best cruise line for handicap accesibility
 

I am trying to plan a family cruise for spring and wondering what the best cruise line for someone who is handicap accesible. My father is not in a wheelchair however he is a very large man and has two bad knees that require him to use crutches all the time. He walks but would have a hard time with stairs and obviously getting off the ship and into port walking those long piers. I dont know if these cruise lines have carts to cart people into port or elevators on the ship. I know some have handicap rooms. Any input would be most greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Wendy,<BR><BR>I would take a guess and say that all ships built after 1996 to be safe are very handicapped accessible.<BR><BR>Taxis or shuttles are available on every pier. The only problem is the gangway but the security people are there to help and there are railings.<BR><BR>Good luck,<BR><BR>Paul

The cruise lines do NOT have the carts-<BR><BR>MOST people that are handicapped ( for any reason from illness,knee surgery,knee problems,weight etc) take their OWN scooter or wheelchair--<BR>the cruise ship supplies nothing.....<BR><BR>I use a cane at time due to knee problems and just end up walking slower,taking cabs on the islands and using the elevators on the cruise ships--It is not that hard to manuver-just gets a little tiring at times.....<BR><BR>There ARE handicap rooms available on ALL cruise ships- just book it EARLY to make sure you get them.

rather than crutches, tell your dad to get a walker. there is significant walking involved. even getting off the ship to the nearest taxi (for example in nassau) can be a very long walk for someone on crutches.

I expect you would need to be in the position of a handicapped traveler to make a difinitive statement.<BR><BR>That being said, I walk right in here and record my observation. I have two recent trips on Celebrity Ships, The Galaxy and the Mercury. In both instances, I observed staff helping handicapped passengers in the most compassionate ways. There are wheelchairs onboard. You may have to reserve or pay a small rent for them but they are onboard.<BR><BR>At all landings, the wheelchair bound passengers were escorted off with two stewards. They received excellent assistance in the dining room. These two ships have special cabins for handicapped passengers and a doctor on board. A medical appt. was found to very expensive so you must bring your insurance card and know it's limitations.<BR><BR>I though all passengers with walking difficulty were well treated. A wheelchair cound man was allowed on most of the bus trips and other passengers took care of him. Be quite positive about this. You do not get doors slammed into your face in all countries, you would be surprised.<BR><BR>Ask many questions in advance to satisfy yourself. Get important needs in writing.

Hi!<BR>I am a full time wheelchair user full time now. We are about to take our 3rd cruise. <BR>Some good tips.<BR>1)Rent a wheelchair--the ships today are huge. Go to Cruisecritisc.com Diabled forum and there are posts of where to rent and have the chair picked up and delivered to the ship<BR>2) DO NOT GO ON HAL they will not assit on getting on and off the ship<BR>3) Royal Carribeean and Princess and Celebrity are all good for accesability<BR>4) Accessable cabins should only be taken if a wheelchair is used. Else a regular cabin with bars will be enough.<BR>Write me and I will answer any questions you have.<BR><BR>Jean

Do not plan on getting a wheelchair from the cruiseline. They are used for emergencies. Call the Special Needs Department of any cruiseline.<BR><BR>There are cabs available in Nassau at the end of the gangway.<BR><BR>Paul

Saw this lady in a super nice scooter on the Galaxy. When I asked the staff about it, they said it belonged to Celebrity. I`m sure you would have to arrange that in advance.