Zuiderdam 1/29 review!!!

[steelcity5044]

Hi,
Just returned from 4 night Bahama cruise aboard Zuiderdam and herre are my thoughts and opinions:

Prestay and Embarkation:
Flew down from Pittsburgh on Friday 1/28 on USA3000. Nice trip and even had free tv shows, music, and lunch(sandwich/cookie/chips/whole can of pop).
Stayed at Sheraton FLL Airport. Booked thru Priceline for winning bid of $50 and well worth the price. Had the Sweet Sleeper beds. Nice place for a pre-stay night but wouldn't book for a vacation since not near anything. Took a taxi to the pier which cost $11.50 before tip. Went to embarkation at 11:15am and on ship within a half hour. Was originally booked in VA #6003 and was plaesantly suprised at checkin to find out was upgraded to SS#5001.
Took picture and away we go!!!!!

First Thoughts and Cabin :
Biggest newest ship we have ever been on and only have Carnival to compare to. Color scheme very similar to Carnival but in a more upscale way. Lots of teak wood and extra special touches like fresh flowers and art work. Was suprised that therre really wasn't an atrium and the seahorse crystal not given justice. Husband couldn't believe how tight the ship felt at first. Hallways very skinny and ceilings are low leaving you with a cluasterphobic feeling. Also not too many windows in public walkways. I am happy to report that by second day the closed-in feeling was gone and you didnt even notice.
I also didnt like that you had to walk through the casino to get to the Vista Lounge and walk through the Spa to get to the Lido. Felt too much like in your face advertising. Did end up finding other ways around eventually.
Cabin was HUGE!!!! Therre was plenty of drawer space and three cupboards. The bathroom had whirlpool tub and free standing shower. Medicine cabinent was ample sized and utilized easily, liked that it had bars so items could not fall out. There were 2 telephones, a tv and a dvd player. Like that doorways were wide with no step over due to being a handicapped cabin. We are not in need of this service but choose 6003 due to floorplan looking larger than other cabins in this category and it is true-they are. We were bumped to SS but still a handicapped cabin in very front of ship. This was a great location in that you had floor to ceiling window and door and a second window which overlooked fron of ship. There was a deck right outside our window so it felt like you had this huge balcony!! Only drawback to this cabin was that it sat over anchor so you knew when you stopped, but we didnt mind. Also, would have been better to book even numbered side of ship because this faced ports instead of nothing.
Our cabin did contain magnifying mirror and vanity, fruit bowl, robes, and silver plated ice bucket but did not have upgraded bed or bedding yet.
All in all a great room and great accomodations!!! Would book again in a heartbeat

Food and Service:
Everything was very nicely presented and very good in my opinion. Ate at the Pinnacle on the first night and it was excellent. Only $10pp and dress was causal even though most dressed more like business casual. Top notch food and service. Husband had clam chowder, 20oz porterhouse, and volcanoe cake while I had cedarplank halibut and berry shortcake.
Vista diningroom was very elegant and food very good. Waitstaff was wonderful. Had 3rd floor 8pm seating at table 82 which was a twotop right along the railing by the stairs. had no movement or vibrations. Only item wasnt too crazy about was the surf and turf. The staek was chewy and lobster tail small and watery. Loved everything else, especially baked potatoe soup, mushroom ravioli, raspberry sherbert, and cheesecake sampler. All salads were good too. Service exceelent!!! Always had breakfast delivered to room and ate on balcony. Had nice assortment to choose from and served on same china as Vista. Came on time as did any time ordered room service.
Lido had a lot of choices and always found something easily to eat. Only time that was bad was first on board and everyone there at same time. Could not find a table because most just sitting waiting for room to be done. Alot of people ate with plates in lap by the pool. Yes, there were liquors for the icecream and Hunky Dory was there too!!!!
Overall service was incredible. Lots of smiling faces and thank-yous to go around. Everyone seemed to really go out of there way to make you feel special. Lots of joking around and singing to be heard.

Entertainment :
This is where I would say Holland is lacking. Yes you could always find somethig to do but your only real choices were drink, spa gamble, art auction, bingo, drink, shop, drink, show, and an occassional other activity. I dont drink very much and didnt use the spa. Never made it to the art auction. Played bingo once. Shopped a little. Gambled some but didnt have any luck. The magician was incredible! DO NOT MISS HIS SHOW!!!
Julie Barr the comic act sucked. not funny at all. Her xrated show was kids playground humor(called her private area her sweet spot), MISS HER SHOW!!!
The showtime live acts were good. They did a summertime musical and last show was a Broadway showtune with glamourous Bob Mackie costumes.
This is a good cruise to take if you want laid back activities and minimal choices. We always found things to do but not always plentiful choices.
Biggest complaint was that Windstar, where they sell specialty coffees closed at 9pm each evening. Not a great way to get late night or after dinner coffees. Was disappointed.

Ports :
Key West was nice. Very party-like and alive. Walked all of Front Street, down Duval and up Whitehouse? Shopped and saw alot. Was pretty cool that there was an Arts Festival going on in town with lots of local artists selling their arts. Way cool!
Nassau was kinda scary. We were there 2 years ago and cant believe how much it changed. Now there is this "compound" you have to pass through to get into town with armed guards wearing fatigues. Streets in town much more hectic and busy with cars wizzing around with out a care for pedestrians. We are stopping there again in August on Disney Wonder with kids but dont think will get off the boat. First time I ever felt that I could easily be in some kind of danger in a port. When we went last time we walked all over town, even up to fort and Queen Annes Staricase and took public bus to Radisson cable beach. And took a taxi at night to Atlantis. This time I couldn't wait to get back on ship. There was a definite air of desperation with the public, from hurricane devestation maybe? and a definite crackdown by military or police. Did not like this port.

Half Moon Cay:
As everyone says HEAVEN!!!!! We rented clamshell, thank-god or would have fried more than did. Water is sapphire blue and transparent. Sand is like Baby powder. Could easily have stayed here for whole cruise. We did horseback riding excursion which I would highly recommend. Take truck out to stable and trainers pick you a horse you ride around in ring until everyone has a horse and then you start on hike down beach and up and down hillsides. You come back to stables for a can of pop or bottle of water and horse is changed from saddle to a mat. You then ride into ocean and water is waist high. Horse gallops and swims and then you return to beach. Was the most incredible thing I ever did. I have never rode a horse before and was scared Sh*%less but in a complete giddy way. Going into ocean on horseback was breathtaking. Only bad part was that husband dismounted from horse badly and tore knee muscles. Had to push him around in wheelchair for remainder of cruise. Be very careful dismounting and dont think you are too manly to have trainers to help you off horse. These are big beautiful Jamacian horses.
Went to BBQ on island. Standard fare like hamburgers, hotdogs, ribs, salads and desserts.
Disenbarkation :
EASY EASY EASY

All in all would rate this as one of the best cruises I ever took. Would go on Holland again in a heartbeat. Might be a little sedate for children but not too much. Would take my kids if itinery right. Club Hal looked small and not sure what kids activities were like. Age mix on this cruise was varied from 20/30 all the way to 80's. Best thing we brought was lanyards for room key cards that we hole punched at front office and wore around our neckes for duration of cruise. Made purchasing and getting on/off ship a breeze. And we never lost or misplaced key. Would also suggest bring spare suitcase for purchases and alcohol or YOU WILL EXCEED WEIGHT LIMITS FOR AIRLINE LUGGAGE>
Please ask any questions you may have and thanks for all your hellp!!!

[mjmagee]

Oh thank you for the Zuid review. wondered why we had not seen any reviews in a while. We will be sailing on her on the 12th and very much looking forward to it. Thanks again for posting! Marilyn

[dakrewser]

Good to see a positive review of the Zuiderdam, thanks

[Umbarger]

How did you book a handicapped cabin when you "were not in need of this service?"

[doone]

Thank you so much for your positive review of the Zuiderdam. I board her in March and am now looking forward to sailing on her.

[skylar64]

Great review. Thanks for sharing all the info. Will be cruising in March and was happy to hear some positive things.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Graet review. Thanks for sharing.

We will be on the Zuiderdam in May.

[watchdiva]

Thanks for your positive review - we're first-timers on HAL and sail the Zui in April. Glad that you enjoyed yourself.

Lin

[JaniceB]

Thanks for your review. I want to book the Horseback riding excursion for our cruise in March. I am not an experienced rider and was a bit afraid, but your review made me decide to book it.

Thanks again.

[dakrewser]

How did you book a handicapped cabin when you "were not in need of this service?"

The OP didn't "book it", they were assigned it by the line....

[localady]

Glad you had a good cruise! :)

The HAL ships are not designed as open and airy as many of the other new ships, but I have grown to love that HAL ships really feel like a ships, not a floating city, like some of the larger ships! :cool:

[steelcity5044]

We did book handicapped room. We were told by HAL that was ok but to realize we could be bumped to same category or higher if someone who was handicapped needed the room. We just happened to be bumped to another handicapped accessible room though a category higher. We never hid from cruiseline that we were not handicapped and were choosing cabin due to larger cabin size according to deck plan. No problems

[Terre]

Thanks for the review. We are looking at HAL for the first time. We like the casual atmosphere of Carnival and its entertainment. You talk about not much to do on board -- what is the average age of passengers?

Thanks.

[steelcity5044]

I would say average age was 45-50 but there was a good mix of 30 on up. Didnt see too many younger than that but everyone had a good time. Didnt feel like a retirement home, there was always activities to do just seemed to be same ones alot of the time. We had no problem finding activities just dont expect a wide assortment. It was more "refined" than Carnival and that is what gave HAL a more upscale feel while still being a good time(wasn't stuffy). We really enjoyed this cruise, more so than Carnival and we enjoyed those cruises also.

[beachprincess]

thank you for the extensive review. it was nice to hear such positive feedback as we are first-timers on HAL and will be sailing the Zuid in March. Glad you had a good time, i'm looking forward to the same.

[wannago30]

Great Review! Will be going in April! Can Hardly wait!

[Dealmaker]

Thanks for the wonderful review. My husband and I can hardly wait until November! Does anyone know if the S Suites have the new mattresses yet?

[Pita817]

Great Review of the "Z". My husband and I cruised on the "Z" in May 2004 and November 2004. We had absolutely great cruises! Made some friends on the ship and have kept in touch with one of the guys but haven't heard anything from anyone since the Tsunami. I see alot of people on this forum have cruises booked on the Zuiderdam in the near future. Could someone do us a favor and check on our one friend who we aren't sure what part of Indonesia he is from. His wife died a short time before our May 2004 cruise and he was working to support his young daughter. We were happy to see he had been promoted to the Pinnacle Dining Room the week of our November 2004 cruise. He was the only Indonesian waiter in the Pinnacle Dining Room. If someone wouldn't mind forwarding a note from us, please let me know. Thanks for your help!:)

[Cathy p]

Thanks for the wonderful review. I feel like I have been on the ship already. First cruise 3/5. Cannot wait. Going to St Thomas. Thanks to Doone have reservations for the Pennicle (sp) restaurant the first night. Anyone else out there that can give us their review?:p

[Lisa616]

Great Review of the "Z". My husband and I cruised on the "Z" in May 2004 and November 2004. We had absolutely great cruises! Made some friends on the ship and have kept in touch with one of the guys but haven't heard anything from anyone since the Tsunami. I see alot of people on this forum have cruises booked on the Zuiderdam in the near future. Could someone do us a favor and check on our one friend who we aren't sure what part of Indonesia he is from. His wife died a short time before our May 2004 cruise and he was working to support his young daughter. We were happy to see he had been promoted to the Pinnacle Dining Room the week of our November 2004 cruise. He was the only Indonesian waiter in the Pinnacle Dining Room. If someone wouldn't mind forwarding a note from us, please let me know. Thanks for your help!:)

I'd be happy to inquire about your friend. We'll be on the Zuiderdam a week from tomorrow. Do you happen to know his name? We'll be dining in the Pinnacle our first night.

It was wonderful to see a positive review of the Zuiderdam. We've never sailed on Holland America before, which I think is a good thing because many of the negative reviews have been more of a comparison of other HAL ships. We've only been on RCCL. We're very much looking forward to our cruise!

[doone]

Cathyp, I am so glad I was able to help you and you got your reservation, I only have eaten at the Pinnacle Grill once, last March on the Rotterdam. We LOVED it and can't wait to eat again on the Zuiderdam. If you like crab cakes, be sure to order those at the Pinnacle, they are wonderful, the steaks are incredible and like I told you, that chocolate volcano cake, incredible. We were so fully last year, but I had to have that cake, we got one for the table so we could all have a bite or two. I'd pay the $20 just for the volcano cake, it was that good. Enjoy.

[ajcruise]

Hi, did you happen to notice if there was an ATM on the Zdam?

[jfishe]

nope - no ATM, but you can get a cash advance at the front desk. They will charge your room for the cash.

[ajcruise]

Thanks for the quick reply!

[HeatherInFlorida]

The OP didn't "book it", they were assigned it by the line....

Actually the OP said she did specifically chose 6003 (a handicapped cabin) when she saw that it was larger. They were then upgraded to an SS. I'm confused that she was allowed to book the handicapped cabin when she didn't need it. I once asked if there was any chance of booking the handicapped cabin (in case no one needed it) and was told that those were saved specifically for the handicapped. My guess was that at the last minute they put "guarantees" into those cabins if not booked. In fact I've seen people on these boards actually complain about getting one!!

Steelcity, thanks for your great review:) . I'm so glad you had such a fantastic time! It was really nice to read about having a good time for a change since many reviews lately tend to be on the negative side.

[Oceanwench]

Heather,

You are right -- she said she booked 6003 when she saw it was larger.
The reason it is larger: A person in a wheelcahir or scooter needs more room to manuever.
I wish more people would understand that.
Cruise lines should not book people in handicapped-accessible rooms [who don't need them] until a certain point -- maybe 1 month out.
DH & I have been shut out from some cruises b/c the handicapped rooms were taken ... although there were plenty of other rooms in the same category -- but not accessible -- available.
Perhaps when we tried to book, the handicapped rooms were taken by people who needed them.
But this post makes me wonder ...

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather,

You are right -- she said she booked 6003 when she saw it was larger.
The reason it is larger: A person in a wheelcahir or scooter needs more room to manuever.
I wish more people would understand that.
Cruise lines should not book people in handicapped-accessible rooms [who don't need them] until a certain point -- maybe 1 month out.
DH & I have been shut out from some cruises b/c the handicapped rooms were taken ... although there were plenty of other rooms in the same category -- but not accessible -- available.
Perhaps when we tried to book, the handicapped rooms were taken by people who needed them.
But this post makes me wonder ...

This is appalling! I hope the OP understands I'm not faulting her in any way because I believe it is up to HAL to impose the rule. As I said, when I asked if one might be available I was clearly told "no" for the reasons you site.

Yet in this instance not only was she upgraded to an "SS" which is fastastic, but she was also upgraded to an SS handicapped cabin. I'm going to assume they didn't need it. Or perhaps someone had booked a lower category, needed a handicapped cabin and they bumped everyone up the ladder.

But it still should not happen. We don't know when Steelcity booked, but unless it was last minute the handicapped cabins should be held open for people who need them.

[steelcity5044]

We actually booked a good 6 months out but TA and cruise line knew we were not handicapped but were booking due to preference of room size. We booked with the understanding that we could be bumped out if some who needed the accommodations placed a booking and we had absolutely no problem with that, therefore someone who was handicapped would not be denied a room because we had it booked. The cruiseline figures if no one handicapped books at least room is filled but if it is needed then it is available. It seems we were bumped out at the last minute because all our paperwork still had 6003 on it and had to be crossed out by hand. So I am assuming that someone called in very late to book a VA or lower handicapped room and that is what bumped us up and only room available was another handicapped because no one needed it.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, SteelCity, that makes perfect sense and it's kind of what I suspected. As I hope you saw, I in no way faulted you and I don't blame you at all for wanting to book the larger cabin. We wanted to do the same! I was just surprised because when we booked out recent Oosterdam cruise about 9 months out, the handicapped cabin was available but we were told it could not be booked by a non-handicapped person.

But your explanation makes sense and it would be a good way for them to handle it all the time. Thanks so much for clearing up the confusion.

And, again, I'm so glad you wrote such a happy and great review!:) I enjoyed reading it.

[mojodani]

[QUOTE=steelcity5044]Hi,
Just returned from 4 night Bahama cruise aboard Zuiderdam and herre are my thoughts and opinions:

I posted my review on the AOL boards so I'll just add a few comments to M's great review.

Since the Z is in JAX to be used for additional accomodations for the Super Bowl she had 2 4-night Bahamas cruises scheduled before and after. Many staff members asked if JAX had a mall!

After all of the negative reviews, I was a bit wary, also. This is our 3rd cruise in 10 months (RCI's Radiance, Star Princess and the Z) and I really liked the Zuiderdam. Embarkation and disembarkation were a breeze. The Z is showing some wear, though. Stained and torn carpet in the common areas with some major divots in the floor, broken glass in a display case, a bucket under a leak in the gift shop, worn hand rails in the glass elevators with scratched brass and missing prisms along the teak wall past the Explorer's Club. We were on the Verandah Deck (5) and there was a large rip in the carpet that emitted a cloud of dust when stepped on.

The AC and toilets worked fine. The only sewer smell was midship around the public restrooms.

The staff was incredible. Front desk and shore excursion staff included. 2072 pax onboard and it never felt crowded. We never had to wait for an elevator. We used the stairs on the other lines because of the long elevator wait. No whiners or complainers - maybe, due to the age groups onboard? There were about 40 kids ages 5-17 and we only saw about a dozen using Club HAL. No waiting for tenders, either.

We toured Hemingway's Home and the neighboring lighthouse in Key West. It was nicer on a lazy Sunday morning than during a busy work day. We tendered into Key West since the Disney Magic and Carnival's Glory were in port.

DD and I did the Sea and See tour in Nassau while DH did the dive with the ship. It was a 2-tank dive of a reef wall and DC-10 followed by a dive of 2 sunken oilers bow-to-bow.

I saw 3 toddlers wearing swimmers in the pool. I thought that was a no-no.

The Volendam was anchored next to us off HMC. We also did the horseback riding excursion on HMC with the OP and had a blast. We are middle-aged with a 12 yo daughter and thought it was worth every penny. My horse was named Blow Wind Blow and had a severe case of flatulence! Hence, the name? We chose this cruise specifically for HMC since Princess Cay was canceled due to hurricane damage. We rented clamshells and found a pair of Rx glasses next to the lounger and turned them into the info booth. While there another pax was looking for his HAL bag with his family's passports in it. Yikes!

I felt like a Mack truck had hit me in the morning after the ride. Hanging onto the horse was more of a workout than I had originally thought.

We had to have our luggage outside our door by 0200. RCI was midnight and Princess was 2100 (way too early). Another plus with HAL was the large beverage stations offering more than tea, coffee, hot chocolate and lemonade. They also had a few juices. Gotta love the ice cream from 1130 until 0100, too.

My only complaint:

4 days was not long enough!


Joni

[JDee]

HAL does appear to have an unwritten policy on holding back the handicapped and connecting cabins and assigning those to those to the guaranteed bookings at the last minute. That's the reason many pax no longer book the guarantee. While you may get more sqft in the handicapp cabin, you loose out on the tub, and on the S & R ships, many of those handicapped are on the exteme ends of the ship.

Unless you want a connecting cabin, those are not a good choice.

Happy cruising....

[steelcity5044]

Our SS cabin did have both the shower and the whirlpool tub. It was in the very front of the ship and it was a location i would book again in a heartbeat. We had almost no traffic pass in front of door and felt little movement.Like I said only time it was loud was when we dropped anchor, but didnt really bother us. We really like the larger doorways cause didnt feel so tight and the extra room space really made a difference.

[steelcity5044]

Dont wait until morning of disembarkation to but your photos. Was told would be able to until 9:30 am but I went down before 9 am and they were closed and gone. Missed out on our formal pictures due to misinformation. Was told we could purchase until 9:30 am using cash.

[Nan-L]

I am looking at your cabin to book, how wa the balcony, did it has lounge chairs? Private, wind?
Any help is welcomed

[cruzingqueen]

Oh thank you for the Zuid review. wondered why we had not seen any reviews in a while. We will be sailing on her on the 12th and very much looking forward to it. Thanks again for posting! Marilyn

I am on the Zuiderdam 2/19th and can't wait. Tried to get on 2/12 but had waited to late and it was already sold out. You WILL meet Hunky Dorey (and he WILL remember your name - trust me). He will greet you ever morning in the Lido at breakfast and lunch. Please tell him hello for me and I'll be there the next week. He is a dear friend and a wonderful young man. There are some terrific bartenders there too you should look for - Girlie, Ric and Ramon. These 3 have the best personalities and are alot of fun. Have a wonderful cruise! This is one of my favorite ships...I think this is my 6th cruise on it and it's only 2 years old!

[scluvsrain]

I guess you ended up needing that handicapped cabin after all, following the horseback riding on HMC, eh? :D

[Pita817]

I'd be happy to inquire about your friend. We'll be on the Zuiderdam a week from tomorrow. Do you happen to know his name? We'll be dining in the Pinnacle our first night.

It was wonderful to see a positive review of the Zuiderdam. We've never sailed on Holland America before, which I think is a good thing because many of the negative reviews have been more of a comparison of other HAL ships. We've only been on RCCL. We're very much looking forward to our cruise!
Lisa616,

Thanks for the help. The guy's name in the Pinnacle Dining Room is Eko Setiyanto. I haven't really had a chance to think about what I want to tell him yet so let me think about it this afternoon and I will reply with a note you can hopefully print off and give to him. It will be a big concern off our mind to know that his family is safe and sound. Thanks again for your help! I'll be in touch

[Sea Island Lady]

Our cabin did contain magnifying mirror and vanity, fruit bowl, robes, and silver plated ice bucket but did not have upgraded bed or bedding yet. it was my understanding that the HC rooms do not get the upgraded bedding because it would make the bed too high for a true HC person to get in and out of. ;)
Did you have many people outside of your room on the public deck? Seems you would have to keep your window curtains shut at all times. :eek:
Does anyone know if the HC on the aft have both the shower and the whirlpool tubs? I am not really intersested in the aft, and the fact that reportedly, the toilet sits in or near the shower and gets wet.

[steelcity5044]

Balcony was a little wider but did not have lounge chairs. Had 2 chairs(1 wicker) and 2 small tables. Hardly anyone ever on public deck in front window so we never really concerned with shutting curtains. You do have to keep shut from dusk to dawn due to navigational reasons. Since cabin in front of ship lights from cabin could mess with bridge above you. When ship is moving there is a lot of wind on public deck and some on balcony but we had no trouble standing on balcony.
The comode is in same area as handicapped shower with larg draw curtain which wasnt bad but different. Never used handicapped shower because caused bathrrom floor to get all wet even though there were 3 drains across floor. Whirlpool tub has shower too so we used that.
Even though, extra room made up for little things and would still book in a heartbeat!!!!

[Oceanwench]

When we cruised on the Oosterdam in November in a handicapped-accessible room, we did not have the upgraded [pillowtop] mattress.
The bed was low, to accommodate the handicapped person who may have to transfer from wheelchair to bed. [That would be DH]
I found the bed very uncomfortable, but that's the price we sometimes have to pay.

I guess it's just human nature to look at a deck plan and say "Hey, this cabin is bigger than the other cabins in the same category -- I want this one."
I have heard some TAs will book handicapped-accessible rooms for their pax who are not handicapped, just as a favor.
[I spend a lot of time on forums for people with disabilities.]

On our Oosterdam cruise there were pax in a nearby HA room who did not need it -- and told us they had no idea how they ended up in it.

I am not sure HAL goes through all the bother of booking non-handicapped persons into HA rooms with the understanding that they'll be moved if a handicapped person wants to book.

When we were booking a cruise in May, our TA told us she could not book our first two choices, as all the HA cabins were taken. I don't know what conversations she had with HAL ... or if she just asked for 6003 or 6004 and was told "it's booked."

Believe me, DH [and I] would gladly book an "average" room if he was able to walk. But since he has to use a wheelchair, we have no choice, and we are limited to those handful [percentage-wise] of rooms that can accommodate his wheelchair.

[LDinCT]

How is the Kids Zone for older kids. I have an 11-year old who goes to school with 12/13's.

[Umbarger]

Please don't book handicapped cabins just because you want a bigger room. Just because the cruiseline lets you doesnt make it right.

Then we have people coming on these boards saying...... Hey, we booked a handicapped cabin but we didnt need it and it was a lovely large cabin much nicer than the regular cabins. What kind of message is this sending to other people?

I have to travel with my handicapped mother and we have to change our cruise dates several times to find an available handicapped cabin. Everything is usually booked. When I asked if they could check that the pax in the handicapped cabin were actually needing a handicapped room they refused. Couldnt invade their privacy I was told.

Take a look at this: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=132661&highlight=handicapped

Do the RIGHT thing people!

[steelcity5044]

Cruise line specifically told us that since we were not handicapped we WOULD be bumped if someone who was handicapped needed to book our room, marked it on reservation we were told. We had no problem with that so we considered it almost like a guarantee. like I said, it fills a room that non-handicapped people would not normally book if no one who was handicapped needed it. So it does cruiseline a favor because it fills room either way. it does other passengers a favor because leaves room available if someone needs and frees up another VA category if someone does not. Obviously someone who was handicapped needed our room because we were bumped and we were bummped into handicapped room because noone booked it and was only cabin available. Cruiseline knew we were not handicapped beacuse discussed with them, marked on our reservation, and never sent us literature like they did other handicapped passenger discussing accessablity issues and so forth. What harm is done if everything on up and up and above board?

[Pita817]

Lisa616:

Forward this message to Eko Setiyanto if you can.

Eko:

How is everything going? Are you running that ship yet? You sure looked nice in the "Whites". Hope all is well with your daughter. Nyoman called us a couple of times from Half Moon but haven't heard anything from him since the tsunami. We know he is from Bali but weren't sure where you were from. We hope and pray that all is well with you and your family! We are planning another cruise but unfortunately it won't be on the Zuiderdam. We are going on the Volendam on November 15, 2005. Maybe we will luck out and you and Nyoman will be on the ship! If you see Nyoman, tell him to call us so we know all is well with both of you! We miss you guys! If we would have known about the 4 day Bahama cruises before and after the Super Bowl we would have been there in a second! Hope to see you on a future cruise and enjoy the time off with your daughter! Hopefully you aren't sorry you signed on for a few months longer although it won't be long til you get to go home. Safe trip home Eko and thanks for making our two cruises in 2004 a real pleasure.

John and Barb Shire

[Nan-L]

We are looking at a curise that only has handicapped avail. Did your cabin have a balcony (as it is one that is open) and if so how was the wind in the front of the ship?

[Oceanwench]

Cruise line specifically told us that since we were not handicapped we WOULD be bumped if someone who was handicapped needed to book our room, marked it on reservation we were told. We had no problem with that so we considered it almost like a guarantee.


That's the point ... people look at it as if they can book an HC room as a guarantee -- and if they're "lucky," they will be bumped from it & upgraded.
That's not why there are handicapped-accessible room on board ships.

Did you ever look at the ratio of accessible rooms to non-accessible rooms?
On the Vista class ships there are about 28 accessible rooms ...
You're not doing the cruise line any favor by booking one of them.

Ask a person with a disability if he/she were able-bodied, would they deliberately book a HC room "for the extra space" -- and soothe their conscience with the idea that if a person with disabilities needed the room, they'd be bumped.

I think you know what the answer will be.

[Nan-L]

I think you are missing the point.
If anyone handicapped wants the cabin in which a non handicapped person has, they WILL move you! If it stays open the cruiseline is happy because the cabin doesn't go empty. You are always taking a risk. It is just on the cruise I'm looking at only handicapped rooms are avail. which means "no" handicapped people have booked these cabins on this cruise so far!
I have NEVER asked for a handicapped room before, it only that it is all that is left in the level I wish to book!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Steelcity, I'm sorry but this is still wrong. I understand your point and I certainly can understand why you wanted the larger cabin. I'm not faulting you, but I do fault the cruiseline. They should leave all the handicapped cabins open until shortly before the cruise. You book another cabin in your category with the understanding that you'd like to be waitlisted for the larger room if it isn't booked. Same situation you describe, but done the right way around.

There's a ton of other passengers booking ordinary sized rooms who would have loved the upgrade you got. You were almost assured such an upgrade by booking the handicapped cabin. You really couldn't lose either way. There's no way this comes out fair to everyone.

The way HAL handled it with your booking, a person booking would see the cabin as "unavailable". There will be no notation that it will become available if you're handicapped. People just don't pay that much attention. So the only way a handicapped person would know they could book that cabin is if they happen to speak with a very competent HAL agent who reads everything on his/her screen.

I honestly don't mean to make a big deal about this. I'm not handicapped myself, but there's every possibility I will be one day since I suffer from spinal stenosis and arthritis. And the fact is it is a very big deal to that person in a wheelchair who wants to book a cruise. There's too few of these cabins to begin with ... why make these people's lives any more difficult than they already are?

[Nan-L]

But what about me? I only want a cabin on the level that only has handicapped, I might add this is a last mintue reservtion.

[HeatherInFlorida]

But what about me? I only want a cabin on the level that only has handicapped, I might add this is a last mintue reservtion.

Nan, I understand your point. If you're booking last minute (within a couple of weeks) and the cabin is still available, I can't see why you shouldn't be able to have it if the cruiseline is willing to book it for you.

[Nan-L]

Thank you, as I don't do this to get a bigger cabin!
This is my first time on Holland how do you like it?

[dakrewser]

Cruise line specifically told us that since we were not handicapped we WOULD be bumped if someone who was handicapped needed to book our room

And travel agents know this policy, so if any handicapped person tried to book a cabin their TA would know that HAL could make one available.

I can't see that you did anything wrong. I can't see that anyone else's cruise was impacted.

[HeatherInFlorida]

It's a rare day, but I can't agree with Dave on this one. Anyway, no matter ... I said what I believe on the subject and it's enough about it here.

Nan, personally I love Holland America and Celebrity equally. It all depends what you're looking for. You'll read good and bad ... you have to weigh the plusses and minuses and go with your gut.

[CateW]

For what it's worth, I wouldn't want a handicapped cabin, regardless of size or upgrade for any reason; just wouldn't feel right about it, especially if someone else needed it and couldn't get it. I would rather be cozy with my honey in a smaller room.

[cruzingqueen]

I'll be going on the Zuiderdam 2/19/05 and will print your note to Eko as well just in case he didn't get it. I was on the Z over New Years Eve and heard that two of the guys there had lost their entire families so they had left of course. A couple of others lost some family and property so they too had gone home. I don't know any names though. Anyway, if Eko is not there, I have the resources to find out something for you. I'm concerned about a friend of mine to that has yet to return, so I'll be checking anyway. Will keep you posted.

[mojodani]

How is the Kids Zone for older kids. I have an 11-year old who goes to school with 12/13's.


There were only about 40 kids, ages 5-17 on this cruise. Maybe, a dozen total used Club HAL, with 3-5 other tweens with 12 yo DD in the evenings. They did a scavenger hunt, Dance Dance Revolution (PS2 game that kids dance on a pad to activate the game on a large screen) and hung out with the counselors. Activities were limited compared to what she had on the Star Princess and Radiance due to the small number of kids.

Joni

[Umbarger]

What harm is done if everything on up and up and above board?[/QUOTE]

How is booking a handicapped cabin, when you are able bodied and just want more room, being on the up and up and above board?

[PiperMcB]

Unfortunately, cruise lines do not always"bump" AB people if someone with a true disability needs a cabin. I know from personal experience. They will not even check to see if someone without a disability has booked it.

I have a disability that has different levels of severity at different times--sometimes even different times of the day! I am in a relatively "good" phase right now and am cruising in three weeks. I am not in a handicapped cabin this time because I am not taking my WC. My PVP asked if I wanted one--because she knew I had had them in the past.....but I am mobile right now and don't need the extra room. I just had them put a bath stool in the shower. I will not be the person who keeps someone who needs a HC cabin from cruising!

Don't kid yourself that you aren't taking the room away from someone else---you probaqbly are--unless you are booking last minute.

[Hebe]

As someone with a husband who travels in a wheelchair and as someone who has been waiting on a wheelchair assessable room for over 10 months on another cruise --- PLEASE do not think that the cruiseline will bump you out. It is so depressing when we go finally go on the cruise and find that the system does not work as you think it does. Posting comments like -- I choose the room because it is larger and they will move me to a better room if someone needs it only makes people want to book these with the attitude they will move and then you make it a piece in a perk in waiting.

People book these rooms because they need them. What this attitude is forcing people who really need the rooms to
1) book opening week of a cruise to get a room
2) waitlist and then have to cancel when none opens up
3) try to work with the cruiselines to "bump" someone out of the room which only takes up our times - and makes you mad when you get moved to a regular ROOM.

I would ask if they needed your room for a handicap person -- why did they not just move them into the suite. Why -- because we never get upgraded because we have so few rooms to work with.

So Please do not make the matter worst.

[Tennchick]

We just returned from our short Zui cruise last week. Our previous cruise had been 4 years ago on the Ryndam. The Zui is a much larger ship....3 times around the deck equals a mile where on the Ryndam I think it took 7 times around. We had an aft veranda and it was great. We enjoyed quite time on the veranda with our book and drink in hand. We wanted to just chill out on this short cruise and we did. The staff on board from the room steward to the dining room staff were super. The Pinnacle Grill was top notch. My husband had the prime rib and I had the salmon. The Chocolate Volcano was wonderful as described in other posts. We walked in Nassau to the Queens Staircase and Fort and then to the Straw Market without difficulty. It is a bit depressing to see the litter in the area. We even rented a scooter and ventured around the eastern end of the island. I just got "hiney hurt" from sitting on the back of the scooter :eek: We were disappointed with rough sea and wind on Friday, so we were unable to tender to Half Moon Cay and missed just strolling the beach. :( The cruise was great but as Dorothy says "there is no place like home" but it would be nice to have someone fix and serve my meals and make my bed!!

[dakrewser]

The cruise was great but as Dorothy says "there is no place like home" but it would be nice to have someone fix and serve my meals and make my bed!!

Your TA is just a phone call away! :)

[Umbarger]

Unfortunately, cruise lines do not always"bump" AB people if someone with a true disability needs a cabin. I know from personal experience. They will not even check to see if someone without a disability has booked it.

I have a disability that has different levels of severity at different times--sometimes even different times of the day! I am in a relatively "good" phase right now and am cruising in three weeks. I am not in a handicapped cabin this time because I am not taking my WC. My PVP asked if I wanted one--because she knew I had had them in the past.....but I am mobile right now and don't need the extra room. I just had them put a bath stool in the shower. I will not be the person who keeps someone who needs a HC cabin from cruising!

Don't kid yourself that you aren't taking the room away from someone else---you probaqbly are--unless you are booking last minute.

Piper I cant agree with you more. I too, have tryed to see if someone without a disability has booked a handicapped cabin and cruise lines refuse to check. (My mother is handicapped)
I am disabled with Muscular dystrophy but never book handicapped cabins because I believe there is someone worse off than me that will need it. I will make do in a regular cabin.
My disablity progresses with age and I know one day I will be the one in the wheelchair needing an accessible cabin to be able to cruise.
I dont know how these AB people booking these cabins are able to look at handicapped people on board their ships and then be able to sleep at night.

[Pita817]

Cruzinqueen:

Love that name....LOL Thanks for help but luckily Lisa616 did print off the letter and give it to Eko. He called us on Friday night and again Saturday morning. We had some catching up time...it was good! You might get a chuckle out of this....He said they had a great time at the Super Bowl! He said they only worked 5 hours a day and then got to go and enjoy the super bowl hoopla. It was really good to hear from him! Thanks for the help!

[cruzingqueen]

I'm so glad y'all heard from him and that all is well. I know the crew had a pretty easy time (compared to their "normal" days) while at the Super Bowl. Sounds like it was almost a vacation for them as well. My friend is due back on the ship the day I'm returning home so hopefully I can at least find out if he checks in that morning before I leave. He called from Indonesia 2 days before the tsunami and we had a horrible connection. He was to call back and never did. Hasn't responded to emails either. He is due back on the ship 2/26 so we'll see. I have met so many wonderful friends on the Z...it's like going home everytime.

[Pita817]

There are alot of good people on the Zuiderdam! We've sailed twice on the ship and I'm sure like everyone else, feel the Zuiderdam is "their ship". I hope you find your friends are all safe and sound! It is ashame that your friend isn't due back until the week after your cruise. Our friends go home in March and we aren't sure what ship they will be on when they get back but I'm sure we'll hear when they do. I hope you have a great cruise! Good luck finding your friend upon your return to Ft. Lauderdale. I'm so jealous!

[jcrandle]

Heather,

You are right -- she said she booked 6003 when she saw it was larger.
The reason it is larger: A person in a wheelcahir or scooter needs more room to manuever.
I wish more people would understand that.
Cruise lines should not book people in handicapped-accessible rooms [who don't need them] until a certain point -- maybe 1 month out.
DH & I have been shut out from some cruises b/c the handicapped rooms were taken ... although there were plenty of other rooms in the same category -- but not accessible -- available.
Perhaps when we tried to book, the handicapped rooms were taken by people who needed them.
But this post makes me wonder ...There was so much comment on the propriety of non-disabled booking accessible cabins, and whether that denies the opportunity for the disabled to cruise on HA, I decided to ask HA about their policy. Here is HA's response, followed by my question. Wile this may still leave us with differing opinons on whether it is "right" for a able bodied cruiser to book a accessible cabin, we now understand what HAL's rules are (until they change them).

Thank you for contacting us. Wheelchair accessible staterooms, are only available for the general public to book 30 days prior to the sailing date. IF, a waitlist begins for accessible rooms, we ask guests who do not need the accessible rooms, to move to a standard stateroom. Please contact us again with further questions/concerns.

Thank you,
Holland America Line
Access & Compliance
(800) 547-8493

and my question was
-----Original Message----
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 7:14 AM
To: HAL Access & Compliance (HAL)
Subject: Accessible cabins for the non-disabled

Some discussion in cruise newsgroups has advocated the booking of handicapped accessible cabins by the non-disabled, because these tend to be larger than normal for their category. Posters have stated that Holland America has a process that non-disabled can book these, but be "bumped" to another cabin if a disabled person needs this type of cabin.

My question is if there is such a process, and if so, exactly how does one "provisionally book" an accessible cabin, while ensureing that it would be available if needed by a disabled cruiser.

Thanks in advance for clearing up this matter.

(halw_access@hollandamerica.com)

[jcrandle]

Next, I wondered, "How does the cruise line differentiate between a true disabled booking, and someone just wanting a larger cabin. Enquiring minds want to know, so again, I went straight to the source.

A Special Requirements Information form (SRI), is automatically generated to the fax number on the reservation. It is requested that guests with disabilities, complete and return this form to Access & Compliance.

Thank you,
Holland America Line
Access & Compliance
(800) 547-8493
halw_access@hollandamerica.com


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 12:35 PM
To: HAL Access & Compliance (HAL)
Subject: Re: Accessible cabins for the non-disabled

Thank you very much for explaining your procedure. I believe that the method you detailed is fair for all involved. When an accessible cabin is booked, how is it communicated to HAL that the booking party is disabled or not. Is the Travel Agent contacted? What if the party books directly through HAL.

[PennyB]

I find HA's reply on booking/assigning handicap cabins interesting. The beginning of January, I booked a Guarantee VE balcony cabin for the Oosterdam sailing on 3/5. About 2 weeks later I logged on to fill out the immigration forms and noticed that we had been assigned cabin #5137. I checked out the floorplan and noticed that it was marked as a handicap cabin. This is way more than 30 days prior to sailing. I wrote to HA and asked why we were assigned this cabin that we had NOT requested a handicap cabin. They said it was assigned based on inventory (whatever that means), but we would be reassigned if someone with a handicap needed the cabin. According to there own website there are still VE cabins available (it shows NO Handicap ones) BUT the cheapest handicap cabin available is VC!! This makes it much more expensive for person's with a handicap to cruise!

Is it true that the handicap cabins don't have the upgraded mattresses? I'd rather sleep in comfort than have the extra room. And I definitely don't want a handicapped person to struggle in a regular cabin!

[jcrandle]

The only folks who can answer why you were assigned a handicapped cabin, is HA. You might email the address in my posts to ask why they would assign (unrequested) this cabin. I'd be interested in their reply.

[Umbarger]

[QUOTE=jcrandle]Thank you for contacting us. Wheelchair accessible staterooms, are only available for the general public to book 30 days prior to the sailing date. IF, a waitlist begins for accessible rooms, we ask guests who do not need the accessible rooms, to move to a standard stateroom. Please contact us again with further questions/concerns.


If wheelchair accessible staterooms are only available for the general pubic to book 30 days prior to sailing how is it that able bodied Steelcity booked a wheelchair accessible stateroom 6 months prior?

HAL's "official" response sounds very fair and upright but do they follow it?

Linda

[jcrandle]

If wheelchair accessible staterooms are only available for the general pubic to book 30 days prior to sailing how is it that able bodied Steelcity booked a wheelchair accessible stateroom 6 months prior?

HAL's "official" response sounds very fair and upright but do they follow it?

LindaThe only way to really know would be for Steelcity to contact the special needs group with her booking number, and ask if the booking was in line with their policy.

She did say that the TA & HA were aware that they were not disabled (probably from the special needs fax) so hopefully the cabin would have been available for assignment if needed.

[Oceanwench]

Jim,

I find HAL's replies ambiguous.
DH is handicapped. We have sailed on HAL on three occasions and each time had an HC room.
NEVER did he receive a Special Requirements Information form to fill out.
We have a HAL cruise coming up in May ... did not receive the form for that either.
We booked through an online agency. The TAs we spoke to never asked us to fill out a form or prove we need an HC cabin.

Therefore ...
It would appear that it is very easy for an AB person to book an HC cabin.

As for HAL's claims that HC cabins are not open to the "general public" until 30 days before sailing, I've read these boards often enough to know that is not the case.

Too many AB people are seeing the booking of an HC room as a win-win for them.
They believe that if they book an HC room and get bumped, they get a free upgrade. If they are not bumped, then they get the bigger room.
How can they lose?
No, the ones who lose are the people truly in need of an HC room who are shut out of the cruise.

People are only fooling themselves if they believe that HAL flags the HC rooms occupied by AB people. How does HAL know?
In our case, HAL did not know DH is in a power wheelchair and unable to walk.
All they knew is that someone requested an HC room and had the $$ to pay for it.

Look at the number of HC rooms vs. the rest of the rooms on a cruise ship.
It's a handful ... 28 HC to more than 1,000 regular rooms on some ships.
And with the older ships, it's worse. Four or 6 HC rooms.

Linda ... You are a remarkable person!

[jcrandle]

Oceanwench, You should take these issues up directly with HAL via the URL in my post. We can cuss and discuss this to death here, but only HAL will be able to address and hopefully improve them.

[ashleysmm]

My husband is in a wheelchair and in order to cruise we MUST have a handicapped cabin. First the regular cabin doors are not wide enough for a wheelchair to fit through. Second regular cabins have a step up into the bathroom and another narrow doorway. There is no room for a wheelchair to navigate a regular cabin. No my husband can't stand, no he can't walk not even 1 small step which means that he also can't take advantage of the hot tubs or pools on deck. It also means that tendered ports are a major problem and challenge as to get off the ship he must be carried up and down stairs by crew members and onto the tender. We also must plan our own shore excursions as not ONE TOUR COMPANY has any bus or van that will accommodate a wheelchair. The cruiselines are aware of this but choose not to address the issue. Yes because of increased pressure the cruiselines have been adding handicapped staterooms on their newer ships and it's only recently that these cabins have been across all catagories not just inside or outside cabins as in some of the older ships. Yes there are very few handicapped cabins compared to regular staterooms but finally after many years we can book one. That being said we must book almost 12 months in advance in order to secure a handicapped cabin on the cruise of our choice. No we can't take advantage of last minute booking sales and yes we tend to pay more for the privilege of sailing than most able bodied people. We cruise because in spit of all the difficulties involved it is our vacation of choice. I agree with all the other posters who requests that if you aren't in need of a handicapped cabin please DO NOT BOOK ONE and if you do then PLEASE DO NOT BRAG ABOUT DOING SO. This is not only hurtful and disrespectful to all those with disabilities it gives other people the impression that they aren't hurting or harming anyone when requesting and booking a handicapped cabin just because IT'S A BIGGER ROOM and I want and bigger room so why not! I agree that the cruiselines are entitled to fill their ship and if just prior to sailing there are handicapped cabins still open that's when they should be filled by non-handicapped people not 6-9 months prior to sailing and by people looking to book for more room. I don't care what you tell the cruiseline about not needing the handicapped room once it's reserved it's out of their inventory (which is rooms open to sell) and they don't call to see if you really need this room or not. In fact the majority of cruise lines refuse to do this because of a privacy issues and time constraints. As a former TA I'm all to familiar with how this is and can be done and any way you look at it in my opinion unless you require a handicapped room for a legitimite reason you have not business requesting one and the cruise line should not allow you to reserve one.


Carol

[Iggipolka]

Steelcity - I was wondering if you noticed a lot of movement in your cabin due to being right at the front of the ship. Did you feel the pitch and/or roll a lot more than in other areas?

Thanks

[Oceanwench]

Oceanwench, You should take these issues up directly with HAL via the URL in my post. We can cuss and discuss this to death here, but only HAL will be able to address and hopefully improve them.

Jim,

We've taken a lot up with HAL over the last two years. Interestingly enough, I find their answers ambiguous [as I stated]. Also, you don't always get the same answer twice.
I have their e-mail addresses, phone numbers, etc.
My husband is a disabilities writer and advocate, and he leaves no stone unturned. As a lawyer [no longer practicing] he knows more about the fine points of the ADA than the average person.

I've noticed that when someone gripes here, or actually has a logical argument or complaint, someone posts "Have you taken it up with HAL?"
HAL gets all kinds of calls and e-mails every day of the week on a variety of issues. Basically they let you rant ... or they send back a carefully worded reply.

What I am trying to do here, and others are trying to do, is to educate the average pax about the HC cabin situation.
That is not going to happen by calling or e-mailing HAL. It's going to happen by letting AB pax know how wrong it is to knowingly book an HC cabin.
[And I am not talking about in the last 30 days before sailing.]

Disabilities can happen to any of us through disease or accident.
It only takes a day or two in a wheelchair to realize how important the ADA is, how difficult even the smallest tasks are -- things one takes for granted.
If you live in the world of the disabled, your eyes are opened ...

Ask Linda -- she has written several posts in this thread. She has MD, yet she refuses to take an HC room because she feels there are others who are more needy.
DH, who has MS, was the same way when he was in remission.

We're only trying to educate those who see HC cabins as a guaranteed way to get more space -- or an upgrade.

Read what Carol posted above me ... she says she was a TA, and she knows that AB pax are booking HC cabins ... and are not moved when a person with disabilities needs the room.
I've heard the same story over and over from those in the business.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Oceanwench, I think you should discuss this as much as you want here. Heaven knows there's far less important stuff that gets beaten down long after the horse is dead.

I say discuss it and let everyone know what is going on ... the more people who read this and are informed, the better.

I have to admit I never thought about it that much until I saw the issue come up here on this thread. So I think it does a world of good to keep the discussion alive.

[steelcity5044]

No more movement than anywhere else on ship. Didnt bother me being in the front. Have been in the middle and the back of other ships and felt that back was the worse with the most noise and movement. Having deck in front of cabin was really nice in that it made it feel like you had a huge balcony.

[Umbarger]

Talking to HAL or any other cruiseline does no good. We have tried. That is why we are on these boards. We are not kicking a dead horse here. We are trying to educate able bodied people. To let them know how hard it is to travel when you are handicapped and how insulted we feel when able bodied people take the few handicapped cabins there are on cruise ships.

Able bodied people are under the impression that cruiselines will move you if a handicapped person needs that cabin. I wish this was true.........then these able bodied people who are booking handicapped cabins would be mad at being moved all the time and quit booking them.

Hopefully, after this thread Steelcity and other able bodied people will think twice before booking handicapped cabins. How about you?

[HeatherInFlorida]

Talking to HAL or any other cruiseline does no good. We have tried. That is why we are on these boards. We are not kicking a dead horse here. We are trying to educate able bodied people. To let them know how hard it is to travel when you are handicapped and how insulted we feel when able bodied people take the few handicapped cabins there are on cruise ships.

Able bodied people are under the impression that cruiselines will move you if a handicapped person needs that cabin. I wish this was true.........then these able bodied people who are booking handicapped cabins would be mad at being moved all the time and quit booking them.

Hopefully, after this thread Steelcity and other able bodied people will think twice before booking handicapped cabins. How about you?

Oh dear!!! Did you misunderstand my post? I hope not! I was talking about a lot of insignificant subjects that get beaten like a dead horse. My post was saying this is a VERY important subject that CANNOT be discussed too much. Sorry if you misunderstood me:o

[Oceanwench]

Linda,

Heather has been completely supportive of this issue -- that AB people should not book HC cabins.
Maybe you misread her post?

Heather said that far less significant issues are talked to death on these boards ... to tip or not to tip, rude kids/seniors/groups, sneaking booze on board and the like.

She supports the efforts many of us have made to educate our fellow passengers.
I appreciate all her posts -- and that Heather, as a frequent cruiser, says she has learned a lot about the booking of HC cabins.

I would only hope some of us can enlighten others -- although from reading some of the posts that persist here, I can see that is not the case.

Well ... karma can be a @#$%@.

And to answer a question on another post -- don't think it got answered: On the Oosterdam, when we cruised last November, the pillowtop mattresses had been installed.
There were NOT pillowtops mattresses in the HC cabin we were in.
The mattresses in the HC cabins are low to the floor, as a person with mobility problems would be unable to transfer from wheelchair to bed if there were one of those plush pillowtop mattresses in place.

[Umbarger]

Oh Heather, no, no, no, I was not speaking to you at all. I just used the dead horse sentence because I thought it sounded good. My profuse apologies. Actually my post was for the guy who told us to take it up with the cruiseline and his "cus and discuss" remark. Heather I support every post you made on these boards. You are one of the only AB people who are supporting "us". I am very sorry for the misunderstanding. :-( Linda

[HeatherInFlorida]

Linda, absolutely no reason in the world to apologize! I was just concerned you could have misread ... sometimes the way things are worded can be misconstrued and I wanted to be sure.

There will always be comments, unfortunately ... can't avoid that. But just getting the message out there to some degree is always helpful and I've seen many posts that totally understand your point.

One person's mind gets changed and there's no telling where that can go ... so be of good cheer:D

[pugdog]

I think you are missing the point.
If anyone handicapped wants the cabin in which a non handicapped person has, they WILL move you! If it stays open the cruiseline is happy because the cabin doesn't go empty. You are always taking a risk. It is just on the cruise I'm looking at only handicapped rooms are avail. which means "no" handicapped people have booked these cabins on this cruise so far!
I have NEVER asked for a handicapped room before, it only that it is all that is left in the level I wish to book!

nothing aganst you NAN-l personaly as you are booking last minute have every right to the room but people booking 6 plus months out are the ones i'm mad at.

I know this to be false because we have tried to book 6 different dates OVER a year away and have been told they have no HC rooms available. I find this very hard to beleave that there are that many handicapped people sailing in all those rooms on all those dates. Wake up people. booking into these rooms for the size IS keeping me from sailing. The cruiselines are not moving you out so I can get a room.

[Nan-L]

I booked a non handicapped room on a different cruise.
I have NEVER booked a H/C room. I agree that unless it is a last mintue booking no one should book these cabins unless they are NEEDED!

[Oceanwench]

Just booked a Westerdam cruise for November.
The first 2 dates we gave our TA [a week in Nov. and a week in Dec.] ALL the HC cabins were booked. So we had to go with our third choice.
[None of the weeks were holiday weeks.]
We asked her if she could find out if they were booked by AB people who were willing to be moved if someone needed the room.
She said HAL would not give her that information.

[Hebe]

Having been waitlisted for a handicap room for over 10 months and now 2 months away from cruise date without any rooms opening up -- I am also frustrated. First, the cruiseline will not check if an AB person is in the room. Their policy may say that but they do not follow it. Since one of the people is on my rollcall and now paniced when I told her that I have her room waitlisted, I am sure when I meet her in person she/he will be AB. They are doing a b2b which I am finding that the TA/Cruiselines are putting more of the B2b in handicap rooms since they will be open two cruises in a row. On the last cruise, I knew about a couple who were AB and they were put in the handicap cabin (10 months in advance) so they would not have to move between cruices. When I discussed this with the future cruise desk, I was told they would never book the handicap this way. LOL -- was her face red when I even pointed out to her physically who had booked the room as part of an onboard booking.

So I am all for discussing this -- What I always say is what goes around comes around both good and bad.

[Suskies]

Steel City, by great coincidence, we're also booked in 6003 for a cruise in August. I'm confused, because the thread says you were bumped to an SS cabin, but 6003 is a VA. Did you stay in 6003 or a different cabin?

For what it's worth, we're not handicapped and we booked 6003 only because it showed up on the inventories of several online cruise travel agencies that I checked for prices. Contrary to HAL's stated policy, this was about 6 months before departure. The travel agency didn't ask about my handicapped status, and nothing in my confirmation materials says anything about the possibility of being bumped.

I didn't feel guilty about booking this room--until I read this thread!--because I just figured that if HAL wanted to hold it, it wouldn't be listed in so many travel agencies' inventories. Very few rooms were left for this cruise--the only other VA category rooms were aft verandahs--so maybe HAL releases handicapped rooms when the cruise is close to selling out.

[steelcity5044]

We were originally in 6003 but when we checked in we found out that we were bumped to 5002 which was right below 6003 and an SS category instead of VA. It must have happened practically same day as cruise because had to change room number on all doc's at embarkation with a pen and luggage ended up going to 6003 and we ended up with luggage of people who were originally in 5002. But all worked out fine.

[Oceanwench]

For what it's worth, we're not handicapped and we booked 6003 only because it showed up on the inventories of several online cruise travel agencies that I checked for prices. Contrary to HAL's stated policy, this was about 6 months before departure. The travel agency didn't ask about my handicapped status, and nothing in my confirmation materials says anything about the possibility of being bumped.


I am so glad you posted this. Perhaps it's just one more example of how HAL claims one thing, but does another.
I could contact guest services any number of times and be given different answers on how the booking of HC cabins is handled.
This example quoted above is in contradiction to the e-mail HAL sent to a previous poster regarding its policy of releasing HC rooms to the general public.

Obviously Suskies was able to book an HC cabin without filling out that form HAL allegedly sends to passengers with disabilities [we've never received one in all our cruises].
And no one told her they'd bump her if a person with disabilities needs the room.

I have never seen an HC cabin listed in an inventory of available rooms in an online service, but then again there are many online services.
And I don't know the cabin numbers of all the HC rooms, only the rooms I am interested in booking.
I know DH and I have never been able to book online -- we always have had to deal with a TA to book an HC room.

And for the record, if a ship is sold out of regular rooms of a certain category, I have no problem with the cruise line selling the remaining HC rooms in that category to an AB person.

[Southall]

We were on the "Z" last fall. Loved the ship and the cruise. But now I know why I had a hard time finding a date with an open Wheelchair Accessible Cabin. When a TA goes online to check availability of a cabin (I usually know the HC cabin numbers) it shows whether or not the cabin is booked. No one will verify that the pax is HC, nor should they have to do that. I am not an over zealous HC person. I think a lot of disabled folks are too pushy, and I always try to stay out of the way of AB's so as not to inconvenience folks too much. If a place is not accessible I don't complain, I just find another place.

But my wife and I love to cruise. It is a form of vacation that is very amenable to disabled persons. I have MD and use a power chair, and she has mobility issues as a result of a stroke. We are in our mid 50's. It is difficult to find accessible cabins because there are simply not enough of them.

So please, if you do not need a wheelchair cabin, do not book one. If the cruise line tries to put you in an accessible cabin, tell them to hold it for me!!! I will be calling soon. And if you are on a ship and see this old guy in a power chair with a lovely lady riding on his lap, say hello. It's just us, doing what we can with what we've got.

Steven in Apex NC

[Himself]

It is good to see a positive review of the Zuiderdam. Early on everything was negative. I went on it and thought "is this the same ship I have been hearing so much bad about??? She is really a nice ship.

Himself