Rollator & Solstice Balcony cabin

[ccqueenanne]

I've been doing my research on balcony cabin options on Solstice for somebody using a rollator (full time, must use it in the cabin at all times). I know about selecting a cabin where the bed is closer to the balcony. However, I can't tell from watching youtube cabin tours - is there enough space along the foot of the bed, where the wall is punched out, to use a standard rollator to access the balcony? 

 

I'm trying to determine if we need to book an accessible cabin or not. It's critical to be able to roll all the way to (and onto) the balcony. Mom does have the dexterity to lift the walker over the lip of the balcony slider. She can also lift it onto a curb, so I'm assuming lifting into the bathroom would be fine, if a rollator fits in there. She can also step up into a shower - a roll-in shower isn't required.

 

We will also bring a transport wheelchair.

 

I don't want to take an accessible cabin out of inventory for somebody even less ambulatory. But if the rollator can't roll past the bed, a standard balcony will be a non-starter. Mom will be solo in the cabin (I'll be aboard, but in my own cabin) and her ability to enjoy her balcony alone will make or break the trip. Thanks for any advice!

[RTShaker]

There is no rollator going past the foot of the bed unless she has one that collapses from the sides. Even then it is tight,

Edited October 4, 2022 by RTShaker

[goofysmom99]

A conventional rollator won't roll past the foot of the bed and absolutely won't fit in a bathroom.  There are travel rollators which can squeeze past the bed to the balcony, though.  You might want to research those.

[upwarduk]

 

Taken last year on the Refurbished Silhouette (7201 balcony cabin).

[chemmo]

I think you and your Mum may relax more if she had an accessible cabin. When manoeuvring space is tight there is an increased risk of falling. The lip into the bathroom and onto the balcony is significant. If someone was in the cabin with her it would be different, they could aid and monitor her when doing these more difficult manoeuvres. I assume you are paying solo rate for your Mum’s cabin. Does your Mum have a slightly more mobile friend who may enjoy going too? It may cost very little extra and may give you peace of mind as to your Mum’s safety and well-being. 
 

I totally understand your preference to book a standard cabin leaving the accessible one for someone more needy but needing a rollator all the time in the cabin and a transport wheelchair too puts her, in my mind, into needing a space designed for someone with limited mobility, especially if she is alone in the cabin.
 

 

[the penguins]

6 hours ago, ccqueenanne said:

I've been doing my research on balcony cabin options on Solstice for somebody using a rollator (full time, must use it in the cabin at all times). I know about selecting a cabin where the bed is closer to the balcony. However, I can't tell from watching youtube cabin tours - is there enough space along the foot of the bed, where the wall is punched out, to use a standard rollator to access the balcony? 

 

I'm trying to determine if we need to book an accessible cabin or not. It's critical to be able to roll all the way to (and onto) the balcony. Mom does have the dexterity to lift the walker over the lip of the balcony slider. She can also lift it onto a curb, so I'm assuming lifting into the bathroom would be fine, if a rollator fits in there. She can also step up into a shower - a roll-in shower isn't required.

 

We will also bring a transport wheelchair.

 

I don't want to take an accessible cabin out of inventory for somebody even less ambulatory. But if the rollator can't roll past the bed, a standard balcony will be a non-starter. Mom will be solo in the cabin (I'll be aboard, but in my own cabin) and her ability to enjoy her balcony alone will make or break the trip. Thanks for any advice!

Impossible is the simple answer.

My wife uses a 4 wheel folding Rollator and we always have the bed next to the balcony. It won't go past the end of the bed unless folded which basically useless. My wife doesn't need it in the cabin we fold it and store it at the end of the couch next to the wardrobe.

Also avoid adjoining cabins unless you will just be using the outer doors as the inner doors open inwards. The magnets on the inner doors only work if you are using the outer doors.

You can make extra space by sliding the oval table part way under the vanity unit, still leaves space to sit and you can use half the table.

Access to the bathroom would be virtually impossible with a Rollator and would very dangerous on exiting it. A disabled cabins with flat access to the bathroom, shower and balcony is your best and in my opinion your only option. Book very early these cabins sell fast. Geoff

 

[ccqueenanne]

Thank you all so much for the photos, advice and experience. I will proceed with booking an accessible cabin - there are still a few available for the cruise next year. This also gives us the option of renting a scooter, if Mom is up for it.

 

I'm actually booking myself into the cabin with her, but will actually stay in a nearby cabin with my husband and child (booking two doubles instead of a triple and solo). Mom values her privacy and lives alone now, so I'm confident she will be safe rolling around in an accessible cabin. I understand I can ask for a keycard for the "family" room, even though I'm technically booked elsewhere.

 

Mom's plan is to enjoy her balcony and the scenery and "hold court" with family members coming to visit. And we'll have the chair and/or scooter for trips to lunch or dinner, trivia and cocktails.

 

Thanks again for the advice!

 

 

[the penguins]

3 hours ago, ccqueenanne said:

Thank you all so much for the photos, advice and experience. I will proceed with booking an accessible cabin - there are still a few available for the cruise next year. This also gives us the option of renting a scooter, if Mom is up for it.

 

I'm actually booking myself into the cabin with her, but will actually stay in a nearby cabin with my husband and child (booking two doubles instead of a triple and solo). Mom values her privacy and lives alone now, so I'm confident she will be safe rolling around in an accessible cabin. I understand I can ask for a keycard for the "family" room, even though I'm technically booked elsewhere.

 

Mom's plan is to enjoy her balcony and the scenery and "hold court" with family members coming to visit. And we'll have the chair and/or scooter for trips to lunch or dinner, trivia and cocktails.

 

Thanks again for the advice!

 

 

A great decision and wonderful to see you have thought about it in such detail before getting on the ship. Have a memorable cruise.

[chemmo]

3 hours ago, ccqueenanne said:

Thank you all so much for the photos, advice and experience. I will proceed with booking an accessible cabin - there are still a few available for the cruise next year. This also gives us the option of renting a scooter, if Mom is up for it.

 

I'm actually booking myself into the cabin with her, but will actually stay in a nearby cabin with my husband and child (booking two doubles instead of a triple and solo). Mom values her privacy and lives alone now, so I'm confident she will be safe rolling around in an accessible cabin. I understand I can ask for a keycard for the "family" room, even though I'm technically booked elsewhere.

 

Mom's plan is to enjoy her balcony and the scenery and "hold court" with family members coming to visit. And we'll have the chair and/or scooter for trips to lunch or dinner, trivia and cocktails.

 

Thanks again for the advice!

 

 

Sincere best wishes for a great family cruise.
 

It is hard knowing when mobility issues are severe enough to become a disability and I guess it has  to be the point when safety is an issue. I am sure your Mum will be safer and more comfortable  in an accessible cabin and that you will feel more relaxed knowing she can safely move around.

 

I agree with your suggestion to look at getting or hiring a scooter. I cruised whilst needing a wheelchair post op and regretted it. Firstly wheelchairs are hard to push on the carpeted areas of the ship and most of the inside is carpeted. Secondly, I felt a loss of independence….As a side note, last cruise we chatted with a family with a similar profile to yours. They had been trying to persuade Mum for a few years to get a scooter constantly getting a firm ‘no’. After using one on the cruise she was hooked and wanted one bought and delivered asap!

[ccqueenanne]

15 hours ago, chemmo said:

I agree with your suggestion to look at getting or hiring a scooter. I cruised whilst needing a wheelchair post op and regretted it.

 

Mom actually had her own Travelscoot that she used on a couple of cruises and it made a huge difference. But now that she's even unsteadier/weaker, she feels like the Travelscoot is too unstable for her. The standard Pride rental might be more manageable in her current/future state. I might see if I can find a local store where she can give one a spin. There's definitely something to be said for the independence gained by a scooter compared to a push chair, even with an escort.