Disabled travellers how do you cope with queuing on P&O?

[GOQ]

I have a few arthritic conditions which cause me problems with balance and postural stability, for which I use a walking stick. I can fall and collide with people and fixed objects. After having falls going through security at Barbados and Gatwick I have started asking P&O for assisted boarding, which is really very helpful service.

 

However on board ship we have to queue for the MDR, buffet, theater, cinema and lifts.

 

My the January cruise on Aria was the worst as there were queues for just about everything and it was quite stressful. I frequently chickened out of the queue for the theater, rebooked and visited the late show where the queues were generally shorter. The smaller ships aren’t quite as bad.

 

Queuing for lifts is the worst as there is nothing to hang onto. On my last cruise on Britannia I was actually knocked over by one enthusiastic lady, fortunately the guy standing next to me caught me before I hit the floor. On the plus side sometimes an attractive young lady mighty offer me her arm, but I am too shy for that.😇

 

It would be nice if P&O just had a few chairs scattered around queuing points.

 

What is your strategy, how do you cope?

[Cpt Pugwash]

3 hours ago, GOQ said:

I have a few arthritic conditions which cause me problems with balance and postural stability, for which I use a walking stick. I can fall and collide with people and fixed objects. After having falls going through security at Barbados and Gatwick I have started asking P&O for assisted boarding, which is really very helpful service.

 

However on board ship we have to queue for the MDR, buffet, theater, cinema and lifts.

 

My the January cruise on Aria was the worst as there were queues for just about everything and it was quite stressful. I frequently chickened out of the queue for the theater, rebooked and visited the late show where the queues were generally shorter. The smaller ships aren’t quite as bad.

 

Queuing for lifts is the worst as there is nothing to hang onto. On my last cruise on Britannia I was actually knocked over by one enthusiastic lady, fortunately the guy standing next to me caught me before I hit the floor. On the plus side sometimes an attractive young lady mighty offer me her arm, but I am too shy for that.😇

 

It would be nice if P&O just had a few chairs scattered around queuing points.

 

What is your strategy, how do you cope?

I have basically the same problems as yourself after having a Leg Amputated  and fitted with a Prosthetic, just the other week i went on the Iona which was the first time i had been away on holiday using my Rollotor 24 hrs a day and found it exhausting so going on Britannia in a couple of weeks and have hired a foldable wheelchair from Mobility at Sea  which they will delver/collect from Cabin or you can collect at Terminal if you prefer to use on board as like you can find standing/walking tiring let alone adding a Balance Problem.

Hopefully this info may help.

[Landon90]

9 minutes ago, Cpt Pugwash said:

I have basically the same problems as yourself after having a Leg Amputated  and fitted with a Prosthetic, just the other week i went on the Iona which was the first time i had been away on holiday using my Rollotor 24 hrs a day and found it exhausting so going on Britannia in a couple of weeks and have hired a foldable wheelchair from Mobility at Sea  which they will delver/collect from Cabin or you can collect at Terminal if you prefer to use on board as like you can find standing/walking tiring let alone adding a Balance Problem.

Hopefully this info may help.

Sorry to hijack this thread but do you mind if I ask roughly how much they charge to rent a foldable wheelchair? 
 

I’m travelling with family soon on Ventura and we are trying to rent a foldable wheelchair from somewhere but did not know about this company that delivers to the cabin - it sounds perfect and much easier than what we’ve been trying to sort out. Family member is able to walk short distances so should be fine on ship but will need foldable wheelchair for ports. 

[carlanthony24]

4 minutes ago, Landon90 said:

Sorry to hijack this thread but do you mind if I ask roughly how much they charge to rent a foldable wheelchair? 
 

I’m travelling with family soon on Ventura and we are trying to rent a foldable wheelchair from somewhere but did not know about this company that delivers to the cabin - it sounds perfect and much easier than what we’ve been trying to sort out. Family member is able to walk short distances so should be fine on ship but will need foldable wheelchair for ports. 

I believe it’s called mobility at sea but also first come first served if you go straight to the reception desk and get one when on the ship at no charge.

[Landon90]

1 minute ago, carlanthony24 said:

I believe it’s called mobility at sea but also first come first served if you go straight to the reception desk and get one when on the ship at no charge.

Good to know, thanks. We definitely want to arrange something beforehand as family member would not be able to get off at ports without one. 

[Cpt Pugwash]

2 hours ago, Landon90 said:

Sorry to hijack this thread but do you mind if I ask roughly how much they charge to rent a foldable wheelchair? 
 

I’m travelling with family soon on Ventura and we are trying to rent a foldable wheelchair from somewhere but did not know about this company that delivers to the cabin - it sounds perfect and much easier than what we’ve been trying to sort out. Family member is able to walk short distances so should be fine on ship but will need foldable wheelchair for ports. 

The cost to me travelling as a solo passenger so needing a self propelled wheelchair is £100 a week including cushion which is extra  to me worth every penny after my experience on Iona.

Look at the Mobility at Sea website as might cost you less as i'm guessing you will have a family member to push you and the they do all kinds of wheel chairs.

They don't quote exact prices on website because people may order the  wrong size but if you give them a phone and they ask you your height and weight they will tell you which is best with \No hard sell.

As i said you can collect if you hire one just inside Terminal Building or as they work with the cruise companies direct to your cabin.

They also know the dimensions of every cabin so can advise what is best size for your cabin. 

Take Care.

 

[Cpt Pugwash]

2 hours ago, carlanthony24 said:

I believe it’s called mobility at sea but also first come first served if you go straight to the reception desk and get one when on the ship at no charge.

Sorry that is 100% wrong.

P&O states on there website Wheelchairs are not supplied for Passengers Personal use and are only there for Emergency Use.

Mobility at Sea is the company that supplies all kinds of  Disability Equipment for use in cabins on cruises.

 

[carlanthony24]

We asked for it last year and they supplied no problem. Used it to go off the ship and what not. From experience we don't normally ask. If someone asks for one we just supply they fill out the form with dates they would like for etc.

Edited May 17, 2023 by carlanthony24

[Landon90]

10 minutes ago, Cpt Pugwash said:

The cost to me travelling as a solo passenger so needing a self propelled wheelchair is £100 a week including cushion which is extra  to me worth every penny after my experience on Iona.

Look at the Mobility at Sea website as might cost you less as i'm guessing you will have a family member to push you and the they do all kinds of wheel chairs.

They don't quote exact prices on website because people may order the  wrong size but if you give them a phone and they ask you your height and weight they will tell you which is best with \No hard sell.

As i said you can collect if you hire one just inside Terminal Building or as they work with the cruise companies direct to your cabin.

They also know the dimensions of every cabin so can advise what is best size for your cabin. 

Take Care.

 

Thanks for the information. I’ll give them a call tomorrow. We were trying to rent one local to us (London), this option sounds so much easier. 

[Cpt Pugwash]

45 minutes ago, carlanthony24 said:

We asked for it last year and they supplied no problem. Used it to go off the ship and what not. From experience we don't normally ask. If someone asks for one we just supply they fill out the form with dates they would like for etc.

Sorry they must have stopped loaning out wheelchairs to Passengers but you  can still get Assisted Boarding/Disembarkation where they will supply wheelchair with member of staff to push you at Book In Desk if you fill out the form which i did for Iona after seeing a video of how long the walkway was.

I was actually taken in a wheelchair by one of the Port staff who 'rescued' me after they seen my struggling after being the first time driving to the Port finding out CPS drop off for your car is actually about 200/300 yards from entrance then about another 100 yards more to collect your keys after cruise.

[daiB]

53 minutes ago, carlanthony24 said:

We asked for it last year and they supplied no problem. Used it to go off the ship and what not. From experience we don't normally ask. If someone asks for one we just supply they fill out the form with dates they would like for etc.

We are talking about two different things. The wheelchairs they have on ship are for emergencies. Someone having a fall, or like me my scooter broke down and they could lend me a chair.

[Cpt Pugwash]

Copied and Pasted from P&O Website. If you need to bring a wheelchair or mobility scooter on board with you, it is essential that you let us know at the time of booking or as soon as the need is known.  Any guests requiring the use of a wheelchair, mobility scooter or other aids to mobility must provide their own.  

[GOQ]

I don't really need a wheelchair or a walker as I can walk OK. The problem is standing without any support. I did see a guy once he had a walking stick with a sort of seat attached, so he could flip the seat out and sit on it.

Maybe it might be an idea for me to use 2 walking sticks, a bit of balance then.

As I wrote above, it's a pity P&O just had some chairs at queuing points that would be a big help.

 

I notice that there are notices on the lifts to please give consideration to passengers with mobility problems, wheelchair seats in the theatre (on Britannia anyway) and reserved tables with a wheelchair sign in the buffet. But able bodied passengers just seem to ignore these signs.

 

On a positive note, I do, sometimes, get offered help with my tray in the buffet. 

[carlanthony24]

57 minutes ago, daiB said:

We are talking about two different things. The wheelchairs they have on ship are for emergencies. Someone having a fall, or like me my scooter broke down and they could lend me a chair.

Yeah we didn’t have that problem but still needed one and they gave no problems. I guess it depends whose on.

[Selbourne]

We used Mobility at Sea a number of times whilst my wife was still a part time wheelchair user. Very expensive but useful. We were able to collect the wheelchair from just inside the terminal building, but that may have changed now. As others have said, P&O will provide a wheelchair and a pusher just to get you on and off the ship, but if you need one (or any other mobility aid) for use during the cruise then they will not provide them and you must take your own, or hire one at your own cost. 
 

https://www.mobilityatsea.co.uk

[RA10]

1 hour ago, GOQ said:

I did see a guy once he had a walking stick with a sort of seat attached, so he could flip the seat out and sit on it.

I was looking for something similar for my wife.  She has issue with queuing for prolonged periods.  When I saw your comment it gave me an idea.  I googled for it.  I have come across one in Superdrug.  It's called "Aidapt Folding Seat Cane."  Hope that is of some help to you.  I will show it to my wife to see if she likes it for when we are next travelling.  Unfortunately it seems to be online only, so we cannot pop into Superdrug to take a look. 

[Cpt Pugwash]

10 minutes ago, RA10 said:

I was looking for something similar for my wife.  She has issue with queuing for prolonged periods.  When I saw your comment it gave me an idea.  I googled for it.  I have come across one in Superdrug.  It's called "Aidapt Folding Seat Cane."  Hope that is of some help to you.  I will show it to my wife to see if she likes it for when we are next travelling.  Unfortunately it seems to be online only, so we cannot pop into Superdrug to take a look. 

if you have a Shopmobilty some of them will hire out different equipment to go on holiday with you for a few pounds so worth checking out if you have one near you.

[Selbourne]

1 minute ago, Cpt Pugwash said:

if you have a Shopmobilty some of them will hire out different equipment to go on holiday with you for a few pounds so worth checking out if you have one near you.

Very good point. I have a feeling that British Heart Foundation (and possibly some other charities) may have a similar scheme. The big advantage of Mobility at Sea is that you don’t need to transport the wheelchair (or whatever) in the car, along with your luggage. 

[indiana123]

Before one cruise I had a problem with my very small fold up scooter  (the type you can take into a plane cabin, allegedly) and  we had to go to Mobility at Sea for a powered wheelchair  The cruise was 9 or 10 nights and the cost was £230.  The problem was solved but we lost our money.

 

Just posted this as a guide pricewise.

[BertieRulesOK]

I have issues specifically with standing still for periods of time, which makes me unable to queue for over 5 mins ish.  Unfortunately, my disability is completely hidden and I often have to put up with ignorant members of the public making nasty comments.  

 

I have recently obtained an access card which I have used to skip some gnarly queues at ports.  Nice to have something proving I need help without having to go into medical details.  I also have a telescopic stool which I bring out on occasion when queuing may be unavoidable. 

 

 

Lack of seats around lifts on P&O was a issue I noticed on Iona and I am disappointed to learn Britannia is likely to be worse.  Preparing myself to be told off daily for not giving precedence to those with visible disabilities....

Edited May 20, 2023 by BertieRulesOK

[Cheshire Blue]

On 5/20/2023 at 8:42 PM, BertieRulesOK said:

I have issues specifically with standing still for periods of time, which makes me unable to queue for over 5 mins ish.  Unfortunately, my disability is completely hidden and I often have to put up with ignorant members of the public making nasty comments.  

 

I have recently obtained an access card which I have used to skip some gnarly queues at ports.  Nice to have something proving I need help without having to go into medical details.  I also have a telescopic stool which I bring out on occasion when queuing may be unavoidable. 

 

 

Lack of seats around lifts on P&O was a issue I noticed on Iona and I am disappointed to learn Britannia is likely to be worse.  Preparing myself to be told off daily for not giving precedence to those with visible disabilities....

My wife has similar issues  - whilst we won't need a wheel chair it would be helpful to get some form of fast track type assistance though the terminal and on to the ship (rather than having to queue for any time) ?   If so - who do we ask ? 

[BertieRulesOK]

1 hour ago, Cheshire Blue said:

If so - who do we ask ? 

This is a link to the P&O access info that you need use if you want to book assistance during your cruise. https://www.pocruises.com/accessibility

 

If you don't want to go down this route, and as mentioned above, I have found using an Access Card often helps me skip a long queue.  But this is obviously down to the discretion of the person you talk to. https://www.accesscard.online/

[indiana123]

 

 

Being quite new to being partly disabled I have never heard of the Access Card.  Presumably it is Government recognised.  I have just looked at the link.

 

My disabilities can be seen and I often use a small scooter.   Would the card be of benefit to me or is it only suitable for hidden disabilities.

 

Many thanks  v

[GOQ]

On 5/20/2023 at 8:42 PM, BertieRulesOK said:

I have issues specifically with standing still for periods of time, which makes me unable to queue for over 5 mins ish.  Unfortunately, my disability is completely hidden and I often have to put up with ignorant members of the public making nasty comments.  

 

I have recently obtained an access card which I have used to skip some gnarly queues at ports.  Nice to have something proving I need help without having to go into medical details.  I also have a telescopic stool which I bring out on occasion when queuing may be unavoidable. 

 

 

Lack of seats around lifts on P&O was a issue I noticed on Iona and I am disappointed to learn Britannia is likely to be worse.  Preparing myself to be told off daily for not giving precedence to those with visible disabilities....

You can buy a hidden disability lanyard from Amazon, it has sunflowers on it and is worded 

"I have a hidden disability, Please be patient" .

If anyone queries this just show them your access card.

 

I need to use a walking stick and often wobble about like a demented Norman Wisdom so it's quite obvious I have a little problem. 

[GOQ]

17 hours ago, Cheshire Blue said:

My wife has similar issues  - whilst we won't need a wheel chair it would be helpful to get some form of fast track type assistance though the terminal and on to the ship (rather than having to queue for any time) ?   If so - who do we ask ? 

I struggled for a while, often asking fellow passengers for help. On one flight the a lady at the boarding gate at Gatwick noticed I was in pain and boarded me with the "disabled" passengers. So beginning with my last few cruises I now ask for assistance through P&O. Just fill in the form Bertie has given you the link to and email it to P&O.

 

At Southampton they will just wheel you through security helping you with the searching of your hand luggage and onto the ship.

 

At Gatwick at the checking desk they give you the option of assistance though security and boarding the aircraft, you then go to a waiting area.

I was told it would be quicker to go through security by myself as having full assistance would take longer. So I went through security and promptly fell into the scanner. So next time I will take full assistance.

At the aircraft boarding gate you are escorted to a disabled boarding area where you are first to board the aircraft. It really does help, at this point I am also usually in a bit of pain.