Best cruiseline/handicapped/glacier bay

My sister almost died two months, she is handicapped w/ diabeties, congestive heart failure, etc. her only wish for the last 20 yrs is going to alaska. Two years ago, I told her let's get together and go, she is doing better now/rehab now, can anyone tell me the best cruiseline for seeing glacier bay and hubbard as well as making the trip the easier. I wasn't fond of princess, only b/c i kept comparing to rccl, I don't know anything about NCL or Carnival, or the other cruiselines or for making the flight easier, such as flying to seattle or flying to anchorage, can anyone help? Thanks, I would appreciate any prayers you can offer to help my sister get strong so I can make her wish come true :)

NCL offers cruises that go to Glacier Bay and Hubbard. Carnival does not go to Glacier Bay. The cruises that go to both of those glaciers are one way cruises, meaning the begin/end in Vancouver and end/begin in Seward (Anchorage). Don't know if that will affect your decision, as it would make for a longer flight from Anchorage.

I think you should start by contacting the special needs department of each of the cruise lines you are considering. (This is NCL's for example: http://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising) You can discuss your sister's needs and find out if you think they could accommodate them. You can also try asking questions on the forum for each line you are considering to see if others can share their experiences.

You can also contact the airline(s) you would consider taking and see what types of arrangements can be made that would make the trip easier for your sister as well.

I'm assuming you'll also be looking into trip insurance. Having peace of mind from it can also help make the trip more enjoyable.

My sister almost died two months, she is handicapped w/ diabeties, congestive heart failure, etc. her only wish for the last 20 yrs is going to alaska. Two years ago, I told her let's get together and go, she is doing better now/rehab now, can anyone tell me the best cruiseline for seeing glacier bay and hubbard as well as making the trip the easier. I wasn't fond of princess, only b/c i kept comparing to rccl, I don't know anything about NCL or Carnival, or the other cruiselines or for making the flight easier, such as flying to seattle or flying to anchorage, can anyone help? Thanks, I would appreciate any prayers you can offer to help my sister get strong so I can make her wish come true :)

The cruise lines going to Glacier Bay are limited and I agree with you about Princess. I'm also a big RCI fan and I cruised Holland America last year to Glacier Bay. To be clear, HAL is not RCI, but we still loved the cruise nonetheless. With your sister's condition, the Crows Nest on HAL would make an excellent viewing lounge. You can do a roundtrip cruise out of Vancouver.

If you decide to forego Glacier Bay and are satisfied with only seeing Hubbard, then I would recommend going on your favorite line. The one way Radiance of the Seas cruise is excellent. As you know, the Viking Crown Lounge is one of the best viewing lounges in all of cruising.

My sister almost died two months, she is handicapped w/ diabeties, congestive heart failure, etc. her only wish for the last 20 yrs is going to alaska. Two years ago, I told her let's get together and go, she is doing better now/rehab now, can anyone tell me the best cruiseline for seeing glacier bay and hubbard as well as making the trip the easier. I wasn't fond of princess, only b/c i kept comparing to rccl, I don't know anything about NCL or Carnival, or the other cruiselines or for making the flight easier, such as flying to seattle or flying to anchorage, can anyone help? Thanks, I would appreciate any prayers you can offer to help my sister get strong so I can make her wish come true :)

What is your priority with RCI?

With your Hubbard and Glacier Bay statement- there are only 2 choices, northbound NCL and Southbound Princess. Are you also planning on mainland touring? I wouldn't be going all that way, unless I was.

I find cruiselines- far more similar than different. But I have been on so many- they are little more than meals and lodging to me.

As for flights- first- your health has to be stable. Only an example- but, If there are uncontrolled diabetic and cardiac problems- you may not be suitable for flying anyway. Be certain, there is clearance from ALL the medical specialists.

This is a sad story. Being as it's been disclosed- I would hope, that others may determine- some paths to take. I'm fortunate- I was given a "borrowed time" diagnosis- that changed significantly due to medical advances. I have to "thank" the MD who told me- I would be lucky to have 20 "good years". It's now going on 35. BUT- with that statement- I went into the fast mode. I did what ever I wanted- with traveling- and did NOT wait. I went on numerous vacations every year. Fortunate to have 8 weeks of paid vacation /year, plus unlimited swapping. last several years I worked, I traveled 3/4 months per year. Big bonus was my airline employee husband, and a higher income. Last year I traveled half the year. This year- 12 weeks so far.

I encourage- people- there are no guarantees in life. Live for today and enjoy every moment.

Thank you all for such good advice and thanks for the medical information. I'm so sorry to hear about your medical problems BQ, After seeing my sister who basically almost died 2 months ago, life is short, that's why I want to help her go on her dream vacation. I just love rccl probably b/c of the layout of the ship and the entertainment ( I know alaska is different/scenery ) I can't really say anything bad about Princess, it was a nice ship. I had just found out I had cancer at 43 when I was about to go on my dream cruise to Alaska. I'm gonna try to throw in a few days on land, but booked w/ the cruiseline. I'd like southbound w/ a tour of the glaciers beforehand. How do you feel about NCL compared to Princess? She has never cruised before, so I know she'll be happy with whatever I choose - thanks so much again :)

How do you feel about NCL compared to Princess? She has never cruised before, so I know she'll be happy with whatever I choose - thanks so much again :)

This is just my opinion based on my NCL experiences. It is my least favorite cruise line and with their recent policy changes creating more of an ala cart, nickel and dime atmosphere, they are even further from my future bookings.

Many people on these boards will tell you itinerary is key in Alaska. I will not argue that. It is. However, if you're like me, you still want to be on a nice ship with good service, good food and good entertainment. I'm not a big fan of Princess but I would book them any day over NCL.

Thank you all for such good advice and thanks for the medical information. I'm so sorry to hear about your medical problems BQ, After seeing my sister who basically almost died 2 months ago, life is short, that's why I want to help her go on her dream vacation. I just love rccl probably b/c of the layout of the ship and the entertainment ( I know alaska is different/scenery ) I can't really say anything bad about Princess, it was a nice ship. I had just found out I had cancer at 43 when I was about to go on my dream cruise to Alaska. I'm gonna try to throw in a few days on land, but booked w/ the cruiseline. I'd like southbound w/ a tour of the glaciers beforehand. How do you feel about NCL compared to Princess? She has never cruised before, so I know she'll be happy with whatever I choose - thanks so much again :)

I've sailed both NCL and Princess in Alaska, it doesn't matter to me which, so not help for someone who wants more from a ship. I will say, the Sun, is a very basic ship, with Princess having a little more polish. ;)

IF you are looking to do the PWS boat tour- and want a southbound cruise- then your choice is going to be Princess. BUT, to do that boat tour before the cruise- you can't do most of the cruisetours- likely only the ones, which is few- that have Anchorage the night before. None of the ones at the Denali, McKinley or Copper River lodges are going to make it. Likely not the Kenai either. IF you have the Anchorage overnight, you'll need to get yourself to Whittier on your own since the transfer don't usually start early enough.

A suggestion that could offer FREEDOM, is for you to consider a one way car rental. With someone- who may not be feeling optimal all the time- I think going on lengthy fixed touring probably a mistake. Although a one way Avis rental car is costly- it could offer you a far better use of your time and touring. Plus include some of the small stuff that point to point simply misses. eg- an interesting look at the Eklutna Spirit Houses, a stop at the Sled dog Headquarters, in Wasilla and a look at their small museum, a scenic drive of Hatcher Pass etc

My mom cruised quite a bit and was disabled - we traveled on Carnival, Celebrity, RCCL and Princess.

By far, Princess was the best in dealing with people with disabilities. I thought RCCL and Celebrity were the worst (we even got a free cruise once because how poorly they were). Princess has won awards several years back due to being very disabled friendly. Due to this - the majority of my cruises were with Princess. They really went above and beyond every time.

Due to my Mom's disability - I am always looking out on how things are laid out, how employees treat those with unique needs, etc... Being close to someone who has a disability definitely gives you a different perspective and one quickly realizes how lucky we are in the US to have ADA (and Canadians have something similar).

Having a wife with MS and needs a wheelchair we have found both Princess and Celebrity to be excellent in handling people with disabilities. Our one experience with HAL was not very good.

I have different experiences, that are recent. I've cruised HAL, Princess, NCL and Carnival all in about the last 1 1/2 years- for 24 cruises. Also with a w/c dependent traveler, can only take a few assisted steps. (so, not just a user that otherwise, has ambulation abilities) All the cruises were extremely accommodating. I had no complaints nor any unmet needs.

My mom cruised quite a bit and was disabled - we traveled on Carnival, Celebrity, RCCL and Princess.

 

By far, Princess was the best in dealing with people with disabilities. I thought RCCL and Celebrity were the worst (we even got a free cruise once because how poorly they were). Princess has won awards several years back due to being very disabled friendly. Due to this - the majority of my cruises were with Princess. They really went above and beyond every time.

 

Due to my Mom's disability - I am always looking out on how things are laid out, how employees treat those with unique needs, etc... Being close to someone who has a disability definitely gives you a different perspective and one quickly realizes how lucky we are in the US to have ADA (and Canadians have something similar).

Thank you all so much, it sounds like Princess is the way to go, can you tell me what ship you were on w/ rccl and what made them not being helpful, just a few example if you don't mind, wasn't it they just didn't care, etc. thanks all :)

Thank you all so much, it sounds like Princess is the way to go, can you tell me what ship you were on w/ rccl and what made them not being helpful, just a few example if you don't mind, wasn't it they just didn't care, etc. thanks all :)

I sailed the Radiance 2 seasons ago, didn't have any issues with them either, extended excellent service for a wheel chair user.

We have done both Princess and RCCL in Alaska with a friend in a wheelchair. RCCL was ok but Princess went the extra mile and would be my recommendation in Alaska. It is small things that stood out such as whenever they saw us -- they automatically opened the door so that I didn't have to. RCCL employees did nothing to assist us. We had traditional dining on both. On Princess our table assignment was near the doors and easily accessible. On RCCL -- our assignment was accessible but clear on the far end of the dining room. It was somewhat of a pain to get to the table due to others standing in the walk way. We asked for a different table assignment and were not able to be accommodated. That would never happen on Princess. Princess assigned someone to help us disembark and allowed us to embark first. RCCL did not provide any special disembarking instructions for us. I am not sure if they do this but Princess automatically sends those with disabilities a letter offering assistance. Small things that over a week made a huge difference on our cruise.

I also believe Princess has the better itineraries in Alaska on their one way cruises.

Thank you all so much, it sounds like Princess is the way to go, can you tell me what ship you were on w/ rccl and what made them not being helpful, just a few example if you don't mind, wasn't it they just didn't care, etc. thanks all :)

Good question. Other than individual experiences...positive or negative...on specific ships, I can't imagine how one line can be any better than the other in this regard. In fact, I would think that Princess is worse because of how difficult it is to get to certain venues...such as the aft dining room or the aft pool. Typically, RCI ships are some of the best designed ships for being able to go fore and aft without having to go up or down stairs.

Something I think you should consider is how much good viewing space is available on the open decks. I've actually seen a w/c user pushed out of the way by a/b pax in order for the a/b pax to "claim" the viewing spot. If there is a lot of good viewing space that is much less likely to happen.

If you are interested in mostly cruising without extensive land tours then you could consider a back to back cruise and that would significantly decrease your flight time and would provide 2 weeks in Alaska instead of 1 week. Since you might be in some of the ports on both your northbound and southbound cruises you could tour the ports in a more leisurely time frame.

The tours can be done to accomodate as suggested above consideration could also be given to car rental so you can tour at your own pace. I just wasn't sure if you were planning to cruise only or to include land touring and I wasn't sure how much time you would have available to spend in Alaska.

An example of a back to back option using different cruiselines might be to cruise Holland America in one direction which would give you glacier bay and then use RCCI the other direction which would give you hubbard glacier and you said is your prefered cruiseline. You might even be able to spend a couple of nights in Seward between changing ships and that location has a lot of options that are handicapp friendly for touring.