Mura Posted August 12, 2012 #26 Share Posted August 12, 2012 I had some interchanges with a friend on the old yahoo board a few years ago who hadn't traveled at all in the U.S. Her husband wanted to see everything he could in Europe before doing anything here. (We'd been discussing trips in the national park system.) I responded that's fine, but if you want to really see the national parks you have to be able to hike. If you wait too long, you'll miss some of the best sights right here at home. So it works both ways! Mura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted August 12, 2012 #27 Share Posted August 12, 2012 Alas, another example of how youth is wasted on the young. When I was younger and fitter I had neither the time nor the money to do all the things I am doing now. Oh I travelled -- with a backpack, on the trains, in budget pensions -- it was fun but . Now that I have the time and the money -- you know the rest . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bashful3 Posted August 12, 2012 Author #28 Share Posted August 12, 2012 Yes, the crew is extremely helpful when passengers need 'extra' assistance. They could not be more gracious. What an interesting observation about O canceling shore excursions due to lack of participation! Maybe if they did a better job of contracting for varied tours for different interests they would make more money. There appears to be a weakness in the management oversight/planning here. Yes, they are overpriced, but that was not the focus of my complaint. If I felt Oceania cared about planning interesting excursions for the physically challenged as well as the fit and hearty I would not mind paying more for the convenience. As in Egypt, where my husband and I do plan to take O's offerings, due to emphasis on safety concerns. But, if they aren't willing to shift their position on tours that are fascinating, but less strenuous, I would be forced to book with other more accomodating cruise lines in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted August 12, 2012 #29 Share Posted August 12, 2012 [quote name= What an interesting observation about O canceling shore excursions due to lack of participation! .[/quote] That's not just O. It happens on every cruise line. There is a "number" they need to make the tour profitable. Another reason to book your own tours. I have a different point of view on safety in Egypt and Israel. I am going to Egypt and Israel on O next year and I am shying away from large groups. I think a bus full of cruisers (largely Americans) is a bigger "target" than a group of 4 with a private guide. Whatever you do, enjoy your travels and make the most of every minute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Frances Posted August 12, 2012 #30 Share Posted August 12, 2012 <snip> But, here's my question to others who are mobililty challenged: have you experienced a more pro-active approach on the part of other cruise lines? <snip> This is Celebrity's Accessible info - not sure if this is what you are looking for:) http://www.celebritycruises.com/plancruise/shoreExcursions/home.do?pagename=shore_and_land_excursions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esther e Posted August 12, 2012 #31 Share Posted August 12, 2012 Those photos say it all -- it is why my husband and I are traveling like maniacs now (3 major trips a year) -- while we still can negotiate those ridiculous steps and hills. I made it to the top of Mt. St. Michel -- he quit after 3/4 of the way up -- he and a friend had had enough. The clock is ticking . . . . Unfortunately, in some locations it may be impossible to arrange a tour that truly accommodates the mobility challenged passenger, other than a drive by photo shoot. You must have read my mind. My husband took an very early retirement at the age of 53 and we did everything we wanted: several cross-country driving trips, lots of European vacations -- to every part of Europe. We walked and climbed and ate and drank and walked far and fast. I have lots of wonderful memories. I'm so glad we did it when we did because it would not have been at all possible for either of us now. So, do what you want while you're able. And I mean it! Sorry to get off topic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted August 12, 2012 #32 Share Posted August 12, 2012 You may want to ask what other cruise lines do on the Disabled forum http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190 Oceania does have some private tours that they can tailor to your needs for a fee I would talk to Destination Services when you board & tell them your circumstances & the tours you are on so they can "reserve" seats at the front of the bus or suggest other arrangements Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bashful3 Posted August 13, 2012 Author #33 Share Posted August 13, 2012 Yes, that is so helpful. I have been on Celebrity, and it was great. What attracted us to Oceania were the smaller ships, which we do prefer. However, going forward, the mobility issues will become more important to me. If Oceania can't be more accomodating in its scheduling, I'll book with Celebrity instead. (Or other cruise lines with a more enlightened approach, once I find them) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorisis Posted August 14, 2012 #34 Share Posted August 14, 2012 We have traveled with our mobility challenged friend on several Regatta cruises, They DO HAVE cabins for the handicapped. ~Doris~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floridiana Posted August 14, 2012 #35 Share Posted August 14, 2012 Oh. I guess I'd forgotten that Oceania veterans hate the ship's excursions. Really? Anecdotes on this board are proof? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Frances Posted August 14, 2012 #36 Share Posted August 14, 2012 Yes, that is so helpful. I have been on Celebrity, and it was great. What attracted us toOceania were the smaller ships, which we do prefer. However, going forward, the mobility issues will become more important to me. If Oceania can't be more accomodating in its scheduling, I'll book with Celebrity instead. (Or other cruise lines with a more enlightened approach, once I find them) http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/Life-Onboard/Special-Needs/Accessibility-Ashore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillianrose Posted August 14, 2012 #37 Share Posted August 14, 2012 Even the two new ships?? I can understand the inherited older R ships not being accessible, but it's hard to believe O would build inaccessible ships. The "older R ships" are newer than other ships on other lines sailing that have better accessibility. If the "R" ships weren't built for accessibility, they can be retrofitted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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