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Elevator priority


1980dory
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Saying there is a legal issue with providing priority access to lifts is an obvious piece of nonsense: cruise ships travel all over the world under many legal systems, I would be surprised to hear of a jurisdiction that has problems with providing priority access to the disabled, certainly here in the U.K. and Europe we travel regularly on ships (ferries) that provide lifts with providing priority access for the disabled!

 

 

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Do you honestly think that is the same issue as a floating hotel? Furthermore, I do believe there are international laws against polluting the ocean or river waters. Thus travelers cannot pee in the water and as a result, the boat offers an accessible route to the restroom. I have used a lift strictly for that purpose, plus either on a ferry or river boat, one had a ramp between decks for the same reason.

I would hate to think that many of you posting on this thread really mean what you are saying. The fact that we may have to sit and wait for the elevator is definitely annoying and I agree 100%. However, to give us priority in this type of situation is morally wrong. Look around you sometime when waiting in line. If you have any compassion of any kind you will realize that it may be a struggle for a number of people standing and waiting. What ever is their reason is none of our business, regardless that does not give us the right to make the situation more difficult for them.

Now if any of happen to be the lady that was whizzing past a long line in Barcelona announcing that she was disabled and did not have to wait in line, I'm that nasty old lady that stopped you and told you to go to the end of the line. Ruth and I never had problem waiting for our turn, but like most, we want our turn. It is the selfishness of some that are creating the problems.

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While a mobilty device user does not equate to an entitlement for priority access to anything, such as a free pass to the front of the line, COMMON SENSE-although not so common nowadays- would indicate an extra measure of courtesy toward that person. Can I assist that person in some manner, such as a blocking maneuver on the pushers and shovers so that the MD user can get on or off the elevator more easily? (and likely ahead of those able bodied who push on to ride up or down one level)

 

But, one has to ask why, in this age of equal rights for all, do women assume they have the right to board an elevator first?

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Saying there is a legal issue with providing priority access to lifts is an obvious piece of nonsense: cruise ships travel all over the world under many legal systems, I would be surprised to hear of a jurisdiction that has problems with providing priority access to the disabled, certainly here in the U.K. and Europe we travel regularly on ships (ferries) that provide lifts with providing priority access for the disabled!

 

 

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Actually, the ships travel all over the world, under one primary legal system, that of the flag state. The ferries you mention are flagged in UK or EU nations, whose laws probably require the priority access. When a ship is in a port of a nation other than the flag state, that port's laws, by international agreement, will only apply on the ship when something done on the ship affects the safety or well-being of the port. Even the much mentioned US Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has been found by the US Supreme Court to not apply to foreign flag cruise ships with regards to the ship's internal policies and procedures. Certainly elevator priority falls under internal policies and procedures.

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I think those small elevator signs that say “Please allow people in wheelchairs to get on and off first” can be helpful reminders to those who are not paying attention. Maybe it would help to put those near the cruise ship elevators.

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I think those small elevator signs that say “Please allow people in wheelchairs to get on and off first” can be helpful reminders to those who are not paying attention. Maybe it would help to put those near the cruise ship elevators.

 

Again unless it's a medical emergency why do so many on this forum believe that passengers in wheelchairs should be given priorty on elevators ?

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Again unless it's a medical emergency why do so many on this forum believe that passengers in wheelchairs should be given priorty on elevators ?

 

My wife uses a scooter and I do not think passengers in wheelchairs or scooters should get priority but it is very frustrating when you have been waiting for several minutes for an elevator to arrive with enough space to get on and a group that had arrived right before the elevator got there and then they rush on ahead of you, it makes you want to scream! I have made comments to these people but of course it just goes in one ear and out the other! Usually they just turn around and smile at you as the elevator door closes!

 

People need to use common courtesy at elevators. Anyone who has been waiting longer than you have, whether they are able bodied or in a wheelchair, should get priority!

 

Another pet peeve for me is the people who rush on before the people getting off can get through the door. Again, not using common courtesy!

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I think those small elevator signs that say “Please allow people in wheelchairs to get on and off first” can be helpful reminders to those who are not paying attention. Maybe it would help to put those near the cruise ship elevators.

And scooters, when my turn to board the elevator has come.

 

Many times there is plenty of room in the elevator for all who are waiting, including me on my scooter, but it is very helpful if I can board first, to get in position, then the others walk in and place themselves around me. No chance of me running over their toes that way, either.

 

I don't care as much who gets off first. Usually it's easier if I do, as I am somewhat blocking the door. But if you need to dash, please just speak up, and you can go.

 

Oh, and don't stand there holding the door with your arm, to keep it from closing on me. If it closes, it will hit the scooter; I promise it won't hurt me at all. I appreciate the attempt to help, but when you stand there, you are taking up maneuvering room.

Thanks.

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I would be very concerned about having designated lifts* for people with disabilities* for several reasons -

 

Firstly, because it is not always possible to look at someone and know whether they have problems that would make using the stairs difficult/impossible/inadvisable. As Algebralovr indicated, some people can be perfectly OK one day but need a little extra help another. They have as much right to use the lifts as I do.

 

Secondly, it is a short step - in some minds - from having Disabled only lifts to saying that people with disabilities can use only those lifts. I have seen that with parking spaces and toilets, people saying 'we can't use those, so you can't use these'.

 

* Yes, I'm a Brit, hence my use of 'lift' rather than 'elevator'. We also prefer to use the term 'disability' rather than HC, the latter being considered rather unPC here :)

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Again unless it's a medical emergency why do so many on this forum believe that passengers in wheelchairs should be given priorty on elevators ?

Because if able bodied people get on first, they refuse to move over for a scooter. But if the scooter/wheelchair boards first, they will take up the space that is available. More Chance to injure someone if board last.

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Because if able bodied people get on first, they refuse to move over for a scooter. But if the scooter/wheelchair boards first, they will take up the space that is available. More Chance to injure someone if board last.

That's not the same thing as giving priority to those in a wheelchair/scooter, though.

Priority would mean (as OP suggests) reserving an elevator for those in a wheelchair/scooter, or allowing those to board the elevator first, even if there were an elevator full of people already waiting their turn.

'No cutting the line' is the principle here.

 

Now, if there's room on the elevator for everyone waiting, then letting the person with the equipment on first makes sense, I agree. But that's not 'giving priority'.

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Because if able bodied people get on first, they refuse to move over for a scooter. But if the scooter/wheelchair boards first, they will take up the space that is available. More Chance to injure someone if board last.

 

Never supported wheelchairs/scooter boarding in the first place unless they had been waiting longer than others. Meaning their were abled-bodied who arrived later jumping the line.. Additionally when on an elevator by myself in the scooter if it stops to take on additional passengers I always offer to back out so that those standing can get in and than drive back into the elevator. Just as people on this forum have expressed the discourtesy of abled bodied passengers on elevators not allowing them into the elevator abled body express the same discourtesy when a wheelchair/scooter user is on the elevator by themselves and will not offer to move to let others on. Double standard ???

 

What you posted is still not a enough of a reason to expect the cruise lines to implement a policy and or dedicate an elevator to prioritize boarding of wheelchairs. I still stand by my previous post : "Again unless it's a medical emergency why do so many on this forum believe that passengers in wheelchairs should be given priority on elevators ?"

Edited by xxoocruiser
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. Karma's a funny thing so hope you never find yourself in a similar situation. Enjoy the cruise.

Like the reply, I often make the comment that my driving is terrible (even though I am a man:)) people do get out of the way. I don't want special treatment but be allowed to take my turn when it is due.

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. Karma's a funny thing so hope you never find yourself in a similar situation. Enjoy the cruise.

Like the reply, I often make the comment that my driving is terrible (even though I am a man:)) people do get out of the way. I don't want special treatment but be allowed to take my turn when it is due.

 

Yes it's a good reply that I've used often. You might also like the following comment that I use when the elevator door opens and people already in have the look of terror on their faces as I drive the scooter in. "Don't worry. I'm a professional as I use this regularly when even when not cruising . It's the sometime users" that you need to worry about... I'm even afraid of them!."

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Oh, and don't stand there holding the door with your arm, to keep it from closing on me. If it closes, it will hit the scooter; I promise it won't hurt me at all. I appreciate the attempt to help, but when you stand there, you are taking up maneuvering room.

Thanks.

 

So rather than me standing outside the elevator doing my blocking maneuver to keep the able-bodied clods from crowding on and waving you on ahead while sticking out my arm to hold the short-fuse elevator door, I should stand aside and let the door close on you?:eek:

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So rather than me standing outside the elevator doing my blocking maneuver to keep the able-bodied clods from crowding on and waving you on ahead while sticking out my arm to hold the short-fuse elevator door, I should stand aside and let the door close on you?:eek:

Hold people back all you want, but there is no need to hold the door; it won't close on me when the scooter is preventing it from doing so.

 

I can back out of the elevator and direct people myself, as I know where I am heading with it. Too many people keep moving, and walk right behind where I am aiming for. :rolleyes:

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Several times during a cruise on the Conquest a crew member requested people to get off the elevator for my dad to enter with a scooter when we had to do dialysis in a port and on day of debarkation. That was very nice of her and fortunately no one complained. My entire family didn't try to get on the elevator either.

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So rather than me standing outside the elevator doing my blocking maneuver to keep the able-bodied clods from crowding on and waving you on ahead while sticking out my arm to hold the short-fuse elevator door, I should stand aside and let the door close on you?:eek:

 

 

If you are standing holding your arm out to block the door, you may be creating another obstacle for us to maneuver around. However, if you are standing in place to prevent others from sneaking in front of us while entering, we love it and will normally give you a great big thank you. Of course it always helps if you motion with your hand or give us a nod to go ahead so that we know we are not cutting you off.

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If you are standing holding your arm out to block the door, you may be creating another obstacle for us to maneuver around. However, if you are standing in place to prevent others from sneaking in front of us while entering, we love it and will normally give you a great big thank you. Of course it always helps if you motion with your hand or give us a nod to go ahead so that we know we are not cutting you off.

 

That's me.

 

I'm also the guy midway back on the tour bus who stands up to block the clod from the back who tries to make a run down the aisle to get off first. I stand there so that everyone in front of me has a chance to get of in a safe and orderly fashion.

 

But then, I'm also the guy who will call you out if you try butt in line when it's clear there is a line and you need to go to the back.

 

I love humanity, it's people that I hate.

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So rather than me standing outside the elevator doing my blocking maneuver to keep the able-bodied clods from crowding on and waving you on ahead while sticking out my arm to hold the short-fuse elevator door, I should stand aside and let the door close on you?:eek:

 

I prefer someone to press the open door button. I agree with you. I would not be happy having elevator doors hitting my scooter. It’s bad enough with those who rent scooters and do not know how to properly use them. I have had my scooter frame damaged from two different individuals, one on a cruise, and one at Epcot. The one at Epcot said that he was sure I probably did the same thing when I first used a scooter. I said “No. I practiced using the scooter before using it in crowded locations.”

My DH always holds the elevator doors open for me. Thank you for being helpful to others.

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I prefer someone to press the open door button. I agree with you. I would not be happy having elevator doors hitting my scooter. It’s bad enough with those who rent scooters and do not know how to properly use them. I have had my scooter frame damaged from two different individuals, one on a cruise, and one at Epcot. The one at Epcot said that he was sure I probably did the same thing when I first used a scooter. I said “No. I practiced using the scooter before using it in crowded locations.”

 

My DH always holds the elevator doors open for me. Thank you for being helpful to others.

 

You and everyone else with mobility issues are welcome. It's the old-time Boy Scout in me.

 

BTW, I'm also the guy who tries to get the cruise lines to enforce their own policies regarding storing mobility devices in the stateroom - but I can only take so many cruises a year. But when I do, I'm on them like white on rice. Sadly, it will probably take another Concordia to wake them up.

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I am a full-time wheelchair user since the age of 23 (now age 46). I don't think there should be an elevator designated only for the disabled, but I do think cruise lines could come up with a better way of boarding during busy times.

 

After muster drill, after dinner and after shows are the peak times. I don't think it is too much to ask to have two crew members posted at the elevators for 10 - 15 minutes during the peak times to "direct traffic". I'm not suggesting they move people to the front of the lines due to disability, but that they be aware of those people in need and try to prevent others from rushing around them. I also believe others will be less likely to crowd other people out when crew is watching. Just a thought.

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I am a full-time wheelchair user since the age of 23 (now age 46). I don't think there should be an elevator designated only for the disabled, but I do think cruise lines could come up with a better way of boarding during busy times.

 

After muster drill, after dinner and after shows are the peak times. I don't think it is too much to ask to have two crew members posted at the elevators for 10 - 15 minutes during the peak times to "direct traffic". I'm not suggesting they move people to the front of the lines due to disability, but that they be aware of those people in need and try to prevent others from rushing around them. I also believe others will be less likely to crowd other people out when crew is watching. Just a thought.

 

Being a fellow full time WC user, I agree, A few times when getting off at a port (when it can get crazy) a crew member would see me and escort us all the way out, sometimes going where crew member can only go to get there

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