Question about embarkation and those with disabilities

[jwoap]

Two weeks from today I leave on the Pearl for Alaska to celebrate my 50 th birthday:). Very excited!!

 

One question I have- I have been labeled as disabled. I have a knee and hip issue.

 

I have a handicap placard- and am picking up a travel permit. Does anyone know if you have the permit can you embark early so I can have extra time to walk up the gangway?

 

I suppose I can call the cruise line but I just thought I'd ask my friends here first:)

 

My other question is - have any of you brought hiking poles with rubber tips to help walk on board. It's part of my physical therapy- I don't want to go backwards or stop moving.

 

Second time to Alaska so excited.

[Demonyte]

At least in other ports I've seen them escort some people with disabilities onboard just before letting everyone else in. But that of course means that you need to be in port early enough, after the embarkation has started and the "main hurd" has embarked, everybody will enter the ship on their own pace after they have completed check-in.

[garycarla]

As I think back on past boardings, it was not unusual that some folks were moving slower than others. Most the gangway/boarding ramp was wide enough for people to pass. In fact, most of the way, it had traffic going both ways.

 

So, get there when you get there, and just take your time boarding.

[Educators2]

Ask for the handicapped line when you embark. If you are there early, you will go on the ship first.

[ColinIllinois]

FYI...here is the contact information for folks who need assistance:

 

http://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising

 

 

Hope you have a great cruise.

[coka]

Be sure to contact the access desk found in the link colinIllinois posted above. They will send you a form to fill out. I recently read through one for my disabled sister and I remember a part asking if wheelchair assistance would be needed and things like that. Norwegian allows wheelchair use for getting on and getting off the ship...but not for use while you are onboard. Read through everything in the link above. I found it very informative when booking a few months ago.

 

Have a great cruise...you picked an excellent combination...Alaska and the Pearl!

 

coka

[shepherdqueen]

Contract the access desk. You can get wheel chair embark add disembark. I have a back and knee issue and a handicap permit as well. I cannot stand in a slow line for embark/disembark.

[rvsullivan]

NCL will certainly get you some assistance in boarding and provide a wheelchair and escort to get you on. You may not go to the head of the line, more than likely, the escort will push you on at the same time as regular boarding. If you want to make it on your own, chances are you will enter with the general boarding but as others have said, it is wide enough for people to pass you by, and they will!!!

[deladypilot]

I think it all varies according to port. On the cruise we took on the Sun in June, there were several people in wheelchairs. We arrived very early and were through check in by 11am. As we sat in the waiting area for boarding NCL/port personnel moved everyone that had a wheelchair and their party to the front of the line. Just before general boarding they helped everyone that needed assistance get onboard and then opened it up to general boarding

 

PS. This was at Canada Place (Vancouver)

[ravencmoon]

I recently returned from the 6/22 sailing of the Gem out of New York. While, I know things can vary by port, my experience embarking was incredibly easy! We arrived early so we had plenty of time. I was using my own wheelchair so did not require one to board but they were available. The special assistance line was well staffed and clearly marked. After checking in they had a special waiting area for those requiring special assistance and they had us board prior to regular boarding which gave us the time we needed without feeling overwhelmed by crowds of people. It was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend you call so that you speak to the access desk and get any assistance you require. Have a great trip!

[rbrugler]

I strongly suggest that you have an NCL staff person wheel you on board at embarkation, and off at debarkation. Yes, the hallways are wide, However, people bring ridiculous amounts of carry on luggage, and have almost knocked me down. They only care about getting on board.

 

I have never seen anyone walk with poles other than canes. However, post this question on the disabled cruising forum. Someone there might know the answer.

 

Have a wonderful cruise.

[Buford T Justiice]

Policies and procedures may have changed and I would contact NCL, but in August 2011 on our Pearl / Alaska cruise we arrived early. An annoucement was made that those needing extra time and those traveling with small children could now board (before general boarding)

[jwoap]

You all are so helpful as usual:)

[NMLady]

Ask for the handicapped line when you embark. If you are there early, you will go on the ship first.

 

What handicapped line? We have been there early several times in various embarkation ports and the only 'handicapped' line was for wheelchairs/scooters only. My husband walks very slowly with a cane and had to be in the regular line to wait. Luckily it was a short wait. Otherwise I would have asked if he could go to head of line since it hurts him to stand for very long.

[gail-s]

NMLady, my Dad has a cane and almost always, someone from NCL or whatever cruise line he's sailing takes him out of line and lets him walk ahead or in the handicap lane.