Queen Anne with walking difficulties

[fabnfortysomething]

Several years I started a series of blogs relating our adventures[and misadventures] of cruising with someone who has walking difficulties ie my husband.

For anonymity I call him 6.

You may remember the 70s series about Steve Austin an astronaut who was severely injured and rebuilt with bionics to the tune of 6 million dollars.

Well as a result of Rheumatoid arthritis hitting him in his 40s he has had replacement hip surgeries totalling nearer £6000.[although rising]

 

We took to cruising around 2008 as a low mobility option to travel and were hooked ,cruising at least once a year and making some great friends along the way.

A brain haemorrhage in 2019 added insult to injury but we still managed a round UK and Ireland cruise that year.

That turned out to be our last cruise for a while for obvious reasons.

 

This would be our 3^rd Cunard cruise having mainly sailed with NCL and 1 cruise each on Royal Caribbean and MSC

We like the formal nights  and the atmosphere on Cunard.

 

The cruise started in Southampton which is a long way from our home in North East England-We have driven down in past with overnight mid way stop but this time we decoded to take the coach transfer option.

It was a 6.15 am pick up from nearby motorway services on day of cruise so we booked Travelodge for night before and got a lift with our son in law so he didn’t have to be up at crack of dawn.

However they probably didn’t get much of a lie in anyway with 2 little girls aged 4 and 2 who are up early and now resisting bedtime!

 

The coach was about half full and had 2 extra pick ups after us before heading down to Southampton.

The age range was pretty much in older so we felt right at home.

2 of the major roads South were closed so had to divert and the driver kept making comments about running over his time.We did get dropped off at ship at 1.45pm so not an issue. They are official company for Cunard so guarantee to get you there but in extreme cases of delay not sure how that would work out.

 

Anyway we puled up right next to embarkation terminal and were told to just leave our luggage as would    be automatically be transferred on board. We collected 6 rollator but only had a few hundred yards to walk before came to mobility assistance desk.

They checked his name off and assigned him a wheelchair pusher=they suggested he sit in chair and I took custody of rollator

Through security pretty easily and checked in at muster station before being escorted right to our stateroom-balcony on deck 11.

 

Queen Anne is brand new this year and as expected bright and modern.

There was a half bottle of Pol Acker fizz and we opened that whilst 6 purchased internet package. We waited until we were on board in order to take advantage of $45 discount for turning gold. That discount was automatically applied to our on board account.

Our cabin steward knocked on door to introduce himself and to show us where various outlets were.

 

By 3.30 it was time for me to explore the ship ie find the Spa.

I purchased a 7 day pass for 10 day journey and offer was discount on massage on port day-I booked in for 1^st day Copenhagen.

We had prepurchased the drinks package so I got 2 drinks to take back to cabin from Chart bar on deck 2.

 

I then discovered a peculiarity on this ship.

Our cabin was deck 11 forward-there are 3 banks of elevators and stairs. However if you use mid or aft you cannot walk all way forward because the Grills are between and you need key card access. Going up to deck 12 no help either.

Eventually after up and down a few stairs one of the crew took pity on me and guided me through the grills area to be able to get to our cabin-6 joked he was dying of thirst by then!

We later found that if you go down to deck 9 you can go through the Artisans food court-ie buffet.

Or go down to deck 8 which is all cabins and walk all way along.

Best though to always use lifts/stairs forward.

 

Our luggage arrived about 4 and 6 realised he had left 3 pairs of long trousers in our wardrobe at home-he only had the trousers for his tuxedo!

We had first seating in restaurant   at 5.30-we were on table for 2 with 2 others close by. Advantages were being able to chat to adjacent tables but ordered and food delivered separately .

We were finished 3 courses in just over an hour and then went to chart room bar for rest of evening.

 

I had to be escorted to bed. Was this due to rough seas, early morning wake up or too much wine-I couldn’t possibly comment.

[Slugsta]

It's good to see you again. I remember your reports of cruises with 6 (and wondered how the nickname came about). I wish you a wonderful return to cruising.

[TouchstoneFeste]

3 hours ago, Slugsta said:

It's good to see you again. I remember your reports of cruises with 6 (and wondered how the nickname came about). I wish you a wonderful return to cruising.

The mysterious Number 6?

[fabnfortysomething]

 

 Monday-at sea

 

6 had headed out early to breakfast but I had a lie and awoke to blue skies and calm sea

He said breakfast was well organised and free of “breakfast zombies” that early

He liked the fact staff plated up food for you so no self service with people contaminating tongs etc

 

Another thread is running that many people tested positive for Covid after this cruise

We stayed healthy but avoided crowded areas where possible such as Golden Lion during quiz time!

 

I like the art classes on Cunard and headed for 10am class-repeated 2pm

You can bring your own but for $35 you get watercolour pad,paints and brushes to take home so a bargain

My rendition of little mermaid was just about recognisable!

 

12 o clock each day was captains address-female captain Inger with fascinating facts

I decided to have fish and chips in Golden Lion for lunch-this is still free of charge as are several other meals such as specials of the day

You can pay extra for Michel Roux which is basically a burger!

 

1pm there was a ladies wellness hour and I was the only one to turn up

So got a 1 to 1 mini facial and discounted facial to be taken on port day-okay that’s 2^nd day Copenhagen sorted

 

I then spent time in Thermal spa which is very nice especially when non crowded!

I found 6 out by the pavilion pool-deck 9 central position with a retractable roof

For this cruise the roof made it a pleasant area to sit when weather not so good

We had a couple of drinks then headed back to shower and change for first gala night-Black and white

 

Good food quickly served and our sommelier working out our preferences with a second glass of wine served during dessert which we then finished in  chart room where that bar waiter also got to know us

 

We started chatting to a mother and daughter next to us as mother had a very interesting compact mobility scooter!

They were certainly an interesting couple-both pagans and mother many time married-we bumped into them a lot during the cruise.

 

[rog747]

The quirks of QA....especially if a little or having more limited mobility. 

Yes, Cabins on the QA deck II (and those on 10 too, both of which are all forward) have the quirk of having to go down and up again (using A lifts only) as you cannot walk outside from the front of the ship to the back on 11 due to the Grills sun deck in the middle.

On 10 outside you have some outdoor seats and the Wellness Cafe but again you cannot walk to the aft of the ship, nor can you access the B lifts.

Deck 9 has the big middle Pool, and then the Artisan Buffet then you can get out to the aft Pool.
if you have a Cabin on deck 9 (again these Cabins are all forward only with A lift access) and want to walk aft, you have to do so by walking around the pool, which leads into (on one side only IIRC the starboard) to the Artisan Buffet, and the B lifts.

TBH, 
I almost booked a very forward cabin and have some limited mobility and thank goodness I did not.
QA is a BIG ol' ship and almost as long as the QM2, in fact QA is longer than the SS France and the Normandie.

My tip would be to book a Cabin further aft (if one is travelling in Britannia Class) as the C lifts go straight down to the MDR on 2 and 3, and up to the Artisan and aft pool on 9, or if you are located near the B lifts this gives you easy access to the grand lobby/bars/lounges and theatre on 2 and 3.

The Prom deck is on 3 and has access to it from all the Lifts.(C lifts at starboard side only).

If you want the Library and Commodore Club on deck 12 it's best to walk along deck 2 or 3 forward to lifts A to go up there.
This could be wiser (if mobility impaired) than walking forward along the Cabin decks 4 to 8 as the corridors often are semi blocked with the housekeeping trolleys.

Only the A lifts on the port side go up to the outdoor deck and Sky Bar on 14.

I would not book a Cabin on 9, 10 or 11 for all these reasons.

Looking forward to reading more!
 

Edited September 3 by rog747

[Victoria2]

11 minutes ago, rog747 said:

The quirks of QA....especially if a little or having more limited mobility. 

Yes, Cabins on the QA deck II (and those on 10 too, both of which are all forward) have the quirk of having to go down and up again (using A lifts only) as you cannot walk outside from the front of the ship to the back on 11 due to the Grills sun deck in the middle.

On 10 outside you have some outdoor seats and the Wellness Cafe but again you cannot walk to the aft of the ship, nor can you access the B lifts.

Deck 9 has the big middle Pool, and then the Artisan Buffet then you can get out to the aft Pool.
if you have a Cabin on deck 9 (again these Cabins are all forward only with A lift access) and want to walk aft, you have to do so by walking around the pool, which leads into (on one side only IIRC the starboard) to the Artisan Buffet, and the B lifts.

TBH, 
I almost booked a very forward cabin and have some limited mobility and thank goodness I did not.
QA is a BIG ol' ship and almost as long as the QM2, in fact QA is longer than the SS France and the Normandie.

My tip would be to book a Cabin further aft (if one is travelling in Britannia Class) as the C lifts go straight down to the MDR on 2 and 3, and up to the Artisan and aft pool on 9, or if you are located near the B lifts this gives you easy access to the grand lobby/bars/lounges and theatre on 2 and 3.

The Prom deck is on 3 and has access to it from all the Lifts.(C lifts at starboard side only).

If you want the Library and Commodore Club on deck 12 it's best to walk along deck 2 or 3 forward to lifts A to go up there.
This could be wiser (if mobility impaired) than walking forward along the Cabin decks 4 to 8 as the corridors often are semi blocked with the housekeeping trolleys.

Only the A lifts on the port side go up to the outdoor deck and Sky Bar on 14.

I would not book a Cabin on 9, 10 or 11 for all these reasons.

Looking forward to reading more!
 

Excellent post and I can't tell you the number of times we had to ask staff to move their housekeeping trolleys as the wheelchair couldn't pass!

No issue with same chair on QV so either the trolleys are bigger or the corridors are a tad narrower.

[rog747]

15 minutes ago, Victoria2 said:

Excellent post and I can't tell you the number of times we had to ask staff to move their housekeeping trolleys as the wheelchair couldn't pass!

No issue with same chair on QV so either the trolleys are bigger or the corridors are a tad narrower.

Cheers - I was writing in that vein for us folk like me who are a tad bit doddery LOL !

BTW
there is (I am sure you noticed) also a quirky bottleneck pinch point getting past at the Casino and opposite it at the 1840 bar on deck 3, if one is using a WCHR/Scooter or a walker).

Edited September 3 by rog747

[Victoria2]

4 minutes ago, rog747 said:

Cheers - I was writing in that vein for us folk like me who are a tad bit doddery LOL !

BTW
there is (I am sure you noticed) also a quirky bottleneck pinch point getting past at the Casino and opposite it at the 1840 bar on deck 3, if one is using a WCHR/Scooter or a walker).

Noticed?

Guest services, Front desk and another suit whose name I have forgotten also know I have 'noticed'!😄

[Planning to cruise]

2 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

Excellent post and I can't tell you the number of times we had to ask staff to move their housekeeping trolleys as the wheelchair couldn't pass!

No issue with same chair on QV so either the trolleys are bigger or the corridors are a tad narrower.

Corridors are narrower.  There are more rooms opening out into the space.  Movement in the corridors is more restricted for all.  

[Planning to cruise]

2 hours ago, rog747 said:

Cheers - I was writing in that vein for us folk like me who are a tad bit doddery LOL !

BTW
there is (I am sure you noticed) also a quirky bottleneck pinch point getting past at the Casino and opposite it at the 1840 bar on deck 3, if one is using a WCHR/Scooter or a walker).

The Casino pinch point was evident from day 1 on board.  It affects the able bodied too when it is difficult for traffic moving in opposite directions to pass, especially at busy times such as theatre finish. 

Passing along the Queens Room thoroughfare by the bar can be another pinch point at times.    

 

Imo not well designed.  

[exlondoner]

Despite their lamentable admin. and more lamentable IT, you can’t say Cunard aren't on the ball about some things. I had an email today, asking me to remember to fill in the on board needs questionnaire for our next voyage. We sail next July. 😀

[Clewgarnet]

1 hour ago, exlondoner said:

Despite their lamentable admin. and more lamentable IT, you can’t say Cunard aren't on the ball about some things. I had an email today, asking me to remember to fill in the on board needs questionnaire for our next voyage. We sail next July. 😀

I had them for both my upcoming voyages - November this year and October 2025!

[DukeBeetle24]

7 minutes ago, Clewgarnet said:

I had them for both my upcoming voyages - November this year and October 2025!

Had four come through, covering the next twelve months - specifically about mobility scooters!

Edited September 3 by DukeBeetle24

[exlondoner]

1 minute ago, DukeBeetle24 said:

Had four come through, covering the next twelve months - specifically about mobility scooters!

As I say, on the ball. Or the wheel.

[DukeBeetle24]

5 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

As I say, on the ball. Or the wheel.

Fast & Furious 12: Cunard Drift

[exlondoner]

Goodness me. I’ve just looked more carefully. There were two emails, and I assumed one for me and one for my spouse, but no, the second one is for our August 2026 cruise. I really do feel filling that in would be tempting fate.

[Catz24031]

3 hours ago, exlondoner said:

Goodness me. I’ve just looked more carefully. There were two emails, and I assumed one for me and one for my spouse, but no, the second one is for our August 2026 cruise. I really do feel filling that in would be tempting fate.

I had already filled hubbys form in June this year for a September 2026 sailing. Upon checking on boards need, after receiving email today that electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are deemed one category, I checked and it stated I need to update the form.  This was duly sent.  We do have an accessible cabin booked.

[Victoria2]

I had four emails about this.

 

Cunard are rightly dotting the i and crossing the t!

 

I just wish they would correct their 'An error has occurred, please try later'

 

Hello, I've been trying 'later' for a few months now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Edited September 3 by Victoria2
can't spell!

[Winifred 22]

Mine game through  today up to December 2026 but was pleased as there was a cruise booked for 2026 which I didn’t remember I had. Glad  to see that as I would probably have tried to book it again. 

Edited September 3 by Winifred 22

[fabnfortysomething]

10 hours ago, rog747 said:

Cheers - I was writing in that vein for us folk like me who are a tad bit doddery LOL !

BTW
there is (I am sure you noticed) also a quirky bottleneck pinch point getting past at the Casino and opposite it at the 1840 bar on deck 3, if one is using a WCHR/Scooter or a walker).

thanks for your input

we rebookedQueen Anne for next August and have booked on deck 7

[fabnfortysomething]

Tuesday 2^nd day at sea

 

Clocks went forward 1 hour so nearly missed art class as I phone hadn’t automatically reset.

This was of Skagen lighthouse one of our scheduled port stops.

It looked pretty much like the photo!

 

Unlike previous day which was warm and sunny it was raining outside so no one in Panorama sun deck at aft.

The pavilion pool with its covered roof was very pleasant to sit and people in  those jacuzzis and pool.

They serve a limited menu of hot dogs and burgers cooked to order at lunchtime and they were very nice.

 

Then off for some spa time.

 

Sea days shops are open all day but no luck getting long trousers for 6

Only Barbour sold at $118 and odd sizing-will have to use tux trousers until can get ashore.

 

Dinner in Britannia restaurant with our attentive waiters and sommelier.

We chatted to people on adjacent tables then out to chart room where struck up conversation with another couple until they headed to second sitting.

 

For a change we headed up to Commodore club on deck 12 where there was a pianist/vocalist playing and where we spent rest of evening.

 

[fabnfortysomething]

Wednesday Copenhagen-overnight stay

 

We got a letter in stateroom saying that 6 had not checked in at muster station and needed to attend a catch up session on Tuesday[24 hours previously]

Pardon -of course he had checked in and so he had to go to guest services to sort this out.I later was chatting to another lady whose disabled husband had same letter-some mis communication going on here!

 

I went for my massage 10.30 and enjoyed it so much rebooked for Rotterdam port day.

I tried fish and chips at Buffet which were okay but not as good as Golden Lion

 

6 was doing a zoom session with stroke survivor group lunchtime and was entertaining them with a virtual cabin tour!

I sat out on balcony in sunshine remembering to apply sunscreen as was still covered in massage oil

 

There was a free shuttle service between ship and city centre and we originally intended to take it for the 30 min transfer and find him some trousers

However after this video call he needed to rest as was a bit brain frazzled .He decided he could make do with tuxedo trousers for another couple of days until we ported in Skagen where it looked like more shops closer to port

 

Whilst 6 had a nap I went down to Pavilion bar where had a non alcoholic mohito which I preferred to the stronger alcoholic cocktails on offer!

6 later joined me and we had a few glasses of prosecco before showering and changing for dinner

 

Usual good service and food in restaurant then drink in chartroom

However 7pm we both felt in need of nap[?prosecco] so returned to cabin

I woke up 2 hours later still fully dressed!

Obviously not going out again so retired to bed

 

[fabnfortysomething]

Thursday 2^nd day Copenhagen

 

When I woke 6 was already up and about having been disturbed by early morning scraping and banging noises.

We usually choose a cabin sandwiched above and below with other cabins.

11047 had deck 12 above which was one of the boardrooms above-as it wasn’t below commodore club we thought would be okay

However as 6 discovered 2 floors above on deck 14[there is no deck 13[] it’s the sun deck

Late at night and early morning crew were stacking/unstacking sun loungers in order to clean the floors

Unfortunately they drag the loungers rather than 2 man lift which results in the noise carrying through to floors below.

 

I had a facial booked for 10.30 so decided to spend an hour beforehand in the thermal spa.It was very quiet-in fact I was the only one in there.

My facial was lovely but had to resist the pseudo science sales pitch afterwards.

Spa is on deck 1 and my room had a window in it so could see out to the dock where lots of coaches waiting

 

It was raining and did so for much of day.

I found 6 in cabin having one of his “strokey “ days-ie particularly sensitive to stimuli such as light and noise so not going ashore today.

Lunch I headed to pavilion pool for a burger where 6 joined me for a while but then headed back to cabin to rest.He calls it a NAP[Neurofatigue Alleviation Period]

 

I sat on balcony and read kindle for most of afternoon until it was time to get ready for the Masquerade Gala

Many people were dressed up and dining room full unlike previous night where many stayed out in Copenhagen taking advantage of the overnight stay.

We spoke to a lady in mobility scooter who confirmed Copenhagen is not disabled friendly-drop kerbs are difficult to find!

 

There was a film showing in Pavilion of queen with Adam Lambert so went to watch that.

I lasted till about 10pm when realised I may have imbibed 1 too many glasses of wine.

6 escorted me to bed[apparently to the amusement of one of the bar waitresses and he sat out on balcony whilst I collapsed into bed.

 

If there was any scraping noises from furniture being moved above I was completely oblivious!  

[fabnfortysomething]

Friday

 

I noticed quite a bit of rocking and rolling overnight and  8am Captain announced that seas were too high to dock at Skagen so would be another sea day-6 trousers have to wait again.

 

I decided to go to the Thermal Spa and then read in relaxation room

Extra activities were put on to cope with sea day but by time saw screens I had missed the 10am art class so decided to go to the 2pm[painting of Oslo coastline]

 

11.30 met up with 6 in chartroom

We had the Beverage package but honestly got nowhere near the value and I consider us big drinkers-it did have the convenience factor but would probably go pay as you go next time.

To try to offset the cost we tried a couple of cocktails but too strong for my taste.

 

At Dinner captains announcement that due to high seas certain areas are closed off and to be careful moving around ship.

We sat in chartroom by a window afterwards and watched the washing machine waves!

 

I was tired by 8.45 and went to bed

6 stayed out to watch string trio of 3 very attractive young ladies

Usually a rock fan cant think why classical music would appeal!!!!

[fabnfortysomething]

Saturday Oslo

 

I woke a few times during the night and noted seas calmer

At some point we entered Oslofiord

We were docked and cleared by 8am

 

6 decided to stay on board but hey I had some long trousers to get for him

Forecast sunny and 18C but needed sweatshirt

There was a HOHO bus just outside so bought ticket

I got off in centre of Oslo but shops weren’t open till 10am so got back on board next bus and did rest of circuit

Oslo is very small and could probably have walked to areas of interest.

 

Back at the ship there was a souvenir shop where a very helpful stall holder pointed me in direction of local shopping mall

Going past a childrens play area with 2 characters dressed up in Lego suits.I thought our granddaughters would love this.

I found an H and M with reasonable priced trousers but all one leg length-Danish men obviously tall !

 

I got a sewing kit from guest services back on board and 6 hemmed up about 3 inches.

The afternoon was a bit cooler and overcast but able to sit out on balcony with sweatshirt.

We were overlooking the harbour and there was plenty to see.

Luxury apartments to left

Islands in front of us and plenty of ferries and yachts

2 boats with wedding parties went by-the noise levels indicated they were having a good time!

 

After dinner we went to chartroom for a drink before captains party-invited as just turned Gold.

6 however had put his noise reduction earplugs in wrong ears so was getting an unpleasant bzzing sensation

He went back to cabin to rest and I went to party by myself

On NCL this is usually a sales pitch by on board cruise consultants but much more relaxed on Cunard and offered a few drinks and to chat to other guests and senior crew

The captain was delayed on bridge because of delayed sailaway but did later make an appearance.

I saw her a few times around the ship throughout the cruise and she was always smiling and acknowledging guests.

 

6 was still resting on bed so I went up to Commodore club 1 deck up and got us a couple of drinks to sit by balcony and watch the sailaway through the fiord for rest of night.