Handicap Cabines

[IDL]

I would like find out people's experience with handicap cabins on the Constellarion or another M-Series ship. Because they are wheelchair accessable is the sink in the bathroom any lower than normal?

[tuggers]

I was given a handicap cabin at the last minute not because I needed it but as an upgrade (it had a balcony). I did not perceive the sink to be any lower. The cabin was half again as large as a regular cabin and, of course, the bathroom was a very nice size with a large roll in shower.

 

Unfortunately for me, it turned out to be a self fulfilling prophecy because on the first formal night I fell down some of the marble stairs in the casino and needed a wheel chair! :eek:

[judyfssw]

We've been in handicapped cabins on the side of the ship as well as the aft. The sink does not appear to be any lower than in a regular room. It does not have any cabinets below the sink so you can get a wheelchair in closer. The toilet area has bars on both side to accomodate people who have right or left side concerns. The aft cabins are larger than the Handicapped Cabins on the side of the ship but they are both larger.

Have a great cruise

[DancerOT]

I have not been in a M-class accessible cabins, but from my experience in the C-class accessible cabins they meet ADA requirements. So you can check the ADA code. Just make sure you ask for extra towels because as the showers are roll in - they sometimes flood the bathroom. Careful when wet!!

[Galaxy2004]

We just returned from a week on Constellation in Cabin 7212, a handicapped accessible aft cabin. Don't know for sure on the sink height, but I have posted pictures, including one of the bathroom, at http://community.webshots.com/ (go to lower right corner and enter “cruisingcupcake” in the “Find a member” box).

[montgomeryfamily]

Our experience has also been that the sink height doesn't seem to be any lower, but there is no cabinet underneath so a wheelchair can roll under. Because there is much less storage space, we sometimes bring an over the door hanging bag to store toiletries. The advice about the extra towels is good, because there is often water in the rest of the bathroom from the roll-in shower since there can't really be a lip or curb to catch the water. Some of the newer ships have a better design to help to avoid this problem. There is a pull down shower seat, but you can also request a shower chair.

 

There has been some discussion of certain Celebrity ship handicapped cabin features on the disabled board. I suggest you go there and do a search and perhaps post there as well.

[Barry ATL]

rupert, thanks for the pics. We on the Summit 9/9/06 in 9164 which is an aft handicap cabin. This gives us a good idea as to what our room is going to look like and the layout.

 

I questioned our travel agent when she got that room. I was concerned that we would be a real hike from the stern. Whe immediately said that the aft handicap cabin was as good as some smaller suites and better than some because of the balcony.

 

We are in CC (9164) on the Summit. Your pics are putting me even more in cruise mode. Where the hell is the poolboy with my drink! :)

[montgomeryfamily]

Barry ATL, if the disabled party uses a wheelchair or a scooter, then the distance isn't a problem, except for the others in the party. :) But if the disabled party doesn't, then it is quite a distance and you may want to check for a handicapped stateroom closer to midship or look into renting a scooter or wheelchair. You can get more info/advice about this on the disabled board.

 

While the cabin is large, it has less furniture than the suites because of the necessity for room to turn a wheelchair around. The balcony is larger, but the ramp to the balcony also takes up some of the balcony room and again, less furniture on the balcony to allow for a wheelchair to turn around.

[Galaxy2004]

Barry ATL,

 

You will love the cabin, but I agree with montgomeryfamily that it is quite a hike from the stern. Convenient for dining, but not so for the theater. I also missed have a larger seating area as there was only the single oversized chair in the room. On the poolboy, don't worry, he'll be there waiting for you!

[DancerOT]

I have to agree with the others, if the person with disabilities is ambulatory and not in a w/c then the aft cabin could cause an issue. My parents, on the Infinity, were in an aft cabin and it was much too long a hike for my mother. She had to stop and rest about half way. When we have been in mid-ship cabins on the Century there was no need for this. Also, a towel to cover the shower chair is also a good idea. It gives you a bit more stability and comfort when sitting on the seat.

[Barry ATL]

My partner, Ken, is parapledgic so he is in a chair. His upper body strength is better than the strength I have in my legs. On our first two cruises we ended up closer to the middle of the ship and liked the convience, however, given the size of the cabin and especially the balcony, I think we can walk/roll a little. Besides, how else to we keep from gaining weight?

 

Now, about the poolboy... I was looking at my online checkin form and I could not find an option for "blonde". ;)