Walker VIP Check-In In NYC?

[bobbyfk]

my grandfather uses a walker and cannot stabd in one spot for a very long time. do you think if i ask carnival will givd us VIP check- in?

 

 

thanks

[Splinter]

I hope you are taking a wheelchair for him to use. Not only is there a lot of standing while waiting to board, there is a lot of standing on cruises in general. Distances can be long on ships too, and trying to do it with a walking on the carpets can be frustrating and even dangerous. In addition, if his balance is at all impaired, he may need a wheelchair for any rough weather, and it will allow him to do more on shore excursions.

 

While the cruise line will have wheelchairs to help with embarkation and disembarkation, generally they will not let you keep the wheelchair for the entire trip, nor will they let you take them on shore excursions. The ship's wheelchairs are also shared with many other people, and tend to be heavy and difficult to use.

 

I would recommend either purchasing or renting a wheelchair and taking it with you. This way you can be familiar with how to use it before the trip, and can also use it at the airport.

 

Most cruise lines don't offer "VIP" check-in for people with disabilities, but they do usually have expedited check-in, and often those with physical disabilities have a separate line or are boarded first. You should call the special services department at Carnival for details: 1-800-438-6744 X 70025.

[CaptData]

Yes, do rent a wheel chair for him. Airports can be very long. You can gate check the wheelchair so that it stays available for all airports. It will not cost extra as your ADA comes into it. By renting at home you can pick an ultra-lite for him. The crew will push him for you onto and off the ship if you wish. Bring his walker too and gate check it.

[kitty9]

Every time I've checked in for any cruise, they had a disabled check in line, BUT, that line has always been closed. You really need to rent a wheelchair for him. If the seas get even a little bumpy, you'll be happy you had a wheelchair.

[land lover]

Buy one, online 19 lbs. $155. shipping included can get in a week, a life saver for us.:)

[eigig]

my grandfather uses a walker and cannot stabd in one spot for a very long time. do you think if i ask carnival will givd us VIP check- in?

 

 

thanks

 

We just embarked 7/29 and debarked 8/3 from the Carnival Victory at Pier 90-92 in NYC. My husband uses a cane and no sooner did we get into the building than an escort with a wheelchair came jumped up and asked if he needed help. He declined but after about 20 more steps a wonderful woman who was directing the crowds just took matters into her own hands and insisted that he use a wheelchair. We were then just whisked right through and went to the next available processer and then onto the ship. Same for disembarking. Just get to the designated lounge about 30 minutes before they tell you to be there and an escort will get you off the ship.

 

Enjoy your cruise!