Not a strong walker and arriving & boarding in Istanbul

[shmabbies]

Have been to Istanbul many times by land and sea, but have not flown in for a cruise since the new airport opened and not sailed in since Galataport opened.  Embarking Viking in a few weeks in Istanbul and am concerned about the amount of walking just to board the ship.  

 

1.  Have booked a Viking transfer.  Have booked airport wheelchair assistance (for the first time) that will hopefully get me from aircraft to Viking transfer rep i.e. through passport control & luggage pickup.  While I understand this is all speculative with no absolutes - does anyone who has embarked Viking in Istanbul and used a Viking transfer recall how far a walk it was from Viking rep meet point to the actual transfer vehicle (I ask because in Rome FCO the bus was parked very far away from the Viking rep meet point & we were expected to gallop after a young & very fit rep on a mission to get us to the bus & it was a nightmare for me).

 

2.  The transfer vehicle presumably drops us off at Galataport, which I understand is massive and I cannot locate anything about wheelchair services available there.  Experiences with how much walking is involved from getting off the transfer bus to the ship check-in location would be appreciated if anyone has them.

 

3.  I assume from ship check-in to actually boarding the ship is not that far, but in case it is, any experiences appreciated.

 

4.  The next day we have booked the Bosphorus cruise, which is described as "easy."  My experience with Viking excursions is that they do not at all take into account how much walking is involved to board any vehicles and do not take into account how much walking there might be from where the vehicle leaves you off to the site entrance (since many sites understandably don't allow big buses to pull up very close).  At Olympia, for example, we'd only ever been there by private excursion and were dropped off right at the entrance - with Viking, the buses parked at the top of a small hill that we had to walk down (and on return, up) and the total walking distance NOT on site was about 1/2 mile each way per Mr. Shmabbies).  So with this "easy" Bosphorus cruise excursion - does anyone know if we have to walk back through Galataport to a bus to get to the boat, or maybe we board the boat right near the ship which would be nice? 

 

I really want to make clear I am NOT complaining - I am seeking information to evaluate against my personal strengths and weaknesses and this information may help others.   Many thanks!

[Peregrina651]

Contact Viking and find out about arranging for wheelchairs at the airport to get to the bus and at the cruise terminal.  Most definitely repeat the line about galloping behind the fitness instructor and nightmare.  Very effective description.  If you don't like the answers you are getting, ask to speak to a supervisor, until you get to someone who can actually help you.  Or start with tellus@vikingcruises.com and escalate from there.  

 

Even if Viking says no problem, you need a plan B -- because Viking does not handle the operations in Istanbul; it is a third-party provider.  

[lackcreativity]

In October, we docked at Galataport in Istanbul for an overnight with disembarkation the next day. The entire complex is amazing, but there is considerable walking down a ramp into the underground complex, and there are long corridors to be walked once there. There is a website for Galataport Istanbul with some pictures. I was not able to imbed the link here, nor could I find any information about the availability of wheelchairs at the facility. 

Given the size of the complex, I would almost assume they must have assistance available, so I hope someone else can provide confirmation of that for you. 

 

 

 

 

 

[carolinetodd]

When we embarked on the Saturn at Galataport last month, we didn't have Viking transfer, but when we arrived at the check-in point, it looked like the people who did were bussed right there.  After check-in, though, there is a fair bit of walking through the terminal to get to the ship - I remember it being miles and miles, but my husband estimates that it was about ten minutes (I walk with a stick and am very slow - regular people would walk it in five.)  The included Bosphorus tour includes a bus which picks you up right where you checked in, drives around a while, then drops you near the Rüstem Pasha Mosque - so beautiful, but requires three flights of steps to access.  We were then walked a few minutes to the spice market - I skipped it since I had already seen it, and there were plenty of places to sit.  From there, a short walk to get on the tour boat - ours had five or so steps up to board.  The boat drops you back at the port - no more bus - and you have to walk all through the port complex to get back to the ship.

[Mich3554]

Galataport is a huge terminal and there will be quite a bit of walking just to get to the exit, both from the ship to the outside and the entrance to the ship.  You go up multiple levels via escalator, and before you get to the ramp to th3 ship, you get directed though the store (even though they could open an exit so you don’t have to walk an extra 100 yards.  
 

I do not remember seeing anything about wheelchair services when I as there last year.  I see that there are concierge services there.  Yo7 might want to check here.

[scidee]

Viking routed us through Istanbul last Aug on our way to Basil.  I requested a wheelchair assist from the airline prior to departing Chicago.  Their wheelchairs were mounted on what looked like a Segway that zoomed me around so fast that it was my husband who was doing the galloping behind!  We did not leave the airport so I can't comment on the transfer.

[shmabbies]

Thanks to all for confirming my worst fears - glad I asked!  For those who referenced Galataport and the fact that for such a big, new, upscale facility it MUST have handicapped help - I would agree that it seems logical that it must be so.  BUT I have been all over the Galataport website and I've read an awful lot about all the awards it's won and all its shopping opportunities and all the restaurants it has etc. etc. but I have NOT found one word about wheelchairs or handicapped assistance, nor have I found a phone number or e-mail or other way to reach out to Galataport management to ask.  I'm really kind of flabbergasted.  And disappointed.

 

One takeaway from carolinetodd's comments that I think I was mistaken about - I think I thought check-in would be pretty close to the ship entrance/gangway, because in my experience it usually is.  But her comments lead me to believe that even after check-in there is yet more walking to leave the structure - would that be true?

 

This is all so different from the way it used to be embarking in Istanbul.  I'm kindof regretting the choice.  But appreciative of the input received and welcome more!

 

 

[Peregrina651]

My last thought is to beg, borrow or steal your own folding wheels -- provided Mr. s is on board with the pushing that he will have to do.

 

Yes, I know it is a pain and means major changes to how and what you pack but, from all you have described, perhaps it will be more a blessing than a curse in the long run. It certainly should save your legs for doing what you want to do as opposed to what you have to do.

 

 

[Mich3554]

4 hours ago, shmabbies said:

Thanks to all for confirming my worst fears - glad I asked!  For those who referenced Galataport and the fact that for such a big, new, upscale facility it MUST have handicapped help - I would agree that it seems logical that it must be so.  BUT I have been all over the Galataport website and I've read an awful lot about all the awards it's won and all its shopping opportunities and all the restaurants it has etc. etc. but I have NOT found one word about wheelchairs or handicapped assistance, nor have I found a phone number or e-mail or other way to reach out to Galataport management to ask.  I'm really kind of flabbergasted.  And disappointed.

 

One takeaway from carolinetodd's comments that I think I was mistaken about - I think I thought check-in would be pretty close to the ship entrance/gangway, because in my experience it usually is.  But her comments lead me to believe that even after check-in there is yet more walking to leave the structure - would that be true?

 

This is all so different from the way it used to be embarking in Istanbul.  I'm kindof regretting the choice.  But appreciative of the input received and welcome more!

 

 

I have a friend in Istanbul.  Let me ping her and see if there is anything she can find out.  Her daughter works next door.  Hopefully, she’s in town right now.

[lackcreativity]

shmabbies,

 

Have you tried posting this question in the Ports of Call portion of Cruise Critic? Istanbul is under Europe - Other Mediterranean Ports. Galataport opened in 2021. Certainly you are not the first person to be seeking this kind of assistance. Maybe you can find definitive information there.

[shmabbies]

33 minutes ago, lackcreativity said:

Have you tried posting this question in the Ports of Call portion of Cruise Critic? Istanbul is under Europe - Other Mediterranean Ports. Galataport opened in 2021. Certainly you are not the first person to be seeking this kind of assistance. Maybe you can find definitive information there.

 

Actually I did review the posts in that location a while ago (but thanks for suggesting it).  Other than pretty much the same comments as here (LONG SLOG), I found nothing but confirmation of how much walking is involved.  As in this thread, one poster mentioned that such a facility MUST have services - which we all agree is a logical conclusion - but no one has posted use of said services or a link to said services.   I'd be happy with PAYING for assistance.  But you're right, I should put a post there.  Thanks!

[Mich3554]

23 hours ago, shmabbies said:

 

Actually I did review the posts in that location a while ago (but thanks for suggesting it).  Other than pretty much the same comments as here (LONG SLOG), I found nothing but confirmation of how much walking is involved.  As in this thread, one poster mentioned that such a facility MUST have services - which we all agree is a logical conclusion - but no one has posted use of said services or a link to said services.   I'd be happy with PAYING for assistance.  But you're right, I should put a post there.  Thanks!

I contacted my Turkish friend, heard from her yesterday and she’s looking into it for me.  
 

[shmabbies]

2 minutes ago, Mich3554 said:

I contacted my Turkish friend, heard from her yesterday and she’s looking into it for me.  
 

Thank you so much for doing this!

[lackcreativity]

I contacted my Turkish friend, heard from her yesterday and she’s looking into it for me.  
 

Thank you so much for doing this!

 

I am still impressed by the considerable number of really helpful people here on the Viking thread. I have been  considering trying another line, predominantly related to more varied Mediterranean itineraries, but my ties here remain strong!

[Mich3554]

On 2/29/2024 at 8:34 AM, lackcreativity said:

I contacted my Turkish friend, heard from her yesterday and she’s looking into it for me.  
 

Thank you so much for doing this!

 

I am still impressed by the considerable number of really helpful people here on the Viking thread. I have been  considering trying another line, predominantly related to more varied Mediterranean itineraries, but my ties here remain strong!

I heard back from my friend.  Galataport does have a wheelchair available to use, but no runner.  
When we were there last year, her daughter used to work next door, so this would be an easy find.  Her daughter got another job, so asked a friend to check it out for her.  Hope this helps.

[shmabbies]

I'm back from arriving at Istanbul airport and dealing with Galataport.  I'm posting about the airport first and will do a separate post about Galataport.  I'm going to qualify everything I say by saying I CAN walk and I can do stairs, it's long long interminable slogs with no place to sit for even a few moments that do me in, so what I report may not be appropriate for everyone.

 

We flew on Turkish Air nonstop JFK-Istanbul.  TK is one of my favorite airlines despite their absolutely horrible website & phone assistance.  Used United miles.  Prior to departure, I called both UA & TK to request a wheelchair.  TK told me to call UA.  UA told me it would be taken care of.  There was no wheelchair for me or anyone else on the flight.

 

We walked what to me was quite a way & saw no one who appeared as if they could provide any assistance or answers, but did spot a phone that said "buggy wagon" or "buggy service" (why do normally sensible people like myself go into brain freeze after long flights - I could have taken a photo of the darned sign).  A couple in the vicinity of the phone said they had already called, and sure enough in due course the buggy arrived.

 

The buggy transported us to passport control.  Without the buggy I would still be walking.  Mr. Shmabbies says it was about a mile walk.

 

After passport control (quick and easy - might I add here that after sending us an e-mail a few months ago that Turkey no longer required visas for US citizens, Viking's final e-mail to us contained the heart-stopping message that visas WERE required - which they are not - clearly Viking did not update their final e-mail text, and yes, I understand it's my responsibility to know this), there was more walking to the luggage carousel, but it was not that far.  A Viking staff (we had purchased their transfer) was at the carousel helping with the luggage.  When he saw my cane, the staff member told me to go sit down, which I did.  When he had things sorted, he escorted us to the transfer bus.  I initially started walking because there was no other option, but eventually he commandeered a wheelchair and escort.  Mr. Shmabbies says the distance from carousel to bus was probably a half mile.

 

Again, all of the above applies to a specific set of circumstances (the airline we used, the gate we got, and so forth) as well as my perception of what constitutes too much walking, so my details may not apply to everyone.   PS.  Thanks for your efforts Mich3554.

 

More to follow about Galataport after I touch bases with Mr. Shmabbies for brain refreshing.

[Peregrina651]

Hope you had wonderful adventure.

 

Thank you so very, very much for the detailed report of your experience. The honesty and the level of detail will be helpful to others.  Can't wait to hear about Galaport. 

 

[shmabbies]

Thank you Peregrina651, I have learned SO much from CC, my goal in some small way is to pay it forward.

 

OK two days of Galataport:

 

Arrival from airport via Viking transfer (another note - I believe in addition to providing incorrect information about the necessity of a visa, Viking also provided incorrect information about the embarkation port - in earlier posts in this thread, that conclusion was contemplated, and not that I can read Turkish, but I do believe the embarkation port information was incorrect, which did not affect us as we were on a ship transfer, but fellow passengers on independent pre-cruise stays reported their taxi drivers had problems with the Viking provided embarkation port address, which was not simply the word "Galataport"); anyway, the Viking bus drove us into the massive Galataport garage, where we identified our luggage and it was taken away, and then we walked to (as others have noted) one of many passport controls, and from there to a check-in desk (where we were given all of our tour tickets - I'm not so sure handing jet lagged passengers juggling luggage and documentation their tour tickets was necessary at that point in time) and from there a wheelchair was obtained for me, and Mr. Shmabbies reports the distance from check-in desk to tent outside gangway to be about a half mile.  From there it was normal embarkation stuff.

 

That night after dinner I went to guest services and asked what wheelchair services might be available on the next day in order to access the "easy" excursion we'd booked, and was told nothing would be available, that the service provided on embarkation day was a one-time service provided by the port.  It was acknowledged that the walk from ship back to the bus was long and it was suggested if I intended to do the excursion that I get an early start!  The person was lovely and kind but basically I was told very nicely to "suck it up."

 

The next day we planned to start the walk allowing sufficient time, but when I looked off our balcony, which was against the dock overlooking the tent, I noted two wheelchairs with attendants.   Duh!    So we disembarked, again, much earlier than normal people might need, approached one of the wheelchairs, and was delighted to find he was more than happy to deliver me to the bus in the garage (where we'd been left off the previous day).  We were quite early, having allowed all that extra time, but we were able to embark the bus and everything was fine.

 

The tour itself (the Bosphorus cruise which included a pre-visit to a mosque & the Spice Market) was really good and we enjoyed it a lot.  There were no super long slogs and I'd probably concur with its "easy" rating; that said, someone confined to a wheelchair with major mobility issues would probably have a problem.

 

At the conclusion of the tour, after disembarking the small boat used for the Bosphorus cruise, I guess essentially we were still in Galataport, because it's SOOOO huge.  We went thru yet another passport control and then about a half mile thru Galataport shops until we reached the same spot where the transfer had dropped us off the day before, and where the bus had picked us up that morning; in other words, in the parking garage.  I found this half mile walk probably the worst part of the day, but fortunately the same wheelchair guy (who Viking had told me did not exist) there and he pushed me that last half mile from garage to Viking tent.

 

Did we make it work?  Yes!  Did we have a great time?  Yes!  Do I think Viking could have been a tad more helpful?  Yes!  Do I think there are folks who would have issues with Galataport's size?  Yes!

 

 

[Peregrina651]

Again, thank you! This is marvelous information for folks with mobility issues.

 

One question. Did you tip the wheelchair guy? Or phrased another way, is Turkey one of cultures where tipping is the norm and not just a tourist thing?

[Cienfuegos]

Memo to self:  Look for the "buggy wagon" sign and phone

 

Thanks for the great narrative.  I'm looking forward to the rest of your experience

 

Added: the wheelchair guy may be a budding capitalist.  They certainly have an appreciative market for their services

[shmabbies]

11 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

One question. Did you tip the wheelchair guy? Or phrased another way, is Turkey one of cultures where tipping is the norm and not just a tourist thing?

 

Thank you both, and yes, we tipped wheelchair guy and buggy guy in Turkey as well as any other countries where we could secure assistance.  Even if we weren't already inclined to do so, Turkey is most definitely a tipping culture.

 

10 hours ago, Cienfuegos said:

Memo to self:  Look for the "buggy wagon" sign and phone

 

 

Most definitely do.  Out of all the "assistance" in relation to dealing with the airport and Galataport, this one was probably the most critical.