Bayonne

[Marishabee]

We are taking the Explorer out of New Jersey this spring. I read they take you to the pier on a bus. Since My Father is unable to transfer from his wheelchair and my Mom uses a scooter how does RCI transfer people with disabilities?? Anyone cruise from this port before that could give me some insite??

 

Mary

[vickila]

If you pull up to Bayonne in a car and unload your luggage, alll get out but the driver who goes to parking (outside) and then he/she takes a shuttle bus back or walks back to the check-in building which is accessible and also has seats. After a quick check-in, there are different shuttle buses that take you to the ship and they are totally accessible by both scooter and wheelchair (staying in if you have to). Then there is a small ramp to take you onto the ship. Very quick, efficient and wonderful.

 

Be aware that there is nothing else in this area - no store, no hotel, no snacks.

 

The Explorer is fully accessible - just remember there are lots of people -- a few suggestions:

 

1. Take the elevator either direction as there might be long waits.

2. Sit in the back of the theatre and leave a little early (a little rude, but sometimes necessary, OR decide to wait it out).

3. 3rd floor is blocked due to ice rink - use casino floor or atrium or since the halls are wide and have cutouts (to turn), the room floors are good for the scooter too. Don't miss the ice show - also accessible (top).

4. I found the first day (on a scooter) to be zooie - too many people, all trying to do the same thing - coke card, wine sign-up, buffet, dining room assignment, etc. I hated it! However, after that the people dispersed.

5. Popular times are not accessible venues - i.e. captain's welcome in the atrium - another zoo and if they should have a raffle in the store area. Other than that, love the ship and the H/C rooms are nice.

6. One more warning - the H/C public bathrooms are tricky (maybe it was the wine), make sure the door is locked and that the W/C person knows how to unlock it. ENJOY. Vikki

[Marishabee]

Thankyou for the quick reply. I am starting to get excited and it is still 5 months away.

 

Mary

[pvmkmyer]

My wife uses a scooter and we came off the Explorer 2 months ago. One area to avoid is the casino (I think deck 5). It is impossible to navigate through the casino. It is technically accessible, but the aisles are narrow and jammed with stools for the gaming. Although everyone moved for my wife to get through, she was embarrassed having to ask everyone to move. We either took the next upper or lower deck to avoid this area.

[Wheeler63]

Bayonne very easy and staff well trained and pleasnt. Buses accessible and easy. Check in with guest services desk the first full day and ask if they have a crew member assigned to provide guidance for pax wih special needs. This person will be very valuable if you have problems or upon debarktion in Bayonne.

 

Explorer, avoid mid-ship glass elevators. They are smaller, crowded, and kids love to use them as fun toys.

 

A very big ship carry a floor plan map with you.

[bcmorgs]

Marishabee,

Which week are you cruising the ExOS/ We're on the 4/11

[NorthernLite]

We are taking the Explorer out of New Jersey this spring. I read they take you to the pier on a bus. Since My Father is unable to transfer from his wheelchair and my Mom uses a scooter how does RCI transfer people with disabilities?? Anyone cruise from this port before that could give me some insite??

 

Mary

 

If they are flying in and have transfers make sure you make clear to RC that you need a lift or ramp van. We've done Celebrity and Azamara out of Bayonne several times and they send vans instead of large buses but no ramp. Duh? It doesn't take a genuis to equate wheelchairs and ramp or lift vans or we wouldn't ask for special transfers and why when we booked them. Once you get to the Port you can relax.