Beezes80

Oh, now, that IS interesting as the other half (able bodied) is doing a solo recce of Aurora this very moment and his reports so far are pretty favourable - including chatting to and getting feedback from a wheelchair user. But it's never the same as doing it yourself of course. If Iona is my starter ship I now know to be prepared for that being the better option if I then go on to other, older ships.

Lovely, thanks. See, that's exactly what I said to the TA, asking disabled people to pay more than non disabled people for the same service is against the EA2010 but they were adamant. They're on the nono list.

Any tips if I happen to get one of the call centre team less familiar with it? Is it an "ask for a supervisor" type moment (icky) or a "call back later and hope for someone else" situation?

Agreed. It's just that bit too vague.

I've had mine for a few years and it makes life a lot easier when asking for assistance and for things like getting assistant tickets on days out, even for getting access to toilets when I'm not needing my wheelchair. The card has little symbols on relating to the assistance you need, eg. I have the symbols for carer required, ramp needed, accessible WC needed, trouble queuing and something else but I forget exactly what the wording is. It's not government recognised but they're working on it. They vet the applications and it's basically designed to replace any of the other "proof" that's sometimes requested, such as PIP/DLA letter, GP letter, blue badge etc. It's a lot less intrusive than having to show a benefits letter to all and sundry and for £5 a year it's worth it just for that.

Nothing extra mentioned except for with the select price, so that's just standard from what I can tell - onboard spending or parking or coach. Definitely better to call P&O but want to be sure of everything first, as you say. I'm still miffed they don't provide accessible cabin plans/dimensions/full descriptions so people can make an informed decision instead of potentially spooking them into booking a fully accessible cabin when it's not needed - which of course also reduces the number of fully accessible options for those who need them. It's not like there are hundreds to choose from. And the flipside of course, those booking partially accessible cabins thinking they will be sufficient and finding out too late that's not the case. Plenty still to investigate so will be sure to ask if I get stuck on anything else, and will keep an eye on the balance as mentioned. Thanks again for the help and especially the photos. It really helps to visualise the space when you can actually see the space!

@Cpt Pugwash I'm so sorry you had that experience. It really does sound like it can be hit and miss. I hope you have more luck with other lines.

That really is a BIG saving, wow, what a result! When I was first told saver was not an option for accessible cabins I thought it couldn't be right, why wouldn't we have the same price options as those who don't need the extra access? I can see the appeal of select but when I'm really only looking at a pot luck of 4 cabins in the same area (saving any upgrades obv) I think for this trip it really won't make much difference. TA just confirmed saver rate is fine for a partially accessible cabin, but subject to availability. So yes, I think direct with P&O might be safest for me for now...

@TigerB absolutely cracking, thank you so so much!

WOW! Thank you for such detailed information, that's absolutely perfect. Transfer side and space between beds isn't a big issue as once inside the cabin I can use my stick to get about, just as long as there's space for the chair to go in and pop over to one side which it sounds/looks like there is. Dimensions wise it's similar to your wife's so should be fine. I have another TA today trying to get me on the select rate when 3 of the 4 PF partially accessible Iona cabins are still available, for a trip next spring. Saver rate is still available on the P&O website for standard PF cabins so I'm going to assume this is another one who doesn't know the rules. I have replied to request the saver rate but no response as yet. Noted re your last point 😆 Thanks again

@Gettingwarmer definitely, she's usually on door and step duty just in case I get stuck

@TigerB Yes, travelling with an able bodied companion.

It's Iona for now, just because of the route and duration I'm looking at. Looking at deck plans, Iona 9229 and Arvia 9229 appear the same re size and location (ditto the other three partially accessible PF cabins) but that's all I can tell from seeing it on paper.

That really is reassuring, thank you. Wheelchair is 62cm wide and about 90cm long. Excuse the cat, although in his defence, he IS missing a leg.

SUPERSTAR! Thank you. That's exactly what I was hoping for and that's one of the PF cabins I'm looking at so very reassuring.

That's good to know, thank you, I'll bear it in mind on my pros and cons list.

That's great news, thank you. It did feel a bit off when they said that. For this time I'm be looking at the lowest grade and there are only 4 of them on Iona so at least that lessens the surprise factor!

Hello, sorry for posting on an old thread, can't find anything more recent on this atm. Mods, if I need to post elsewhere, please let me know. TIA. Part-time wheelchair user here, with a Kuschall K series chair - rigid frame with folding back rest - and a walking stick for short distances. I'm hoping to book my first ever cruise, which will be on Iona, and I'm having a heck of a job getting any info at all from P&O re cabin suitability, size and layout. As a first timer, my budget is small and I'm only able to consider the inside PF grade cabins, which are on the list of those reclassified as partially accessible - I'm specifically looking at cabins 9222, 9223, 9228 and 9229. I tried chatting to a disability travel agent but they didn't have any extra info and said I would need one of the fully accessible cabins - but without size/layout info it's impossible for me to be sure and to make an informed decision. Does anybody know where I can find this information? Or a cabin plan specifically for the partially accessible cabins? Also, re booking, is it correct that you cannot book an accessible cabin at the early saver rate? It's tricky to know prices in advance because they're not bookable online, all I can do is look at the standard inside cabin prices but the same disability travel agent said it was only possible to book a disabled cabin on the select price. As well as needing the wheelchair, I also struggle to use the phone so moving the access bookings exclusively onto the phones is quite an issue already so I really want to have all the info I need to hand before I even attempt talking to them. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer and apologies for the long post.