How are the away class ships for 3 year olds and handicapped adults?

[illiniwahoo]

We are looking to plan a cruise next October with my husband and I, our 3 year old twins, and my parents. My dad is in a wheelchair due to a stroke, but can walk short distances with a walker.  The Breakaway looks good, and we have been on it before and liked it.  However that was pre kids, so I didn't pay attention at all to the kids stuff. They will be 3, and will be potty trained by then. How's the facilities and programming for kids? I've looked up pictures and it looks like a nice splash area for kids. Obviously they will be too little for the water slides. I'm sure they will spend a few hours in the kids camp, but I want to spend most of the time as a family, so I want to make sure we have enough to do together. 

 

I'd imagine all ships are about equal for handicapped people. Anything particularly good or bad about the breakaway? They will need a handicapped room, so I want to book soon as I know those are in high demand.

 

Any suggestions for better ships or lines, I am open to them! We are also looking at the Oasis class, but I'm partial to the free beverage package on NCL!  We have mainly cruised celebrity and loved it, but don't think that's the best line for kids. 

Edited November 10, 2018 by illiniwahoo
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[zqvol]

The bad for the handicapped is simply the size, and the lack of elevators, there simply aren't enough of them.

[mking8288]

OP,  for the Breakaway & (just sailed) Escape, we can probably be a little more specific on answering your question about the accessible cabin if you let us whether you are looking at an Oceanview, Family Oceanview or Balcony - as limited # of them are designated for handicapped pax booking in advance.  

 

WIth 6 of you (2 three years old twins) - you would be looking at 2 different cabins, possibly across the hallway and/or closeby, not sure of what kind of configurations you have in mind & your budget.

 

Since Celebrity is your "line" of choice mostly, NCL will be and feel smaller in general, but - good news being that - accessible cabins are bigger & roomier and should be fine.  The hallways & corridors, depending on deck & location, can be narrower & not necessary walker-friendly during the Room Steward's working hours, when their service carts are "active" out there.  

 

There are 2 banks of elevators, Fwd & Aft, and, it can be a long walk to the MDR and/or buffet, etc. - study the deck plans and other public venue to pick out your preferred staterooms & see if they are available for confirmed booking.  A transport wheelchair might be more practical in addition to and/or as a companion to using a walker to get around.  

 

It is most difficult to get into the elevators on embark/disembarkation date, immediately following the mandatory fire/safety drills, and, port days - check to see if tendering is involved as the transition can be a challenge & not always recommended, i.e. GSC - a function of your planned cruise itinerary.  

[NurseJEB]

My S/O is disabled and we prefer the Getaway to all other ships.    NEVER had a single issue with elevators, etc.  Embarkation., debarkation they will escort your entire party directly onto and off of the ship.  Most shows have ADA seating up front.  Contact accessdesk@ncl.com pre-cruise to make any arrangements and  you will be fine.

[shof515]

21 minutes ago, NurseJEB said:

 Most shows have ADA seating up front.  Contact accessdesk@ncl.com pre-cruise to make any arrangements and  you will be fine.

 

On the breakaway, getaway, escape and all of the similar ships, the ADA seating (for wheelchairs, walkers,etc)  for the theater is in the back next to the last row of seating. Unless you can walk down steps. If you had any issues with vision, ,it might be an issue with seeing the show being so far back.  I wish Norwegian improves this in the future, on other cruise lines they have better handicap accessible towards the front/middle of the theater.

Edited November 11, 2018 by shof515

[newmexicoNita]

For the twins; there is plenty to do and they will be very happy with the "away" ships. As for your parents, I have only one concern and that would be the size and the walking on the ship. The elevators are pretty far apart and a bit on the slow side. It wouldn't be a game breaker for us, but a concern. 

When someone says if you are a Celebrity lover, you will find NCL just a little smaller, or a little anything I totally disagree. That is one thing you probably will not find. Any mega ship is going to seem a bit crowded if filled to capacity, and Celebrity certainly is an awesome line, but size wise and service wise I don't think you will have any problems. I would advise 2 cabins, near each other.