Wheelchair at Muster Drill

[WoozerMom]

We have been on many cruises, but I just didn't pay enough attention before. My husband is in a wheelchair, and I need to know how this is handled for muster drill.

 

Will the elevators be operating? Are they used by everyone at that time, or are they only for the handicapped?

 

I would appreciate any helpful information to make my husband's travel more pleasant. This is our 40th anniversary cruise, and I want to make sure he enjoys it as much as I will.;)

[erni]

The elevators will be working and I believe they have crew people there to make sure that people that need the elevators are the only ones taking them.

 

This has been our experience with the drill. My husband has been in a wheelchair for 5 years now and on the first cruise with the chair he went to the muster drill. On the second cruise the cabin steward suggested he just stay in the room. The next cruise he just stayed in the room and I went and that is what we now do. It is just so crowded that we feel he doesn't need to go.

 

If both of you do go I suggest you go late. I feel the later you get there the better. They will have you both off to the side and they always let you leave early so you will beat the crowds back to their rooms.

 

We love cruising and find the staff very accommodating for my husband. He is not able to cut his food and the waiters are always right there cutting his food for him when they bring it.

 

You will both have a great time and HAPPY 40th.

 

Enjoy!

 

Sue

[Barry ATL]

My partner Ken is in a chair too. If you are in a handicap room, you are normally in a particular muster station that will have all the handicap cabins. Someone is there to make sure the handicap stay together and are accomodated.

[judyfssw]

Barry,

I think that there are accessible rooms on various parts of the ship as we've been in the casino and in the Rondevoux Lounge depending on our stateroom. I agree with erni as the staff has treated my husband very well.

[Fang]

My father walks with a cane and/or walker, depending on how he is feeling.

 

He and my mother cruised the Summit, several years ago. They asked about the muster drill and their butler told him just to stay in the room.

 

I do not know if this is an isolated event, or if they let more handicap people do this. I personally would ask the cabin attendent or someone in guest services if a person in a wheelchair could stay in the cabin. The elevators always are packed after the drill.

[Barry ATL]

I would not stay in the room. Given recent events, I would make the effort to go to muster. If the elevators are that crowed (and they are), then have a drink and wait 15 minutes.