First time w/wheelchair...my experiences

We were on the Emerald Princess Nov 29 - Dec 9. We rented and took with us a full size folding wheelchair for my DH who has trouble walking long distances. The plan was that we would use it to get him from point A to point B whenever a lot of walking was required. I made sure it was marked on his cruise documents that he would be in a wheelchair for embarkation and debarkation. When we arrived at the pier (via hotel shuttle) I asked for assistance pushing him and was told I needed to "go to the front"... I had no idea where the "front" was. I ended up having to push him up a ramp by myself while he held our carry on's on his lap. Once at the door I again asked for assistance. I was told to go in the building and find help. Once inside we were told to "wait here' and there we were, near the metal detectors. while hundreds of people pushed their way passed us. I finally asked again and after a 10 or 15 min wait, someone came and helped us get thru security, sign in and took us to the lounge for passengers needing assistance. From there is was clear sailing and we were on the ship and in our cabin soon after boarding started.

I had booked a cabin just to the front of center of the ship thinking we could go in either direction to dinner, pools, etc. without much walking. But once on board I found out our dining room was in the very back of the ship. The first night we realized this walk was going to be too much for DH and for the rest of the cruise we used the wheelchair to go to dinner. This is not easy when the hallways are full of steward carts. Several times each night, DH had to get out of the chair and walk around the carts while I folded it up and pushed it past. I don't know how anyone who cannot walk at all would manage this. There was only one set (the rear) of elevators that went to the deck 6 dining room. Those elevators did not go to deck 6 unless someone from the ship unlocked them. I was told someone was suppose to do this every night at 5:30. Most nights we reached those elevators (well after 5:30) and they were not unlocked and we had to wait on deck 7 for 10 to 15 minutes for someone to come unlock them. We were late for dinner several times.

Other than that, we always had help getting DH off and on the ship and the help we received once back in Port Everglades was amazing. I have to say it wasn't always easy pushing him around near the ports at the different islands. But most of the time someone would come to my aid.

I don't know what the answer is to any of the problems we encountered. But we don't plan on cruising again any time soon. I just wanted to share our experience with anyone who will need to take a wheelchair on a cruise for the first time.

Sorry, you had such a challenge with the wheelchair on the cruise.

I sail RCI with Dad and I have never had to take him off/on ship in his wheelchair and usually never waited long.

As far as the cart goes, you need a map of the ship before you leave or just as you get on. You need a wheelchair accessible room which is usually near the elevators. You take the nearest elevator to the floor that has no cabins to get to other side of ship. Sometimes, you need to take an up elevator to go down.

I would encourage you to give it another try. Cruising with a wheelchair is usually easier than going by land on your own.

It's unfortunate that you did not seek out this forum prior to your cruise and even prior to making your cabin selection rather than posting after the fact. The people on this forum are extremely helpful . Though all obstacles cannot be controlled those of us who cruise regularly with mobility equipment can offer a plethora of tips as to how to make the trip easier for future reference.

Hope you found some enjoyment with the cruise despite some of the difficulties encountered using a wheelchair.

Cruising with a handicap person is one of the easiest type of vacations---at least for me. My husband is an amputee in a wheelchair(doesn't use a prosthesis). We also take his scooter (carpeted hallways on the ships are a bummer to push through). Have to book far in advance to guarantee a handicap room. We're sailing on NCl Epic in March (handicap room) and then again in 2015 with a handicap penthouse aft suite (takes that long to save for it). Only problem with the Caribbean is that there are no handicap tours (Cozumel has one). Afraid to book private---don't want to miss the ship. If one sails out of Miami there is a company that rents scooters for $175 for the week. Once on the ship my vacation begins as does hubbies. Can't wait. Happy New Year everyone.:):):)

Cruising with a handicap person is one of the easiest type of vacations---at least for me. My husband is an amputee in a wheelchair(doesn't use a prosthesis). We also take his scooter (carpeted hallways on the ships are a bummer to push through). Have to book far in advance to guarantee a handicap room. We're sailing on NCl Epic in March (handicap room) and then again in 2015 with a handicap penthouse aft suite (takes that long to save for it). Only problem with the Caribbean is that there are no handicap tours (Cozumel has one). Afraid to book private---don't want to miss the ship. If one sails out of Miami there is a company that rents scooters for $175 for the week. Once on the ship my vacation begins as does hubbies. Can't wait. Happy New Year everyone.:):):)

Totally agree ! I find cruising to be the best form of travel for me since becoming disabled. Travel with both a rollator and a mobility scooter and even with all that I cruise solo regularly. I do mean solo, there is no one that accompanies staying in another cabin or on board the plane with me. Cruising has allowed me to keep my independence. With the proper up front planning an full knowledge of the ship's deck plans before hand nothing is deters me from cruising.

I understand what you went though. I took my dad on the last 2 cruises, on our Carnival cruise we had a problem getting through the crowds in front of the casino where the photographers stood). Last month on NCL, his handicap room was aft-facing so we had to navigate the hallways. On NCL, they must be cleaning rooms constantly because there was ALWAYS either a utility cart and/or vacuum blocking the hallways. I would have to walk ahead and push these items out of the way so we can pass. Sometimes the steward would see me and help.

It's slow moving when someone is in a wheelchair, but it was some of the best vacations we'd been on with him. Because his wheelchair folded, we were able to go on both ship sponsored and private tours without any problems.

We were on the Emerald Princess Nov 29 - Dec 9. We rented and took with us a full size folding wheelchair for my DH who has trouble walking long distances. The plan was that we would use it to get him from point A to point B whenever a lot of walking was required. I made sure it was marked on his cruise documents that he would be in a wheelchair for embarkation and debarkation. When we arrived at the pier (via hotel shuttle) I asked for assistance pushing him and was told I needed to "go to the front"... I had no idea where the "front" was. I ended up having to push him up a ramp by myself while he held our carry on's on his lap. Once at the door I again asked for assistance. I was told to go in the building and find help. Once inside we were told to "wait here' and there we were, near the metal detectors. while hundreds of people pushed their way passed us. I finally asked again and after a 10 or 15 min wait, someone came and helped us get thru security, sign in and took us to the lounge for passengers needing assistance. From there is was clear sailing and we were on the ship and in our cabin soon after boarding started.

I had booked a cabin just to the front of center of the ship thinking we could go in either direction to dinner, pools, etc. without much walking. But once on board I found out our dining room was in the very back of the ship. The first night we realized this walk was going to be too much for DH and for the rest of the cruise we used the wheelchair to go to dinner. This is not easy when the hallways are full of steward carts. Several times each night, DH had to get out of the chair and walk around the carts while I folded it up and pushed it past. I don't know how anyone who cannot walk at all would manage this. There was only one set (the rear) of elevators that went to the deck 6 dining room. Those elevators did not go to deck 6 unless someone from the ship unlocked them. I was told someone was suppose to do this every night at 5:30. Most nights we reached those elevators (well after 5:30) and they were not unlocked and we had to wait on deck 7 for 10 to 15 minutes for someone to come unlock them. We were late for dinner several times.

Other than that, we always had help getting DH off and on the ship and the help we received once back in Port Everglades was amazing. I have to say it wasn't always easy pushing him around near the ports at the different islands. But most of the time someone would come to my aid.

I don't know what the answer is to any of the problems we encountered. But we don't plan on cruising again any time soon. I just wanted to share our experience with anyone who will need to take a wheelchair on a cruise for the first time.

My boyfriend is a paraplegic, and cannot stand at all. We loved our cruise on Carnival Magic. The only drawback was some of the very rude passengers who mowed him over to beat him onto the elevators. We waited so long to get on an elevator that we missed the sail away party completely. When the doors would open, people literally climbed over him and his wheelchair to cram into the elevator before he could roll in. And we were in front of them! There were a handful of very sweet guests that would see this behavior and get angry and stand behind us with their arms spread out where people couldnt cut in front of him. The elevator situation was the only bad part of our cruise.

My boyfriend is a paraplegic, and cannot stand at all. We loved our cruise on Carnival Magic. The only drawback was some of the very rude passengers who mowed him over to beat him onto the elevators. We waited so long to get on an elevator that we missed the sail away party completely. When the doors would open, people literally climbed over him and his wheelchair to cram into the elevator before he could roll in. And we were in front of them! There were a handful of very sweet guests that would see this behavior and get angry and stand behind us with their arms spread out where people couldnt cut in front of him. The elevator situation was the only bad part of our cruise.

My DW and I had the same situation last cruise (Nov 2013) with the elevators.

What I resolved to do, even though it is against my nature; I said with a LOUD voice "excuse me", "excuse me" and charged with my power wheelchair slowly towards the elevator and people had no option ... our waiting time for elevators was reduced!!!!!!!

Not very nice but ...

Herb :confused:

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My boyfriend is a paraplegic, and cannot stand at all. We loved our cruise on Carnival Magic. The only drawback was some of the very rude passengers who mowed him over to beat him onto the elevators. We waited so long to get on an elevator that we missed the sail away party completely. When the doors would open, people literally climbed over him and his wheelchair to cram into the elevator before he could roll in. And we were in front of them! There were a handful of very sweet guests that would see this behavior and get angry and stand behind us with their arms spread out where people couldnt cut in front of him. The elevator situation was the only bad part of our cruise.

My DW and I had the same situation last cruise (Nov 2013) with the elevators.

What I resolved to do, even though it is against my nature; I said with a LOUD voice "excuse me", "excuse me" and charged with my power wheelchair slowly towards the elevator and people had no option ... our waiting time for elevators was reduced!!!!!!!

Not very nice but ...

gordito,

I am hoping that if I come to that type of problem at the elevators, I will be the one saying something. My hubbie (not only amputee, but an aneurism survivor) is quiet and not too verbal. We had the elevator problem on the Sun but to tell the truth most of the fellow travelers on NCl were great, as was the entire staff. I just have to get Hubbie to practice with scooter. Have 2 months to do it. Don't want him running over people. lol glad I found this thread. Stay safe everyone and Happy New Year:):)

Totally agree ! I find cruising to be the best form of travel for me since becoming disabled. Travel with both a rollator and a mobility scooter and even with all that I cruise solo regularly. I do mean solo, there is no one that accompanies staying in another cabin or on board the plane with me. Cruising has allowed me to keep my independence. With the proper up front planning an full knowledge of the ship's deck plans before hand nothing is deters me from cruising.

First off, thanks for providing some really helpful info. Myself and DH are cruising in a few weeks. I'll be bringing my scooter and cane. I can walk very short distances sometimes. Can you tell me how you maneuver bringing your rollator and scooter with you when you travel? I'm thinking that might be even better. Thanks.

First off, thanks for providing some really helpful info. Myself and DH are cruising in a few weeks. I'll be bringing my scooter and cane. I can walk very short distances sometimes. Can you tell me how you maneuver bringing your rollator and scooter with you when you travel? I'm thinking that might be even better. Thanks.

Very good question about traveling with a rollator and scooter. First off I don't have the common 4 wheel rollator that is use by most. This link has a photo of the 4 wheel rollator that I purchased specifically for travel http://www.1800wheelchair.com/asp/view-product-images.aspx?product_id=2521

I fold the seat up so than the rollator can wrap around the front of the scooter. With one holding the rollator I use the other hand to operate and steers the scooter. I have a 3 wheel scooter which works much better than a 4wheel when having also bring my rollator. At times have also folded the rollator and have held it on one side while operating the scooter with the other hand. People look at me odd but where there's a will there's way as I want to continue with my independence. Travel using only a 18" wheel-carryon that can fit on the floor of the scooter pushed back parallel to the seat front and my feet sit in front of it.

Sometimes I rent a scooter for delivery to the ship rather than taking my own. When this is done I use the seat on the rollator to hold my suitcase.

Hope this helps in understanding how I maneuver on my own.

gordito,

 

I am hoping that if I come to that type of problem at the elevators, I will be the one saying something. My hubbie (not only amputee, but an aneurism survivor) is quiet and not too verbal. We had the elevator problem on the Sun but to tell the truth most of the fellow travelers on NCl were great, as was the entire staff. I just have to get Hubbie to practice with scooter. Have 2 months to do it. Don't want him running over people. lol glad I found this thread. Stay safe everyone and Happy New Year:):)

As mentioned above, my "being pushy" attitude is used only as a last resort. Another actions with good results include making jokes like "guard your toes, I am a lousy driver" or similar ... I understand your DH is not too verbal but he could use funny horns -- used for children's bikes -- and thus force nicely people pay attention to both of you.

I wish the very best on your cruise and assure you'll have a great time.

Herb :confused:

One of the problems we did not have on the Emerald was getting on elevators. If one arrived full, we just waited for another. Every time one arrived empty, those around us let us get on first and then anyone who could fit in with us did... and they almost always let us off first and held the door for us.

As for booking and planning ahead.... I really thought I had. I even contacted a friend who cruises with his DW in a wheelchair and asked all kinds of questions.

As for shore excursions, I booked them all through Princess and picked the ones with little to no walking. All but one of the tour bus drivers was able to fit the wheelchair on the bus with us and took it on and off for us at all stops. I found even though they say little to no walking.... they don't take into account the distance one has to walk from the ship to the tour bus. In Antigua I had to push DH along a very long boardwalk that had steep hills.... thank goodness for the people around us who helped.

Very good question about traveling with a rollator and scooter. First off I don't have the common 4 wheel rollator that is use by most. This link has a photo of the 4 wheel rollator that I purchased specifically for travel http://www.1800wheelchair.com/asp/view-product-images.aspx?product_id=2521

 

I fold the seat up so than the rollator can wrap around the front of the scooter. With one holding the rollator I use the other hand to operate and steers the scooter. I have a 3 wheel scooter which works much better than a 4wheel when having also bring my rollator. At times have also folded the rollator and have held it on one side while operating the scooter with the other hand. People look at me odd but where there's a will there's way as I want to continue with my independence. Travel using only a 18" wheel-carryon that can fit on the floor of the scooter pushed back parallel to the seat front and my feet sit in front of it.

 

Sometimes I rent a scooter for delivery to the ship rather than taking my own. When this is done I use the seat on the rollator to hold my suitcase.

 

Hope this helps in understanding how I maneuver on my own.

Thanks for the rollator info. I may consider purchasing one for travel. I have two; one is a sturdy 4-wheel rollator that I like, but it's heavy, and can be cumbersome as you need a bungee cord to keep it collapsed/folded. The other allows DH to push me, while sitting on the seat. It's built a bit differently and has foot rests above the front wheels. For safety reasons, it's slanted slightly so you can sit on the seat and be pushed if necessary. My scooter is a 3-wheeler as well (Pride GoGo Elite Traveler Plus), which has been a lifesaver.

Thanks again.

Thanks for the rollator info. I may consider purchasing one for travel. I have two; one is a sturdy 4-wheel rollator that I like, but it's heavy, and can be cumbersome as you need a bungee cord to keep it collapsed/folded. The other allows DH to push me, while sitting on the seat. It's built a bit differently and has foot rests above the front wheels. For safety reasons, it's slanted slightly so you can sit on the seat and be pushed if necessary. My scooter is a 3-wheeler as well (Pride GoGo Elite Traveler Plus), which has been a lifesaver.

 

Thanks again.

I too have a Pride Go Go Elite traveler 3 wheeler.

In place of bringing a rollator along with a mobility scooter, there is a walker that folds up compactly and comes with it's own travel case. This is another option to consider. Here's the link. http://www.1800wheelchair.com/product/4505/drive-red-folding-travel-walker-with-bags. This can purchase from many sources it's just that this website had the best photo and description of the item . Before purchasing any mobility equipment it's recommended that a medical profession be consulted first to ensure that the equipment meets the needs of the end user.

I too have a Pride Go Go Elite traveler 3 wheeler.

 

In place of bringing a rollator along with a mobility scooter, there is a walker that folds up compactly and comes with it's own travel case. This is another option to consider. Here's the link. http://www.1800wheelchair.com/product/4505/drive-red-folding-travel-walker-with-bags. This can purchase from many sources it's just that this website had the best photo and description of the item . Before purchasing any mobility equipment it's recommended that a medical profession be consulted first to ensure that the equipment meets the needs of the end user.

Thanks for another alternative.

Gordito,

Thanks for the suggestion. Have to look around for a horn. As long as he doesn't use it to get me moving faster. Counting the days. Can't wait. Happy New Year everyone.:):)

blazerjan

I'm sorry you had problems with your husband being in a wheelchair, but I think your case is probably the exception rather than the rule.

We take a manual wheelchair with us as I have limited mobility. My experience has been that we are helped all the way. Very rarely do we take any ship excursions, I do plenty of research so we do our own or just do our own thing.

We prefer smaller ships where there are less people to contend with and I can normally walk to wherever we want to be. I don't book a disabled room, just one with shower (not bath).

As others have already mentioned, cruising is an ideal holiday for those less able, so I wouldn't write it off. Next time do plenty of research beforehand and I am sure things will go more smoothly for you.

While I don't use a wheelchair yet, I do have issues getting around. I wear braces and have terrible balance due to MD. This balance problem is a hazard to others as well as me.

I generally have found most cruise personal and other passengers to be assistive with the usual exception sometimes. I have found that using a walking stick is very useful for encouraging rude people to allow me to move forward. I am not talking about my being aggressive or obnoxious . I believe in playing by the rules and being polite but also lets keep the field level.

If you have every been skiing in Germany and tried to get on a gondola, you will get my meaning. Bring on the ski poles! It is open warfare and kids are the worst.

I was on Carnival Triumph Oct.2013. I used my 4 wheel Pride Go Go elite traveler scooter. I went every where on the ship that I wanted to go. When I needed to get on the elevator I usually used the ones on the aft of the ship and it was not as busy as the rest. People for the must cases let me on with no problems. About the only problems was when getting back on the ship in port and then people would just push in front of me and pack the elevator. I knew I was on vacation and just waited. For dinner and shows I just left earlier. I had anytime dining and arrive to the dining room early and they had a table for me with easy access and a place to park my scooter. I had the same wait staff the hold time and they took very good care of me. If I didn't mention this I was traveling solo for the first time and so enjoyed my cruise. I will cruise again hopefully this year. I love to cruise Carnival because the crew and very friendly on the ships I have been on. And more importantly I can do as much or as little as I want. HAPPY CRUISING!!!!