Vitamin Sea Addict

We "think" we want go to El Morro with our kids when we're in San Juan this summer. We want to see some of the historic stuff (my 8 yo may too) and both our kids would like the kite part. However, we can't decide if we just want to trolley it (and don't know how to go about finding it at port) or if we should try to walk there and see other sites along the way (without pushing it too far because they'll get tired/whiny at a certain point). Thoughts and suggestions on this?

Thanks!

Thank you for all the great advice!

I wish the cabanas were still an option dbrucern but they're all booked!

We may try to shop and do the Aquacenter this time as our kiddos are a little short for some of the more fun excursions (maybe in the future!) jhsieh. 

I am 100% aware of the Ports of Call boards...they just have minimal views and less responses when it comes to DR. Right now we (DH and I, our 6 & 8 year old kiddos) are planning on just doing the AquaCenter for our time at port. However, I'd love real life experiences on what it's actually like there---we're there with 1 more Carnival ship. Can it handle capacity? Should we find a different excursion? We're planning on beach days and other ocean excursions for our other ports. Our next scheduled cruises don't repeat this as a port so I'm hoping to get as much out of it as possible!

Thanks!

Following

10 minutes ago, Doggielover68 said:

I don't think it is that big of a deal. We were unable to hear any of the announcements from our room on the Carnival Miracle that we just disembarked a few hours ago. It will be pretty obvious if there is a true emergency. 

How fantastic for you and your "normal" hearing. I would LOVE it if my child had anywhere near normal hearing. Even with aids, his hearing is only about 80% of normal. And lots of people have similar disabilities. Accommodations are not designed for everyone. They are designed to give equal access to people who do not have it. Just because I can get in and out of a pool "normally" doesn't mean I do not understand why many pools have wheelchair lifts/drops. Just because I do not have life threatening food allergies doesn't mean I don't think people should have access to specialized food. It's not about whether something is an emergency---it's about being able to hear everything that EVERYONE else can hear just as they are. But, the point of this post is not to debate things with people who do not understand, it's to bring awareness. Feel free to leave the post since none of these issues are problems for you and your fun times.

I will say that my bracelet idea was of course mainly aimed at children but also something totally optional. I would in no way suggest that everyone with a disability had to wear one. It was just a thought I've had many times when a lifeguard is trying to talk to our child at the waterslides, pool etc. 

Searoses--I wish you lots of strength for your recovery and agree about the stairs. I think it would help many. 

Keep the ideas coming!

We'll in San Juan for a day this summer with our two kids (6, 8). We don't want to do a planned excursion but rather explore, shop etc. I've read a lot about how people plan walking tours or have specific places they go. I'd love it if we could just randomly wander and explore but I don't see that flying as a plan with my husband. What are some more "structured" do it yourself exploring that you'd recommend in San Juan?

Thanks!

2 minutes ago, Nic6318 said:

 

 

Hi

 

I think these are interesting points to consider. Since you originally were hoping that your points would be noticed and considered by the company, I would suggest that you discuss your ideas with John Heald. He is a company representative, and he is approachable. He is considered their good will ambassador. You can communicate with him on his FB page. He responds to many people who have much more frivolous concerns than yourself. At least he is someone that can speak with the company heads. Your ideas are good and should be heard. Please let us know how he responds to you.

 

take care

I've thought about contacting him (and have on FB for other responses). BUT--and maybe it's my FB persona--I don't like to air a lot of my life on FB. I wish there was a way to post as a visitor on his page without EVERYONE that is my FB friend from seeing it. I have thoughts and ideas, I just don't 100% want to open them up for everyone to deal with. I feel the same way about seeing people post their stateroom number and travel plans on FB. It feels like it's inviting everyone to know you're not at home 😉 I really like John Heald (despite some public opinion) and feel that he means well. I just don't want to make the thread public knowledge by putting in on FB. I feel like so many topics on hear become polls...so maybe he checks in? And will see that the special needs community has suggestions and thoughts that they'd like to share without the Carnival Access people "sharing with the appropriate department heads" as they do through email. 

I'll elaborate some of my suggestions. When the captain or CD makes an announcement and they do the "Announcement in progress" screen on the big Dive In screen, it's super hard to hear. If we're at the water park and my child has no hearing aids in, there's no way the message could be heard. To me, I try to translate that into how any hearing impaired adults may struggle. With the Hub App, I feel like text versions could easily be send/be a part of the system. 

I also feel that for children of ANY special needs, a different/additional bracelet than the green muster station bracelet could be given so that staff (especially with some language barriers) could realize that the child has a disability that may not be visibly apparent. I think it helps EVERYONE interact better when they know other factors are in play.

4 minutes ago, travelplus said:

You bring up a good point While I am  a Royal Caribbean cruiser I am sure my thoughts would be helpful across the board. I have sailed on Princess and Cunard as well.

 

Perhaps having an onboard Accessibility Ambassadors who is the person that goes between shoreside and shipside accessibility departments advocating for the guests  and employees with disabilities.

 

This individual would be able to assist with any accessible needs from wheelchairs , to Autism to   those with hearing impairments and visual impairments assisting with Muster Drill, ensuring that Camp Carnival is an all inclusive environment etc.

 

This ambassadors would also work with the Head Chef for food allergies or special dietary requests.

 

About two weeks before the cruise the Special Needs form is submitted to the Ambassador department with all the guests and each ambassador is assigned to cabins by Muster Station location.

 

At the embarkation and debarkation ports the ambassadors will assist passengers with special-needs with the embarkation process. On the last night before the cruise there will be a meeting with those who needs assistance in the same lounge as the disembarkation lounge to ensure they are aware of where to meet.

 

This ambassador team would work with the shore excursions ensuring that the tours are accessible and assist with the tendering process etc.

 

Thoughts?

I would love to work in this capacity on Royal Caribbean as the Ambassador Officer.

Sounds like a great way to increase communication and support!

3 minutes ago, Doggielover68 said:

Not to be that person, but I think they already do enough. No one needs to go on a cruise. Having disabilities and special needs unfortunately happens to a lot of people (myself included) and if that is the case, it is your own responsibility to deal with it or not cruise if it is too difficult. The only thing I really think they could improve upon is being able to make special dining requests online versus having to wait until you get there. On airlines, you can request special meals when booking your ticket. Granted that is only a handful of meals, but I still feel that for typical dietary requests (dairy free, gluten free, low salt, low fat, etc etc) you should be able to make them online. 

I think you'd find that there are many disabilities that aren't about it being too difficult to be on a cruise ship. Or a dietary thing. My child has hearing loss and obviously doesn't get a choice in what vacations he's going on. But--there are several things (especially involving announcements) that are difficult for him because of it. 

Let me start this off by stating that I firmly believe that social media (in most of its forms) is an amazing tool for change and communication. Not only is it a tool to gain information (like the posts here about tips, tricks, menus, experiences etc) but it is also a way to impact change. I've noticed that many times topics on here find their way to other message boards, facebook groups and even to Carnival staff themselves. So, I thought I'd start a post that *maybe* might find it's way to those who have the power to make changes. And, if not, I think it also educates everyone who reads the posts about things they may not know about/have experienced or ways to help support others. 

I'm NOT starting this thread as a place to complain. Carnival has very specific special needs email addresses and staff to complain to (which I've definitely done before as needed, as well as shared suggestions of my own).

Instead--I'm starting this thread as a way for people to share their suggestions, hopes and desires to help make Carnival cruises more accessible/enjoyable for those with special needs. Anyone who has special needs or has someone with special needs/disabilities in their family/friend circle knows that there are many things that people just don't understand about the various disabilities and many times, small changes can make a difference to how someone experiences something like a cruise. That said, I'd love to read what suggestions you have to make cruising a more "equal" experience regardless of disabilities. I am looking forward to reading them and educating myself on the challenges others face. And maybe they will find their way to people who can make changes....

I agree that the Horizon itinerary is likely warmer in January. By far. I've been on both kinds of ship and while there are differences, both have the size and amenities that I like so it would be about the ports.

Not to hijack the thread but how does booking this tour work? 

Wish we could say we did. The excursion was cancelled due to high surf. We weren't even able to port at the normal spot (they went to a different side of the island). I've since read that Grand Cayman is often cancelled or changed so if we revisited, I'd likely just go to the main beach and relax/shop. Our other ports of the trip were good for snorkeling.

We're not planning on doing a "planned" excursion when we go to St. Thomas this summer. We'd just like to take a bus or taxi to a beach. 

We've got it down to Magens or Coki.

We would like to:

-Swim

-Sunbathe

-Snokel

-Relax/Eat/Drink

We have two adults and two kids (6 and 8).

There are SO many conflicting reviews on what to do and which beach is best. I'd love your opinions and why you feel that way.

Today was our first upgrade offer either...I was excited. The same balcony room, just a deck higher and closest to the elevator....nope. I was disappointed as I've heard some many good upgrade stories. Oh well, maybe next time. I'd rather them run "specials" where you can get extra OBC or other perks by paying a minimal upgrade charge or something.

I haven't been to Costa Maya but if an itinerary I like includes Cozumel....I'm in. We love relaxing (and eating and drinking) at Nochi Cocum there. 

Anyone tried this excursion at Amber Cove (or one like it)? https://www.carnival.com/shore-excursions/amber-cove-dominican-republic/dolphin-sharks-and-sea-lion-adventure-445128?b=4667524756713353496C764B6D62505062587A3766513D3D

I never felt crowded. Except maybe when on Sea Days, everyone and their brother would reserve Lido loungers. But, I felt like it was roomy. The ropes course, putt putt etc are great too!! We've booked other ships strictly because they also have this.

We have had the 815 dining time for both of our most recent cruises (kids are 6 and 8). It's late the first night for sure but once we're past that, it's given us a TON of flexibility for going to shows (we usually do the 630 PG comedy show, then go hang out in the atrium etc until dinner, do some photos etc). There are a lot of shows that are done before the 815 time (main stage and smaller shows like comedy). It also means that when we get back on from ports etc, there's no rushing to get showered etc. We like to hit the alchemy bar after being ready for dinner and then we let the kids decide--comedy show, walk the decks, look for music etc--usually comedy though. It's given us a ton of flexibility 

Every time I'm in the funshops section (logged in or not) it never shows me a booking lookup. What am I missing? 😉 

Anyone done this excursion at Amber Cove (it's a Carnival one but similar experiences are welcome too)---https://www.carnival.com/shore-excursions/amber-cove-dominican-republic/dolphin-sharks-and-sea-lion-adventure-445128?b=4667524756713353496C764B6D62505062587A3766513D3D?  It just seems too good to live up to expectations.

We use the plastic sleeved ones too. I LOVE having them all ready to go before we fly.

I had a couple dresses for elegant night (all cotten-eqsue materials). As packing is not my strong suit, they were all wrinkled a lot when we arrived. I brought a couple travel sized Downy Wrinkle releasers with me and sprayed a little on when we arrived and I put them on hangers. Between that and the humidity of the room, worked out fine.