Elevator priority

Each council area in the U.K. has their rules but in Edinburgh you can park on double yellows where loading is permitted. Terrierjohn being in West Yorkshire would need to check with his local council as to the regs that apply there, though I would surprised if they were any different on this point.

 

 

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If you have a blue badge of course!

 

 

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Quite right oxscotart, we can also park on yellow lines in Yorkshire with a blue badge, and that's fine for town centre parking but no use in an out of town shopping centre or supermarket car park where disabled bays are limited and normal ones very small, which was my reason for this diversion.

However to get back on track I don't really think that designated wheelchair lifts on cruise ships is a good idea, but I did like RCI's idea of allowing wheelchair users to be the first to leave the muster drill, and so getting to the lift area first, see my post #57. A similar system with staff policing the lifts after theatre and show lounges were emptying and giving priority to wheelchairs and scooters, would equally alleviate another problem with lift access for disabled passengers.

I think I will suggest that on my next end of cruise questionnaire.

It's not just elevators....and it's not just disabled......it's anything that holds up others....have you ever been on the interstate when a lane is closed? How many folks stay in the "closed lane" until the last second to attempt to get into the flowing traffic....they create the bottleneck they are trying to avoid.....I think it's simply inconsideration.

Here’s my two cents after traveling for the last few years with my husband in a scooter. I don’t think a dedicated elevator is required if people would just use common courtesy, which seems to have gone by the wayside. I admit that I have become a blocker for my husband to get on or off the elevator because other people cut him off. We will be waiting at an elevator bank, no one else there, and then people come as the elevator arrives and just rush past him. He is a considerate driver and will not go ahead and run over people, so since we were there first he should be able to get on without worrying about running over you. If you don’t like my blocking, feel free to wait for another elevator to arrive. We have had lots of considerate people but far more that just look past him. I will even help other mobility impaired people be able to get on and off. I do however think there are appropriate times to have a dedicated elevator, and if you need it due to unseen issues just mention that you can’t do stairs. We recently were on the Constellation where the ship shut down three of the four mid ship elevators to control the flow getting off for face to face immigration in Dubai. They told everyone to go to deck 3 when your number is called. We proceeded to an elevator and got on the only working one. We rode from deck 4 all the way to deck 11 and back, stopping in every deck both up and down. When we got to deck 3 THEN they tell you to go to deck 1. Thankfully, my sister had gone down the stairs and was waiting on deck 3 for us. She stopped us from getting out and helped another wheelchair passenger on the elevator. If we had gotten off we would have been stuck on deck 3 for a long time. They should have had a crew member there to monitor AND should have told those of us in a HC stateroom to just proceed to deck 1 when our number was called. It was incredibly chaotic and stressful.

My DH is one of those who went from perfectly able-bodied and employed full time to being on life support within a matter of hours. A year later, he can now use a walker around a room, but is otherwise confined to a wheelchair.

In a few weeks, we'll be cruising for the first time since his disability started. I've gotten him a scooter so that he can enjoy some independence, and I can hopefully have a little vacation too. :) Many thanks to whoever it was that advised practicing first! We will do that!!

I think common courtesy (which isn't too common these days, sadly) is the answer. When we were new cruisers, we saw a lot of people rush into the elevator ahead of someone using a mobility device, leaving them to wait for yet the next one. It became our practice to clear the way for the wheelchair or scooter user when it was their turn for the next elevator.

On the other hand, I've seen scooter users just plow through standing people to get on first. I now know after reading this thread that it's easier for mobile people to situate themselves around the scooter so maybe that was their motivation, but it really appears rude. I think a quick, "Hey everyone, it'll be easier - and safer for your toes! - if you'll let me get situated in there while it's empty. Thanks!" would help the average person learn how to better co-exist with their mobility-challenged cruise-mates.

I may totally change my mind about that after we cruise. ;p Seems a good many of you in this thread have been at this much longer than we have, and I appreciate your wisdom. I know that we're going to be happy being on a cruise, and we will make the best of it. I'm sure we're going to have some occasional elevator frustration, but I'm going to keep in mind another piece of advice in this thread (and I'm paraphrasing) - "We're on vacation. We're not in a hurry." (Also, "We're together and we're on a cruise. Life is good." :)) If I've learned anything this past year, it's that attitude matters muchly.

My DH is one of those who went from perfectly able-bodied and employed full time to being on life support within a matter of hours. A year later, he can now use a walker around a room, but is otherwise confined to a wheelchair.

 

In a few weeks, we'll be cruising for the first time since his disability started. I've gotten him a scooter so that he can enjoy some independence, and I can hopefully have a little vacation too. :) Many thanks to whoever it was that advised practicing first! We will do that!!

 

I think common courtesy (which isn't too common these days, sadly) is the answer. When we were new cruisers, we saw a lot of people rush into the elevator ahead of someone using a mobility device, leaving them to wait for yet the next one. It became our practice to clear the way for the wheelchair or scooter user when it was their turn for the next elevator.

 

On the other hand, I've seen scooter users just plow through standing people to get on first. I now know after reading this thread that it's easier for mobile people to situate themselves around the scooter so maybe that was their motivation, but it really appears rude. I think a quick, "Hey everyone, it'll be easier - and safer for your toes! - if you'll let me get situated in there while it's empty. Thanks!" would help the average person learn how to better co-exist with their mobility-challenged cruise-mates.

 

I may totally change my mind about that after we cruise. ;p Seems a good many of you in this thread have been at this much longer than we have, and I appreciate your wisdom. I know that we're going to be happy being on a cruise, and we will make the best of it. I'm sure we're going to have some occasional elevator frustration, but I'm going to keep in mind another piece of advice in this thread (and I'm paraphrasing) - "We're on vacation. We're not in a hurry." (Also, "We're together and we're on a cruise. Life is good." :)) If I've learned anything this past year, it's that attitude matters muchly.

That's my philosophy too

I am on vacation make the best of everything

Some people just don't get it

Have fun

We will be traveling with my disabled daughter, (I also have bad knees, so don't really do stairs). Mostly, it's not an issue. She will be 28 years old, but looks younger, & I will admit, a young, pretty girl in a wheelchair usually doesn't have much trouble being allowed through, especially when people see that she is also neurologically / mentally delayed as well. My DH & other DD will take the stairs, mostly, so at least it will only be the 2 of us. That being said, it makes me much more aware, even when I am alone, of people in need of assistance (doors, elevators, etc) & try to help them as much as I can. "There but for the grace of God go I ......."

I wish there was a thumbs up option available like on Facebook. You are exactly on the money.

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It no brainer that people with disabilities should be prioritized in transportation, in restaurants, comfort rooms elevator and crowded places where they need to go. Even in cruises, I believe the disabled people should be treated nicely too.

It no brainer that people with disabilities should be prioritized in transportation, in restaurants, comfort rooms elevator and crowded places where they need to go. Even in cruises, I believe the disabled people should be treated nicely too.

Respectfully disagree in regards to your statement "that people with disabilities should be prioritized in transportation, in restaurants, comfort rooms elevator and crowded places where they need to go. Even in cruises". and BTW I am disabled. Being disabled is not to be confused with a sense of entitlement as what that statement implies. As far as disabled people should be treated nicely ... everyone should be treated nicely regardless of having a disability or not.

It no brainer that people with disabilities should be prioritized in transportation, in restaurants, comfort rooms elevator and crowded places where they need to go. Even in cruises, I believe the disabled people should be treated nicely too.

I will admit to taking advantage whenever someone allows us to go ahead -- traveling with my DD is stressful, and I will take any shortcuts with her that I can. However, while I appreciate any extra courtesies that people give us, I don't expect them. I do expect that we will not be cut off by more able bodied people just because they can. THAT irritates me to no end. When I am out without her, I hold doors for people in wheelcirs, parents with strollers, and anyone else that needs a hand - that's just common courtesy.

I'm able bodied, but took a mini cruise several years ago in a wheelchair (post op).

It certainly gives a person some perspective as to what the permanently disabled folks must endure daily.

Nowadays, I hold those elevator doors open for the wc/scooter/ canes. And I will get off the elevator & use the stairs if there is a scooter/wc waiting & the space I occupy makes a difference as to whether or not there is room for them.

The rest of the planet outside the US is not nearly as disabled friendly. The ADA goes a long way at home to accommodate disabled persons but I find that on cruises, a leading bodied people will rush the elevator no matter how long you have been waiting. It's made me callous and I have no problem calling people out for it.

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I am on my third elderly and handicapped family member, plus my husband was in a wheelchair temporarily on one of our cruises. I have so been there and done it all with escorting mobility-challenged people. It's a hot button for me.

There's absolutely no way to "sensitize" people who have no empathy for handicapped people. So, you just expect that type of treatment and be prepared for it.

The walker, wheelchair, or scooter goes RIGHT next to the closed elevator doors, off to one side so people on the elevator can get off. Then, edge in while the jerks are trying to run around you to get on first. Waiting for people to be polite isn't going to work.

I have assigned myself as "Elevator Assistant" on any cruise I am on. I hold doors, run interference, and politely announce that we have a scooter/wheelchair/walker coming on or off. I have even put out my arm to block a few of the "end run" people, reminding them there is a handicapped person that's getting on/off. I'm a pro at it, since my Mom had her stroke in 1992, and I've been dealing with her, Dad, and now MIL ever since. MIL is 94, so I may be off duty in my personal life pretty soon, but never off duty in public.

The rest of the planet outside the US is not nearly as disabled friendly. The ADA goes a long way at home to accommodate disabled persons but I find that on cruises, a leading bodied people will rush the elevator no matter how long you have been waiting. It's made me callous and I have no problem calling people out for it.

 

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Perplexed by your statement highlighted above as ADA does not apply to the manner is which people with disabilities are to board elevators. .

Came back from a cruise on NCL Escape last week and found most people very accommodating by getting out or moving to gain me access to the elevator in my chair. But there were some who just scooted there feet in about 2 inches and stood their ground. I explained that I did not want to ruin their cruise my crushing their feet so early on the cruise.

Some people actually got out of the elevator and took the stairs or waited for the next one so I could get on.

Thank you too all those people

Saying THANKS goes a long way

I’m amazed at what I have been reading here.

I’m a wheelchair user and have been cruising for the past 5 years ( 8 cruises in that time ).

I have never had any issue with using the elevators , people have always either let me on before they fill in around me, or as has happened on quite a few times, people have got out of the lift( sorry elevator) to let me on and they then use the stairs to continue their journey.

Maybe I have just been lucky or is it I have only been on ‘Britsh’ Ships 😎

(TUI) .

Just to be clear, I don’t think I have any more entitlement over any other passengers, just because I can’t walk and am confined to a wheelchair for distances greater that 20m.

Happy cruising all 😜

We have done two cruises with DW in her powered chair and are booked on another this year. Our experience has been similar to DUZ above. We did learn to avoid the really busy times - after a show, we either left early (those chairs can really move..) or hang back for a while. DW is pretty nifty with the joystick and can spin round inside the lift to save having to reverse in or out.

It did take a while to get off on disembarcation day but it wasn't a big deal. It's like many things on a holiday anywhere - you have to give and take. A smile goes a long way.

While a mobilty device user does not equate to an entitlement for priority access to anything, such as a free pass to the front of the line, COMMON SENSE-although not so common nowadays- would indicate an extra measure of courtesy toward that person. Can I assist that person in some manner, such as a blocking maneuver on the pushers and shovers so that the MD user can get on or off the elevator more easily? (and likely ahead of those able bodied who push on to ride up or down one level)

 

But, one has to ask why, in this age of equal rights for a all, do women assume they have the right to board an elevator first?

Hmmmm. Don't think most do. I am a female person and I never heard of it. I also hold doors open for men if I happen to be going through first and yes, I would probably get off an elevator if there was not quite enough room for a someone in a WC or an elderly couple. Courtesy costs nothing and feels good😇

I believe it was a Carnival Cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda that got it right. During the first afternoon's announcements about going to the muster drill the cruise director announced how many decks the ship had, the average number of decks both up and down passengers tend to negotiate and then gave the entire ship the number of calories burned over a 6 day cruise. I had very few problems getting on and off elevators on that cruise.

We also experienced Royal Caribbean excusing us from muster before everyone else. However, that did not stop the able bodied from rushing to the elevator to beat us on.

I have to put my two cents worth in here. I am disabled and cannot walk over 100 feet at a time. I do NOT think the disabled in wheelchairs or scooters should get dismissed first, we have seats and are sitting down. Some of the non- handicapped are in bad shape and truely need to sit down. The same goes for the elevator! I feel that should be a first come first serve, although I am totally NOT saying anyone else should be able to push past us. However, holding a door is ALWAYS appreciated! Rant over. Thank You all!

I have to put my two cents worth in here. I am disabled and cannot walk over 100 feet at a time. I do NOT think the disabled in wheelchairs or scooters should get dismissed first, we have seats and are sitting down. Some of the non- handicapped are in bad shape and truely need to sit down. The same goes for the elevator! I feel that should be a first come first serve, although I am totally NOT saying anyone else should be able to push past us. However, holding a door is ALWAYS appreciated! Rant over. Thank You all!

My thoughts exactly !!!

Didn't have the time to read through everything but here are my thoughts. Around 10 years ago I had to use a mobility scooter before and briefly after surgery. People were really rude to me even questioning if I really needed the scooter. I try to be considerate and have much compassion towards people who have to use one permanently. On the flip side I now have knee problems and have to use the handicapped stall because of the higher toilet. I had one lady in a wheelchair scream at me when I exited that the stall was for her and it was NOT for me. So people let's try to be compassionate on both sides.

TWO thumbs up.

I am on my third elderly and handicapped family member, plus my husband was in a wheelchair temporarily on one of our cruises. I have so been there and done it all with escorting mobility-challenged people. It's a hot button for me.

 

There's absolutely no way to "sensitize" people who have no empathy for handicapped people. So, you just expect that type of treatment and be prepared for it.

 

The walker, wheelchair, or scooter goes RIGHT next to the closed elevator doors, off to one side so people on the elevator can get off. Then, edge in while the jerks are trying to run around you to get on first. Waiting for people to be polite isn't going to work.

 

I have assigned myself as "Elevator Assistant" on any cruise I am on. I hold doors, run interference, and politely announce that we have a scooter/wheelchair/walker coming on or off. I have even put out my arm to block a few of the "end run" people, reminding them there is a handicapped person that's getting on/off. I'm a pro at it, since my Mom had her stroke in 1992, and I've been dealing with her, Dad, and now MIL ever since. MIL is 94, so I may be off duty in my personal life pretty soon, but never off duty in public.

Didn't have the time to read through everything but here are my thoughts. Around 10 years ago I had to use a mobility scooter before and briefly after surgery. People were really rude to me even questioning if I really needed the scooter. I try to be considerate and have much compassion towards people who have to use one permanently. On the flip side I now have knee problems and have to use the handicapped stall because of the higher toilet. I had one lady in a wheelchair scream at me when I exited that the stall was for her and it was NOT for me. So people let's try to be compassionate on both sides.

I was talking with a disabled passenger who uses a wheelchair. He is of the opinion that a huge percentage of people who are in a wheelchair are in one simply because they are obese. They can’t walk up or down stairs because of their weight. I personally have seen “disabled “ women get out of the wheelchair and walk through the casino cause the chair wouldn’t fit through the aisles.

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

Really ... should it be anyone's concern as to why anyone is using a mobility device??? Not all disabilities are obvious to the nakef eye.

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