Handicapped Cabins Coral Princess

[maggieworkman]

I'm wondering if I should book a handicap cabin for my mother in law. She was in a car accident and shattered her foot a few years ago. Now she walks with a slight limp and cannot walk too far at any one time. For example, if we go shopping at the mall we would get her a wheelchair. She can get around without a wheelchair ok most of the time for day to day things. She has a handicap placard for her car.

 

So should I book a handicap room for her or are those more for people with wheelchairs, scooters, etc.??? I don't forsee her needing a wheelchair during the cruise.

 

I'm thinking at the very least we should get a cabin by the elevators so she doesn't have too walk far. We are doing the Alaska one way itinerary.

 

Maggie

Edited July 13, 2015 by maggieworkman

[caribill]

I'm wondering if I should book a handicap cabin for my mother in law. She was in a car accident and shattered her foot a few years ago. Now she walks with a slight limp and cannot walk too far at any one time. For example, if we go shopping at the mall we would get her a wheelchair. She can get around without a wheelchair ok most of the time for day to day things. She has a handicap placard for her car.

 

So should I book a handicap room for her or are those more for people with wheelchairs, scooters, etc.??? I don't forsee her needing a wheelchair during the cruise.

 

I'm thinking at the very least we should get a cabin by the elevators so she doesn't have too walk far. We are doing the Alaska one way itinerary.

 

 

Besides a doorway wide enough for wheelchairs/scooters and space inside the cabin to store such, a handicap cabin has no step into the shower and a special toilet seat. If your MIL needs either of these, then, yes, you need such a cabin.

Edited July 13, 2015 by caribill

[Orlando Vic]

So should I book a handicap room for her or are those more for people with wheelchairs, scooters, etc.??? I don't forsee her needing a wheelchair during the cruise.

 

The accessible rooms are bigger so as to accommodate a wheelchair or scooter. If she won't have a wheelchair, why would she require an accessible room (and possibly deny one for a person with wheelchair or scooter)?

[crochetcruise]

The accessible rooms are bigger so as to accommodate a wheelchair or scooter. If she won't have a wheelchair, why would she require an accessible room (and possibly deny one for a person with wheelchair or scooter)?

 

A person who uses grab rails for the toilet or shower, would also need a Handicapped Accessible Room. I use a Rollator walking frame, but need the grab rails for safety on Medical advice, so automatically looked at Handicapped Accessible accommodation when booking my cruise. The TA phoned Princess Cruises while I was sitting across the desk from her, so any questions could be dealt with accurately and immediately. I had originally selected a Premium Oceanview Stateroom on Aloha Deck, but was provided with the details of the Window Suite, priced it, and found it affordable so booked that for myself instead.

 

I am personally well aware people with disabilities need to be most particular in their travel planning, I have multiple disabilities with conflicting needs, so it's a regular challenge to manage everything safely. :D I'm fortunate enough to still be independently mobile-a friend has been forced to give up cruising as insurance companies will no longer provide her coverage due to a "terminal" illness, which has shattered her plans for a "Farewell to Cruising" cruise, the financial risk is too great for her to take chances.

[Colo Cruiser]

Its really up to you, if you think she needs it then grab one.

[timetravler]

Here is exactly what Princess requires for booking a accessible cabin.

"I attest that I or another person traveling in the same cabin have a recognized disability that alters a major life function & requires the use of a mobility device and the use of the accessible features provided in the Wheelchair accessible cabin. Please be advised Princess is required to investigate the potential misuse of accessible cabins where there is good cause to believe such cabins have been purchased fraudulently. Princess will take appropriate action against someone who has reserved or purchased such a cabin fraudulently. Action may include but not limited to removal from the cabin to a non accessible accommodation up to denial of boarding".

I actually know someone that was banned forever from Princess because of continued abuse of booking a handicap cabin when they were not in a wheelchair.

BTW the statement will either be read to you or you must sign the statement before booking an accessible cabin. It therefore is a legal document and not just a suggestion.

 

.

[maggieworkman]

Thanks for the wording from Princess. My MIL uses one of those metal canes with the 4 feet. But not 100% of the time. Just when she walks a lot or when her foot hurts. I'm sure the handles in the bathroom would help her, but I don't think its absolutely needed at this point since she doesn't have these at home. So, I think I will just book her a regular cabin and make sure we restrict her walking by being close to elevator. I may have to alter our plans in Ketchikan of doing a walking tour on our own now that she has expressed interested in joining us.

 

From the sounds of it, she probably doesn't need the handicap cabin so I will leave it for those who may need it more. I just wanted to be thoughtful of her needs before I booked the cabin.

 

Maggie

[Orlando Vic]

I'm wondering if I should book a handicap cabin for my mother in law. She was in a car accident and shattered her foot a few years ago. Now she walks with a slight limp and cannot walk too far at any one time.

 

Maggie,

Why don't you just rent her an electric scooter? Going from one end of the ship to the other involves considerable walking. It may even be necessary several times per day. Special Needs at Sea can provide one and even have it waiting in your (accessible) room when you arrive.

[Orlando Vic]

It looks like major changes are coming to Carnival Corp. with respect to the allocation of accessible rooms. http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory/carnival-settles-us-claims-disability-discrimination-32645612

[kcfoxy]

Thanks for the wording from Princess. My MIL uses one of those metal canes with the 4 feet. But not 100% of the time. Just when she walks a lot or when her foot hurts. I'm sure the handles in the bathroom would help her, but I don't think its absolutely needed at this point since she doesn't have these at home. So, I think I will just book her a regular cabin and make sure we restrict her walking by being close to elevator. I may have to alter our plans in Ketchikan of doing a walking tour on our own now that she has expressed interested in joining us.

 

From the sounds of it, she probably doesn't need the handicap cabin so I will leave it for those who may need it more. I just wanted to be thoughtful of her needs before I booked the cabin.

 

Maggie

 

I think the best solution would be to book a cabin close to the midship elevators. We routinely use those cabins and they are no noisier than any others. Often times a shower chair can be used, although I wouldn't say it would be roomy in the 2'8" square enclosure.

 

By securing a midship cabin, many activities and services are close at hand. It is only 1/3 of the way back to the Lido deck and Main Dining Room, and if she likes to attend shows/Casinos then 1/3 of the way forward from her cabin.

 

We do book AC cabins in order to fit in the the portable WC. I also can walk with the quad cane for shorter distances, but unable to stand for any length of time. I hope you will both have a wonderful time, and your Mom enjoys as much as she can, for as long as she is able! :)

[caribill]

It looks like major changes are coming to Carnival Corp. with respect to the allocation of accessible rooms. http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory/carnival-settles-us-claims-disability-discrimination-32645612

 

It is hard to tell the details from that article and how Princess might be or not be in compliance now.

 

For example, one item says:

"— Reservations systems will allow individuals with disabilities to reserve accessible cabins and suites."

 

Princess already does that.

 

It also says:

"afford individuals with disabilities the same opportunities to participate in programs and services, including leaving the ship and returning"

 

In some cases tendering is difficult for able bodied persons. Not sure how tendering can be made safe for all weather and sea conditions for those that need a H.A. cabin.

 

And where it says:

"Three percent of the cabins on 49 ships will be accessible" I do not know how compliant Princess is with this now.

Edited July 24, 2015 by caribill

[shredie]

 

It also says:

"afford individuals with disabilities the same opportunities to participate in programs and services, including leaving the ship and returning"

 

In some cases tendering is difficult for able bodied persons. Not sure how tendering can be made safe for all weather and sea conditions for those that need a H.A. cabin.

 

It's a noble goal.

[cb at sea]

Doesn't sound like she'll need an HC cabin....you said she can walk...and the HC's are for wheelchairs...roll-in showers, ramps, etc...for those who HAVE to be in a wheelchair.

If she gets tired, she can have a seat and rest....it's a vacation, so there's no rush!

[kruisey]

Doesn't sound like she'll need an HC cabin....you said she can walk...and the HC's are for wheelchairs...roll-in showers, ramps, etc...for those who HAVE to be in a wheelchair.

If she gets tired, she can have a seat and rest....it's a vacation, so there's no rush!

I do not have a wheelchair but have booked a HC cabin this time.

There are other special conditions folks have were HC cabin is needed.

[kruisey]

Besides a doorway wide enough for wheelchairs/scooters and space inside the cabin to store such, a handicap cabin has no step into the shower and a special toilet seat. If your MIL needs either of these, then, yes, you need such a cabin.

 

I have to shower on a chair now .On my last cruise the chairs do not fit in the small showers.Plus all the toilets are too low ,I can get down but not up these days :D

[deborahjo]

I realize that HC cabins are built for wheelchairs and scooters but not every HC person is in a wheelchair or in need of a scooter. My husband has mobility issues but is not in a wheelchair at this time. He cannot walk long distances and needs the cabin to be all on one level. When he wakes at night he sometimes does not realize where he is and a step up or down could seriously hurt him.

 

We need the HC cabin for him also for showering. At home he uses grip bars in and out of the tub and we have them in the shower for him to hold onto if he finds himself becoming weak. This shower has a seat in it so he can sit down and not run the risk of falling in the shower.

 

We have had HC cabins for our last 3 cruises on Carnival. The have been a blessing to my husband and a relief for me.

 

Yes he will board the ship in a wheelchair because of the long walk and all the waiting but once on the ship and out at ports he will use his cane.

 

I want people to understand that if you do not see a person in a wheelchair in a HC cabin cut them some slack. Not all disabilities can be seen.

[Thrak]

When my son cruises he has to have a HC cabin as he is in a wheelchair and is unable to walk, stand, etc. I don't know how they plan to make going ashore available to all as I can't see any way to get him onto a tender nor is there any space where he could park his chair on a tender. He was disappointed to have to stay onboard and not visit Maui when we were therr but there was simply no way to get him aboard a tender. (He was in his mid 30's at the time. We didn't leave a kid alone in order to go ashore. :eek: He actually just "celebrated" his anniversary on August 5th. He's now been in a wheelchair for half of his life. :()

 

My wife and I actually had a HC cabin earlier this year but we didn't book it.

We were upgraded from an inside to a HC balcony on Caribe deck on Crown Princess. Obviously nobody who needed the cabin had booked it or else Princess would never have upgraded us to that cabin. The extra space, larger bathroom, and large balcony were all appreciated but we would have been happy with the inside cabin if someone else had needed the HC cabin.

[ccruisequeen]

It is hard to tell the details from that article and how Princess might be or not be in compliance now.

 

For example, one item says:

"— Reservations systems will allow individuals with disabilities to reserve accessible cabins and suites."

 

Princess already does that.

 

It also says:

"afford individuals with disabilities the same opportunities to participate in programs and services, including leaving the ship and returning"

 

In some cases tendering is difficult for able bodied persons. Not sure how tendering can be made safe for all weather and sea conditions for those that need a H.A. cabin.

 

And where it says:

"Three percent of the cabins on 49 ships will be accessible" I do not know how compliant Princess is with this now.

 

Just booked the Crown. Tried to get an inside accessible cabin. Only cabins available were balcony or ov. Disabled are penalised for being disabled. They should have accessible cabins available in ALL Categories.

 

 

I still cruise for Warm Chocolate Melting Cake (with 2 sugar-free vanilla ice-creams)

[shredie]

Doesn't sound like she'll need an HC cabin....you said she can walk...and the HC's are for wheelchairs...roll-in showers, ramps, etc...for those who HAVE to be in a wheelchair.

 

That is a popular misconception.

[Colo Cruiser]

Just booked the Crown. Tried to get an inside accessible cabin. Only cabins available were balcony or ov. Disabled are penalised for being disabled. They should have accessible cabins available in ALL Categories.

 

 

I still cruise for Warm Chocolate Melting Cake (with 2 sugar-free vanilla ice-creams)

 

 

What dates are you looking at?

[katisdale]

I have sailed on Crown Princess in an inside accessible inside cabin. They are available until someone else with a problem has already booked them. Given my inability to cruise without an accessible cabin I book when the cruise first open for booking.

[Thrak]

Just booked the Crown. Tried to get an inside accessible cabin. Only cabins available were balcony or ov. Disabled are penalised for being disabled. They should have accessible cabins available in ALL Categories.

 

I still cruise for Warm Chocolate Melting Cake (with 2 sugar-free vanilla ice-creams)

 

 

My son only books inside HC cabins as he wants to sleep in late and doesn't want any sunlight entering his cabin. They do have inside HC cabins but they sell out quickly.

[caribill]

Just booked the Crown. Tried to get an inside accessible cabin. Only cabins available were balcony or ov. Disabled are penalised for being disabled. They should have accessible cabins available in ALL Categories.

 

 

 

I assume then that the inside accessible cabins had already been booked.

[ccruisequeen]

What dates are you looking at?

 

Oct 10 California Coastal

 

I still cruise for Warm Chocolate Melting Cake (with 2 sugar-free vanilla ice-creams)

[crochetcruise]

I realize that HC cabins are built for wheelchairs and scooters but not every HC person is in a wheelchair or in need of a scooter. My husband has mobility issues but is not in a wheelchair at this time. He cannot walk long distances and needs the cabin to be all on one level. When he wakes at night he sometimes does not realize where he is and a step up or down could seriously hurt him.

 

We need the HC cabin for him also for showering. At home he uses grip bars in and out of the tub and we have them in the shower for him to hold onto if he finds himself becoming weak. This shower has a seat in it so he can sit down and not run the risk of falling in the shower.

 

We have had HC cabins for our last 3 cruises on Carnival. The have been a blessing to my husband and a relief for me.

 

Yes he will board the ship in a wheelchair because of the long walk and all the waiting but once on the ship and out at ports he will use his cane.

 

I want people to understand that if you do not see a person in a wheelchair in a HC cabin cut them some slack. Not all disabilities can be seen.

 

Hear, hear. I have been handicapped with Cerebral Palsy all my life, and it's only the last 20 years that I have been using a walking stick, then progressed to a Rollator-which made shopping SO much easier even if I couldn't carry as much home, I was more stable and safer! I also am Legally Blind, and the number of people who know me and STILL hold things at a distance and expect me to see them clearly! The worst offender now has Macular Degeneration and is terrified of losing her driving license, also has Cardiac issues. I laugh to myself every time she moans to me about other people ignoring her sight problems-well you've done that to ME many a time, now learn what it's like to be treated like an idiot!