Wheelchair at San Diego port

[CruisinNana]

We travel with a lightweight, fold-up wheelchair, but when traveling by air, we use the airport's wheelchairs and attendants. We have never traveled with a chair on a cruise.

Can you order wheelchair and an attendant ahead of time to help with embarkation and debarkation at the San Diego port?

[elmorejj]

Yes. Have you TA contact HAL and tell them you will need a w/chair. There is usually a form to fill out stating the nature of your disability. When you arrive at the port, find one of the HAL support team......in a red jacket.......and tell them you have ordered a w/chair. You will be among the first to board. Towards the end of your cruise, you will receive a letter in your cabin telling you where to meet on disembarcation day, its usually in the Explorers lounge. There will be stewards to assist you and you will leave the ship according to your flight plans. Hope this helps, any other ??s re disabled pax, fire away.............jean:cool:

[elmorejj]

One thing I forgot to mention, you do not have the use of the w/chair during your cruise unless you pay to rent one from HAL. Also, the w/chair cannot be taken off the ship during port days

[DAllenTCY]

The ship provides the wheelchairs during debarkation and embarkation, the shore staff (red jackets) do not have one for use. Some ships do very well with supplying wheelchairs and attendants once embarkation begins...other ships do not. Even with a request for a wheelchair, I would caution you not to arrive before 1-2pm, and therefore avoid the noon rush. Usually the attendants line up just inside door #4, which means you have to get from the auto, bus, or taxi drop-off zones to there, on your own. If none is present, the "red jackets" will gladly request one from on board, but this can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes.

David

[CruisinNana]

Jean and David, thank you both so much for your replies. This information helps so much.