Oosterdam handicapped cabins SY5001 or SY5002 versus regular SY6060

[newcastleunited]

It appears that these two handicapped SY cabins have two openings onto the balcony area, and that the standard SY cabin (such as the one we've booked 6060) has only one opening to the balcony. Is it a negative to book a handicapped cabin to have more room, even if you don't need a wheelchair? My mom is 85, but doesn't need a special shower, etc. But the extra space for the same price, and being on the bow of the ship seems appealing.

[bepsf]

That other opening facing forward is a window - not a door.

Those are actually smaller than the standard SY/SS - much smaller balcony...

[FlorenceItaly]

. Is it a negative to book a handicapped cabin to have more room, even if you don't need a wheelchair? My mom is 85, but doesn't need a special shower, etc. But the extra space for the same price, and being on the bow of the ship seems appealing.

Yes, it is wrong to book a handicapped room that you do not need. There are a limited amount of handicapped rooms on the ship therefore if someone books one that is not in need of one this prevents those who ARE in need of one the opportunity to sail on the particular sailing.

Marie

[boomerSexyK]

As a handicapped cruiser... I agree with the above post .... DON'T book an HC cabin when not required!! HAL will require you to fill out a Special Needs Form to confirm that you need the HC cabin anyways. If a sailing is close and there are still HC cabins available, HAL will of course open them up to the general public

[Freelancer]

As a person with a disability who needs a handicapped cabin when cruising, I would appreciate the cooperation of able-bodied passengers to not book handicapped cabins.

Yes, these cabins are larger, but for a good reason. When you're in a wheelchair you need a room with turning radius, a roll-in shower, comfort-height toilet and grab bars in the bathroom.

Please remember, that like able-bodied people, we also want to have an enjoyable vacation and if you book a handicapped room just for the increased space, then you deprive me of a vacation.

[Oceanwench]

I echo the comments made in the posts above.
Those rooms -- and there are only a handful on each ship in comparison to the "standard" rooms -- are designed to be used by people who have mobility issues.
They are designed for wheelchair users, to accommodate their chair/scooter.
I always forget the number of HC rooms on a Vista ship -- it's either 26 or 28. Compare that to 900-plus standard rooms.
People with handicaps who really need the HC cabins are often limited in their choices for cruises because of so few cabins.
I know DH [who is in a wheelchair] and I have had to settle for our third choice for a cruise on one occasion.

[Susie51]

Oops, I booked an HC room. DH and I are not handicapped. Will I have to pay a fee to change rooms?

Today we booked Oosterdam Dec. 13, 2008 in SY5002. TA did not mention it was a HC room. I put in our room number to see what people had to say about it.

Thanks for your help.

[brucory]

As a handicapped cruiser... I agree with the above post .... DON'T book an HC cabin when not required!! HAL will require you to fill out a Special Needs Form to confirm that you need the HC cabin anyways. If a sailing is close and there are still HC cabins available, HAL will of course open them up to the general public

I didnt know about this... I had always though it was the luck of the draw if there would be an HC room available. I have a lot of respect for HAL for saving these rooms by use of confirmation (evidence of need). Though I know it will be marginally frustrating when we travel with a disabled friend to have to confirm status, at least there may be a room available. The extra space when using a chair for getting to the bathroom/into the shower will make the world of dfference.... :D :D :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

If no one is handicapped in your party, you should not book that room.

I feel sorry for someone who may be handicapped and can't get a special cabin and has to struggle in a regular bathroom.

And on all the cruises that we have been on lately, there have been quite a few handicapped people on board.

[rfbdorf]

Susie -
PLEASE, do whatever you can to change that booking. IMHO your travel agent was greatly remiss in getting you a HC room. Last year we were in the cabin above that one - VA6004, and let me tell you, we needed every square foot of the space; it wasn't just "nice." Although I have no experience, I be surprised if they would charge you a fee, especially if the circumstances were explained. HAL may tell you that they'll transfer you if anyone needs a HC cabin, but that's just smoke - the room will simply show as occupied. So please, be insistent. If there were a fee, your TA ought to eat it. Shame on them.
- Richard


Oops, I booked an HC room. DH and I are not handicapped. Will I have to pay a fee to change rooms?

Today we booked Oosterdam Dec. 13, 2008 in SY5002. TA did not mention it was a HC room. I put in our room number to see what people had to say about it.

Thanks for your help.

[Krazy Kruizers]

There shouldn't be a fee if everything is explained to HAL.

And if there is, I agree, the TA should pay that fee for misleading you.

[rfbdorf]

Oh yeah, and thank YOU, Susie51 for realizing that it is a problem. Too many people would not.
- Richard

[cp556]

I agree wholeheartedly with all the posters who feel that HC rooms should be reserved for passengers who need them. Many times in my life as a cruise TA, I was unable to get HC staterooms for a passenger because all were booked.

There was no way of really knowing how many had been booked by those who used wheelchairs vs. those who just wanted a few sq ft of extra floor space.

Having said that, close to sail date when assigning guaranteed cabins, cruise lines do make use of unsold space, and unsold HC cabins are in that mix.

Susie51, congratulations on your decision to release your HC cabin ... I agree that there should not be a charge as long as you stay in the same cabin category ...