Wheelchair use on board

[TracyQ]

I just ordered my mother in law a wheelchair for our upcoming cruise. She is able to walk, but not for long periods. Do I need to notify Princess that she will be using a wheelchair even though she is not confined to one? Are there out of the way/safe places to leave the folded wheelchair while we are in the shows/dining rooms? Without the chair I know she would keep to her room because the walking would be to much! What about tendering? She will be able to get on and off the tender by herself - will carrying the chair pose any problems/difficulties (outside of DH's back http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif)? I know this is the place to get the "first hand" scoop - you guys are GREAT!

Thanks,
Tracy

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DIAMOND ALASKA

[DesrtDrmr]

Hi Tracy,
You might get more information from the Disabled Cruise Travel board, but I'll try to answer you. A folding wheelchair will go just about anywhere your MotherInLaw will go. It can be folded and put on a tender, if necessary, and folded and put into your room. The staff will help you put it somewhere if you need to leave it............for example, your mother could be wheeled to her seat in the dining room, and then the staff will take her chair and store it until she's ready to leave, when they bring it back. It the main showroom, at least on the Star, there is wheelchair seating for a wheelchair and an accompanying person in the back row, port side. There are stairs going down to seats, but also, seats up in back........also a step or two. If your MIL cannot climb stairs, she can stay in her chair.
Have a great cruise, and do check out the Disabled Cruise Travel board.........lots of information for mobility impaired.
It is a good idea to inform Princess that she will be bringing a wheelchair. If she's not bringing it, and you have rented it, there will be chairs at embarkation to help her aboard. You can ask any of the uniformed crew members at the terminal for assistance. I have found Princess crewmembers to be wonderful! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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Hawaii - On the Island

[TracyQ]

DesrtDrmr,

Thanks so much for the info! To be honest I didn't know there was a Disabled Travel Board - I will be sure to check it out!

Tracy

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DIAMOND ALASKA

[GloriaF]

As for tenders, in April on the Regal, several crew members lifted a lady in her chair onboard. She was last on and first off. That is probably the best way to do it as there is no chance of falling if your mother is safely in her chair. It was a very smooth operation.

Gloria

Grand Princess, Eastern, April 2001
Grand Princess, Western,April 2002
Regal to Hawaii, April 5-20, 2004

[GloriaF]

I would love to take my Dad on an Alaska cruise, but he is 91 and becoming unstable on his feet. He would benefit from a wheelchair at times. Do you mind giving me the details of ordering one -- from Princess or ? Thanks for the help!

Gloria

Grand Princess, Eastern, April 2001
Grand Princess, Western,April 2002
Regal to Hawaii, April 5-20, 2004

[Lynda90]

I was told that you do not need to order a wheel chair. At embarkation, you tell the porter that you need one and they get it. When you check in they will have someone wheel the party directly on board and then go back and pick up the next person. There are many wheel chairs available. My mom will also need one during embarkation because she can't stand for long periods and she walks so slowly it would take us an hour just to walk up the ramp. She won't need the chair when we are on board so I don't know what happens for those who do. When I called Princess I only addressed the information I needed.

[Pam in CA]

I recently returned from the 15-day Regal cruise to/from Hawaii and there were quite a few VERY elderly passengers onboard, many of them in wheelchairs, others using walkers.

From what I could tell, the staff were terrific. When an elderly passenger would enter the buffet line in the Cafe del Sol, one or two staffers would be immediately at their elbow, helping them select food, carry their plate, find them a table, etc.

There was one elderly couple who must have been in their 90s with the lady using a walker (at a snail's pace) and her husband holding on. They were so sweet together and were constantly looking out for each other. They did quite a few things -- I even saw them at the Arizona Memorial which you get to by a U.S. Navy tender.

This cruise reinforced my belief that the elderly can cruise comfortably and be cared for. In the not too distant future, there I am and I'm happy to know that I have years of cruising ahead of me.

Song of Norway & Song of America, 1986-88; Royal Princess 2/99; Sun Princess 1/00; Ocean Princess 12/00; Royal Princess 4/01; Grand Princess 12/23/01; Sea Princess 2/9/02; Explorer of the Seas 12/21/02; Coral Princess 8/9/03; Nordic Empress 12/27/03; Regal Princess (4/20/04)

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[TracyQ]

Gloria,
I actually purchased a new wheelchair through Ebay (very reasonable - 250.00 with shipping). I was afraid that since she would need it for the entire trip - that if one wasn't available she would confine herself to her room. It would probably have been fine to wait and let her borrow one from Princess. She may find it very useful in the coming years (not to mention that I am hoping that it will get her interested in going out more at home!) Maybe it will help in the airports, as waiting for wheelchair assistance can be a hassle when they are really busy! I am doing all I can to make sure we ALL have a restful, relaxing vacation and your wonderful experiences make me sure she will be able to enjoy her vacation without feeling like a burden. Do they store folding wheelchairs like they do strollers on the plane? I know when traveling with small children they would put the stroller on at the gate and have it waiting for you as you exited the plane. Anyone done this? Thanks again!

Tracy

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DIAMOND ALASKA

[DesrtDrmr]

Hi!
Gloria, From what I know, Princess has wheelchairs aboard for emergencies, which they use for embarkation and debarkation, but I do not think they are available for use during the cruise. We have rented a fold u p chair from CareVacations.com. Scootaround.com also has them. You order over the phone, or on line........after checking out their websites to see what you think you need, and they deliver it to the ship. Ours was in our cabin when we arrived, and we left it there when we disembarked. They picked it up right at the cabin. It was a wonderful service, and so convenient, as you can request wheelchair assistance from your airline, for the airports, use the ships for getting on and off, and have the one you rented for onboard and for shore excursions. On shore excursions, you have to be careful abour transportation. Most of the bus tours we've been on require one to be able to climb up two or three steps into the bus, and the driver put the chair underneath. If your chair user cannot climb steps, you may want to rent a vehicle, or use a taxi. You can check with your cruiseline for information regarding accessible transport in port.
By the way, I took my 87 year old Mom to Alaska, and she LOVED it! DO take your Dad......I'll bet he'll love the new "adventure".
What a nice note, Pam, and you are right...........if we're lucky, we'll all get to be a bit slower, and a bit unsteady, and old.........but I'd guess we wont feel any older inside!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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Hawaii - On the Island

[woodofpine]

Let the line know you need a one (Passenger Logistics Dept.) and they'll have one of theirs for your use. If you want to take your own, they'll accomdate you.

Princess is VERY accomodating to pax with disabilities (as is Celebrity; although Princess is a better line for pre-cruise shore side staff assist).

I've cruised three times with my mother who is FULLY wheel chair confined and can not even assist in transfers. The last two cruises required her to have a Hoyer lift aboard for chair to bed transfers. Princess was extremely accomodating in getting this bulky thing on and off including delivery to a Venice hotel by water taxi. Celeb was very helpful too, once one got connected with ship staff in the terminal.

Princess in the med was even able to arrange wheelchair vehicle rental in Livorno, Athens, and Istanbul. The caribbean is much tougher in that measure - except St. Thomas.

They've seen it all in terms of disabilities and they aim to please (they can't work miracles, but they cover lesser demands well).

[bob&karen]

We JUST went through this exact same scenario with my mother-in-law on the Golden Princess, Easter week '04. She's in her late 60's, hurt her knee and could slowly walk short distances (maybe up to 50 feet) but wasn't going to get around a megaliner very easily. She was very worried about being an inconvenience but because of the WONDERFUL treatment she received from both the airline and cruise ship staff, she had a ball.

Here are a few tips and considerations:

- Your local Lion's Club may have a chair available for you to use free of charge. We live in central NY, and my MIL has had one through them that she's been using for the past 6 weeks.

- Don't count on just being able to obtain a chair through Princess - they do have some available, but in our case we had our TA call about a week ahead and they were all spoken for.

- Let the airline know ahead of time that you'll be bringing a chair on the plane with you. They should take good care of you, often they'll even provide someone to push the chair (Transmeridian did this for us in FLL). Plus, you get to board first.

- IF you think that a handicapped cabin will be warranted, let Princess know ASAP. (this may require a doctor's note) We opted not to do this as my MIL did have limited mobility, and we wanted to keep our assigned cabin locations, which were within a few doors of each other. The upside is, if you do request a handicapped cabin, they tend to be bigger (the inside cabins are twice !! as big as the regular insides).

- Princess staff are GREAT at looking out for and accommodating you. There was almost always someone to volunteer pushing the chair through horizon court (it's a hassle to try to get your own food AND push a wheelchair at the same time!) Dining room and lounge staff were equally accommodating, definitely the red carpet treatment. When going through customs in the Vista Lounge, one of the immigration guys even let her partake of the coffee and donuts that were set aside for staff!

- Be mindful that the ONE downside is navigating the relatively narrow cabin-deck hallways with a wheelchair. Often there are cleaning carts in the hallways, and a wheelchair won't squeeze by - you have to stop, pull the cart into one of the door recesses, go past, put the cart back, and then repeat the process a little ways down. Any time that the cabin stewards were present they were ALWAYS quick to hop-to and move things for us - but it will take a little longer to get through. Be mindful of this when planning when to leave for dinners, shows, and other activities.

- No problems finding places to leave the chair. At dinner, they will stow it for you nearby, ditto at shows or on the tenders. (Do keep an eye on the chair when you're in the tender - the crew forgot about it on deck and nearly left it behind). The only real drawback is that wheelchair tires and the beach sands of Princess Cays totally don't mix - it would be worth it to take an early tender and get the lounge chair of your choice.

The only place we didn't have someone immediately offer "wheelchair valet" service was around the pools, and even there it wasn't any hassle. You can officially stop worrying about it.

- BEST OF ALL: When you arrive at the port, be SURE to gather your family together, walk up to the front of the line, and check in with the line attendant at the door. Wheelchairs (and wheelchair families) go first! We were THEE first four people to board the ship, it was really weird to walk into a totally deserted terminal! We even gained an honorary "cousin" that boarded with us (are you listening, Chris J? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

I think that about covers it, any other questions feel free to ask.

B.

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"These moments we’re left with - may you always remember
These moments are shared, by few
And those harbor lights, lord they’re coming into view
We’ll bid our farewells much too soon
So drink it up, this one’s for you -
Honey, it’s been a lovely cruise."
-- James W. Buffett

Carnival Triumph, April '02
Carnival Sensation, January '04
Golden Princess, April '04

Carnival Sensation, Golden Princess / Caribbean Princess pix at: Cool Cruisin' Pix (http://community.webshots.com/user/mageesworld)

e-mail: bobandkarenny@yahoo.com

[TracyQ]

Bob
You have officially put my mind at ease! Sounds like you all had a great time. I will be sure and notify the airline - I hadn't thought of that! Thanks for all your advice.

Tracy

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DIAMOND ALASKA

[mrsgoofy98]

Okay Tracy, it is my turn to help.

I have always travelled with a wheelchair and oxygen. You MUST notify Princess if you are bringing a wheelchair or if you need one. They will reserve one for you, if you need it and it is still available.

As far as airlines, you can contact them and tell them you need wheelchair assistance and they will usually take you to the gate. Why bother bringing a wheelchair if you don't have to worry about lugging it around with you.

Another option is to order one from a medical supply company. I have ordered them from Care Vacations. I am a travel agent and I would suggest that you could also ask your travel agent if they can help you with suggestions.

If not, please feel free to email me with any questions you might have. My email is mrsgoofy98@comcast.net.


PRINCESS IS VERY HANDICAP FRIENDLY. When I had to be tendered, they were very helpful. When we sailed on the Grand in February of last year, the elevators going down to the tenders was out of order. Four of the crew lifted me and the wheelchair and carried me down the two flights of steps. They also had to carry me up two flights when I returned from the tender. WOW!! WHAT A CLASS ACT!!!

We love Princess and look forward to sailing on the Sapphire this coming September.

Hope this helps,
Donna

LEGEND, May 04
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Sapphire Princess, Sep 04
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TOO BUSY SELLING CRUISES AND VACATIONS TO TAKE THEM. I WISH I COULD BE ON ALL THE CRUISES THAT I HAVE SOLD IN THE PAST YEAR.

Fascination, June 97
Destiny, July 98
Paradise, July (ALMOST) 00
Ecstasy, Feb 01
Destiny, Jan 02
Grand Princess, Feb 03
Zuiderdam, May 03
Serenade of the Seas, Sep 03
Legend, May 04
Sapphire Princess, Sep 04

[phabric]

Last year, we travelled with my 83yr old mother (who can walk but very slow) on the Coral. We had ordered wheelchair assistance with the airline. I did not think about a wheelchair for the cruise until we had to wait in line at the pier. I went straight away to the Purser's desk and asked about a wheelchair. We could have one if one was available, which one was.There was a deposit of $100. They took a copy of your credit card (Not the s&s card). The last night I went to the Purser's desk and asked about returning the chair. They said we could use it to disembark.They destroyed the deposit slip..They advised it could be taken off the ship at ports. It was delivered to her cabin within the hour. We just kept it folded up just outside her cabin.

Princess staff were great helping in the dining room. They would take the wheelchair right at the entrance, wheel her to the table, help into the table chair. They would store the chair somewhere else. Once finished, they would pull the chair back, wheel the wheelchair into place and assistance into the chair. They have it all down packed.

When we went on a tendered port, I would go the the Princess staff where we all met, and told her we had a wheelchair could we go ahead and met her at the exit. We used the elevator to get to the tender boat and they helped her into the boat. We did not take the wheelchair with us as there was not much walking. Once off the boat, I would go ahead and advise the bus driver to reserve the handicap bus seat for her.
When we returned to the Coral, we had a problem locating the chair as the staff had moved all the chairs to another deck.

You get a notice in your cabin about muster drill and disembarking. They have a dining room available for those who need help.The staff wheeled her off the ship and right up to the bus.

This was our first time using a chair. Sometimes it was hard pushing it on the carpet. There were no automatic doors and the doors leading to the outside were very heavy to open. After awhile we got to know which door to go forward and which to go backward through.

I would call Princess and see if you could reserve a chair through them. It was a great help.

[GloriaF]

Thanks Donna & phabric & everyone! I certainly have learned a lot.

Gloria

Grand Princess, Eastern, April 2001
Grand Princess, Western,April 2002
Regal to Hawaii, April 5-20, 2004