kodykatt

I'll start with we had a wonderful time on our cruise but would like to highlight issues we recently encountered with our Holland America cruise to Alaska. My friend is in a power wheelchair and requires a bus with a lift. All paperwork was provided to HA advising of this plus phone calls to Accessibility Desk to reconfirm. We booked transfers, hotel and handicap excursions directly with HA. No transfer from the airport to the hotel showed up so we walked. It was an inconvenience but something we could handle. The HA handout provided by the hotel advised the bus would pick us up but found out the next morning they do not pick up at the hotel so we walked back to the airport. HA did not book an ADA room. Arrived at the bus departure to Vancouver and was told the bus did not have a wheelchair lift. The HA representative was able to get a non-accessible van (another issue resolved) to take us to Vancouver and we arrived about 1/2 hour before departure. As you can see it turned out OK but the stress meter was off the charts for a period of time. Holland America definitely dropped the ball on our accessible needs. All excursions were without incident. I realize this situation only affects a small number of passengers but for those that need this service it is of utmost importance. I posted this on "Disabled Cruise Travel" but wanted it on HA as well. Awaiting a response from Holland America.

I'll start with we had a wonderful time on our cruise but would like to highlight issues we recently encountered with our Holland America cruise to Alaska. My friend is in a power wheelchair and requires a bus with a lift. All paperwork was provided to HA advising of this plus phone calls to Accessibility Desk to reconfirm. We booked transfers, hotel and handicap excursions directly with HA. No transfer from the airport to the hotel showed up so we walked. It was an inconvenience but something we could handle. The HA handout provided by the hotel advised the bus would pick us up but found out the next morning they do not pick up at the hotel so we walked back to the airport. HA did not book an ADA room. Arrived at the bus departure to Vancouver and was told the bus did not have a wheelchair lift. The HA representative was able to get a non-accessible van (another issue resolved) to take us to Vancouver and we arrived about 1/2 hour before departure. As you can see it turned out OK but the stress meter was off the charts for a period of time. Holland America definitely dropped the ball on our accessible needs. All excursions were without incident. I realize this situation only affects a small number of passengers but for those that need this service it is of utmost importance. I posted this on "Disabled Cruise Travel" but wanted it on HA as well. Awaiting a response from Holland America.

Thanks for all the info. We are thinking about the fjords for 2023 but one thing is holding up our decision. My traveling partner is on a power wheelchair so port access becomes important. What ports on your trip were tendered? We're looking forward to the scenery but if he can't get off the ship then we are stuck on board with little to do. Appreciate your input.

I wanted a handicap balcony but S106 was the only available handicap cabin when I booked. I'm not sure how I feel about the location of this cabin. It's on Deck 17 and in the front of the ship so could be very bumpy in rough seas. Also the window is slanted inward so would like to know if there is a good view. Any info, good or bad, about these cabins would help me decide. Thanks