Cruise with Physical Limitations

[Andy0801]

I would like to ask if anyone here who has questions with regards to persons with disability or persons who uses wheelchair on cruise. Would like to know what needs to be address before a physically challenged person goes on a cruise. Thanks a lot!

[Kartgv]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.    If you look at the Forums Home Page, there is a whole list of topics - cruise lines, destinations, and special interest topics.    Once of the latter topics is Disabled Cruising - here is a link to it:   https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/

 

You can start by browsing the posts there, then post any specific questions on that forum.   Many disabled people cruise all the time, so you should find lots of information.    Happy Cruising!   

[Bloodgem]

Hi Andy0801, 

Welcome to CC (Cruise Critics) please feel free to ask many questions as you want.

Itinerary and cabin should be one of your first consideration. Try to avoid itineraries that use tenders and book an accessible/ handicapped (HC) cabin. 

 

 

 

[Andy0801]

4 hours ago, Bloodgem said:

Hi Andy0801, 

Welcome to CC (Cruise Critics) please feel free to ask many questions as you want.

Itinerary and cabin should be one of your first consideration. Try to avoid itineraries that use tenders and book an accessible/ handicapped (HC) cabin. 

 

 

 

Thank you so much. Avoiding itineraries that use tenders is really a helpful tip!

[mets123]

The same is true for ports of call. Nassau port area has a lot of cobblestone, and depending where you dock, it could to a long walk to the port area. And San Juan has lots of hills very close to the port, and cobblestone again. Where are you considering?

[spookwife]

On 11/12/2019 at 8:34 AM, Andy0801 said:

I would like to ask if anyone here who has questions with regards to persons with disability or persons who uses wheelchair on cruise. Would like to know what needs to be address before a physically challenged person goes on a cruise. Thanks a lot!

 short answer: the same as any travel arrangements made

 

Long answer:  you must be fully capable of taking care of all your needs, the crew will NOT assist in daily  personal care( there was a gentleman who assumed that and showed up solo and expected the crew to help him  get ready for the day and for bed every day plus do other things for him..yeah, no)  

 

the HA cabins often book up  more than a year in advance.   most cruise lines require some sort of affidavit that you need one.  there may be different grades of HA( roll in shower for instance or additional aids such as grab bars  but the bathroom is not roll in)  

 

once on board the ship is 99% fully accessible.   Muster stations will vary but there is an alternate place to  attend if needed.  you can usually get  some assistance on board from the crew, for instance someone will carry your tray in the buffet for you if you request.

 

if you are not ambulatory in any way,  there will be a limit to any shore excursions you could do.  also, for tender ports,  there may be steps down to the tender loading area that you must be able to do on your own.  pier side ports  crew will usually be able to assist with steeper grades getting on and off.  

 

for check in, you will be directed to a separate area to wait until you can be wheeled on board ( first come first served for the elevators)  some places, like Baltimore for instance,  there may be an entirely separate boarding procedure where you load  at sea level on deck two( then wait six years  for an elevator to come all the weary down)  

 

on board, elevators are an exercise in patience.   you can typically get better access if you are willing to go all the way forward or aft  rather than trying to snag a Mid ship elevator.  do NOT be afraid to vocally demand  anyone else waiting  with you to wait their bloody turn until you get on.