general you ;p)

 

 

in more simpler terms in what I am trying to say....

 

I hold doors for people if I am first and someone is coming and have their hands full. It doesn't take any more of my time and I try to be nice for the next person. does that mean they have less rights or that they have more rights? not one bit. it just means that we should be nice to one another. I 'could' say that they have an equal right to open the door and just because they have their hands full its not my problem.

 

if I saw a person in a wheelchair that needed help I would help if I could without thinking twice (asking first of course). That doesn't mean the person in the wheelchair has less or more rights. Carnival should assist people THEY FEEL are in need. It wont take any time and it shows the good in humanity.

[Elaine5715]

in more simpler terms in what I am trying to say....

 

I hold doors for people if I am first and someone is coming and have their hands full. It doesn't take any more of my time and I try to be nice for the next person. does that mean they have less rights or that they have more rights? not one bit. it just means that we should be nice to one another. I 'could' say that they have an equal right to open the door and just because they have their hands full its not my problem.

 

if I saw a person in a wheelchair that needed help I would help if I could without thinking twice (asking first of course). That doesn't mean the person in the wheelchair has less or more rights. Carnival should assist people THEY FEEL are in need. It wont take any time and it shows the good in humanity.

 

 

That's why we would say "install automatic doors" so they open for everyone.

We would also say "Cruise ships should elevate the terminal entrance so the gangway is level".

Of course , they should assist. They group folks who need assistance not as a priority but so they can consolidate assistance crew but people think "special" instead of convenience.

And excellent, always ask before assisting...

[fair-winds39]

Back in 2010, pre-mobility scooter, when we boarded the Carnival Pride, I was using a rollator. We entered the cruise terminal, we were screened, and we were directed to an area where others who requested wheelchair assistance were also seated. We had not requested wheelchair assistance.

 

When it was time to board, we were told to follow in order similar to the order mentioned in an earlier post. I'm not sure, but I think FTTF started a year or two later. We started walking toward the ramp, when an attendant rushed up with a wheelchair, and asked if I needed help going up the ramp. I said I thought I could make it, but he said I should let him take me up on the chair, and let DH follow with the rollator. We said ok, so he wheeled me up the ramp, onto the ship, and up to the Lido Deck. He said he could leave the wheelchair, but we declined. We thanked him and gave him a tip.

 

I guess he remembered our cabin, because he came rushing with the wheelchair to our cabin at muster drill, and also on the last day of the cruise to see if we needed the chair. We were surprised and very appreciative of his thoughtfulness.

[sprint180]

Why don't you show up at Port later after the crowds?

 

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[sprint180]

You do have the right to book at 11. You also have the right to make your life run a little smoother by waiting until later to board

 

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[sprint180]

You do have the right to book at 11. You also have the right to make your life run a little smoother by waiting until later to board

 

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Book at 11 I mean

 

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[sprint180]

Book at 11 I mean

 

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Board at 11

 

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[sprint180]

...

[sternfanla]

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.

 

I really don't understand this.

If all they do is to get you a wheelchair from the line outside the check in area and wheel you to the atrium and leave you for someone from special needs to take you to your room, than what does this matter if you have FTTF or check in a little later?

don't you still need to wait on someone else to help your?