Freedom of the seas, accessible JS sept 07...any questions?

[CruisinOnWheels]

We were on september 23, 07 sailing of the Freedom of the Seas and stayed in accessible JS on deck level 10...any questions?

 

One bit of advice...AVOID staying at the Doubletree Grand Hotel, although near the cruiseport and having nice views of it...

 

We were very disappointed in their "ADA accessible rooms" in no way met the ADA standards (we found out later they have had numerous lawsuits filed against them for ADA violations).

 

Yes...there is indeed a chair lift at the main pool and it is VERY cool, we hope other cruise lines will add chair lifts to their pools...

[ThysFamily]

Hi - We're leaving on 2/10 on Freedom in the same JS. Do you have any pictures of the JS that you could post? My mom is in a wheelchair most of the time and uses a walker for short distances. Was the cabin easy to get around in? Also, how was the shower? We've stayed in others where the bathroom floods easily and become a walking hazard.

 

When at the port, how do they work boarding. Do folks in chairs go to a separate area of are they hoarded with the masses?

 

Thanks in advance for the info.

Nadine:D

[ThysFamily]

triple post

[ThysFamily]

Hi - We're leaving on 2/10 on Freedom in the same JS. Do you have any pictures of the JS that you could post? My mom is in a wheelchair most of the time and uses a walker for short distances. Was the cabin easy to get around in? Also, how was the shower? We've stayed in others where the bathroom floods easily and become a walking hazard.

 

When at the port, how do they work boarding. Do folks in chairs go to a separate area of are they hoarded with the masses?

 

Thanks in advance for the info.

Nadine:D

[CruisinOnWheels]

Great choice! you will love the setup of the accessible JS.. it is about 400 sq feet and is generally a "square room"...

 

The balcony access has a metal plate that drops down over the threshold when you open the door, it takes a lil effort to close it.

 

The bathroom is a dream, it has a roll in "corner shower" with wrap around curtain, hand held shower head and flip down seat attached to the wall.

 

Leaving the sbip...have a lil patience there, everyone is going to push and shove around you...hold your ground. On our sailing, they announced that access to deck 3(I think it was the deck everyone walked off on) was by elevator access ONLY for handicapped guests in wheelchairs etc.

 

AB's will try to push their way onto the elevator to avoid taking the stairs (as they were told to), best strategy here is... have wheelchair or walking disabled fill the back of the elevator, and have "strong" Able bodied helpers block the elevator access for ab's trying to get on.

 

Also..if you plan on going to shows, or the Quest a few tips..

 

handicapped seating on upper level of theatre is best, when we sat on lower level they pull a heavy curtain behind w/c guests that basically pins you in...and makes getting out, to get drinks etc...a real pain.

 

If you plan on going to the quest...be prepared for overcrowding that violates fire and safety codes. I had a panic attack when we went, and even mentioned the situation to RCI's corporate office... with little response.

 

Also...their is a chair lift available at the main pool, it is great... it swings you over and down into the pool, ask pool staff for assistance before you head to the pool.

[ThysFamily]

Thanks so much for the information and tips. They will be greatly helpful. Just a couple more questions. Do you have any pictures of the cabin/balcony that you could share? Also, when you got on the ship at Miami how did the boarding process work? Thanks!

Nadine:D