Celebrity Constellation - 12/20/09 Trip Report

[Johncn]

Hello,

 

Just returned from the Celebrity Constellation's Exotic Southern Caribbean cruise (12/20/09 - 1/3/10), and wanted to post some information I gathered on wheelchair accessibile travel on that ship. I am not disabled myself, but researched the ship from the perspective of several passengers who are, and who were kind enough to detail their experiences with my wife and I.

 

I was unable to post all my images here, as we are limited to 6 images, including smilies. So, I have posted all the full size images, and the entire written review here:

 

http://www.trips4crips.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=396

 

Perhaps because the itinerary included NO tender stops on an excellent combination of Southern Caribbean ports, there seemed to be large numbers of wheelers aboard. In fact, I'm not sure I've noticed this number of wheelchairs on any of our other trips. That may say something about Celebrity's reputation.

 

First of all, nearly all the many wheelchair users I spoke to thought that Celebrity Constellation is a very accessible ship. The majority of what I will relay in this post is POSITIVE. The potential issues mentioned here are things that Celebrity may, however, wish to consider with the upcoming Constellation retrofit work due next fall so that this beautiful ship becomes even easier for those with mobilty challenges.

 

Constellatiopn Itinerary: 12/20/09

 

As you can see, this cruise included both Christmas and New Year's Eve, and sailed from Miami. (I had to take this image out):

 

Curacao - Docked

Aruba - Docked

Tobago - Docked

Barbados - Docked

St.Lucia - Docked

Antigua - Docked

St. Maarten - Docked

St. Thomas - Docked

 

 

Handicapped Accessible Cabin Example: 9164 - Aft Concierge Class (CC) with balcony

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

This handicap accessible cabin was near our own Aft CC cabin, and has one of the "secret" extended balconies. For those of you unfamiliar with the Celebrity M-class ships (Millenium, Constellation, Infinity and Summit), the deck plans of the ships do not show the REAL size of aft facing balconies. Although priced like other Concierge Class cabins, these rooms have HUGE balconies. They are highly sough after, so book early.

 

Here is a shot of the back of Constellation's sister ship, Summit. The layout and cabin numbering scheme is identical, so this shows where the cabin is located (it highlighed in yellow), as well as the cabin numbers for others with the extended aft balconies:

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/m_class_aft_cc_9164.jpg

 

The front door of the cabins on Constellation that we say did not have automatic openers, despite comments on other forums that say there are some that do. Several of the wheelchair users we spoke to mentioned how difficult the doors are to open for those in a chair, so this is something that Celebrity may want to consider in the refit cycle.

 

Here is the view from the hallway on Deck 9 looking inward:

 

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_2.jpg

 

The room looked spacious to me, and like the other accessible cabins we viewed, seemed to have a large, "shower room" style bathroom rather than the typical raised entry. Supports and controls throughout the room looked easy to access, and pretty well thought out.

 

The right side of this shot shows the entry door to the bathrroom:

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_3.jpg

 

The bathroom had a tilted mirror, appropriate holds, telephone, lowered controls and buttons for needed items. Several users of the Constellation's showers said the hoses were very long, and that for those with special needs like a raised toilet seat, or rubber mat for standing more securely that the staff were quite accomodating. "Just ask" is what I heard from handicapped cruisers on this ship.

 

Here are some pictures of the bathroom and shower area. The first one is looking through the doorway:

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_9.jpg

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_10.jpg

 

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_11.jpg

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_12.jpg

 

The rest of the room is wider than the two Aft CC's on either side, and seems to allow a chair to be there rather than in the hallway overnight. Thereis a small love seat, table, desk, and television. There are accessibility controls for the common items needed in the room, too.

 

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_4.jpg

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_5.jpg

 

The balconies on the aft CC cabins, as I mentioned above, are ginormous, no matter what it says on the Deck Plan on the Celebrity website....trust me :mrgreen:

 

Here are several shots of the covered balcony with a large, round table, four chairs, and THREE reclining loungers with pads:

 

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_6.jpg

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_7.jpg

 

Around the Ship

 

All of the public areas got especially good marks from the people I talked to in wheelchairs. Access to just about everything is accessible without negotiating steps. The Fortunes Casino uses ramps for all on one side, and although it is a bit crowded in terms of space, few barriers exist. The Theatre does have room in the back, but also offers wheelchair access in front if you seek a staff member. All restaurants and bars are step-free for the most part.

 

There are some thresholds with rather large bumps from door fittings, and only a few automatic doors. One area on Deck 10 that is popular, the glassed in atrium with hot water pools, has an automatic door on the ends that lead to the outside pool deck end:

 

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_threshold_1.jpg

 

But sets of very heavy glass doors to the AquaSpa area for treatments, the Persian Gardens and beauty / exercise facilities:

 

 

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_threshold_2.jpg

 

The public toilets that are accessible are VERY nice, although some wheelchair users mentioned that a seperate unisex handicapped bathroom with a lock may be useful for caregivers to assist with bathroom needs. The doors to the bathrooms, though, are quite heavy, and could very much benefit from a touch-senstive automatic opener.

 

Here is the restroom off the pool deck. It is nearly identical to the others I visited:

 

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_bathroom_1.jpg

 

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_bathroom_2.jpg

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_bathroom_3.jpg

 

There is a hot tub in the Thallasotherapy solarium area for use by handicapped cruisers. This is something I have not seen on the other M-class ships, but that does not mean they don't currently have a similar solution. I'd check with the cruise ine directly to make sure. But, that being said, here is the lift on Constellation:

 

 

(Image removed for Cruise Critic Post)

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_hot_tub_1.jpg

 

Download Full-size Image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_hot_tub_2.jpg

 

There was one man with a GREAT little travel scooter, and I wrote the name down. I'll post it when I find it in my bags, as it was fast, lightweight, silent, and agile. I was surprised in Barbados when I swam out to the rope swing at the Boatyard, climbed the metal ladder from the water, and saw this gentleman about 200 feet out on a narrow concrete pier. The guy GOT AROUND .

 

Thanks to the many passengers that put up with me bothering them for details of their cruise experience on Constellation. Hope this information is helpful to those planning a potential trip. I would say, based on my conversations, that Constellation has earned her reputation for being a good choice for disabled travellers. Hopefully, Celebrity can make some relatively minor improvements in the coming drydock and re-fit, and become even more accessible in terms of door openers.

 

Note: I did hear a rumor that one handicapped passenger had a wall panel break or pull off while using a bathroom hand hold. I was NOT able to actually locate the passenger, or get any details. I tried. I would say this is "unconfirmed" as far as I can tell, but if anyone has first hand information, feel free to post.

 

Regards,

 

Johncn

[xxoocruiser]

Thank you John !

It was very thoughtful of you to take the time and do some research . It's not everyday that an able body person takes the time to live in the world of one with a Disability. Many will find this information helpful.

Please post the name of the scooter the gentleman was using, when you find it. That's one topic that gets much attention on this board.

Have a great day!

[Johncn]

Please post the name of the scooter the gentleman was using, when you find it. That's one topic that gets much attention on this board.

 

Hi,

 

I talked to the person with this scooter, and he was very happy with it. Said it had great easy of use and perfect for travel.

 

It was the Easy Travel Elite, which is marketed by several companies. Here is a picture, and one such link. It's not an endorsement of the company. I have no personal experience with them ;-) I also added a Google search link for this chair.

 

 

 

http://www.ezpickscooter.com/product/EletePortableScooter

 

Google Search: http://www.google.com/search?q=EZ+Travel+Elite+scooter

 

Hope this helps,

 

Johncn

[uppitycats]

Great information! Thanks so much for posting it! I'll have to check into that scooter, too. Looks like it could be a possibility for me, for sure.

 

I hope you had a great cruise!

[judyfssw]

It was interesting to see the HC room as we spent several cruises in 8176. The bed is different (not boxy), the chair looks like it is vinyl and not cloth but the couch looks the same. On the deck, it looks like the table was upgraded.

I understand that sometimes there is a ramp that will allow a wheelchair access to the balcony although we did not use it.

Thanks for posting the picture.

[Johncn]

On the deck, it looks like the table was upgraded.

 

Yes, the tables for all the aft balconies we saw were slightly larger and more sturdy than we had seen on prior cruises.

 

I understand that sometimes there is a ramp that will allow a wheelchair access to the balcony although we did not use it.

 

We could only post six pictures on this board, but if you download the picture links in the post, here is a picture of the "ramp". It's simply two unsecured, flat pieces of particle board...one on either side of the threshold. They move around, and are not permanently attached to anything.

 

CC 9164 Improvised Ramp

 

 

Download much larger image here: http://www.trips4crips.com/images/connie_9164_8.jpg

 

I'm thinking that an actual ramp for wheelers using handicapped accessible balcony cabins WOULD be an easy, and inexpensive thing for Celebrity to do with Constellation in dry dock this year. I mean, they ARE cabins for wheelchair users, right? ;) Minor expenditure, but would make a real difference to those most likely to use accessible stateroom.

 

Seems like a good idea to me, anyway.

 

Thanks,

 

Johncn

[el344]

Hi,

 

I talked to the person with this scooter, and he was very happy with it. Said it had great easy of use and perfect for travel.

 

It was the Easy Travel Elite, which is marketed by several companies. Here is a picture, and one such link. It's not an endorsement of the company. I have no personal experience with them ;-) I also added a Google search link for this chair.

 

http://www.ezpickscooter.com/product/EletePortableScooter

 

Google Search: http://www.google.com/search?q=EZ+Travel+Elite+scooter

 

Hope this helps,

 

Johncn

 

I have had one of these scooters for about 18 months now and I absolutely love it. Folds up completely for travel, disassembles into three parts quickly and easily, no part more than 28 lbs -- I've traveled with it several times and it really has been amazing.

 

I got mine at http://www.planetmobility.com

 

Elise

[lippyclan]

I will be having my scooter delivered to the hotel in Barcelona before our 10/30/10 cruise through the Mediterranean by a company called "CareVacations". They will deliver straight to the cruise ship and pick up from the cruise ship. There's no need to take the scooter with you from home. We will be on the Constellation. The tough part, will be the excursions through Italy. Is there anybody who's got some tips for me? In order to see what I want to see, I will need to take the scooter off the ship at each port, which might pose some difficulty. Any suggestions?