semi-disabled person on Journey

[voyager1964]

Considering sailing in September 2023, Southampton to Lisbon. It looks like this itinerary is popular and thus being repeated almost every year. I have a few questions for those that sailed this itinerary and will appreciate any input.

 

DW has mobility problems, she is using a cane and can negotiate 2-3 not very steep steps, so we usually require wheelchair assistance for her to embark/disembark. With this in mind, I heard that the port of Bordeaux can be especially challenging because of the tides that can make the gangway very steep.

Question 1: can there still be wheelchair assistance at the gangway?

 

Main pool: it looks like the only way down to the pool is by a very steep ladder.

Question 2: is this correct? If yes, do they offer a special lift?

 

Cabin. Thinking about some splurging. That is, the spa cabin seems to have a fantastic bathroom with numerous massaging jets. Yet, it appears that the view from the balcony is somewhat obstructed (by a tender?). Also, it is not clear where to eat a room service breakfast as all the tables look tiny, and we usually order room service on port days. Given the small size of the ship we could potentially just go to the cafe, but not sure how crowdy it is on a port day. OTH, the owners suite isn't much more expensive, and you get a fantastic very private balcony. But, the bathroom looks meager for a top suite, and I am not clear if another bathroom is available on Journey or only on Pursuit/Onward. DW isn't small by any means and she might have difficulties using a "regular" walk-in shower.

 

Question 3: which cabin of the two would you suggest for our specific circumstances?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

[uktog]

16 hours ago, voyager1964 said:

Considering sailing in September 2023, Southampton to Lisbon. It looks like this itinerary is popular and thus being repeated almost every year. I have a few questions for those that sailed this itinerary and will appreciate any input.

 

DW has mobility problems, she is using a cane and can negotiate 2-3 not very steep steps, so we usually require wheelchair assistance for her to embark/disembark. With this in mind, I heard that the port of Bordeaux can be especially challenging because of the tides that can make the gangway very steep.

Question 1: can there still be wheelchair assistance at the gangway?

 

Main pool: it looks like the only way down to the pool is by a very steep ladder.

Question 2: is this correct? If yes, do they offer a special lift?

 

Cabin. Thinking about some splurging. That is, the spa cabin seems to have a fantastic bathroom with numerous massaging jets. Yet, it appears that the view from the balcony is somewhat obstructed (by a tender?). Also, it is not clear where to eat a room service breakfast as all the tables look tiny, and we usually order room service on port days. Given the small size of the ship we could potentially just go to the cafe, but not sure how crowdy it is on a port day. OTH, the owners suite isn't much more expensive, and you get a fantastic very private balcony. But, the bathroom looks meager for a top suite, and I am not clear if another bathroom is available on Journey or only on Pursuit/Onward. DW isn't small by any means and she might have difficulties using a "regular" walk-in shower.

 

Question 3: which cabin of the two would you suggest for our specific circumstances?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Hi 

In answer to your questions, once booked you should submit the Special needs form answering all the questions so they can tailor the help but in answer to your questions (I am not disabled, I am not as mobile as I used to be due to joint issues)

1.  Yes wheel chair assistance is available - you need to highlight this to special needs

2.  Yes the pool has a hoist again you would need to agree when you wanted to use it

 

The spa suite is not obstructed by anything in terms of your view - below you and forward is the wing bridge where the officers go to check the sides during docking etc, always fascinating to watch.

 

The tables are big enough to have your breakfast on.  

 

Have you thought about the disabled club continental suite on Deck 6 - that is another large adapted bathroom and reasonable sized room and its balcony is slightly better shaped than the spa suite.

[excitedofharpenden]

I must admit, I've never seen the pool hoist. Where do they keep it?  

 

As far as Bordeaux is concerned they will assist you getting off and on in the wheelchair. No matter what the tide and steepness of the steps. 

 

Phil 

[uktog]

13 minutes ago, excitedofharpenden said:

I must admit, I've never seen the pool hoist. Where do they keep it?  

 

As far as Bordeaux is concerned they will assist you getting off and on in the wheelchair. No matter what the tide and steepness of the steps. 

 

Phil 

It was on Pursuit, I saw someone on it, it seemed to be quite a palaver though

[voyager1964]

Thanks @uktog and @excitedofharpenden for your valuable inputs. It is reassuring that the help for disabled persons will be provided. Interesting idea about accessible N2. Meanwhile, I found a better itinerary (Pursuit on May 30, 23), but with 14 nights it is obviously more expensive...

[uktog]

Phil, I’ve been looking back my photos and realise the hoist was in the early days.  It looked not in good shape so went I suspect in a refurb.  Sorry to Voyager, scrub reference to pursuit apologies, I’m getting too confused!  
If your wife just wants to “sit in water” if you have a suite you have access to the thalassotherapy pool and that has stair not ladder access

[excitedofharpenden]

I'm just going to check it out for sure. 

 

Phil 

[uktog]

8 minutes ago, excitedofharpenden said:

I'm just going to check it out for sure. 

 

Phil 

Thanks I think I’m going gaga