Taking Grandma-Advise please

[CruisingSteelerGirl]

We are surprising my mother for Christmas and paid for a cruise for her. She will be going on the Pride with us in March. She has been on a cruise years ago and I know she wanted to go on another one. So, we got her a balcony of her own. On Christmas morning it is going to be like "The Christmas Story" where she finds a little cruiseship way behind the tree that has grandmas name on it. Never is a million years will she believe she is getting a cruise. She will freak...

 

Here is where I need suggestions...She is 78 years old. She can walk slightly(arthritis in one foot) We booked her a room right next to us if there is a problem. Walking very short distances is ok. Do I get her a wheelchair for the ship just to be safe? Not sure if there is a specific room to accommodate this?

 

 

I have no idea on what activities are available for her other than bingo and casino. Suggestions on that would be great!

 

Thanks in avance.

[meatloafsfan]

I would get her a wheelchair.

 

You can buy one for close to the amount that you'd pay to rent one for the week.

 

As long as it folds up (and I would highly recommend getting one that does), it will fit in the cabin - you just may not be able to roll your grandmother into the cabin in the wheelchair. She'll need to walk into (and out of the cabin). If you're using it only for distance, it shouldn't be a problem.

[vlynn]

What an great surprise! We ordered a wheel chair for my MIL when she was having hip issues. They delivered it to her room (standard room) and then picked it up on the last day. It was a great help. I wish I remembered the specifices: who we ordered from and the cost. I know the cost was very reasonable.

 

Activities: In addition to what you mentioned. There is music, trivia, people watching, shows....The Pride has wonderful areas to sit and look at the ocean as well. If you haven't been on The Pride before; it is easy to navigate, which should be a plus!

 

I am sure she will have a great time!! Don't worry too much! :D

 

Please come back and tell us about her reaction. I am sure it is going to be wonderful! Merry Christmas!

[CruisingSteelerGirl]

Thank you for the responses. I have been on Pride before in fact during Thanksgiving. Great ship. I live near Tampa.

 

As far as the wheelchair, do they cost extra on the ship?

 

 

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[WELDON]

You should check out a website called Special Needs at Sea. They rent wheelchairs. I've used them to rent a transport chair for my mother. The chair is lightweight and folds easily. The chair is delivered to your cabin by the time you get on the ship and is picked up after the cruise.

[Luckyone2]

You are the best child ever! I cannot imagine how excited your mother is going to be! Not to mention all the lasting memories that are going to be made for you and your children!

 

Yes, I would get a wheel chair or a scooter. This would help your mom to easily access all areas of the cruise ship without wearing her out. You would need to check with Carnival, but I have seen wheel chairs parked on the outside of cabins. That might have been MSC. It would be ideal if your mom could fit into a narrow wheel chair that would fit into a cabin doorway. (Again, check with Carnival.) My mom just got narrow one that is extremely collapsible. The handicapped rooms have bathrooms that are handicapped accessible which it doesn't sound like your mom needs. You might want to get your mom used to the idea of a wheel chair; really, the only reason that it sounds like she needs it is to save her energy.

 

One of the many things that I have been pleased about cruising is the easy access that handicapped and/or older people have on a cruise ship. It is comforting to know that when and if I need a wheelchair, cruising can still be my guilty pleasure.

 

Your mom will enjoy most of the activities on the cruise. I am 60 and still enjoy all the things that the young folks do. I might not be able to participate, but I do love to watch. Your mom will love the shows and comedy clubs. I just love going from room to room, stopping to listen to any live music or just to people watch. The pool parties and activities are fun to watch. The Taste Bar is cool. I play a little nickel slots, but I do love watching others play and win in the casino. I especially enjoyed eating in the dining room all meals; after years of cooking, I love being waited on. I would make sure that she has time to rest, especially if something great is coming up later that afternoon. If you got Your Time Dining, you wouldn't be stuck with a rigid dinner schedule. I love YTD because we can get dinner service when we are ready, not when Carnival is ready. There are so many things to do on a cruise, but the best thing that I like to do is watch the ocean and sunsets from my balcony.

 

I do want to hear about your mom's reaction to this thoughtful gift. I hope that you post a trip report with pictures. What a wonderful family that you have to include their grandmother on the family vacation! You are a most precious child and parent!

[mommom of 7]

I agree with everything so far & would like to add that you can ask your cabin steward for a shower bench. We get one for Larry & he feels safer sitting than standing on a moving ship in the shower water. ( NO the ship isn't moving on the shower water ):D

Char

[kelkel2]

I agree with everyone and I would go ahead and get the wheelchair rented because if walking can be an issue I would rather have it and be safe! As far as a handicapped cabin I don't think you should need that since she can walk into the cabin and you can fold up the wheelchair while in the cabin.

Without knowing your mother I wouldn't be able to say what kinds of activities she would be interested in, but the cruise lines really do a great job with getting activities planned for everyone. Just look at the fun times the night before and check out what you think everyone would like. There are always relaxing activities going on!

[CanadianDee]

Wow, that's truly gonna be a very a special Christmas gift. Speaking as a Grandma, just wow, not only to the expense but to the special gift of time. :)

[serene56]

Thank you for the responses. I have been on Pride before in fact during Thanksgiving. Great ship. I live near Tampa.

 

As far as the wheelchair, do they cost extra on the ship?

 

 

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Wheelchairs onboard are for people who have accidents- they have very few. I would NOT depend on having a wheel chair for you supplied by the cruiselines. (the cruiseline wheel chair can also NOT be used off the ship so what would you use for shore excursions?

 

 

We got my mom a chair= she was stuck with someone pushing her.

After that initial cruise we got a scooter. so much easier.

 

Regular cabins can not accomadate the scooter so we had her take it to guest services for charging each night and she can walk to the cabin and go back down in the morning to get it.

 

The wheel chair-- will not fit through the regular cabin door- so she would need to walk from the door to the cabin then close the chair.

 

Look into a scooter too

[jarvb]

You may want to consider a regular foldable wheelchair instead of a transport chair. The transport chair would require someone to move her all the time or for her to scoot with her feet if she wanted to move herself a little. all the wheels on a transport chair are small and the same size. If she decides to get off the ship, a regular wheelchair will be a more comfortable ride and more manageable to maneuver.They fold up just as easily as the companion chair and shouldn't be much more, if any more expensive to rent. The two companies that deliver to the cruise ships are Care Vacations and Special Needs at Sea. both are good companies and should be able to deliver a chair to a ship in Florida. If you need other specialized equipment we have found Special Needs at Sea was able to supply what we needed. Have a greet trip!

[stargate fan]

We are surprising my mother for Christmas and paid for a cruise for her. She will be going on the Pride with us in March. She has been on a cruise years ago and I know she wanted to go on another one. So, we got her a balcony of her own. On Christmas morning it is going to be like "The Christmas Story" where she finds a little cruiseship way behind the tree that has grandmas name on it. Never is a million years will she believe she is getting a cruise. She will freak...

 

Here is where I need suggestions...She is 78 years old. She can walk slightly(arthritis in one foot) We booked her a room right next to us if there is a problem. Walking very short distances is ok. Do I get her a wheelchair for the ship just to be safe? Not sure if there is a specific room to accommodate this?

 

I have no idea on what activities are available for her other than bingo and casino. Suggestions on that would be great!

 

Thanks in avance.

 

Very nice gift indeed.

 

I disagree with others about the wheel chair, though. How soon after Christmas are you sailing? Is there enough time after presenting her with the cruise to ask her how she feels about using a wheel chair? Does she use one at home?

 

My mom is 74 and does not walk well at all because she has terrible hip issues and feet pain. But there was no way that she was going to use a wheel chair on cruises that we've sailed together. She was horrified that I even suggested that.

 

Hint: When it was time for muster drill, we found a crew member and mentioned that mom couldn't do stairs. We were taken to a lounge by elevator and sat while the instructions were given. Best. Muster. Drills. Ever!

 

My mom enjoyed listening to other people massacre songs at karaoke, listening to performers sing well, going to trivia, sitting by a window and reading, perusing the gift shops, making her way around the buffet and trying different food, and comedy shows in the Punchliner.

 

Hope the surprise goes well. (I LOVE surprises!)

[katiel53]

You mother is one lucky lady for you to be doing this for her. I'm sure she will enjoy it. I'd like to make a different suggestion for you though. My dad who traveled with us until he passed away at almost 98, had some mobility issues also. He wanted to be independent though and would never have settled for someone having to wheel him around.

 

He always rented a scooter from Special needs at sea or somewhere like that. It gave him the ability to go all over the ship when HE wanted to. He used it to go to shows, meals, the casino --well you get the idea. The ones he got were small enough to fit through a standard cabin door and being alone in a balcony cabin, he was able to have it fit in there.

 

I know there were times when DH and I wanted to stay up later and he just said good night and went back to his cabin. On the ship were the only times he ever used a scooter and it was perfect for him. Good luck with your choice and I know she will be happy just being with her family.

[CruisingSteelerGirl]

Very nice gift indeed.

 

I disagree with others about the wheel chair, though. How soon after Christmas are you sailing? Is there enough time after presenting her with the cruise to ask her how she feels about using a wheel chair? Does she use one at home?

 

My mom is 74 and does not walk well at all because she has terrible hip issues and feet pain. But there was no way that she was going to use a wheel chair on cruises that we've sailed together. She was horrified that I even suggested that.

 

Hint: When it was time for muster drill, we found a crew member and mentioned that mom couldn't do stairs. We were taken to a lounge by elevator and sat while the instructions were given. Best. Muster. Drills. Ever!

 

My mom enjoyed listening to other people massacre songs at karaoke, listening to performers sing well, going to trivia, sitting by a window and reading, perusing the gift shops, making her way around the buffet and trying different food, and comedy shows in the Punchliner.

 

Hope the surprise goes well. (I LOVE surprises!)

 

Love the suggestions! We are sailing during spring break next year. So my mother will have plenty of time to do some research on things to do. She does not use a wheelchair at home. I am planning on asking her if she thinks she needs one. I am 90% sure she will say no to a wheelchair. I just wanted to make sure I have options for her if needed. I think she will be horrified too when I ask her to tell you the truth. Port days will be rough as far as walking.

 

Ohhh the muster great idea. Didn't even think of that. Stairs are tough for her. Knee surgery a while ago plus the arthritis-not a great combo.

 

I am looking forward to her reaction to the surprise. Plus a balcony...

[CruisingSteelerGirl]

You mother is one lucky lady for you to be doing this for her. I'm sure she will enjoy it. I'd like to make a different suggestion for you though. My dad who traveled with us until he passed away at almost 98, had some mobility issues also. He wanted to be independent though and would never have settled for someone having to wheel him around.

 

He always rented a scooter from Special needs at sea or somewhere like that. It gave him the ability to go all over the ship when HE wanted to. He used it to go to shows, meals, the casino --well you get the idea. The ones he got were small enough to fit through a standard cabin door and being alone in a balcony cabin, he was able to have it fit in there.

 

I know there were times when DH and I wanted to stay up later and he just said good night and went back to his cabin. On the ship were the only times he ever used a scooter and it was perfect for him. Good luck with your choice and I know she will be happy just being with her family.

 

Thanks for the suggestion! This may be a good option for her. I know she will want to see all the ship.

[RuthlessBoss]

Thanks for the suggestion! This may be a good option for her. I know she will want to see all the ship.

 

You will be happier and she will be happier. You just don't see it yet!

[ccruisequeen]

Contact special needs. They can put her on a list for assistance during muster drill, and make sure there are no steps to your table at MDR.

 

I still cruise for warm chocolate melting cake (with two sugar-free ice creams)

[Twin A]

My twin and I did the exact same thing for our Grandmother! We surprised her last Christmas with a March cruise on the Pride this year.

 

She really enjoyed the trivia, the Mardi Gras craft activities, the live music (especially country and doo-wop), and watching the sea pass by while sipping wine on her balcony.

 

I would suggest ordering the wheel chair just in case your Mom needs it, even if she says she doesn't want one. It's a nominal charge for peace of mind. Our Grandmother has problems with distance and mostly used hers in ports; she had a rollator for use on the ship or when she didn't want to use the chair.

 

If you go with a scooter, you'll want to rebook her into a room that has a doorway wide enough to accommodate it.

 

Also, if your Mom needs handlebars in the shower, the Special Needs team can help with that.

 

Have fun!

 

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Edited December 19, 2014 by Twin A

[CruisingSteelerGirl]

Contact special needs. They can put her on a list for assistance during muster drill, and make sure there are no steps to your table at MDR.

 

I still cruise for warm chocolate melting cake (with two sugar-free ice creams)

 

Awesome! I will do that. We are actually platinum this cruise which is great because we will not have to wait in many long lines.

[CruisingSteelerGirl]

My twin and I did the exact same thing for our Grandmother! We surprised her last Christmas with a March cruise on the Pride this year.

 

She really enjoyed the trivia, the Mardi Gras craft activities, the live music (especially country and doo-wop), and watching the sea pass by while sipping wine on her balcony.

 

I would suggest ordering the wheel chair just in case your Mom needs it, even if she says she doesn't want one. It's a nominal charge for peace of mind. Our Grandmother has problems with distance and mostly used hers in ports; she had a rollator for use on the ship or when she didn't want to use the chair.

 

If you go with a scooter, you'll want to rebook her into a room that has a doorway wide enough to accommodate it.

 

Also, if your Mom needs handlebars in the shower, the Special Needs team can help with that.

 

Have fun!

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

Sounds great! How did you grandmother react? I am so excited I want to tell her now that she is going and she will have a balcony. I am horrible at surprises! The above activities sounds great for her. In fact I might even try some of them...which I never do...

[Orison]

We are surprising my mother for Christmas and paid for a cruise for her. She will be going on the Pride with us in March. She has been on a cruise years ago and I know she wanted to go on another one. So, we got her a balcony of her own. On Christmas morning it is going to be like "The Christmas Story" where she finds a little cruiseship way behind the tree that has grandmas name on it. Never is a million years will she believe she is getting a cruise. She will freak...

 

Here is where I need suggestions...She is 78 years old. She can walk slightly(arthritis in one foot) We booked her a room right next to us if there is a problem. Walking very short distances is ok. Do I get her a wheelchair for the ship just to be safe? Not sure if there is a specific room to accommodate this?

 

 

I have no idea on what activities are available for her other than bingo and casino. Suggestions on that would be great!

 

Thanks in advance.

 

We surprised and brought my wife's 84 year old grandmother. We only arranged a wheelchair to get her on an off, when they did themselves.

 

She was able to get around the ship with no problem. If granny could get around a hotel, she could get around a ship. Unless something prevents her.

[Valor2005]

Our senior center and local VFW's have all kinds of assistive devices that they loan out to people in the community. I had to borrow a wheelchair once when I broke my leg. You might check in your area to see if anyone does that.

[SteelerCruiser]

when my MIL cruises with us we take a folding wheelchair for her. I highly recommend this as it will go a long way in to letting her be able to do and see more as she will not have to be limited to as far as she can walk comfortably. You are so awesome for doing this for her and I am sure she will love every minute of it! Cherish the time and memories you make as it will be very special!!!

[PAPERBKWRITER]

Most of your concerns have been answered; but embarkation and debarkation are another matter. If mom uses a cane the staff should give you priority boarding and may offer assistance. I think the smart thing to do is contact Carnival and explain your mom will need assistance. DW deals with the same issues but has injections every few months that really help and so far hasn't need a wheelchair. As far as activities,they have a special place for wheelchairs at the shows and the last few rows are reserved for physically challenged people. As far as activities she's enjoy; I suspect that would be the same as everyone else. A wonderful Christmas gift. You are very thoughtful and loving. Have fun.

[stargate fan]

Love the suggestions! We are sailing during spring break next year. So my mother will have plenty of time to do some research on things to do. She does not use a wheelchair at home. I am planning on asking her if she thinks she needs one. I am 90% sure she will say no to a wheelchair. I just wanted to make sure I have options for her if needed. I think she will be horrified too when I ask her to tell you the truth. Port days will be rough as far as walking.

 

Ohhh the muster great idea. Didn't even think of that. Stairs are tough for her. Knee surgery a while ago plus the arthritis-not a great combo.

 

I am looking forward to her reaction to the surprise. Plus a balcony...

 

I brought a lot of taxi money for our mom-daughter cruises.