Muster Drill With Handicaps You Can't See

[Everydaymatters]

What can be done about muster drill and unseen handicaps? I have a bad knee and a bad lung and can't make it up a flight of stairs. I don't use a cane or oxygen, so my handicaps are not evident. I've read that those in wheelchairs and other visible aids can take the elevator, but others have to take the stairs. What should I do to prevent problems?

[katisdale]

I usually sail with Princess which lets everyone (with or without problems)stay in a lounge, showroom etc. for the drills so if that is who you are sailing with just go to your assigned area a little early so you can be sure to have a seat and you will be fine. On other ships I would speak with someone at the pursers desk before the drill and see what they recommend.

[montgomeryfamily]

Whether we sail on Princess or on cruise lines that make you muster outside, we always go down early for the muster drill--even though the disabled person in our party has the "visible aids". The time of the muster drill is listed in the ship newsletter that is in your cabin.

 

We go down with our lifejackets early and get our lifejackets on there and talk to the person who is leading the drill in our area when that person comes down to let them know if the disability and that we don't want to be pushed to the back. The later arriving people will stand in front of you otherwise and it can be quite claustrophic, especially if you are short or in a wheelchair.

 

After the drill, the elevators are open to anyone to use, and you will find many AB people using them, notwithstanding the persons in wheelchairs waiting to use the elevators too. So if we aren't allowed to leave a little early, which some will allow, we usually try to just wait around for about 15 minutes until after the drill has ended so we can get to the elevators without all of the crowds.

[TinAngel]

A cane could save you from being jolted about, stuck in the back row and

could alert those around you a real emergency that you may need aid.

 

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/index.htm

 

Above is where I get mine, I am into fashion. :cool:

I know NCL and RCI place all disabled to the left of the muster group and

do not block them except for family. (say five cruises in wheelchair).

 

Some ships try to place folks in wheelchairs only to certain muster stations

some actually send a crewman to assist (NCL has for me).

 

Bon Voyage!

 

Joe

[Benita]

Thanks for the fashionable cane link. I ordered one last week and it arrived yesterday - I like it because it folds into 5 pieces instead of the 4 that they sell in drugstores - makes it easier to fit into a purse and they have great cases.

[limpygirl]

I just placed an order for two canes. I could not decide they had so many pretty ones I would have liked to order all of them. However, have to save some money for the casino and bingo on my cruise LOL. Therefore, I restrained myself with two. I have one with flowers but it is sort of beat up since it is over 5 years old....had been looking but not finding what I wanted. I appreciate your sharing the link....thanks

again.:)