Is there anything we can do about this?

[joyus]

When we booked our cruise to Mexico, we though we would need a handicap cabin, however, thank God, my Mom will not need a wheelchair or walker now. I contacted our TA to give the room back, however, she says that the ship is sold out and they no other cabin available to put us in.

I would hate to think that someone on the ship needs the cabin, and we don't. Is there anything that I can do to change cabins? We're on the Oosterdam on 4/23/05.

[garydm]

Nice of you to make the offer and now HAL is aware of their options.

Enjoy your cruise.

Gary

[DFD1]

If you want to be sure HAL has the information, you might call them directly on their 800 number. I'm sure they would connect you to the department which could best use the information.

Nice of you to be so thoughtful. Many would not have been. Have a great cruise.

[Tinknock50]

Contacting the right department is a good idea. I wouldn't worry about it too much. I f HAL discovers a passenger needs a handicap stateroom for some one else, thry will contact you and move you elsewhere.

Enjoy your cruise!

[CDRMark]

It sounds like you have done everything you should. Your consideration is commendable! Have a great cruise.

Cheers
MarkB

[Nliedel]

what a kind and considerate thing to think of!! I hope your cruise is as wonderful as you are. (Yes this should be common sense, but it is less common these days).

[Oceanwench]

Since it's only about a month out from your sailing date, and the ship is sold out, then HAL has probably put other able-bodied passengers in any HC rooms that were not sold.

If the ship is sold out and you turn over your room to someone who needs an accessible room, where will HAL put you?
Or are you thinking maybe a person who needs an accessible room was booked into a non-accessible room?

[shipcafe]

When we booked our cruise to Mexico, we though we would need a handicap cabin, however, thank God, my Mom will not need a wheelchair or walker now. I contacted our TA to give the room back, however, she says that the ship is sold out and they no other cabin available to put us in.

I would hate to think that someone on the ship needs the cabin, and we don't. Is there anything that I can do to change cabins? We're on the Oosterdam on 4/23/05.

You might have your travel professional attempt to get in touch with a res. supervisor and/or inventory. There may be a way to check if there is a "wait list" on an accessible stateroom, etc.

[joyus]

Oceanwench, I was thinking that maybe HAL could swap us with someone who has already booked but really needs the HC cabin. Since we booked a balcony, I really don't care where on the ship we are as long as it's a balcony cabin.

Thanks to everyone for your advice. My internet TA says she contacted HAL, but I think I will contact them myself and make them aware of the situation.

Being in a HC cabin when you really don't need it, is like parking in a Disabled Parking space when you really could walk the distant, while someone who is a parapletic can't park in a Disabled park because of someone else who really didn't need to. I don't think trying to give back the cabin is anything special...it's just the right thing to do.

We really thank the Lord and count it a tremendous blessing that she can walk now and does not need a wheelchair.

[Oceanwench]

Being in a HC cabin when you really don't need it, is like parking in a Disabled Parking space when you really could walk the distant, while someone who is a parapletic can't park in a Disabled park because of someone else who really didn't need to. I don't think trying to give back the cabin is anything special...it's just the right thing to do.


That is so true!
I am sure if there is someone who needs that cabin, and who has a cabin to switch with you, he/she will be grateful.
I think calling HAL yourself is a wise decision.

If there is no one waiting for that room, and they can't get you into another room, just enjoy yourself.
It's not as if you booked it under false pretenses.

And what a blessing that your mom won't be needing it!

[cathryn58]

Here is a bit if info to consider about the wheelchair. If Mom is having ANY sort of problems that MAY flair in ANY way during your trip. PLEASE have a wheelchair available for her (eventhough she may not use it every second). When we went with my parents (each has their issues, bad hips for Dad, Mom bad knees) I had HAL have a wheelchair assist for their embarkation, debarkation and they had the (one) wheelchair for their use throughout the cruise. Since they did not have a Handicap access room; it was left outside the door (folded, of course). They each used it many times. That walk to the dining room then to the show really seemed to take it out of them. One leaned on the chair and pushed (stability) while the other was in the chair. It made it so they could enjoy the day longer. Just to let you know -- both would have rejected the chair if I had told them prior -- But both THANKED me for it being there for them. I also had wheelchair assist at both airports since we did not know how far we had to go to the terminals. So there we were with TWO wheelchairs at the airport (and embarkation and final debarkation.) BUT it REALLY helped so much and they could see the benefits. Think about it. Have a great trip.

[Oceanwench]

Excellent point, Cathryn.

Joyus, I don't think you posted what room you have -- you are on the Oosterdam, no?
Some of the HC rooms are all the way forward -- 6003, 6004.
That is a very long hike, so even if your mom does not need a wheelchair, if she has any mobility problems at all, a wheelchair would be good to have handy.

[joyus]

Good idea Cathryn58 & Oceanwench...I did not think of the walk to various places onboard. I'll have to discreetly ask to have a wheelchair available. She'd kick & scream :-) (kiddingly), if she knew I would have a chair available, but would love me immeasurably afterwards. I contact HAL about that first thing on Monday.

I love the information and the experiences everyone shares on this site. You all are great!

[Oceanwench]

Good luck to you, and I hope you have a wonderful cruise!