KruiserKat

My husband and I are booked on a cruise for next March. Trying to project his health status a year out was tough, and we had to book immediately (the booking is for a convention I'm attending). I had no time to do research beyond "Does this cruise suck?"

 

We booked an accessible balcony cabin through the convention -- we couldn't book through the cruise line, due to how the convention organizers had organized their block of rooms. Originally the convention organizers had a limited number of accessible cabins in their block, and the accessible balcony room was taken, but they arranged to swap out another accessible room so we could get this one.

 

But then, I found Cruise Critic and became more aware of just how really rare those accessible staterooms are. So here's my problem:

 

My husband's mobility disability is a "sometimes" thing. He can walk, but the more he walks, the worse he gets, and "worse" can last for days or even weeks. At his worst, he has to take heavy-duty painkillers in order to get out of bed and can't stand for more than a few minutes. At his best, though, he seems fine.

 

However, I suspect there's a lot of walking on cruise ships, even if all you want to do is get out of the stateroom to get food. So while he might be fine on day 1, he's probably going to be in bad shape by day 2 and a wreck by day 3.

 

I've talked to him about renting a wheelchair or scooter. That's a possibility in the future, especially because they just found an irregularity in his spinal MRI that may require surgery. For now, though, he said, "If it's that bad, I'll stay in bed and order room service."

 

Stubbornness aside, he will likely need and use the bench in the shower, because again, he can't always stand for long periods -- even more than a few minutes. (Basically, he'll use an aid that's already present. If the ship had wheelchairs or scooters already available, this would be a whole different story.)

 

So what I'm wondering is, did I do the wrong thing by booking an accessible cabin?

If a scooter is in your future you should look at the Shoprider Hero. They are carried free on airlines! Including shipping they are $571 at Vitality Medical (special price) Amazon charges $699.

Best of luck!!!

Amazon has a large selection of Tim Tams that seem to be made with sugar!

Many are imports from Australia!:D

Sorry to check, is this QM2? And are the cabins 8124, 8126 and 8128?

Yes, it is the QM2. Sorry for the omission!

Does anyone have any familiarity with the above 3 handicapped staterooms?

Would appreciate any comments, photos, etc.

Thanks very much!:confused:

If you think cruising might be for you, you should consider purchasing a scooter, rather than a rental.

I have been very happy with my Shoprider Hero which is very light, has a small turning radius and will easily fit into an accessible cabin. Price in U.S. should be $600 approx.

Good luck!!!

Speaking of that rare pork chop, has any one heard of anyone contracting trichanosis (sp) . I haven't!!!

Both of these staterooms are for the handicapped. If anyone has any familiarity with them, I would appreciate any comments, pictures, etc.

Thank you muchly!

Does anyone have Any knowledge about this cabin? Comments & pictures would be appreciated! We are aware that it is a handicapped cabin!

Thanks for your assistance.

Has anyone any familiarity with this cabin? Would appreciate any comments, pictures, etc. We are aware that it is a handicapped cabin!

Thanks for your help!

forgive me, I did not read everything; but I was looking into renting a manual wheel chair for a cruise, and then again from my trip to Disney later this year. I can buy a chair for $115 on line from Target, which is cheaper than renting for the cruise. Then I have the chair when I get to the port, hubby can push me. When we go to Disney, Hubby can push me through the airport, and the chair flys for free. If I feel good, I can use my cane, If I feel iffy, I can use the wheel chair as a walker and in port my husband will push me.

You can buy a motorized Shoprider Hero from Amazon and many other dealers for $599.00. Take a look! I love mine!

Anyone know what will happen if my own scooter won't fit thru the cabin door? Can we leave them in the area where they are parked near the elevators? My last 2 cruises we saw all the rented scooters parked in a secluded area near the elevators. I am capable of walking that short distance (depending on where my cabin is) to my cabin. I need the scooter for getting around the ship and definitely on shore.

 

I plan to purchase my own scooter and will need a heavy duty one which is usually wider than cabin doors openings.

 

Has anyone ever not been able to get their scooter thru the door?

Strongly recommend the Shoprider Hero. Check out the measurements. Approx $600 from Amazon! An HC helps, otherwise you are at the mercy of the ship!

I apologize for this really 1st world question;

 

we are on RTW16 and O has several options for a safari experience. Currently we are waitlisted for one and have a reservation for the other.

 

Do any of you have experience with Phinda Game or Thanda Game Preserves?

 

O has us in Mountain Lodge for Phinda and Main Safari Lodge in Thanda.

Both look amazing.

 

Since they are private game preserves I know that we will be able to go "off road" which can't be done in Kruger since it is a national park and vehicles must stay on roads. Off-road increases the chances for seeing wildlife.

 

Other than that, any opinions? As always......thanks, c

We went to Phinda and thought it was GREAT!!!

Where does the Insignia dock in New York City?:confused:

No!

Insignia is now moored in San Juan!

How likely is it to be "weathered out" from Easter Island???

was finally able to access the search for some reason i could not type. I got the gist of the balcony but if anyone has recently been please feel free to post your comments. Deb

fabulous!

Fabulous!

We booked our cabin this morning and are thrilled. Have done 3 World Cruises, but this should be the best. Have already posted this on Roll Call. Will want to work with fellow passengers to develop our own tours as O's are very expensive.

Less than 18 months to wait.

If someone has pictures/comments of these ships" aft cabins, I'd appreciate your posting them.

THX

Gary