Feedback Wanted: Help for First Time Cruisers

[Schplinky]

Folks use the bungee cords to hold their patio doors open.

[Twice_a_year]

Being a truly addicted cruiser, it seems incredible to me that some people haven't tried it yet!! If you have any reservations about trying that first cruise take a short 3 or 4 day cruise for that 1st time. I'd be willing to bet 90% of the people will book another cruise while on board.

But really the question was what's the best part of cruising and I think many of you have it nailed - getting away!!! No easy links to the "real" world and the ability to see more than one area in one trip!! I always tell people it's a women's holiday 'cause the only decision you HAVE to deal with is what to order off the menu for dinner!

For those who think the cabins are too small and slightly claustrophic, I would recommend a balcony cabin. For those who think they will be bored because there is nothing to do all day, I just bring out one of the daily newsletters from my last cruise!! For those who think they might get seasick, there are just too many ways to combat this malady to stop you from cruising. Besides the newer ships have so little motion it's hard to tell they are even moving!!!!

 

The first and last days are the pits.

Take at least a 7 day cruise to get the feel of cruising. If you hate a 7 day cruise you'll hate a shorten cruise. But you might love a longer cruise even if you hated a shorten one.

[Schplinky]

The first and last days are the pits.

Take at least a 7 day cruise to get the feel of cruising. If you hate a 7 day cruise you'll hate a shorten cruise. But you might love a longer cruise even if you hated a shorten one.

 

I really agree with this. On our first cruise, we were pretty sure by the end of the first day that we had made a huge mistake. Embarakation was tedious, the show was AWFUL, we had felt rushed the whole time to check on logistics (dining room assignments, specialty restaurant reservations) and unpacking.

 

By the end of the second day, we were having the time of our lives and we bought our second cruise on the third day!

[ahoymatey3]

they should really know this: their itenirary is subject to change (sometimes on what seems like a whim) and there is nothing they can do, or expect in return.

[CaptData]

I'm disabled so here are some of the questions I get asked by first timers.

 

Do they have disabled rooms? Yes.

 

Do they have roll in showers? Yes, but you have to go on newer ships to get the ones that were actually made for this. Exaple Massdam has 8 room that are classified as H/C but only 4 are actual H/C rooms. The other 4 are converted but still have lips, therefore, are not true H/C.

 

Is a doctor available 24/7? On most of the major lines, yes. Again I tell them to go on newer ship for better facilities.

 

Do they have elevators. All the major lines do, again the newer ships elevators are better and more disabled friendly.

 

Are they equipped for hearing impaired. Yes and no. Again it depends on the line and how new the ship is.

 

You know I have a disabled child, can he/she go to the kid's club. This question is vary hard to answer unless you know the child very well. Is it a person who can go to the washroom by themselves? Is it a child who needs a lot of help? Is the child abled to follow what is being done/said? Can he/she follow directions? Will I be able to take him/her if I go with them?

 

How about in-room sitting for my disabled child?

 

How do I ensure that my child (if god forbid that we need it) can/does make it to the lifeboat? Your child will be given an arm band to wear with the info on it. Also register at the Front Desk for extra help in crisis situs.

 

My child needs to have his/her epi pen with them at all times, will this be allowed? Yes

 

My child needs his/her allergy shot on Weds, can the doctor give it to him/her? You will have to bring his/her meds but yes, the doctor/nurse can give the injection. This will, however, cost money.

 

My child requires milk at night so he/she can take her meds, where and how do we get it at night? You can order Room Service or go to the go to the buffet area and get a carton and take it to the room.

 

Can we drink the tap water on the ship? Is it safe? Yes and yes.

 

Can I go to the casino and play Blackjack? Yes, there is a table that is wheelchair height, but it may not be manned. Again this is only on the newer ships.

 

Can I eat in the Main Dining Room. Yes but again newer ships. The older ones will have areas that are not accessible.

 

Can I get on deck by myself? On newer ones for the most part are accessible but you may only find one or two doors that will let you out side. You must check this out but don't give up try both sides of the ship.

 

Are pools accessible? This is defintely only on newer ships. You will have to ask before you leave (at least 60 days that the equipment be installed for your trip. It has happened to me. They said it was not working but I seen the staff using it later. When I asked again, it wasn't working.

 

Do they have accessible tenders? This will have to be asked before hand for your ship. Again the newer the better the chances are yes.

 

If we leave mom on the ship can she get help with her tray if she needs it? Will there be things she can do while we are on shore? Trays for the disable will be carried by a staff member (ask for help). There will be lots to do, she can see the island from her balconey or if she has an inside, (which I use all the time) she can go out on deck and see it from there. Everything is still open accept the casino and shop. She can go get a massage at a cheaper rate while you are in port. A doctor or nurse is still available if needed. There will be other who have stayed on board for any number of reasons that she can strike up a conversation with or just relax.

 

I'm diabetic, do I need to bring my bio box? No, all ships provide this if requested.

 

Are there frigs aboard for my meds? Again, this depends on the ship and stateroom, ask here. But be warned, you may have to ask the Room Steward to bring ice and put it in the frig to lower the temp. These are like the old fridges with no ice box. They may not be very cold. If it is not cold enough the doctor will store your meds. If they are stored by the doctor you must go during actual office hours to get it.

 

How will the doctor know what meds I am taking if I take ill? Here is my suggestion to anybody who is taking any meds. Make a COMPLETE list of all your meds, the list should have the following on it:

 

The DIN Numer (Medical profile number of the medicine);

Name of medicine

the doseage

how many you take

what time you normally take it

 

Other things to list on this paper are:

 

Names and phone numbers of all your doctor's

ICE (Your Immediate Contact in Emergency)

List of all your medical conditions ie MS, diabetics, high blood pruess ect

List of all allergies (Medicine as well as food)

 

Your Room number and name at the top of it.

 

Hand this in when you get on board, there is someone ther shortly after boarding for this reason.

[CaptData]

This is a continuation.

 

My DD is allergic to latex so she can not wear that armband you talked about, how do they know for her? This one will be more difficult. You will have to contact Speical Services and tell them. They will make one just for your daughter. You will have to tell the staff at the Children's Club about her allergies.

 

I'm allergic to smoke/perfume (sensitive). This has several different answers.

 

If you think you smell smoke in your room tell the Room Steward to use the machine to clean the room of smells. Most ships have one side smoking one side non-smoking in various lounges. There is no smoking in the Dining Rooms, the Buffet (inside), or the Theater. The Casinos may have a no smoking area but smoking is heavy here at most times. Although smoking is not permitted on the elevators, those who smoke ride on them too so you will smell smoke on them. On one cruise line smoking is only allowed in two rooms on the ship (Oceania?).

 

Perfume on the other hand has no restrictions, some people know how to wear it well others douse themselves in it. It is harder to get away from. But if it is just cleaning products that give you grieve then contact the cruiseline at least 60 days prior and tell them that your room can only be cleaned with this or that type product.

 

I'm allergic to shellfish/nuts, how do I know if there is shellfishnuts in what I order? First see the Mait'd the first day and tell him that you can not have shellfish. Then when you are given a menu tell your waiter immediately too. The if you see something you want to try but have never had ask if shellfish is used in any form in it.

 

Can I use my scooter on board? Can I use it on the islands? Can I tender with it? Can I leave it in the hallway?

 

Yes, you can use your scooters, eletricwheelchais, and wheelchairs. First you must have a H/C if possible (esp for electrical wheelchairs and scooter). Most cruise ships will no longer allow you to park your scooter in the hallways now. Bring an extention cord as there is only one plug in that is safe for scooter/wheelchairs.

 

Use on the islands depends on the island and where you inten to go. Most island are not wheelchair friendly accept maybe around the dock. Also most islands have no way of transport a scooter or electric wheelchair. Some do but most don't, check each island out.

 

Tendering with scooter or wheelchair will depend on the type used and which ship. Some have the ability to tender an electric wheel/scooter but most do not. A folding wheelchair is a required item if you wish to see most islands. This can be tendered (unless rough seas, Captain's decision here). A folding wheel should have large rear wheels to aid in the steps or curbs/cobbles on the island plus it will fit in most taxies

 

Now one of the things that all disabled people need to pack is a smile and patiants (sp). The smile will get you help faster and the other will help you enjoy your vaction esp at elevators which can at times be crowded.

[CaptData]

Some more...

 

Why won't they allow me to go on the tender but others can? Others who can walk can get on tenders that are moving a bit but you on the other hand may not be abled too, so just turn it into a sea day. This happened to me once.

 

How will I know if I can go on this Shore Excursion? Each island has a list of excursions but many are not for the disablied. You will have to ask a lot of questions on here and on the ship to figure out if you can go or not. If you are confined to a wheelchair then your best bet may be to hire a taxi (using a folding wheelchair and transfer board) and go where you want to go.

 

Is there a way to alert medical personnel from the room quickly? Yes, if you are in an H/C room. There will be pull cords in the bathroom and by the bed. Remember if you call for medical attention you will be charged.

 

Can omeone help my father with his steak, I mean cut it for him but not embarres (sp) him? Yes, you can ask that all his food come pre-cut (see Mait'd and talk to waiter).

 

Can I get my dressing and sauces on the side? Yes, just ask.

 

My mom can't walk far, or can't stand for long perioss. I know there will be a line up when we get to the terminal. How can we get this done faster so she does not have to stand long? when you arrive at the terminal ask for a wheelchair. You will have someone to push her to the disabled line and get through much faster. You will not be able to keep this wheelchair. If you think your mom will need a wheelchair for the trip then rent one, a lite weight one would be best. There are two companies that get talked about a lot on the boards Care Vacations and Scoot Around, they deleiver right to the room and take it from there.

 

What type of wheelchair should we get? I have seen something called a travel wheelchair with 4 small wheels is this any good?

 

Okay, this is IMOP, get an ultralight/featherwite one. Why? These chairs have the big rear wheels which will allow you to get up and over curbs far better then the travel chair. They are also better on cobbles stones. These are also better on carpets which abound on the ship.

 

Do they have sugar free deserts. Yes at least one is listed every night but if you have a certian one you want request it.

 

I don't like breads too much, can I get some veggies? Yes, request it the first night and state I would like ... Starting the next night you will have you plate of veggies instad of bread.

 

What happens if I take seriously ill on board? First, I hope you bought insurance. They can med evac you by Helo if required. This costs alot of money. Secondly they can and will allow family members to disembark as soon as possible to be with you.

 

Do I need insurance?

 

Begin disable, someone in your party has what is called a pre-existing condition, therefore, you should buy insurance immediately upon booking. I would go to insuremytrip.com or any site you wish. Look over everything and decide for yourself. Also look for one that is primary so that you only have to go to them. Keep any and all your receipts.

 

Do I need a H/C room?

 

I use a quick test for this. Are you using just a walker and can one take one or two steps without it (if yes you don't need the H/C)? Can you stand and shower yourself (don't need H/C) or do you need help (need H/C)?. For wheelchair user. Do you use an electric wheelchair (yes). Fold wheelchair, can you walk a little, step over a sill then no. Scooter is it a little travel scooter, then if you can manage walking in your room and stepping over sills then no. All large scooters will require an H/C. For hearing impaired, yes, these room will be the ones that can be set up for them.

 

More later.

[CaptData]

Hearing impaired, contact the cruise line, some have interpeters. Also check for the devices you need, door alarme, phone ring thing etc.

 

Can I bring my service animal?

 

In most cases yes. You must have up to date needles and health certificate from Vet. Contact Speical Services at least 60 days before and request anything you will need. Ensure your animal is trained to go in a variety of things. The animal may not be allowed on some islands and you must check with each island each time well in advance.

[reggierail]

There are ATM's on virtually every ship.

 

There is however an alternative that may save you some money.

 

Being most familiar with Celebrity and RCCL, the casino will give you cash

and it will go on your onboard account. It is treated as a normal purchase, not a cash advance.

 

I've heard that other cruise lines are charging a fee for this so

you should ask when you board the ship.

 

Reggie:D