Traveling with mobility issues

[esther e]

I will admit I did not read fully and just assumed.....I'm elderly and have cruised over 80 times over the years.  Just about 2 years ago I realized I needed  wheelchair assistance both in the airport and  embarking.  This has never been a problem with Holland America or Regent, so I assumed it would not be a problem with Viking.  I was wrong.

 

I have been told by a few people in Viking that they offer no such service and I probably should have a traveling companion to help me.  I am a solo traveler by the way, and pay 200% over the cost as such.  There is no way I could maneuver the steep ramp into the ship, even with "a companion."  

 

Has anyone experienced this?  I have   the feeling the elderly aren't their main concern and this saddens me.  I almost feel that I have to stay home or sail with HAL again.  

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

[trtog7]

We have a cruise booked on Viking for Jan. and I inquired about my husband bring a mobility scooter with him.

Answer was no unless with special dispensation. They state no way to get scooter onboard because of stairs on ramp.

First cruise line I have heard of that does not caterer to the disabled.

[esther e]

I agree.  Every ship I've ever been on has wheelchairs for assistance and motorized scooters.  Viking is trying to compete with Oceania and Regent, etc., but if they want to they need to do some serious homework.  I cancelled a cruise because of COVID and may well have to eat the voucher if I can't get on a ship.  Not sure about the Mississippi River ships, though.

 

[philw1776]

Viking does not cater well to mobility disabled. Recommend cruising with a line that explicitly offers the needed help. 

[esther e]

Does anyone know about the Mississippi River embarkation?  Is that just a regular ramp, rather than a steep one?

[Azulann]

The ramp on  the Orion has metal steps with railing. They were wide steps but not deep ,very short. The whole ramp was either short or longer depending which deck you exited. 

 I have seen cruisers with cane. I did see one woman who used a white cane,. I think she was legally blind. Her husband was so attentive and steered her  gently when they  walked.  Once seated at table she was fine with eating on her own.

I also saw cruisers who used wheel chairs at  Bermuda airport after our cruise. But 

they walked down aisle  on plane and on ship were able to walk.

 

The  airport  navigation  for this cruise made me realize  that I am not as fit or young  or as  as I think I am.,  I  will look for the large golf cart thing next time walking to the end of a concourse. Why are all my gates at the end?

When I cannot walk on my own on  and off and on ship,  I will be at end of my cruising days. Will have a treasure of memories. 

  

 

Edited August 2, 2021 by Azulann

[Azulann]

4 minutes ago, esther e said:

Does anyone know about the Mississippi River embarkation?  Is that just a regular ramp, rather than a steep one?

The river boat is still being built.

Living in a river town. The  big excursion boats   I have taken,  have smooth small ramp from pier to onboard , with crew  helping you with the last step up.  

[esther e]

17 minutes ago, Azulann said:

The river boat is still being built.

Living in a river town. The  big excursion boats   I have taken,  have smooth small ramp from pier to onboard , with crew  helping you with the last step up.  

Thank you.  I might go that route and not lose the voucher.  

[mancunian]

First of all you have no problem with the aircraft.  If you ask Viking they arrange this and you will be taken to the door of the aircraft.  Occasionally the aircraft will be on the apron away from the gate.  In this case the airport staff will ask if you can walk up the steps.  If not you enter the aircraft by a hydraulic lift to a door in the aircraft but on the other side.

 

I used for a few years be in a wheelchair, but after neurosurgery have progressed to a rollator (push along).  I do not need assistance to board because my husband will carry the rollator up the gangplank and I can walk slowly up.  I feel for others though who are alone or their partner is unable to carry or push.

 

Totally spoilt by HAL.  Two helpers on the gangplank to get people in wheelchairs up and down.  They would not let my husband carry the rollator when I had progressed from the wheelchair, One carried the rollator and the second one insisted on my taking his arm and escorting me.  In the dining room as I got out of the lift the supervisor on the desk sent a waiter to push the wheelchair and at the end of the meal when my husband stood up someone rushed to get the wheelchair or rollator.   Few years ago (in wheelchair days) I had a letter from HAL to tell me that one lifeboat on each ship was being adapted.  You went off through a crew door and a ramp lifted you and the wheelchair on to the tender.  They really care.

 

The other thing I find difficult with Viking is their excursion descriptions.   Very few easy ones and the moderates according to the blurb all seem to say walking and standing one and a half to three hours and also seem to  predict steps, cobblestones slopes etc etc.  I feel they are trying to discourage you.   Whether one is in a wheelchair or use a rollator there are many,many people on Viking who are elderly, or have bad knees, hips or backs.   I think they should always have an excursion suitable.

 

Good luck to you and hope you get a satisfactory outcome

[esther e]

6 minutes ago, mancunian said:

First of all you have no problem with the aircraft.  If you ask Viking they arrange this and you will be taken to the door of the aircraft.  Occasionally the aircraft will be on the apron away from the gate.  In this case the airport staff will ask if you can walk up the steps.  If not you enter the aircraft by a hydraulic lift to a door in the aircraft but on the other side.

 

I used for a few years be in a wheelchair, but after neurosurgery have progressed to a rollator (push along).  I do not need assistance to board because my husband will carry the rollator up the gangplank and I can walk slowly up.  I feel for others though who are alone or their partner is unable to carry or push.

 

Totally spoilt by HAL.  Two helpers on the gangplank to get people in wheelchairs up and down.  They would not let my husband carry the rollator when I had progressed from the wheelchair, One carried the rollator and the second one insisted on my taking his arm and escorting me.  In the dining room as I got out of the lift the supervisor on the desk sent a waiter to push the wheelchair and at the end of the meal when my husband stood up someone rushed to get the wheelchair or rollator.   Few years ago (in wheelchair days) I had a letter from HAL to tell me that one lifeboat on each ship was being adapted.  You went off through a crew door and a ramp lifted you and the wheelchair on to the tender.  They really care.

 

The other thing I find difficult with Viking is their excursion descriptions.   Very few easy ones and the moderates according to the blurb all seem to say walking and standing one and a half to three hours and also seem to  predict steps, cobblestones slopes etc etc.  I feel they are trying to discourage you.   Whether one is in a wheelchair or use a rollator there are many,many people on Viking who are elderly, or have bad knees, hips or backs.   I think they should always have an excursion suitable.

 

Good luck to you and hope you get a satisfactory outcome

Thank you.  I use a rollator on a daily basis.  I feel secure with it.  I know of too many people my age who have fallen and broken  hips, legs, etc.  I don't want to be one of them.

[Jim Avery]

2 hours ago, esther e said:

Does anyone know about the Mississippi River embarkation?  Is that just a regular ramp, rather than a steep one?

As they have not even started the build, no one here can tell you.  I do know it is in the Viking website "fine print" that Viking does not accommodate scooters.  There were a few on world cruises but they are required to keep them in the cabins.  No parking in the passageways.  Viking provides cruises that are more suited for active old folks.  While not there yet, I can see the writing on the wall for not being able to do these cruises.  Viking is not all things for all people for sure.  That is part of what sets them apart.  

[Azulann]

7 minutes ago, Jim Avery said:

Viking provides cruises that are more suited for active old folks.  While not there yet, I can see the writing on the wall for not being able to do these cruises.  Viking is not all things for all people for sure.  That is part of what sets them apart.

Jim, I too  can see the writing on the wall ,but currently it is in very fine  cursive script.

Looking froward to  a big cruise  in 2023 with post extentsion.  and maybe  some small ones along the way....

Viking is very clear  what they are and what they offer.  Lot of cruise lines out there for all needs. 

[deec]

everyone needs to find a cruise line that suits their needs....Viking does not try to be all things to all people...for those of us that it fits we appreciate that....but as Jim says the day will come and we will have to find one more suited for mobility issues.  I don't want to become an obstacle to others' enjoyment of their cruise.

[Glenndale]

On 8/2/2021 at 5:11 PM, esther e said:

  I cancelled a cruise because of COVID and may well have to eat the voucher if I can't get on a ship.  

 

That's sad to hear. Would Viking allow you to sell your voucher?

[rizello]

 

As I advance in age, I realize that my time will come when I am not as spry as I once was and I may also be someone that needs assistance or moves more slowly.  

 

For embarking, is it not possible for a fellow cruiser to assist you getting onto the ship if the crew itself is not allowed to do that?  How can we help each other?

[lackcreativity]

This is an important and complicated question, one that most of us will have to deal with at some point. It is also one that is not black and white, but lots of shades of grey. Having just had a successful hip replacement, I know the questions I faced prior to surgery about whether I would want to or even could travel in that condition. We all might make a different decision at a different point. Personally, I don't think I will want to travel once I am no longer able to help myself during a potential emergency.

 

There are also cases that are so extreme that they seem obvious. A younger family member took an escorted tour to hike up to  Machu Picchu. One of the other guests was an 85 year old who was truly not up to the task. That was not a function of his age, but of his health. As harsh as it is to say, that person really did impact the enjoyment of the trip for the other guests in the group. No matter how much I will miss traveling one day, I hope I will recognize the time to let it go.

 

 

Edited August 4, 2021 by lackcreativity

[Heidi13]

2 hours ago, rizello said:

 

As I advance in age, I realize that my time will come when I am not as spry as I once was and I may also be someone that needs assistance or moves more slowly.  

 

For embarking, is it not possible for a fellow cruiser to assist you getting onto the ship if the crew itself is not allowed to do that?  How can we help each other?

 

While Viking don't promote assistance, I have seen that the crew are more than willing to assist any pax that are a little unsteady on their feet, especially at times when the gangway is steep.

[Cher98]

https://viking-cruises-cabin-guide.blogspot.com/p/6020-ada.html

[broker1217]

I don't think anybody is disputing that disabled people are free to cruise on Viking.

And while Viking does have ADA cabins (as required if they sail in US waters)--they make it pretty clear what they can accommodate.

 

From Viking FAQ:

 

Viking welcomes disabled guests; however, guests must realize there are inherent risks associated with traveling on board ships that are unique to cruise travel. For people who are ill, or have a mental or physical disability or impairment, the risks can be more significant. Guests must be able to independently move around the ship in case of an emergency or rough seas, deal with the lack of immediate access to medical services in certain parts of the world, and acknowledge that access to some areas of the ship and ports of call may be limited or impossible. Shore excursions may require the ability to traverse cobblestones or go up and down stairs. We reserve the right to determine whether a guest is fit to travel and to deny boarding in the event that a guest represents a risk to themselves or to the safety and well-being of those on board the ship.

When you make your reservation, please advise us of any disability that will require special attention while sailing on a Viking cruise and provide a completed Fit to Travel Form along with a physician’s letter. 

 

If you follow the above directions, you should be fine.

It is unrealistic to  expect that every cruise line will be able to accommodate every passenger and customize all excursions to accommodate every disability. 

 

 

 

 

[mancunian]

Message to Esther.  We are on Star in the Uk and a different experience to Sea in Caribbean last year.   There is hope you can perhaps sail after all.   In the terminal after our hand luggage went through XRay I was putting our stuff together {husband otherwise detained explaining the metal rod in his arm to XRay staff) when a Star officer came up and said could she help.  I said no thanks I am fine and she said I will stay with you anyway.   When I got off the little bus from the terminal to the boat someone stationed at the foot of the gangway rushed over to help get the rollator up and I walked up.   In Liverpool today there was a steep road bridge up to the buses and Viking said it had hired mini buses to get anyone up who might have difficulty.  So perhaps things are, changing and perhaps they might even read the boards.   I think from what you have said the gangplank would be your only problem so I would phone Viking to ask if this attitude was on all their ships and that you can manage everything else independently.

 

The other change was in the restaurant and Manfredis.  When taken to your table the waiter has said each time I will take your rollator to park it and just tell someone when you want to leave and they will fetch it.  We have not actually done this as when we are ready to go Peter goes and fetches it.   This is much more like service on other lines.  I do hope you can now come.

 

The only way you can possibly disturb other non understanding passengers is being a little slower on the gangplank, but they could reassess their attitude and think there but for the grace of God go I.  And they will go.  I do not wear these comments on having to change holidays.  They love cruises and Viking and cruising really is the best holiday when you get problems.

 

Perhaps, who knows they will try to find an easy excursion in each port too when planning itineraries.  If not I am not too bothered, can either go for a quiet wander, arrange something private or just stay onboard.

 

I did say I would not come on this thread again but I really wanted to share this with others who are getting older.

 

Thanks too to Cher and people who have been supportive.

 

 

 

[esther e]

2 hours ago, mancunian said:

Message to Esther.  We are on Star in the Uk and a different experience to Sea in Caribbean last year.   There is hope you can perhaps sail after all.   In the terminal after our hand luggage went through XRay I was putting our stuff together {husband otherwise detained explaining the metal rod in his arm to XRay staff) when a Star officer came up and said could she help.  I said no thanks I am fine and she said I will stay with you anyway.   When I got off the little bus from the terminal to the boat someone stationed at the foot of the gangway rushed over to help get the rollator up and I walked up.   In Liverpool today there was a steep road bridge up to the buses and Viking said it had hired mini buses to get anyone up who might have difficulty.  So perhaps things are, changing and perhaps they might even read the boards.   I think from what you have said the gangplank would be your only problem so I would phone Viking to ask if this attitude was on all their ships and that you can manage everything else independently.

 

The other change was in the restaurant and Manfredis.  When taken to your table the waiter has said each time I will take your rollator to park it and just tell someone when you want to leave and they will fetch it.  We have not actually done this as when we are ready to go Peter goes and fetches it.   This is much more like service on other lines.  I do hope you can now come.

 

The only way you can possibly disturb other non understanding passengers is being a little slower on the gangplank, but they could reassess their attitude and think there but for the grace of God go I.  And they will go.  I do not wear these comments on having to change holidays.  They love cruises and Viking and cruising really is the best holiday when you get problems.

 

Perhaps, who knows they will try to find an easy excursion in each port too when planning itineraries.  If not I am not too bothered, can either go for a quiet wander, arrange something private or just stay onboard.

 

I did say I would not come on this thread again but I really wanted to share this with others who are getting older.

 

Thanks too to Cher and people who have been supportive.

 

 

 

You have made me very happy.  I did talk to another person at Viking and they absolutely assured me I would have help on the steep ramps.  Yes, I am able to walk on flat surfaces, slowly, but able.  I did re-book a cruise for 2023 and pray I will be either still around or healthy enough to sail.  Rather than fuss with a carry-on disembarking, I plan to send it along with my large suitcase and have a small backpack for nightclothes and toiletries, as well as a large handbag.

 

As far as excursions, I never have liked the long ones and will choose what appeals to me.  As I said, I've been to many places and now the ship is my vacation.

 

I hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy every minute.  None of us are promised tomorrow.......