Muster on Carnival

[mosaic_mom]

I use a rollator due to my disability. I contacted Carnival about this since this is the first time I am cruising with the rollator. They sent me the forms and I filled them out and sent them in to them. Now that I am registered with the Special Needs Department, is it necessary for me to go to the Purser's desk when we get onboard to check with them about Muster drill? Or will they know this? How will I find out how to handle this? I really don't want to go to the Purser's desk if I don't have to, but I am unable to stand for the duration of a regular Muster drill. We are traveling on Carnival Freedom if anyone has been on that particular ship.

[RLM77]

We were on Carnival Pride in 2009. I at that point was using a cane due to MS. Special Needs was aware of my condition due to having ordered a Sharpies container.

 

When we showed up for muster drill, we went early to make sure we had no problem getting an elevator, to minimize my getting jostled as I lose my balance easily, and to speak with one of the crew assigned to our muster station.

 

When we registered with the crewmember, we were promptly escorted to a nearby lounge with other disabled/impaired folk where we could be seated. We could hear the instructions clearly and were directed to the elevators before the rest of the drill was dismissed so as to have no competition for an elevator.

 

It was easy, pleasant and required no visit to the Guest Services. Do get there early though, when they are not busy yet.

[mosaic_mom]

Thank you for your reply. That sounds a lot better than waiting in line at the Guest Services desk (keep forgetting it's not Purser's desk any more, lol).

[Cruise Envy]

My husband has some mobility issues. We went to the muster drill (our station as the Universal Lounge) and during the instructions, they stated for anyone who couldn't manage the two flights of stairs or the standing to raise their hands and they would make a note and exclude you from it. You should have no issues. This was on the Fantasy Thanksgiving week.

[krisnme]

Just off the Freedom in Oct. At muster time we were approached by a crew member and then it was announced that persons with mobility issues should report to the library. It was much nicer, only about 20 people, we were given printed emergency instructions, and a short talk. They also confirmed that we were on "the list". Don't bother going to Guest services, you don't need to. the problem was trying to leave the library as the halls were crowded with people coming in from their muster stations, grab a crew member to hold up traffic for you or prepare to just wait 10 or 15 minutes. Enjoy the Freedom, she was great for our family (10 ppl, one scooter, one wheelchair) One other hint, when heading to dinner, plan to be 5min late, otherwise you can't squeeze out of the elevator into the lobby. if you wait, everyone else will be headed to their tables.

[mosaic_mom]

Thanks for the replies. And thanks for the advice on the dining room. I would not have even thought of that. I guess it would be the same thing when getting off the ship at ports.

[krisnme]

Thanks for the replies. And thanks for the advice on the dining room. I would not have even thought of that. I guess it would be the same thing when getting off the ship at ports.

 

Actually, unless you want to be the first off the ship, we found that it was not too bad, The line goes pretty quick to disembark, it was returning to the ship that was a long wait, But the wheelchair and scooter and those with walkers were escorted to a seperate line so they could be assisted up the gangplank. Just thought of another one for you, try to arrive early to shows as the seats near the aisles fill up first and it can be hard to get to a seat in the middle of the row.

[mosaic_mom]

Thank you for your suggestions and comments. You brought up so many more things I didn't think of. Forgot about how steep that gangplank can get in ports and getting a seat at the shows.

[Quampapetet]

I was on the Carnival Glory this year and don't recall hearing any announcements about a special needs area for muster. Nobody ever mentioned one to me, either, and they can tell I'm disabled because I have my service dog with me. So, if you don't hear anything and nobody says anything to you and you want to use the special needs area, you'll have to ask and hopefully they will know something about it!

[bluehenfan]

I was on the Carnival Glory this year and don't recall hearing any announcements about a special needs area for muster. Nobody ever mentioned one to me, either, and they can tell I'm disabled because I have my service dog with me. So, if you don't hear anything and nobody says anything to you and you want to use the special needs area, you'll have to ask and hopefully they will know something about it!

When I was on the Glory last year I was still able to do steps, so I walked down to our muster station, but after about 10 mins. of waiting in a crammed line for the stragglers to arrive, I could feel my legs wobbling and I got light headed. I got out of line and sort of leaned on the railing and a crew member quickly came over and lead me to the library. On my next cruise my mobility was even worse. I told the person directing traffic in our hallway before the drill that I couldn't do steps or stand in one place for long. I was instructed to return to my room. Curious to see how drill is handled next week on the Pride again as I now have to use a scooter to get around.

[mosaic_mom]

When I was on the Glory last year I was still able to do steps, so I walked down to our muster station, but after about 10 mins. of waiting in a crammed line for the stragglers to arrive, I could feel my legs wobbling and I got light headed. I got out of line and sort of leaned on the railing and a crew member quickly came over and lead me to the library. On my next cruise my mobility was even worse. I told the person directing traffic in our hallway before the drill that I couldn't do steps or stand in one place for long. I was instructed to return to my room. Curious to see how drill is handled next week on the Pride again as I now have to use a scooter to get around.

 

That almost sounds like my issues. I noticed my last cruise that I could walk further but when standing my legs would get weak. Now that my condition has advanced, I use a rollator on bad days and a forearm crutch on good days. 2 weeks to go for me. We will be up on deck before muster, so we'll go to our station and ask where to go.

[kjunea]

On the Legend in October, my mom uses a Rollator and I use a cane and a brace. We went a bit early and were immediately directed to a lounge, where they gave us written directions and a short talk. They even let us leave early, before they dismissed the other muster stations!

 

If the crew member does not automatically direct you there when they see you, tell them you cannot stand for a long period of time and they will escort you to the inside waiting area. It's wonderful when it is boiling hot outside!