Cruising with Disabilities

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  • Опубликовано: 4 окт 2022
  • Maddie and Kathy talk about their favorite parts of cruising including amenities, activities, perks and things to be aware of when booking a cruise.
    #wheelchair #cruise #disability

Комментарии • 44

  • @Julie-si3hi
    @Julie-si3hi 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you for this im in a wheelchair and never cruised before im in my 40s. This was so helpful x

  • @charlayned
    @charlayned Год назад +6

    We've done 2 cruises on Royal Caribbean, both out of Galveston. I'm in an electric wheelchair I've nicknamed "The Behemoth" because it's big and heavy electric. The accessible cabins have been fantastic, lot of room and easy to move around in. The corridors are small and anything left in the hallway, from dirty room service dishes to laundry is going to become a hazard. Luckily, on the Allure of the Seas this last May, we were near the elevators and learned to change floors to avoid having to deal with the corridors. The large common areas with the shops were big and we could go from one end to the other, catching elevators to change floors on the end of the ship we needed to be on (we were in the front, the dining room was on the back).
    On Adventure of the Seas a year ago, we were not in the new RC terminal in Galveston yet and the gangways were steep. The safety people were there to help me get up and down from them. We had one in a port like that and again, the safety staff were fantastic in making sure I could get down without crashing. Galveston's new terminal eliminates the need to have the help, it's roll-on/roll-off and fantastic.
    Dining was easy, they made sure we had tables that kept me out of the way of the traffic. Everyone, for the biggest majority, both passengers and crew, are friendly and accommodating. I always tell people that they can get in the elevator with us if there's room (come in, I don't bite...much--a joke about me being an author of vampire novels) and my husband, Santa (no kidding, he looks like him) will say "she won't bite but she will run over your toes, mine are flat inside my shoes." We try to have a good time with people and put them at ease, I'm always surprised at how uncomfortable some people are with someone in a wheelchair.
    My biggest gripe is excursions. Ports usually don't have transportations with lifts for my chair and so we just explore where we can and just go back to the ship. I haven't been that disappointed except for the excursion to the sloth sanctuary. I wanted to go hold one (they let you do that) but there was no transportation. We're looking into getting a folding electric for our next cruise, either a rental or just buying one so I can go.
    So, that's my experience. Love the channel, just found you, and I'll check in to see what tips you have (like I didn't know Celebrity had a lift to the tenders!!)

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад +1

      Thank you for the helpful information. We agree that the corridors can be hazardous if there are carts, etc. in the way. We tend to go, as you do, to the decks with shops and wider areas.
      We have never left from Galveston but are glad they have made the terminal more accessible. Steep gangways are never safe, nor fun.
      Sloths…you must tell us where you were that you could have held them. That sounds amazing! We love sloths and hope you can get there to hold them next time . The accessible excursions, as you have said, are definitely lacking. We tend to find private tours that can handle our needs. I am able to transfer Maddie into a vehicle so that makes a difference. We certainly believe the cruise lines can do better with accessible excursions. Happy cruising!

  • @joannamcdee9061
    @joannamcdee9061 Год назад +5

    Thank you for owing this. While I’m not in a wheelchair, I’m in a walker and will be traveling alone. So any help/tips you have will be welcome. Be well and enjoy...

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад +2

      Enjoy your cruise! We have found that the crew is always willing to help, so don’t hesitate to ask.

  • @hollypotter6989
    @hollypotter6989 Год назад +3

    My husband and I both use scooters. We had so many issues on our cruise it was really a challenge. We booked an accessable cabin and our scooters auto fold to the size of a carry on suitcase. Right off the bat on embarkation trying to get on an elevator was a nightmare. Why they dont have dedicated elevators for people with mobility aids i just dont understand. There were at least 4 scooters and 2 or 3 wheelchairs waiting and waiting trying to get on an elevator. No crew helped at all. Then at the buffet throughout the cruise there was no room to manoeuvre amongst the tables and chairs. We are fortunate that we can stand for short times and even walk thru the lines to get our food. We had to park our scooters outside the doors in the MDR and walk to our table. Again no aisles and overcrowded with too many tables and chairs. The whole ship was so crowded with people and so many over excited children that it was dangerous for everyone. I almost hit a child who wasnt looking and just stepped out in front of me as i was moving thru the atrium. Passengers in front of you just stopping for no apparent reason, standing in front of you at shows, etc. Broken ramps leading outside or into restaurants. One of my fears is if the power goes out and there is no elevator service...how do you get downstairs to your muster station? Not a single alternative to stairs. Carnival, at least their older ships, is just not handicap friendly. We wont cruise with them again. I think that unlike the US, where the ADA has made it convenient and safe for scooters and wheelchairs, ships flagged in foreign countries are not required to adhere to our strict laws and guidelines to make cruising safe for disabled guests. Tendering was impossible and the ramps they put out when docked in port were often too steep to just drive up. I almost tipped backward attempting to reboard after getting off in Nasau.
    I really appreciate your information, but the mic wasnt picking up your voices well. Thank you.

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад +1

      Sorry you have had such bad experiences. Also that we were hard to hear. We were recording this outside so that might have been why.
      As far as the elevators on embarkation day, we try to go away from the main elevators. We will go to the front bank of elevators and have found there are fewer people.
      We have only been on Celebrity and Norwegian, not Carnival yet. We have found that they usually seat us close to the aisle in the dining room so we can get seated easier. One time they did not so we asked them to the next evening. They did so without any issues. Every cruise line does things differently, but we always ask.
      We completely understand how frustrating it is when people suddenly stop for no reason in front of you. We have been to Disney a lot and people do that all the time there.
      Cruising definitely can be challenging. Every ship is different as is every cruise line. The gangways can be especially difficult to maneuver. We always ask for help if we don’t feel safe.
      We hope your future cruises go smoother. It’s such a great way to see the world.

    • @MJinFlorida
      @MJinFlorida 2 месяца назад

      As of 2015, if a cruise ship operates in US waters it must comply with ADA requirements, even if they are owned by a foreign nation or originated in foreign waters.

  • @sharonnewton4374
    @sharonnewton4374 Год назад +2

    Today is May 4th, 2023 and I just found your site. I have been on almost 50 cruises but in the past few yeas went fro a cane to a walker and now a wheelchair. I am 74 and don't mind staying on the ship while my grown daughter (caregiver) goes exploring. We are sailing on NCL, Princess and Royal Caribbean in 2023 & 2024. I'm excited to learn more from you about traveling in a wheelchair. Any advice is appreciated! God bless you both!

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад

      We are so glad you are continuing your adventures! In a wheelchair or not, the world is a wonderful place to explore. Cruising makes it easier. Happy sailing!

  • @franhoadley7189
    @franhoadley7189 Год назад +2

    Great video, Mads and Kathy!

  • @melissablair3463
    @melissablair3463 Год назад +2

    This is great info Thanks for sharing and JJ Cruise sent me your way

  • @eloheli
    @eloheli Год назад +1

    I will cruise in july with my wife and it will be the first time since she's in a wheelchair. It's comforting me to ear you about your experiences. Thanks

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад +3

      Thank you Nathaniel,
      We hope you have a wonderful time. Let us know if you have any questions. We will certainly answer what we can. Enjoy!

  • @JJCruise
    @JJCruise Год назад

    This video is so informational. Booking-marking this one to send to our friends and clients who may need this useful info!

  • @Lorena-OT7
    @Lorena-OT7 10 месяцев назад +3

    Trying to convince my mom to sit in a wheelchair so I can take her on a cruise, because even with a cane she can’t walk well. But she is so stubborn she doesn’t want to admit she getting old. SMH

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  10 месяцев назад +2

      She is missing out on so much fun! Sometimes it’s hard for people to give up that independence. Maybe a transfer chair would be easier for her to accept. Same concept but different name. They can be found at most drugstores and are lightweight. Good luck!

    • @Lorena-OT7
      @Lorena-OT7 10 месяцев назад

      @@wheelchairadventures8564 right! Exactly! I always say there is so much you can do that you want to do if you just sit in a wheelchair. Thanks for the good luck gonna need it😂

    • @MJinFlorida
      @MJinFlorida 2 месяца назад +1

      I can’t recommend enough - mobility scooters! They make the trip so much happier and are easily rented for every cruise.

  • @bobbieparks6210
    @bobbieparks6210 Год назад +1

    Thank you so much for all the Information it helps very much. I just came from a cruise in September and had a lot of struggles cause I'm in a wheelchair also but now u have helped me a great deal so my next cruise in June I'll be prepared . Thanks and tell Maddie i said hello 👋 God bless you guys 🙏

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад

      Thank you for your kind words Bobbie. Our hope is that we can provide useful information so that vacationing with a disability is not such a struggle.
      Have a wonderful cruise in June! We will be talking more about cruising soon. Hopefully you will find more useful information for your upcoming vacation.

  • @ighostlegzthemod8364
    @ighostlegzthemod8364 Год назад +2

    I rented a mobility scooter and I took a wheelchair with me on my Alaska cruise.

  • @rosemaryfreeman5824
    @rosemaryfreeman5824 Год назад

    Thank you for the information on wheelchair cruisers. We are planning a cruise to Mexico in November. This will be my husbands first time cruising using a wheelchair. Listening to your enlightening presentation, I know he will still enjoy himself. If you have any suggestions we are happy to hear them. We are looking forward to our vacation. Thank you.

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад

      We are so glad you will get to cruise with your husband Rosemary. We will go on our first Mexican Riviera cruise in December. Have a wonderful time!

    • @hollypotter6989
      @hollypotter6989 Год назад +1

      Do be aware that the streets and sidewalks are very rough in places. Broken pavement, potholes, cobblestones, etc. If you stay in the port areas you should be ok. We cruised to Nassau and when we got off the ship couldn't find the wheelchair friendly curb to get off the sidewalk. It was extremely hot and very very crowded, like cattle moving down a schute, and we wound up frustrated and just turned around and reboarded the ship. Also if it's a beach port,, be aware sand is not your friend when you are on a scooter or in a chair. Choose your itinerary carefully. Good luck.

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад

      @@hollypotter6989 good advice. The condition of the sidewalks is a very important consideration when getting off in ports. You never know until you get there. Sorry your experience was not good.

  • @jerrysmith3402
    @jerrysmith3402 Год назад +1

    I have a disability that will not let me access a regular stateroom bathroom. I have never had a problem until the last cruise i booked thru the cruise line. I didn't get my Handicapped room, they claim i didn't request. Have been cruising frequently since 1989 so i know i did request one. However, the moral of the story is i will always use a travel agent in the future. They have accountability for mistakes made.

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад

      We are sorry that happened Jerry. Using a travel agent is a good option. You can also look at the deck plans of ships and the accessible staterooms are labeled on the plans.

    • @jerrysmith3402
      @jerrysmith3402 Год назад +2

      Yes, I am aware of Deck plans. My mistake was trusting the NCL agent when she said she booked the Handicapped room for me.

  • @sharonnewton4374
    @sharonnewton4374 Год назад +1

    I will be sailing out of Seattle, Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles. Do you know any airport/cruiseport transportation companies that cater to people in wheelchairs? I can transfer but cannot step up high to get on a van. I need a little step stool. How do I research this? Thanks so much for your help. I am new to the wheelchair situation, God bless you for what you are doing to help all of us!

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  11 месяцев назад

      I’m so sorry we missed your question! Were you able to find transportation
      or are you still looking? Is your wheelchair foldable? We have found that there are accessible taxis in those cities also.

  • @tinapackard3138
    @tinapackard3138 Год назад +1

    I was wondering if you have cruised Royal Caribbean? I have heard that they have newer ships that are really good for people with disabilities. I want my husband to be able to enjoy himself as well.

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад +2

      We have not been on Royal Caribbean but they are owned by the same company as Celebrity, who has done a great job of making their newer ships even more accessible.
      Most ships have accessibility features that make it a good vacation option for people with disabilities. The main differences are in the availability of shore excursions and the ability to get off the ship in a tender port. I have found a good resource that lists the features of various ships. The website is specialneedsatsea.com. You can search by cruise line and then by ship.
      Hope this helps and you can find a cruise you both can enjoy.

  • @Mushkiepotamus
    @Mushkiepotamus Год назад +1

    Thanks so much for this information. What accessibility excursion company do you work with? My 83 yo mom uses a walker and can’t walk far. She can get up and down a couple of stairs. I have rented a scooter for a 10 night Caribbean cruise. Would love to take excursions with her !!

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад +3

      Thanks for reaching out! We tend to use Tours by Locals, but I’m not sure they have a big presence in the Caribbean. You can look up the places where you will dock and see. We find them very accommodating, especially since I can transfer my daughter into a vehicle and her wheelchair collapses.
      Check with your cruise line and see if they have accessible excursions. We haven’t had too much luck but you never know. If your mom is able to walk up a few stairs you might be able to go on an excursion that drives around the island, or you might be able to borrow a manual wheelchair from the ship and bring it along. I think the main restriction will be if she has to have the scooter. If she is willing to have you push her around, and you are able, that will open up the possibilities.
      We have been to a few places in the Caribbean and have found that taxi drivers are more than willing to take you on a tour around the island. Finding an accessible cab is not likely so you would either need a manual chair or be able to break down the scooter and get it in the vehicle.
      I hope this information has been helpful. Happy cruising and enjoy the time with your mom!

    • @hollypotter6989
      @hollypotter6989 Год назад

      I shared this with another commenter. We cruised to Nassau and got off the ship on our scooters. We were unable to find the dip in the sidewalk that would allow us to cross the street. It was very very crowded (like cattle in a schute) and very hot. We got so frustrated that we just turned around and got back on the ship. None of the excursions thru the cruise line were accessible, so basically we just did some shopping in the ports and didn't do any tours with our scooters. (There was no place to safely park and leave your scooter to take a bus for an excursion.). A manual chair won't work for us as both my husband and I use scooters, so there is no one to do the pushing. Good luck. I hope you can enjoy your cruise. Just have lots of patience and try not to get too frustrated by the crowding. It's challenging.

    • @marytillman372
      @marytillman372 11 месяцев назад

      Try sage travel

  • @wallacetravel8916
    @wallacetravel8916 Год назад +1

    Thank you for sharing.
    I have questions on airlines...If a person can't walk at all how do they get the customer on the plane. Is there anything specific that the family. Will need for there love one.

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад +2

      The airlines have an aisle chair that is used to transport a passenger into the airplane. You can specify when making your reservation that a person will need assistance getting to their seat. I also tell the gate agent when we get there.
      In our case I transfer Maddie from her wheelchair to the aisle chair in the jetway, they bring her to her airplane seat, and I transfer her to her seat. They can also help with the transfers if needed.
      I hope this helps. Don’t be afraid to contact the airline as well. They can certainly help and answer any other questions. Happy travels!

    • @kathyandrew8489
      @kathyandrew8489 4 месяца назад

      My husband and I flew to Seattle. I use a scooter. He helps me with my needs first when you make your reservation with the airlines tell them that you use a wheelchair or scooter then research the airport you’ll find good information if you go online to the airport with my fold up scooter I was able to drive right up to the gate, the scooter was put on the plane in cargo when we got to our destination the crew brought my scooter right to the airport entrance with my husband’s encouragement. We had a good time.

  • @lou6021
    @lou6021 Год назад

    Will I be able to get around in my wheelchair in Bermuda

    • @wheelchairadventures8564
      @wheelchairadventures8564  Год назад

      We recently visited Bermuda on a cruise. We went on an accessible tour around the island and found it to be pretty accessible. We made a few stops, one of which was Hamilton. Maddie was able to get around there and enter shops without a problem.
      Right off the ship there were many shops and restaurants. We did not have time to visit them but the area appeared to be accessible.
      Happy travels Lou!