Some newbie question on mediterranean cruise in March- with ill father

[catharina]

Hi guys

 

We are going on our first cruise march 28 from Marseille. MSC Splendida. Our ports will be Marseille- Barcelona- Tunis- Malta- Sicily- Rome (citavecchia)- Genoa- marseille.

 

We are 4 adults in 2 inside staterooms. My father is ill with cancer, but at this moment still fit enough to take this trip. We want to take a collapsable wheelchair just in case for long port days maybe. On the ship he won't need it.

 

I did a lot of research on CC but still some things I am wondering about:

 

-do I need to consider anything when travelling with an ill father? (I already checked insurance: he has had travel and cancellation insurance for years and they will cover it if there is something to be covered)

 

-do we need to notify the wheelchair to the cruise company, even if we do not use it onboard a lot?

 

-anyone experience on checking in at Marseille? We arrive at the train station and I guess it is best to take a cab from there?

 

-what time would we be able to get on the ship?

 

-what was your experience with the weather end of march, beginning of april? or (do I need to pack everything from sunglasses totwintercoats?)

 

-if there are any other tips you can think of, let us know. We are buying this trip for mum and dad. I am already taking into account the tips (prepaid gratuities), drinks and such.

 

Love from Holland

Cat

[Colorado Kat]

Hi guys

 

We are going on our first cruise march 28 from Marseille. MSC Splendida. Our ports will be Marseille- Barcelona- Tunis- Malta- Sicily- Rome (citavecchia)- Genoa- marseille.

 

-do we need to notify the wheelchair to the cruise company, even if we do not use it onboard a lot? No

 

-anyone experience on checking in at Marseille? We arrive at the train station and I guess it is best to take a cab from there? Take a cab - Marseille area, especially near the ports, is not the safest area. Watch for pickpockets.

 

-what was your experience with the weather end of march, beginning of april? or (do I need to pack everything from sunglasses totwintercoats?) Can change drastically. Take light layers.

 

-if there are any other tips you can think of, let us know. We are buying this trip for mum and dad. I am already taking into account the tips (prepaid gratuities), drinks and such. You're a good child!

 

Love from Holland

Cat

 

Have a great trip.

[Arwenmark]

you need to let the cruise line special needs know and fill out medical info for the Dr. on board just in case. You may also need documentation that he is fit to travel, or they may refuse boarding if the cruiseline personnel thinks he is NOT fit to travel.

[6rugrats]

I didn't see you mention if the other travelers also have trip insurance. You may want to seriously consider this, if you haven't already done so. If your dad is unable to travel, or has to leave the ship early, you want to be covered.

[catharina]

Hi guys

 

Yes, we all have sufficient insurance.

 

Thanks for thinking about the doctor's info. I will instruct him to get an english note from his specialist stating that he is fit to travel. At the same time, it might be a good idea to have an english documents with his info, conditions, medicins etc.