Volendam and Handicap capabilities

[Winks]

My wife and I will be scruising on the Volendam in January (Easter Caribbean). She is in a wheelchair - well, actually she will be using a small electric scooter - and we were wondering how the ship is for handicap facilities and capabilities?
Thanks
Winks (Kevin)

[Esme]

I've seen many scooter and electric wheel chairs on the Volendam and the people seem to have no trouble with them. Did you book a wheel-chair accessable cabin? That would help. There are also public washrooms that are accessable.

What date are you sailing?

[Mary Ellen]

We've been on her sister ship, the Zaandam. Overall the ship is very accessable. However, we don't find the A & B handicap cabins large enough. Their bathrooms are great, but the cabin is VERY cramped for space with a folded wheelchair in it - I can't imagine a scooter. Look closely at the deck plans. You'll find that other categories are more square and the floor space more usable. Hopefully you aren't booked in an A or B.

[Winks]

No, we are in a C - up on the Veranda deck, no less. Room looked very nice from the pictures.

[Mary Ellen]

Know that cabin, very nice size. Shouldn't be a problem.

[Cinder]

I used to cruise with my Mom in a wheelchair, and the V was one of my favorite ships accessibility wise. I agree the cabins could be larger, but the one you selected should be great.
There is an "extra" bank of mid ship elevators that takes the pressure off getting from floor to floor for wheelchair bound pax. This ship is known for its artwork, and it is beautiful! Enjoy!

[Pudgesmom]

I was told by HAL that at tender ports, you would only be able to take the scooter if it weighed less that 100 pounds without the battery. You may want to check with them on this, as well as what ports you might be using a tender.

Beth

[Winks]

Thanks for the tip. Actually, this is a fairly new travel scooter - it weighs 40 lbs WITH the batteries and has a 6-8 mile range. Works great for travel. If the room is anything like the one we had on the Constellation - it was almost suite size), I will be a happy man - even better, my wife will be a happy lady. And we all know that when momma's happy.......

My wife rarely gets off in a tender port. It tends to be a bit of a hassle. Those are the days she gets a manicure and I get to go do what I want - such as deepsea fishing. Works out well for us.

[gotmilk]

Winks.... Unless she is able to get out of the w/c and walk into the cabin the w/c will not fit through the door. Also, the bathroom will be smaller and have an elevated step to enter into the bathroom. The bathrooms in the accessible cabins are level entrances and have enough room to manuver in. If she is in a smaller style electric scooter it may go through the door opening in an accessible cabin. Also, I am not sure what HA's policy is on leaving a w/c or scooter in the hallway. Some ships will not let you leave it outside your cabin.

[jcike1980]

just got off the volendam alot of scooters and the handicapped rooms are huge. No Problem!! Enjoy your cruise. Jcike