Cruising with the challenge of health issues...Plz tell me your stories

I would like to hear from those who accept the challenge and continue to cruise on. Whether it be yourself who is suffering, a family member, friend, travel companion or caretaker etc. I would like to hear your stories and experiences. My hope is that at times when I, you or your loved one is feeling discouraged..like you just can't do this..the stories posted here will give everyone dealing with health issues the encouragement that may be needed at times. To not give up, and cancel your cruise or feel like you will never be able to cruise again. That sort of thing..Thx so much!

Check out the Disabled Cruising board. Lots of people travel with challenges all the time.

Many times it's a mindset.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Thanks Lahlah!

I think her heart was in the right place and I would also add that while I do have a medical condition - I am not disabled - they are not always one and the same.

Many, many folks with "issues" cruise all the time. The "Disabled Thread" has many helpful hints on how...everything from wheelchair use, to dialysis, to autism....

I found it! Thanks so much!

"Legaljen", "Cruzelover"..Thank you so much for your kind words! and "Langley" also for the obvious. I didn't want to "flame the fish"..I'm not much for seafood anyway. I find it rather sickening as I did that "morbid mindbending" reply to my thread.

Obviously, I didn't know there was a "disabled forum". I don't particularly like the term "disabled" myself. I don't believe I used the word in my OP title or text. I have seen people post about "health issues" on different forums and not get flamed or told to post under the "disabled forum".

There are many people who love to cruise with a passion. I would without a doubt put myself into that category. Cruising does give an individual with "health issues" the opportunity to travel and see many different places that they otherwise may not be able to, but it does that for everyone. There are people who want to cruise but are afraid for whatever reason maybe do to a "health issue" and that's going to effect the people around them..i.e. caregivers, relatives, friends etc.

Many who love to cruise, have booked a future cruise(s)..invested money already..but are having second thoughts and thinking about cancelling because they are struggling with questions like "can I/we do this?" or "if I/we do make it on the ship am I going to be able to even enjoy myself?" and the questions can go on and on. Maybe they don't consider themselves "disabled" or label themselves "disabled"..whatever. Maybe there are dealing with things such as "food or enviromental allergies", "migraines", "claustrophobia", "fear of water/being on the ocean", "alcoholism", "eating disorders", "anxiety"..I could go on and on. They are not necessarily going to go to the "disabled forum". In fact, they probably don't even know it exists. Maybe they have never actually posted before so they're apprehensive about starting a new thread. Maybe they don't want to get "flamed".

When someone is considering cancelling their cruise..which could mean losing a lot of money..or contemplating even booking one, sometimes all they need is a little bit of encouragement. A bit of positivity from people who have been there, done that, goes a long way. Reading others peoples positive experiences does help!

At the very least, I hope that my intentions are now a bit more clear. Thx so much to the very nice people on here!

Hi, I'm disabled and I don't have a problem answering your question. After all, we who have cruised with a disability know how things are done and what you can and cannot do.

I've been on 84 cruises, literally all over the world, as a solo disabled woman. I've been disabled since the age of 2 because of polio, and now with post polio syndrome, I cannot walk anymore and use a mobility scooter. I've found that cruising is the best way for people with physical issues to travel. I pack my luggage and hire a shipping service to send my bags directly to the ship. It's expensive, but it works best for me to not have to worry about luggage and airports.

Newer ships are the best for those with mobility issues. Auto open doors, accessible public restrooms, and accessible cabins (not nearly enough with the rapidly growing number of baby boomers who are facing mobility issues and the very small number of accessible cabins on ships) make cruising an easy option for travel.

Some countries are better than others for the disabled. Unfortunately, not all countries have an ADA, so barriers still exist in many countries. But, to name a few places that I've been fortunate to see, I've been on a safari in Africa, visited an estancia in Argentina, seen the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, went up to nearly the very top of the world when visiting the North Cape in Norway, seen the Great Wall of China and the Terra Cotta Soldiers, visited Petra in Jordan, swam between islands in the Maldives, held a koala in Australia, and sat on a bench overlooking the Taj Mahal.

Unfortunately, many disabled are too afraid to try things they're not familiar with. But, you have to have the attitude that you won't just sit at home and that you'll travel and enjoy the world and your life. If I can do it, again as a solo, disabled woman, just about anyone can.

Kitty (Darcie) - Awesome, Amazing post! Thank you so much! We have 2 future cruises scheduled right now and I'm determined not to cancel. I totally agree with what you said about sitting home. Even if I get laid up and stuck in the cabin at least I'm living life! I figure I can be sick at home or sick on the ship so just get me on the ship and I will wing it from there. Wow! You've been on some amazing journeys! You Go Girl!

Kitty (Darcie) - Awesome, Amazing post! Thank you so much! We have 2 future cruises scheduled right now and I'm determined not to cancel. I totally agree with what you said about sitting home. Even if I get laid up and stuck in the cabin at least I'm living life! I figure I can be sick at home or sick on the ship so just get me on the ship and I will wing it from there. Wow! You've been on some amazing journeys! You Go Girl!

I agree live your life but I will add that you should of course get a doctors clearance for travel ( not sure what your illness/disability is) and everyone should get medical travel insurance. In the case of those with pre-existing conditions you will need to get insurance that will cover those.

Some folks on cc get very cranky when people talk about bringing scooters and wheelchairs on board but you learn to ignore them.:)

Hmm..I wonder why anyone would have an issue with someone who needs to bring a scooter or wheelchair onboard? You would think they would be happy for them living their lives.

I run into a lot people who say that they really would love to go on a cruise but they have fears or anxieties about it. Mostly afraid of being seasick the whole cruise or feeling claustrophobic..like they are "stuck" on the ship crowded with people. I try to explain that the ships have stabilizers and although I can't say you won't ever get seasick, it's not like being on a small boat. As far as the claustrophobia and crowds, I try to explain how massive these ships are and how once you are onboard it doesn't feel crowded like you would think.

CND - I don't think Sadie meant anything bad by what she said. Let's face it "mindset" is a huge thing for everybody. No one can deny that right.

Lol..right now I have my mind set that I will make on it this next cruise. My body just isn't cooperating at the moment. I'm having a lot of pain from spinal stenosis and reactions from food sensitivities, so I'm pretty laid up. I was doing better but I backslid after my Mom ended up in the hospital. I'm thinking that I should have my husband get the suitcases down from the attic so I can start focusing on packing early. I can do a little at a time. I want to try to pack as light as I can for this next cruise.

CND - I don't think Sadie meant anything bad by what she said. Let's face it "mindset" is a huge thing for everybody. No one can deny that right.

 

Lol..right now I have my mind set that I will make on it this next cruise. My body just isn't cooperating at the moment. I'm having a lot of pain from spinal stenosis and reactions from food sensitivities, so I'm pretty laid up. I was doing better but I backslid after my Mom ended up in the hospital. I'm thinking that I should have my husband get the suitcases down from the attic so I can start focusing on packing early. I can do a little at a time. I want to try to pack as light as I can for this next cruise.

Only you can answer your question. What the rest of us think or feel is really immaterial.

Personally for myself, I have chosen not to travel with health issues. I had a 14 day cruise to Alaska booked (with airfare paid) about 15 months out. The insurance cost about the same as what I had invested in deposit and airfare, so I opted not to purchase insurance. At about the 12 month out timeframe, my husband had a stroke. I didn't cancel, thinking I would be able to handle him, the luggage & the airport. Then about 6 months out I started having Angina when walking any distance, and realized I wouldn't be able to handle the luggage, and my husband certainly couldn't. Just imagining the shuttle to the airport, the airport (LAX) itself, and then shuttle to the ship was an envisioned nightmare. And would we really enjoy the cruise if we couldn't do anything? I cancelled the cruise (I did get my cruise deposit back, but lost the $600 airfare).

We have travelled to Australia (twice), Alaska (2 times), Hawaii (5 times), Europe (7 times). I have also done Tahiti, Hungary, Jamaica, Canada/New England on my own, so I am well aware of the effort it takes sometimes. So I know with our health issues now that I no longer have an interest in trying to do the travel. I'm glad I was able to travel in the past 25 years, and feel I have seen a good portion of this World. But short trips in my own car, where I can park in handicap spots and make do with a weekend suitcase are what I plan now.

If you still want to travel, then go for it. If you have difficulties along the way, it may force you to change your mind. I wish you luck & happy travels.

Only you can answer your question. What the rest of us think or feel is really immaterial.

 

Personally for myself, I have chosen not to travel with health issues. I had a 14 day cruise to Alaska booked (with airfare paid) about 15 months out. The insurance cost about the same as what I had invested in deposit and airfare, so I opted not to purchase insurance. At about the 12 month out timeframe, my husband had a stroke. I didn't cancel, thinking I would be able to handle him, the luggage & the airport. Then about 6 months out I started having Angina when walking any distance, and realized I wouldn't be able to handle the luggage, and my husband certainly couldn't. Just imagining the shuttle to the airport, the airport (LAX) itself, and then shuttle to the ship was an envisioned nightmare. And would we really enjoy the cruise if we couldn't do anything? I cancelled the cruise (I did get my cruise deposit back, but lost the $600 airfare).

 

We have travelled to Australia (twice), Alaska (2 times), Hawaii (5 times), Europe (7 times). I have also done Tahiti, Hungary, Jamaica, Canada/New England on my own, so I am well aware of the effort it takes sometimes. So I know with our health issues now that I no longer have an interest in trying to do the travel. I'm glad I was able to travel in the past 25 years, and feel I have seen a good portion of this World. But short trips in my own car, where I can park in handicap spots and make do with a weekend suitcase are what I plan now.

 

If you still want to travel, then go for it. If you have difficulties along the way, it may force you to change your mind. I wish you luck & happy travels.

One reason while DH and I cruise now instead of waiting for retirement. Even now there is consideration to be made for the "what ifs" as it relates to his health issues. Reasonable access to emergency care dictates where we go now.

Agabbymama (Eleanor) - You and your DH have sure travelled a lot in 25 years. I don't know if I will ever even come close to seeing all that you both have, but I'll do my best.:) It sounds like you haven't giving up either, just making adjustments and travelling shorter distances.

Misty57 - I couldn't agree with you more!

I wanted to mention something that Eleanor brought to my mind. It's with regards to airfare and cruising. Carnival Cruise Lines just started a new program with their Fly2Fun program. They're offering a "flexible" Fly2Fun option. You can now book your cruise flights with them and not have to pay for your flight until your final payment due date. Also, if you book your flights via the flexible plan, you can call and cancel or call and check for price reductions. The pricing that I've been quoted by Carnival has definitely been better than what I found doing my own research. Just make sure you tell them specifically that you want the "flexible" plan.

Hmm..I wonder why anyone would have an issue with someone who needs to bring a scooter or wheelchair onboard? You would think they would be happy for them living their lives.

Unfortunately, you have a number of people who rent scooters and have never used one for a single minute before climbing on board one on a cruise ship. They can be very dangerous drivers and have run over other passengers because they have no experience in driving a scooter and they get careless. Also, these once in a while scooter drivers tend to get attitudes that they're the only one on the ship and get very obnoxious in hallways and especially elevators. They have no respect for anyone else but themselves. And once they're home, they don't use a scooter at all. As for me, I try my best to be as unobtrusive as possible. I'll wait for three or four elevators so I don't bother others. If I'm wanting to go down to a lower floor, I'll take an up elevator, ride it up to whatever floor and then ride it back down. I try not to bother people in the buffet, when people act as if they've not eaten in a week.

But I will also say that there are certain able bodied cruisers who are obnoxious to scooter riders. I've experienced some who absolutely refuse to move in the elevator, denying me the ability to get on the lift---and there are only two in the lift to begin with. I've had comments made to me that people like me should stay home, that we have no right to load up their elevator, and the worst one made directly to me was that maybe if I lost weight, I'd not need a scooter (I have to take copious amounts of steroids for my condition which has caused me to gain weight, so I admit that I'm overweight, but try losing steroid weight---it's nearly impossible), not realizing that I can't walk anymore without falling and breaking bones.

The only cruise I cannot do are the riverboat cruises. Since most docks on the rivers are way below street level, and the only way to get up there is via stairs or rough paths, I won't be doing river cruises. The other problem with river cruises is that it's become so popular, that boats are docked one beside another and you may find yourself having to climb over as many as four other riverboats, just to get to the docks. And, you have lines like Viking River cruises who absolutely will not allow scooters on their boats, or on their new, big cruise ships (they don't have one, single accessible cabin on any of their current or upcoming cruise vessels).

Ah!..Okay Darcie!..I gotcha!

I gotta little story for ya!..I don't know if you've ever been to Vegas but the Hotel / Casinos here are ginormous. My husband works for Caesar's and we had tickets to see Celine Dion back when she was just getting ready to open. I needed the wheelchair cuz it was just too far too walk. We didn't bring mine cuz security said they would meet us at the front valet and get me to the Colosium where she performs. We were like "Okay..Great!" I got in that wheelchair and it was like Mr. Toad's wild ride. He was walking so fast and yelling "make way!" , "step aside!". Well, as you can imagine people in Vegas partying and all aren't real fast to "make way". I thought for sure he was gonna bowl some people down. I was so embarrassed! And you know those foot pedals stick out. They could do some real damage!

Also, totally understand what you're saying about the steroid weight! I call it my "prednisone pudge". My cheeks blow up like balloons too!:eek: You're right, almost impossible to lose. People that make comments like that are just uninformed to put it nicely;)..most likely never had to deal with it themselves or via family members or friends. Or their just unhappy souls.

Just wondering, how does Viking River Cruises get away with that? Don't they have to be ADA compliant?

Since the Viking boats don't cruise in the US, there's no compliance necessary on their part. But I wonder what they'll do if they ever bring their new cruise liners to US ports? I know that the US Supreme Court ruled that cruise ships sailing out of US ports must comply with the ADA, unless it causes undue financial hardship. To be frank, Viking really hacks me off.

I used to go to Las Vegas a lot when we lived in Scottsdale, Az. Couldn't pass up the $45 airfares, lol. I really understand your casino wheelchair story. I was at Bellagio during the NASCAR race, and the crowds were insane. It was tougher to drive my scooter in that casino than it is on a ship.

I am a younger person dealing with a disability, but I do not let it stop me from traveling. Most of my travels are to Disney World, just me and my 72 year old Mother. We do whatever we can and don't let anything bother us if we can't do everything.

I am 47 and after several surgeries over 20 years from a car accident, I now need to wear braces from hip to toe on both legs and use a scooter or wheelchair when there is lots of walking involved.

We have a cruise planned for January and have previously cruised once before. First cruise I took my scooter. This time I will be bringing my wheelchair. We have taken many trips to Disney World, Savannah Georgia, North Carolina in the last 7 years when my last surgery turned my life upside down.

I say if you have the want to do a trip, then do it! Don't let your health issues stop you even if it is more difficult than before. If you really want to do something you will find a way to get over the obstacles that are in your way!

I had my aortic valve replaced at 52 years old due to a birth defect. It was 18 years ago and I have cruised every year since then.

I have severe asthma and rather than cancel a trip one time for Christmas when I was very ill because then DH would have insisted he stay home with me, I packed up my nebulizer and meds and sat by poolside every day while everyone did activities and came by to visit every few hours. I did one "no walking" excursion and stayed on board at the other port. It was a very different cruise than my usual one but we still all had fun.

DD2 went on a cruise 10 days after ACL repair. We got a wheelchair for her to get on the ship and she used her crutches from venue to venue. The only difficulty we had were the rude people sitting on the pool stairs who wouldn't move so she could use the railings to get in and out of the pool. We're about to do her first cruise since she was diagnosed with celiac disease, so we shall see how the dietary accommodations go.

My attitude is that you make the best of every situation, go at the pace you can and enjoy what you can.

Darcie - I'll bet Viking will have to comply if they come to the U.S...or at least we can hope. I just can't imagine them coming here and people not raising heck if they aren't ADA compliant. I just don't see Americans letting that fly. I've never been on The Strip when NASCAR's been in town. I bet that was crazy! Vegas loves when NASCAR comes to town! It's huge here. Have you ever been or thought about coming here for New Year's? It's a bit crazy, but awesome at the same time. I was reading to my husband your post about all the amazing places you've been. He thought it would be a great idea to make a list of all the places we've been and post it here.

"Peemagg" - Thanks for posting! I've never been to Disney World. Would love to go there! I grew up in SoCal. We use to go to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Magic Mountain quite a bit. I haven't been to any of the amusement parks since since the mid 90's though. I was a huge roller coaster lover growing up. Just couldn't get enough. I would ride them over and over.

Where are you headed for your next cruise? You're so lucky you get to cruise with your Mom. I would love to cruise with my Mom. She's has a terrible fear of the ocean. So severe in fact I swear she's was on the Titanic in another life. You and me are very close in age, and so are our Moms.

"Owl Lover" - Welcome! Thanks for posting! That sounds really scary. Was your surgery what prompted you to start cruising? Every year for 18 years! Where all have you been, if you don't mind me asking?

"MommaBear" - Your story sounds much like what I'm dealing with now. Not the asthma part but the part where you spoke about just making it on the ship and then going from there. Winging it so to speak. I've missed getting off the ship in some ports but was still happy to have even made it on the ship. I do think having a balcony cabin helps because you can always hang out there. This next cruise we have our first oceanview cabin. I'm a bit anxious about that but your story got me to thinking. Even if I'm not feeling well enough to get off the ship I'm going to try to go out on deck, find a quiet place and lay up there. The longer the cruise the better for me as I know odds are I will have some better days.

You mentioned your DD and her being dx'd with Celiac's Disease. I have been tested, not dx'd with that, but I do have major food sensitvity/intolerance issues. Wheat is one. Carnival Cruise lines does make a great effort to help. I can only speak about Carnival on this but this is what we/they do and I'm sure the other cruise lines do it too. You can alert the cruise line ahead of time by calling and then sending a form listing her food issues. I don't do that anymore though. We go to the Main Dining Room after boarding and speak with the Maitre'D. They hook me up with someone who handles all my menu options. They basically go through each nights menu and tell me what I can and can't have. The waiters also help with all this. So far it's worked great. As far as the buffet I kinda have to wing it. Although they have brought out chefs from the back to help me with questions regarding ingredients. You may already know all this, but just thought I would mention it. Thx for posting!

Lil2Angelic and all others.

Welcome to this Cruise Critic forum. My colleague Host Anne moved this thread from another forum so that everyone on the Disabled forum can contribute.

Be sure to check out all the threads. We have a terrific group of Members whose participation has helped many who have limitations so that they can fully enjoy the wonderful world of cruising.

Thank you so much "Host Walt" & "Anne" for your help and all that you do! You ROCK!

We are a couple weeks out from out next cruise now. It's going to be our shortest one yet. Only 4 days and we are driving to our embarkation port in Long Beach. We'll be seeing Catalina and Ensenada plus a sea day. I just love, Love, LOVE seadays!

This is going to be our first oceanview cabin. We've always booked balconies in the past and it's worked out great in case I get laid up in the cabin. You can always go out on the balcony for some fresh air and people watch if you're not able to get off the ship while in port.

This time, I'm concerned mostly about having reactions from the cleaning chemicals and other passengers perfume/cologne. When you have a balcony it's easy to air out the cabin. Also, with other balcony cabins around you it helps air out the hallways. I was doing much better but my crazy immune system has been giving me problems again so I guess we'll just have to see what happens.

Hopefully I will be able to eat without too many issues. This shall be a test. One which I expect to pass with flying colors..that or be eating benadryl like crazy. Lord just please don't make me have to drag out the prednisone.

On a more positive note at least my insane back pain is more under control. I was finally able to actually try on clothes yesterday. What a concept eh. The suitcase has been out for weeks but still not packed so hoping to remedy that within the next week.

I'm really excited about cruising around the holidays..hoping the ship will be all decorated. Never cruised around Christmas. Do they have Christmas trees allover and lots of lights? I'm thinking we may bring some battery operated ones for the cabin. I wonder if alot of people decorate their cabins around the holidays?