Carnival Freedom & Handicap Issues- Please Help!!!

[Rusty B]

Hi! My husband & I are going on Carnival (Freedom) and we are booked in a fully handicapped room. My husband uses a "Pride/Go Go/Ultra". Can anyone help advise us... Is this ship "handicap- friendly", primarily in "getting around" and "navigating the ship"? What about the dining rooms? What about the pool areas? Are there any "adult-only" pool areas? Are the main area doors "automatic", that he can go around by himself? He only plans to get off the ship in Ocho Rios and we HOPE to take the "general sightseeing/ bus tour"... Will this work (He can climb a few stairs)?? What about embarkation & disembarkation..Is this fairly easy for him to do in his wheelchair? ANY and ALL comments would be SOOO appreciated by us (about this ship and his handicap issues/ needs)!!! MANY, MANY THANKS!!! Rusty & Judy (the nervous one!)

[maureencruiser]

Hi Rusty and Judy- Wow, you do have a lot of questions! I tried searching the Carnival reviews, but, didn't find anything useful.. Did you search this forum for Carnival. I think the ships are more or less HC friendly, but, the people here will know all the ins and out. If you booked with a TA, I would hand him/her my list of questions and have them get answers. If you booked yourself, call the cruiseline and read every word on their website . I'll poke around a bit and see if I find anything. I'm going on the other Freedom (Royal Caribbean)...Maureen

[leoandhugh]

Can't answer your specific questions, but since Carnival Freedom is a relatively new ship, she will be handicapped friendly, particularly since you have an accessible cabin. Access to all the public rooms will be easy with his scooter since there are no ramps involved.

We also travel with a GoGo scooter which provides a lot of independence on board the ship. However, we also take a manual fold-up wheelchair for shore excursions. Many of the busses used for shore excursions or taxis if that is your choice do not take scooters or electric wheelchairs, so I think you may find that to be the case in Ocho Rios. While he may be able to climb the few steps into the bus, the question becomes what do you do with the scooter while on the bus.

[uppitycats]

Hi! My husband & I are going on Carnival (Freedom) and we are booked in a fully handicapped room. My husband uses a "Pride/Go Go/Ultra". Can anyone help advise us... Is this ship "handicap- friendly", primarily in "getting around" and "navigating the ship"? What about the dining rooms? What about the pool areas? Are there any "adult-only" pool areas? Are the main area doors "automatic", that he can go around by himself? He only plans to get off the ship in Ocho Rios and we HOPE to take the "general sightseeing/ bus tour"... Will this work (He can climb a few stairs)?? What about embarkation & disembarkation..Is this fairly easy for him to do in his wheelchair? ANY and ALL comments would be SOOO appreciated by us (about this ship and his handicap issues/ needs)!!! MANY, MANY THANKS!!! Rusty & Judy (the nervous one!)

 

In the Cabin: I've not sailed specifically on this Carnival ship -- but in general, yes the Carnival ships are handicap friendly. We found the handicap-accessible cabin particularly spacious, with a great totally roll-in shower, with a drop-down shower seat, lots of handrails, lots of room IN the shower for someone who might need assistance showering, and a great toilet and sink area. Since the ship you'll be on is even newer, I'm going to guess that will be the same, if not better.

 

Other bathroom accessibility: One thing that was a problem on the Carnival ship I was on, was that I only found one "public bathroom" to be wheelchair friendly. Otherwise I had to return to my cabin to use a toilet. Hopefully the newer ship will be better.

 

Embarkation/disembarkation: Presumably you've been in contact with their special needs department. If they know when to expect you (I had their number on my cell phone), they will meet you at the port, and escort both of you onto the ship, helping with the gangway and all that, and directly to your cabin. Same for getting off - -when you show up at the exit, there'll be crew ready to assist you getting off. This would be true for any time you want to get off at ports along the way, or for your initial boarding and leaving the ship.

 

If you just show up at the pier ready for boarding, you'd need to look around for a Carnival representative (they usually have on a uniform with the Carnival logo, or name tags, or other identification), and they'll quickly find crew members to help. We've never had to wait more than 15-20 minutes for assistance.

 

Getting around the ship: Again, my experience was on a somewhat older Carnival ship -- but I only found one area -- way at the top, where there was a putting green -- that was not accessible. **But note**: I don't go swimming or use the pools, so while I know I certainly could wheel around the pool area, I don't know if there was a way I could have gotten IN to the pool if I'd wanted to go swimming.

 

Muster Drill: When you board, if you stop at the purser's desk and remind them of your husband's need to use a wheelchair for mobility, one of a few things might happen: They'll allow you to stay in your cabin and view the muster drill on the television. Or they'll have a crew member come to your cabin and escort you to the muster area a bit before the time the drill is actually scheduled. Or they'll inform the crew member who will be stationed at the elevator -- denying access to all able-bodied folks -- and they'll help you get into the elevator and to the proper deck for your muster station.

 

Dining: You can handle the main dining room a couple of ways, depending on how far or easily your husband can walk: a) he can park his chair along a wall (one of the dining crew will show him where) and walk to his seat, or b) he can use his wheelchair to get to the table, transfer into a dining chair, and one of the crew will "drive" his chair away to park it, and bring it back when you ask for it; c) he can simply stay in his chair, move up to the table, and they'll quickly remove a chair so he can stay in his wheelchair -- whatever works for him, they'll work hard to accommodate.

 

I always show up at the dining room some time in the middle of the first afternoon and talk to the maitre'D or head of dining or "somebody in charge" to make sure that I get a table close to the door and yet out of a major traffic pattern, so that I can be seated quickly and comfortably and not in the way of major traffiic movement through the dining room.

 

Buffets are a challenge as people don't always pay attention and back into folks in wheelchairs, and there aren't trays to carry food, so you'd likely end up having to carry a tray for both of you, to a table.

 

The smaller dining venues are accessible -- they'll move chairs to accommodate when necessary.

 

automatic doors: You'd have to ask the special needs department about this. There were none on the ship I was on, but they may be on the newer ship. At any rate, I always found people willing to open doors -- and there really weren't all that many -- in public areas, if I wanted to move from place to place. Usually doors were open, including doors to the outside deck. Just make sure your husband is careful about moving in and out to the outside decks -- sometimes the ramps are quite steep. On my last cruise (on an NCL ship) I wasn't paying attention, started down a ramp that was too steep, and got thrown out of my chair. Fortunately I wasn't hurt...well, my dignity was bruised..but otherwise I was OK. :o

 

tours: They generally use buses..with several rather high steps...so only your husband will be able to judge whether he can manage that or not. And what will you do with his wheelchair if he boards the bus? They won't take power chairs on board at all, and only rarely collapsible wheelchairs...

 

Have a great cruise!

[mdvlprof]

Great overview regarding HC issues.;)

 

OP- We'll be sailing on sister ship in less than two weeks. Will keep an eye out to give advice upon our return.

[Rusty B]

MANY, MANY THANKS for all the info!!! We're feeling much better and less apprehensive about the ship and HC issues!!! Thanks to you-ALL, we're ready to sail and have a FUN and RELAXING cruise!!! Happy Holidays to YOU!!! Judy & Rusty

[Rusty B]

Hi, Again! When we arrive at the ship and go to "board", I know we will have two suitcases and 1 "carry-on" bag, then my husband will be in his "Go-Go", and then how do we handle his "walker" (strickly for the room) AND his "regular/ push" wheelchair (for the shore excursions)...???... Will they be willing to "board" all of this??? It seems "extreme" to me, but is what he will need to "be a happy camper"!!!!!!!!!! Again, THANKS for all of your help, for sure!!!! Judy (the worrier) and Rusty

[uppitycats]

Hi, Again! When we arrive at the ship and go to "board", I know we will have two suitcases and 1 "carry-on" bag, then my husband will be in his "Go-Go", and then how do we handle his "walker" (strickly for the room) AND his "regular/ push" wheelchair (for the shore excursions)...???... Will they be willing to "board" all of this??? It seems "extreme" to me, but is what he will need to "be a happy camper"!!!!!!!!!! Again, THANKS for all of your help, for sure!!!! Judy (the worrier) and Rusty

 

The suitcases are handled just like they would be on a plane -- taken from you and loaded for you, and they'll show up at your cabin door sometime later in the afternoon. Depending on what you'll have in your carry-on, you can have them take that too. They will also be willing to take the manual chair (or you can push it), and walker. I'd probably use bungee cords on the manual chair (and depending on the size of the walker and whether it folds or not), bungee-cord (or duct-tape) the walker to the manual chair, and let them take that on board, too.

 

You'll get luggage tags (or print them out from the cruiseline web site) for all this. Or if you don't have enough, you can get more at the port when you go to check in.

 

It may also be that...when you're met at the port to board and they see you with all that equipment, they'll get a couple other people to gather it up and take it with you, directly on board.

 

If your husband is going to use his power chair to board, make sure to tell him that the gangway can be steep, and don't be afraid to ask for assistance if he feels uncomfortable, or if it's not powerful enough to manage the grade.

 

Have a great cruise!

[Rusty B]

Hi There!

You are TRULY AWESOME!!! We SOOO appreciate your wisdom and help and you are making us feel way-more "comfortable" about this cruise and the HC issues!!! THANKS ever so much for taking the time to respond to our concerns!!! Thanks to you, we now feel that ALL will go well and that we WILL have a great time!!! Again, MANY THANKS!!! Happy Holidays!!! Judy & Rusty

[uppitycats]

Hi There!

You are TRULY AWESOME!!! We SOOO appreciate your wisdom and help and you are making us feel way-more "comfortable" about this cruise and the HC issues!!! THANKS ever so much for taking the time to respond to our concerns!!! Thanks to you, we now feel that ALL will go well and that we WILL have a great time!!! Again, MANY THANKS!!! Happy Holidays!!! Judy & Rusty

 

 

You didn't ask this question :o but it may come up: What to do about medications?

 

If your husband is on any meds (or you, for that matter), you should keep them in their original containers, with the prescription label on the container (or at least readily available). Put the containers in a clear zip bag, and keep them with you in a carry-on. You may...or may not...have to show them. If they're in the clear bag on the top of your carry-on, you can 'whip them out", show them to the authorities, and be on your way.

 

And you don't want to pack them in your stowed luggage -- what if that's lost? You'd be in trouble without your meds!! I alway carry a second copy of the prescription in my stowed luggage, though..just in case I lose my carryon, or lose the bottle of meds (or like I did one time..open a bottle over the sink, drop it, have half the pills tumble down the drain :eek:)

 

If you're one of those folks who buy your meds in 3-month supplies and you have those huge awkward bottles, you can go to your local pharmacy, and generally for free or for a very small fee, they'll re-package a week or two supply into smaller containers, and put the label on the smaller containers. You should always add a day or two's worth of meds that what you think you'll actually need: stuff happens; there are delays, you might get stuck having to stay overnight somewhere along the way.

 

None of your husband's extra equipment..or his extra carryon (with meds) will "count" toward your luggage restrictions (this is of course assuming you're flying). In other words, he can have his carry-on with any medical stuff in it...and another with the ordinary "gotta have in my carry-on" stuff. :)

 

I'm glad to know I was helpful. Have a great cruise!

[Rusty B]

MANY THANKS to ALL of you for your help and advice!!! You have helped us "feel secure", and now- we're going to "Go and DO IT"!!!

This board (and, you guys) have helped us to understand this "handicap" issue WAY more than CCL has... But, We're looking forward to a GREAT week!!!! MANY THANKS!!!! Judy & Rusty

[Rusty B]

Hi, Everyone! We had a wonderful time on The Carnival Freedom and my husband's handicap issues were NEVER a problem!!! The "check-in/ embarkation" was the easiest and smoothest EVER; the handicap stateroom we had was almost "perfect" (just wish it hadn't been an inside room, but it was in a GREAT location (mid-ship, Deck 6); EVERYONE (staff and passengers) were very curteous and helpful; the food was GREAT (TOO good... :-))); the quality of live music and the shows was outstanding; ALL was FUN and MOST enjoyable!!! We had 2 suitcases, 1 carry-on bag, walker, electric scooter and a push/ travel (folding) wheelchair- They accommodated loading and unloading ALL of this, with the exception of the elec. Go-Go- my husband used this to embark and disembark, as well as going everywhere on the ship all week!!! We used the push-wheelchair in the ports and the tour buses could handle this!!!

MANY THANKS for ALL of your help and advice here, prior to us going on the cruise!!! We had a wonderful time and would do it again in a heartbeat!!! Judy & Rusty

[DWofHandicappedCruiser]

So glad you had a good time. I am AB but DH has MS and we LOVE Carnival! It's a great vacation for both of us. No cooking or driving for me (oh, goody - extra cocktails) and we get to see places we can't drive to. We have fallen in love with Mexico and this year have gone on 4 cruises with another scheduled for January. Alaska in August should be great and NO tenders if you take the Spirit roundtrip from Seattle. TIP for new Carnival H/C cruisers: As soon as you board a ship, go to the purser's desk - do not stand in line - simply cut through and pick up the little handout maps of the ship they have waiting on the counter next to the Capers. This delightful handout is very helpful and we just make a note of the best bathrooms on the ship for DH's particular disability (usually 3-4 public ones) and refer to it throughout the cruise. This solves the problem of his sometimes urgent need. Plus we now travel with a collapsible as well as his electric chair. I just push him off the ship and we take a regular cab to the destinations in port. Then you can take your own time and if you find another person or couple to share, it cuts the cost. We used to hire a disabled van and guide in every port but that's about $250-350 a shot plus tip so we have found it's cheaper this way and we still get to hang out, stop at a restaurant without feeling rushed and have plenty of time to talk to locals and get more tips on great places to go in wheelchairs. Once we found a walking guide in Acapulco who took us all over for almost 5 hours. Cost for both of us? 40 bucks and a 20 dollar tip.That's about 5 bucks an hour each and we got to see what WE wanted to and spend the time where we wanted to. Use normal common sense and always get a certified guide or taxi driver from the pier and you'll be totally safe. They will tell you how to find one for the return trip to the ship. Happy cruising!

Suzie

[uppitycats]

RustyB, I'm glad your cruise went well! Sounds like you had a great time.

So, have you signed up for another one?? :D

[Rusty B]

We are booked on HAL, (Masdaam) 2-week Caribbean Cruise, end of April. And, we have just booked another "Princess" (Grand Princess) cruise for next January for 2-week, Caribbean. The biggest problem for us is to find a fully "handicapped" stateroom with a balcony... Princess Cruises seems to understand this "issue" the best for us!!! Carnival doesn't, neither HAL... When we went Crown Princess last year w/hadicapped room + balcony- It was "perfect"...

I am a fully energized "jump-bunny" and my husband is walker/ mostly wheelchair (Parkinson's Disease)... Cruises are a "PERFECT" way for us to be travelling together, for sure!!! And, that is the way we choose to travel now, as we want to travel together!!!

Happy New Year!!! Cheers to You!!! Judy & Rusty