Vista not for me I guess Dec 2nd cruise

[PattBenatar]

This was my 3rd cruise with Carnival and it will be most likely my last. My first cruise was b2b on the Victory solo, I bought a FTTF because I did not want to deal with the massive lines being disabled and in a wheel chair. I rented a mobility scooter to use on board that would be in my cabin once I boarded or shortly after.

I was told by customer service I would be escorted to my cabin to get my scooter or I could stay in my cabin if I wished upon boarding. That was not the case, I was dumped in the Atrium to wait 2 hours like everyone else that could not access the cabins. I could not eat, I could not use the rest rooms, I was literally stranded.

 

This cruise my friend and I both went and we both needed the scooters, I was afraid that they were going to dump us again and not care I contacted JH and he told me in a private message that this would not happen and to rest easy and enjoy the cruise and he would personally take care of my worries. Mind you we had to book this cruise 550 days to get side by side balcony cabins so it was a very long wait. Paying for FTTF for solo cruisers was a waste of money.

I contacted Matt the CD and after 2 days of trying to contact him, finally got to tell him the issue and I did not understand since it was him that was supposed to make sure it did not happen again. He said JH had been late sending him requests, I told Matt I did not want a fruit basket or candy just what I wanted and paid for X2 (my friend and I both had one for each cabin).

 

The day of debarkation, I went to Matts Q n A show since there was a new procedure and it sounded like we were going to be dumped and left stranded again. He assured me that was not the case. Well it may have well been 5 separate people escorted me from my cabin to the sidewalk outside of the port.

Fttf cruisers were able to leave the ship with the other priority members by 8am. I did not get out until 9:15. I was so upset, that night I called and got a refund but it was too late the damage was done.

During the morning show I asked Matt with the new ship were they going to add more than 5 percent accessible rooms since it is near impossible to cruise without reserving 550+ days out. His response was I think we are above 5 percent, I corrected him and told him 22 cabins on a ship that holds 4k is no where near 5 percent. His reply back to me was well you at least get a larger shower and you should be happy since nobody else gets one. “LARGER SHOWER” WTH?

 

The rest of the staff were ok, nobody went above and beyond, I did not feel the need to add additional tips. Unlike the Victory I felt like a queen and tipped accordingly.

The food was really good, nothing to complain about.

 

The ship was not accessible friendly by any means, minimal at best. Perfect example I went to the spa to watch a pain management (aka/accupuncture sales pitch) the instructor watched as I struggled with the door as it slammed on my knee. No accessible access at all on some doors.

 

My cabin 7401, was a accessible cabin, with no door assist, the balcony had a mobility ramp for a chair but the bed was way to close to the sliding door to actually use if wished. The shower was a larger than standard shower with a folding bath chair, hand spray for the shower which was placed way too high for a person that could not stand to get to it.

 

The dining areas, what a fiasco, they really need a separate area for scooters and wcs. We were smack dab in the middle of the dining area with only one spot to safely park a scooter. My friend ended up parking hers and hiking to the table each night. While on the Victory it was never a issue we always had the table closest to the door and plenty of parking.

Lido, was fine staff always helped. JJ’s I seen 0 low tables so it made it not accessible at all.

 

The clubs, had no issues besides no chairs unless you were there uber early, I had no issues since I had my scooter.

Ports, nothing really new the procedure went smoothly and staff was helpful.

With the Vista being a new ship ADA supervisor dropped the ball big time. It could have been a amazing ship for everyone, but this was not the case. I don’t blame staff (minus Matt), I blame the ship designers.

One more comment about Matt, he needs to go get some sensitivity training and some ADA classes, had he been a employee in the states he would have been subject to termination to say such a thing in a open forum.

 

I did enjoy my cruise, but will not be sailing on the Vista again.

[Keith1010]

Thank you for your report and glad that despite not sailing Vista again that you enjoyed the cruise.

 

Keith

[trvlgirlmq]

It's not Matt's job to make sure you get to your cabin. He is the CD and in charge of entertainment. You should have contacted the hotel director if you required assistance with your room. Also, asking JH for anything is a joke.

[jennas_mum]

edited

Edited December 22, 2017 by jennas_mum
decided not to post it

[jennas_mum]

I am sorry you had such a difficult time. You must of felt helpless just sitting and waiting! It's something noone will understand unless they have experienced it themselves. Glad you had a good time despite your issues. I can't believe how insensitive his remark was to you! Hopefully he will learn from the experience.

 

Donna

[Cruise or Lose!]

As a person who can walk, but who has multiple disabilities, I have always found that I receive far more assistance by quietly asking for help on site than by making accessibility someone else’s problem. I hate asking, but I have met many kind people that way.

 

My mother and aunt tried out their new scooters - which can either be pushed like a shopping cart or sat in like a wheelchair - in New York City, a city once known for its unfriendliness. People rushed over to help them without delay, even carrying the (empty!) scooters down entire flights of stairs. They raved about NYC for months after our very successful trip.

 

 

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[MJSailors]

For our next cruise,you might consider Princess.

Although DH and I do not have mobility issues,we have observed how the staff is helpful to those passengers who do. Perhaps the demographics on the Princess cruises we have enjoyed cause the staff to be aware and considerate of those passengers that have accessibility concerns.

[TrinaLC]

I think it is in fact the Cruise Director who is supposed to make arrangements for people to embark/debark using wheelchairs. It was the CD who organized debarkation when my husband needed a wheelchair.

[eileenfa]

There is a issue with Vista regarding this. I use a wheelchair and was renting one . I asked several people if I can go to my room and get it. Was told either no, maybe. I said since I don’t have FFTF can someone get it for me? It was crazy. All different responses. My husband went to the room and got it. Your right about the issues with ADA.

 

 

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[lcpagejr]

sorry to hear of your problems on the cruise. When we cruised the Vista recently.... I saw several passengers each night zoom by our table for 2 on their mobile scooters.... Didn't appear to be any access issues in MDR's?? Surprised they didn't seat you at a more accessible table

[LMaxwell]

*IF* there is a next time contact Carnival's Special Needs department; online managing your cruise there is also a section if you require assistance or have needs. It's unfortunate you did not have the experience you deserved and wanted, but asking John Heald isn't really the proper channel and he also should have directed you to the Special Needs department so that your requests were documented and not hinged on one guy telling another guy, etc.

[DebJ14]

*IF* there is a next time contact Carnival's Special Needs department; online managing your cruise there is also a section if you require assistance or have needs. It's unfortunate you did not have the experience you deserved and wanted, but asking John Heald isn't really the proper channel and he also should have directed you to the Special Needs department so that your requests were documented and not hinged on one guy telling another guy, etc.

 

I concur. There is a mobility form that needs to be completed and returned to the Special Needs dept. so that they understand exactly what your needs are, what equipment you will be using etc. We never had a problem with my FIL when he rented a wheelchair from Special Needs at Sea, but we always notified special needs and sent the form in.

 

We were traveling in a group with an elderly woman on the Miracle recently. The person from the pier who brought her onto the ship in a wheelchair took her straight to her cabin where they were able to retrieve the wheelchair that was rented from Scoot Around. She and her cabin mates had purchased FTTF. Everyone put their carry on bags away and then pushed her to the Lido where everyone had a nice lunch.

[Clarea]

Appreciate the feedback.