Is Carnival Disabled friendly?

[maxydu]

I will be cruising Thanksgiving week on Carnival Valor. I wear a leg brace on my left leg, utilize a cane for stability, and neither of my hands function properly. My biggest concerns are embarkment; being able to stand in the lines and debarkment at the different ports. From reading the threads on this site and others, it seems like there are more long lines, manuvering through stairwells, and big crowds who somehow push & shove. Then of course is debarkment back in Miami. I hate needing special treatment, but sometimes it's necessary for safety reasons. Does Carnival have folks to assist? Do I need any type of special pass or id? Any info would be greatly appreciated.......I was in good health on my earlier cruises.:o

[PennyAgain]

Obviously you don't need a special pass or ID. If you ask for a wheel chair to get on and off the ship, you will avoid standing in lines and the crowds.

 

Most people are pretty decent when they see someone with a cane.

 

You will get some help if you ask for it, but they won't barge in on you to offer if you don't ask.

[cusyl]

I will be cruising Thanksgiving week on Carnival Valor. I wear a leg brace on my left leg, utilize a cane for stability, and neither of my hands function properly. My biggest concerns are embarkment; being able to stand in the lines and debarkment at the different ports. From reading the threads on this site and others, it seems like there are more long lines, manuvering through stairwells, and big crowds who somehow push & shove. Then of course is debarkment back in Miami. I hate needing special treatment, but sometimes it's necessary for safety reasons. Does Carnival have folks to assist? Do I need any type of special pass or id? Any info would be greatly appreciated.......I was in good health on my earlier cruises.:o

You can ask for a wheelchair when you arrive, or bring one of your own. Are you traveling with someone who will assist you? Are you able to handle a rollator/walker with wheels and a seat? Do your hands function well enough to use a mobility scooter? Carnival is very helpful to the disabled.

[uppitycats]

When you arrive at the port -- and particularly if your cane is visible -- all you need to do is find a Carnival representative (look for the Carnival logo on a nametag, or sometimes a uniform) and ask for wheelchair assistance. They'll get a chair for you, push you to the heads of lines, escort you on to the ship...

 

and when it's time to leave at the end of your cruise, they'll help you off, in the same way.

 

DON'T expect to use the wheelchair while on the ship, though. They only have a limited number of them, and will only use them in emergency situations (like, if someone gets sick or injured while on board).

 

You might want to consider getting one of those rollators with a seat, or even your own manual chair, to help you get around much more easily. Cruise ships are VERY big, and the distances between cabin and dining room can seem miles away..

[maxydu]

Thanks everyone for the info...I got it as far as embark & debark, but can you get assistance from Carnival getting off at the different ports to avoid getting injured in the crowds?

[uppitycats]

Thanks everyone for the info...I got it as far as embark & debark, but can you get assistance from Carnival getting off at the different ports to avoid getting injured in the crowds?

 

No. You just have to wait until the first rush is over. If you're going on a Carnival-sponsored excursion, you'll be directed to a specific area of the ship, or to an area right off the ship, to meet with the rest of your group.

 

Are you traveling by yourself? Otherwise, your travelling companion can serve as a sort of "blocker".

 

I don't think it's as bad as you think -- people are a little more considerate when they see an obvious disability, and a person moving with a cane.

 

It sounds like your impairment is relatively new? I still think you might be a lot more comfortable if you get a manual wheelchair to use...

[PennyAgain]

Don't get upset with the idea of using a wheel chair to save yourself. We burn a lot of calories moving around on one good leg and one that isn't. You need to save your strength so you can enjoy your trip.

[maxydu]

Yes, my injury occured in March 2008. I was injured in the line of duty as a federal law enforcement agent. Initially I was paralyzed but have made excellent progress with lots of therapy and hard work. My wife, who is a nurse will be leading the way on the cruise; she's pretty tough! Thanks again for the info.

[TrinaP1204]

Sounds like u are in good hands with your wife. Like most said, people are generally courteous about letting those with a disability have the "right of way" so to speak. When we used Carnival, I remember having an employee usually spot you in lines and when we needed help and they would come to help.

 

Just be patient, vocal when you need help and enjoy your cruise. You deserve it.

Another thing. Make sure you call the airline in advance and tell them of your disability. They will ask what type of assistance you will need. It might be a good idea to tell them you need a wheelchair to meet you once you get off the plane. It will help you get to your connecting flights, etc. sooner and easier.