Cruise Suggestions

[nanaatosix]

Husband and I took our first cruise to Alaska in May 2008 fell in love with cruising. Would like to plan another cruise for sometime in 2010, but overwhelmed with choices. My husband has some disablilities with walking so we where thinking of cruising atleast a week taking advantages of ship board activities. Would like to drive to departure port, we live in SC. Ports of call with activities that would alow for his walking disabilities ( he used a cane or wheelchair.) Takes in advance for any suggestions. Our first cruise was on Coral Princess and we loved everything about it.

[eandj]

Welcome to cruising!!! Because you have some very specific needs and aren't too experienced, I'd visit a good cruise TA in town and get some recs. Sounds like the ship will be more impoortant to you than the itinerary.

[Colorado Kat]

I believe there is a section on cruise critic which is specific to disabled travelers?

And there are various cabins (at least on Carnival) that are modified for disabled cruisers. (Larger space to move around, possibly larger bathrooms?)

Have fun....Kathy

[cricket32000]

Originally Posted by nanaatosix

Husband and I took our first cruise to Alaska in May 2008 fell in love with cruising. Would like to plan another cruise for sometime in 2010, but overwhelmed with choices. My husband has some disablilities with walking so we where thinking of cruising atleast a week taking advantages of ship board activities. Would like to drive to departure port, we live in SC. Ports of call with activities that would alow for his walking disabilities ( he used a cane or wheelchair.) Takes in advance for any suggestions. Our first cruise was on Coral Princess and we loved everything about it.

Depending on what month in 2010 you want to cruise, Carnival will be sailing out of Charleston starting in may 2010. We live 2 1/2 hrs from Charleston and most likely be sailing out of there from now on. jacksonville Florida is the next closest port.

[Canuker]

Have to believe there are TAs out there that specialize in your issues.

[PrincessE]

There are so many sailings out of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Personally, I'm a Princess fan all the way, so it would be Ft. Lauderdale then.

I've sailed with my father before (who has advanced Parkinsons Disease) and my grandparents who both were in their 80's when they sailed.

We've always found the Caribbean to be a good choice.

Really anything that sails out of Ft. Lauderdale would be a good fit. I also recommend Princess because they have more nooks and crannies where you can sit and get away from it all.

It's always been helpful for us to let my dad and grandparents rest for a spell (so much walking on those ships!) and Princess always has a free spot somewhere.

Have fun!

[Bonnie J.]

Carnval is bringing the Triumph to Charleston but it will be doing shorter cruises to the Bahamas not the Caribean. We love the easy drive there and have been on NCL's Majesty -which has been sold to Louis cruises- three times.
Yes, handicapped cabins have HUGE bathrooms with bars and a pull down seat in the shower. There is no lip to get into the bathroom either. We've had cabins the size of these bathrooms! But because of the size of the bathroom, there isn't as much closet space.
You can get a wheelchair on the ship from the cruise line if you don't want to take your own. You would be met at the pier with someone to push the chair on board. And, I have seen a lot of people in those scooters they sit on and drive around the ship. Those are brought on by the owners. They also will give a lot of help even tendering when you get off the ship.
We live in NC and drive down the day before. We usually stop in Daytona area night before the cruise then drive to the port the next day. We have places that will keep our car for less than 1/2 what they charge at the pier. All have a free shuttle to the port. Email me at bonniejns@hotmail, subjecT: cruising, and I'll give info to you contacting these places to park.
We were given a handicapped cabin on Princess and it was big with more drawers than we could use (didn't ask for it, just assigned to it at very last minute.)
I would also reccomend looking at Princess, and book midship so you are closer to everything.
But, do call their special needs department when you book or even before. They can answer all your questions.

[Bonnie J.]

I was wrong about the Triumph coming to Charleston, SC. Just got "Cruise Travel' and they said it is the Fantasy coming there. They will have 5 ,6 and & 7 day cruises to the Bahamas and Key West starting May 18th, 2010, year round. The 5 day is Freeport & Nassau, 6 day is Freeport, Nassau & Key West, 7 days will be Grand Turk, Half Moon Key and Nassau.
Maybe the Triumph will be there before the Fantasy gets there?
CRUISE LINES WE'VE BEEN ON :
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