Vent: I am feeling like NCL doesn't really want to deal with disabled people much...

Perhaps I could post this on the disabled board, but this is NCL related, and I am feeling a little exasperated about arranging my trip for nine guests that includes two disabled people (my parents who will be in scooters and one on O2). We know we can't do everything together, but we were hoping to do at least a couple excursions together.

They have two excursions for wheelchair bound people. For people with limited mobility (my parents can walk short distances), they can do a level 1 tour (looks to be only a couple of those as well.) The tone the guy gave me with excursions was kind of "oh well, sucks to be you." Yes, I realize that I will need to go outside of NCL to book our family excursions, I just wish I didn't HAVE too.

I was impressed with the people (more friendly and knowledgable than the people I spoke with at Carnival and RCCL) who helped me discuss and book our cruise (although the guy who did it made a room mistake we had to catch and fix on our own), but I am finding that the excursion, and also the accessibility help desk to kind of, well, not be real friendly. Helpful to a point but hands off and not really clear. I don't need my hand held, but I would appreciate some enthusiasm and "Let's see what I can do for you..." and/or maybe a least a helpful and complete list/packet of what to expect when cruising disabled. I am feeling really overwhelmed, and no, NCL website doesn't lay everything out. CC is quite helpful, but I don't feel I should HAVE to go outside of NCL to "figure" this all out either. I know this is a mass market ship, but nine people, three balconies, etc.. it adds up. Plus, this is likely my dad's last big trip, so I would like to make it as memorable as possible for him, my mom and the grandkids.

I have planned a couple trips in the last two years while my parents have been dealing with health issues. The last one was to Hawaii, and I did it all on my own and we all too a catamaran to Lanai, drove the Road to Hana, swam, shopped, etc.., so I am sure I will figure all this out. I was just hoping NCL could help a busy person a little more than begrudgingly answering my questions instead of trying to anticipate and solve my needs.

Vent over.

So, I will add a question again...anyone who has cruised the Western Escape and found any of the regular excursions OK for someone with limited mobility. (Roatan, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya and Cozumel) My parents are OK walking short distances (my mom will be doing pretty well by June), they can walk up a few steps, they are OK paying for an excursion but not being able to do everything (they didn't snorkel in Lanai, but they took the bus tour and sat on the beach and ate the BBQ).

Any ideas for people like this? NCL or other options? I did bump an old thread on the disabled board but didn't get any new hits.

Thanks!

OK, maybe a bit of hyperbole,

I stopped reading right there.

Sorry.

I mean seriously... have you been on a cruise? Judging by you account age here, I'd say that you have. There are disabled people, fat people, limited mobility people... all over the place.

I stopped reading right there.

 

Sorry.

Well, aren't you clever.

I'll take it off. I was trying to be diplomatic, but apparently brashness is preferred.

I stopped reading right there.

 

Sorry.

 

I mean seriously... have you been on a cruise? Judging by you account age here, I'd say that you have. There are disabled people, fat people, limited mobility people... all over the place.

And since you didn't read it, how do you know what I am talking about?

If I were you, I'd look for independent shore excursions, since they would be more able to help you when talking about mobility issues.

Keep in mind that NCL is simply the middleman when it comes to excursions purchase through them and if an excursion company hasn't explained all the issues with regard to mobility to them, they would not have any idea as to some questions asked.

If I were you, I'd look for independent shore excursions, since they would be more able to help you when talking about mobility issues.

 

Keep in mind that NCL is simply the middleman when it comes to excursions purchase through them and if an excursion company hasn't explained all the issues with regard to mobility to them, they would not have any idea as to some questions asked.

That is true. I felt more annoyed with the accessibility desk than the shore excursion person. I do know there is only so much he knows. I just wish I didn't have to "dig" for everything sometimes.

go to the ports of call for these stops and research/ask questions there about private tours

we laugh at the cost of NCL excursions for able bodied and would never consider paying those inflated prices for a place on a large bus where you only get a drive by experience on a level 1 excursion

we have had some fantastic private tours with my husband who can only walk short distances but we have been able to attract tourmates from our roll call to reduce costs

in fact even if there had been only the 2 of us it would still have been cheaper in some cases than the ship excursions!

Also the independent operators can usually handle wheelchairs and walkers, and use smaller vans. They have more choices too.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Forums mobile app

Try Island Marketing

Sent from my SM-J320V using Forums mobile app

Part of the issue may be the itinerary. It's a Western Caribbean cruise, which means beaches, snorkeling and diving. It's not exactly a great choice for the immobile. There aren't many low impact excursions because the only low impact activity is probably lying on a beach, and when people say they're going for the culture, they usually mean "margaritas".

That said, Cozumel is a good port to just get off the ship and wander. Take a cab to the center of town, and look around. It's very touristy, but it's the one place that just wandering could be fun. My Mom and wife have stamina issues, until they are shopping. Then, they can go all day. Go to Los Cinco Soles, which has a restaurant attached. I usually go have chips and salsa (and margaritas) while they spend the rest of my money.

Roatan has a cameo factory that is very interesting - we visited as part of a tour that also had a glass-bottomed boat ride, but the boat has ladder steps, so it would be very challenging or impossible for someone limited to a wheelchair. We had changed from a beach excursion because my Mom didn't want to snorkel.

We went to Costa Maya years ago, so can't really help. It was just me and my wife, and we did a beach day.

I haven't been to Harvest Caye.

The cruise line excursions cater to the majority of the passengers, which is unfortunate for those not in the majority, however, most of the Caribbean is not exactly handicap-friendly to begin with.

We traveled with my sister-in-law a couple of years ago and rebooked all of our excursions after the first port, because it was obvious she couldn't keep up with us. We were in the eastern Caribbean, but had similar issues. We ended up with a lot of tours.

For my Mom, we decided a Transatlantic was a good option - when we went, there was only one port day. That removed the issue.

Instead of asking here, I would ask on each port's board for better answers, as someone else mentioned. That's a good place for independent tour information. Also, ask your roll call. You're probably not alone.

Enjoy the cruise!

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

I just wish I didn't have to "dig" for everything sometimes.

Sounds like you are looking for extensive help in doing the research and planning. Nothing wrong with that, but it really isn't the job of NCL employees to research and then transfer that knowledge to you, me, or anyone else. Have you considered using a TA who specializes in these areas?

Harvest Caye is very handicap friendly and I agree with the comment about Cozumel. The little town near Costa Maya is not as much but still isn't terrible. Can't help with Roatan we did get off the ship there. All 4 ports were docks .

Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk

Check out Maya Chan in Costa Maya.

Thanks for the ideas and input so far. You've given me some good leads and some things to think about.

I'm on the road right now and can't respond to everyone.

I think a travel agent might have helped, but I'm mostly just asking for some guidance and some clear directions from the accessibility specialists at NCL.

For excursions: Offer a tour with beach time at each port? If you can't do that, provide some ideas? Good customer service says if we can't help you, I'll get you in touch with someone who can.

We aren't looking for crazy excursions. My mom would like to see some animals/flora, see some ruins and watch the kids on the beach. Even the beach excursions say level two. Like I said, we could handle Hawaii--other than being technically ADA, it isn't very accessible.

As far as overall accessibility, we get more help and guidance from the airlines---not known for customer service.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

OP, I think you are looking to NCL to plan your cruise, which is something they don't do. Their special needs department will help you get what you need while on the ship.

I would suggest you google travel agencies for special needs and I'm sure they would have more of the information you are looking for and if you are within the timeframe, you could transfer your reservation to them.

Victor Bodden tours in roatan has great tours, and will also adapt for you. We have used the twice and they are wonderful . In Costa Maya we used the native choice tours to the Chaccoben ruins. Alot to see, but maybe your parents an just do some. I work in PT in a nursing home/rehab center, and I understand the challenges, plus I recently lost my mom, so please enjoy every moment, make them precious.

Safe sailing

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

Victor Bodden tours in roatan has great tours, and will also adapt for you. We have used the twice and they are wonderful . Pictures from their tour , then there is a beach stop too. In Costa Maya we used the native choice tours to the Chaccoben ruins. Alot to see, but maybe your parents an just do some. I work in PT in a nursing home/rehab center, and I understand the challenges, plus I recently lost my mom, so please enjoy every moment, make them precious.

Safe sailing

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

So sorry you are feeling overwhelmed by all of this. Im sure it is stressful trying to make everyone in your party happy and to make sure those that have needs have as much fun as those that dont.

What exactly do you need from the Accessibility department? They pretty much only handle the ship side of things but if there is something else you are needing maybe we can head you in the right direction.

Wish I could help with excursions but I have not been to any of those ports. I do agree, you are probably better off with private tours. At least you can email them and ask if they can handle scooters etc.

Best of luck. Im sure it will all work out and you will all have a wonderful trip

Thanks so much Spidybabe. I'm sorry for your loss.

From my perspective, I don't feel like I want NCL to plan my trip.

I thought a cruise would be easier to plan than Iceland (the other bucket list choice for my dad). I regret that choice now. Iceland we needed a VRBO, a rental van and a driving plan.

I figured since so many disabled people cruise, they cruise lines would provide more assistance and options. Since that isn't the case, I just want helpful guidance and straightforward information.

I'll figure it out, I'm sure. I'm not cruise savvy (only been on an Alaskan. My parents have been on a couple more in Europe);however, I've travelled quite a bit. I am just surprised how limited the options and communications are.

This thread is helping. Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Oh, and I got some misdirection. On some other thread here, someone mentioned contacting the accessibility desk for help getting it all together.

Now I see they mostly only deal with on cruise help.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I have a minor disability no knee cap hard to go up a lot of stairs. Or walk a lot when they say level 1 on their excursions I sometimes think it's not true it's more level 2. Book an outside excursion they are more considerate. Good luck & enjoy

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

After reading the messages, I think maybe xriva nailed it: western Caribbean isn't a great choice for people with mobility issues who aren't sun worshippers. Any chance you could change the cruise?

Example: DH and I did an eastern Caribbean for our 25th anniversary 4 years ago. I use a wheelchair although I can walk very short distances. Was able to do Dolphin Encounter in Nassau (fantastic!), could have done tours in St. Thomas that had wheelchair lifts if I had been up to it, scootered to Philipsburg in St. Maarten and had a wonderful time spending money. ;)

Example: we have an upcoming cruise to Alaska this May. I have found NCL's excursion listings perfectly informative, with the wheelchair-suitable ones not only flagged with a wheelchair icon, but the tour description goes into specifics on what the participant needs to be able to do: walk up or down a ramp or stairs, only bring a manual wheelchair (no scooter), etc. Plus, whenever I called the excursion line, I talked to someone who had taken those tours and gave me great information on them. I have a lot of issues with NCL's (lack of) customer service but this wasn't one of them.

I also found that more tours were gradually added as the cruise date got closer. You don't mention when you are cruising; perhaps more suitable tours will be added later.

NCL can't provide detailed information for every single disability. There are thousands of disabilities, in 14 different categories.

I love the Special Access desk. Without them, my husband wouldn't be able to cruise.

If you need any help, I would be willing to try. I am going on the Breakaway in 8 days, but I can help you before then.

I don't think we could change. It was hard enough to find an assessable balcony+ with nearby rooms. This was the third cruise I tried, and we were restricted to June or August and didn't want to get that far into hurricane season if possible. We really wanted southern Caribbean, but it just didn't work out. Europe would have been awesome, but $1600 plane tickets for us and first class tickets for my parents was cost prohibitive. My parents have been to Alaska twice and cruised it once.

I may have just got unhelpful people yesterday. I do hope more excursions open up. I know one of the two handicap accessible excursions is currently not listed for me on the website (a trip of tequila sampling---not really multigenerational friendly.) I think that's it for this cruise, but maybe more level one tours will open.

I think we will do Harvest Caye together, and just book one or two outside tours. Thank you for the recommendations.

As far as info about disabilities, until you've been in charge of organizing and traveling with a multigenerational group that includes limited mobility adults, (and an ADHD kid) you might just not get it. By default, I am in charge of organizing all this and it's incredibly difficult to watch people you love struggle and keep control of the kids and delegate things to the other adults, etc... I'm just trying to know what to expect upon arrival that day and find out what they can do to help smooth things out and make this a pleasant or non-painful experience. I've read a few horror stories of elderly disabled people waiting in line with no where to sit, etc...

Again, thanks for the leads and those who offered some empathy. My post did say "vent." ;-)

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

An issue I have experience with. NCL is definitely not as solicitous either pre-cruise or during the cruise of assisting with disability issues. They say the right words, but their default is usually to say, "oh sorry, not possible'" instead of working the problem. My only comparison, though, is Disney, which may be hyper vigilant on the other end. I cannot speak to RCI, Carnival, etc., though you hear things in the disabled community and it seems Celebrity is top notch.

Just a little example -- if able bodied folks are using the disabled access tables at the buffet and the available tables do not have adequate clearance between chairs, good luck finding an officer willing to assist instead of leaving you to have a confrontation. Disney knew how to discretely handle. Admittedly a minor issue but they do add up.

Our family has a wheelchair passenger in our part and has cruised often with NCL and you do have to be prepared to do your own research and planning, and also to be assertive when someone tries to tell you no. We are DIY cruisers, though, largely because of this issue. We rent cars whenever possible and research point to point barrier challenges, which is a lot of work but better than relying on someone else predisposed to just say no.

Once on the ships, access is generally great. Although for some reason Jade in its wisdom only has one elevator down to the main dining room and even when you can summon it it is often full. Fortunately our disabled cruiser is light enough to be carried short distances, but NCL's ambivalent shrugs about the problem are grating (not that they can really do anything about the problem).