Boarding The Ships Tender

[pb3053]

Hi,

 

We are a party of 4 'oldsters' booked on the Ventura (N14) in June.

The 2 ladies in our party are not very nimble on their feet, one has MS and the other has metal rods in her back. Both can stand and walk 15 or 20 feet before needing the use of a wheelchair.

 

We would all like to go ashore when the ship visits St.Peters Port but the trip ashore is by the ships tender. Not ever having seen what is involved in boarding the tender I wonder if some kind soul could advise us if boarding the tender from Ventura is a practicle possibility bearing in mind the swell and the fact that the ladies, not being very fast on their feet, are not overly confident about stepping from Ventura into the tender and vice versa when they come back.

[Johnthed0g]

To be honest unless it is really calm it may be difficult, the tender can rise & fall a couple of feet, the crew will not lift passengers either. One consolation is it will probably be too rough to land anyway!!

[Merlin7]

If the ladies can stand up and walk a few steps then it should not be a problem.

 

Despite having limited mobility problems we always take the, always proferred, hand of the P&O staff on embarking a tender.

[Merlin7]

BTW.

 

The staff will always wait for the optimum moment for a passenger to embark a tender, even with a swell.

[Meg50]

The ship tries to moor in such a way that the tenders are sheltered.

 

They should look at the sea conditions on the day.

 

One of the highlights of a tender trip is being manhandled by the very efficient P&O staff. Just trust them and do as they say.

[Norfolk Brit]

One of the highlights of a tender trip is being manhandled by the very efficient P&O staff. Just trust them and do as they say.

 

Haven't tendered in St Peter Port with P&O, but have on Marco Polo in fairly rough weather with my mother, registered blind, a little rickety, and then aged 84. You have to trust the staff, who will get your friends safely onto the tender. I had a fleeting moment of terror while watching, but fortunately have yet to claim my inheritence:D.

 

Have a lovely time.

 

Mary

[capasamari]

I would echo the advice to do as you are told by the crew, don't try and manage by yourself, they are there to help and they understand the boat and ship movements far better than we do.

 

Carol x

[OldJerseycruiser]

Also, most times, where you tender to in Guernsey, there will be a flight of steps for you to climb.

[pb3053]

Also, most times, where you tender to in Guernsey, there will be a flight of steps for you to climb.

 

Oh!. I think thats the 'clincher' then. I dont think the visit is looking like a viable proposition. Hadnt considered steps the other end.

 

Thanks everyone for your input.

[OldJerseycruiser]

You could always ask on the day, as if it is a particularly high tide, it would only be a few steps or more exceptionally, they may land you on the ramp, but it all depends on the height of the tide that day.

[Johnthed0g]

I wouldn't give up, I gave a realistic opinion so as not to build your hopes up as this port is notoriously difficult to get in to. Try on the day & good luck!