Some lady named Victory posted the following yesterday but Fodors deleted it. I am reposting.<BR><BR><BR><BR>I am disabled and I am thinking about going on a cruise alone. I do not have a motorized wheelchair, but I do have a non-motorized one. Will someone on the ship push me around when I need to go to dinner and things like that?

Depending on the ship and line the disabled person is sailing on, I would say yes. However, when going ashore, she/he would have to hire somoene to push the chair, and pay extra for the service provided.<BR><BR>I recommend the disabled person to check the cruise critic board, as there're many different boards there, one to each cruise line, where this question can be posted, and will be more clearly and properly responded.<BR><BR>http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Actually, my name is Victoria, but close enough.<BR><BR>Thank you for reposting.<BR><BR>Hoping for more replies.

Hi Victoria-<BR><BR>I was surprised that your thread got pulled.<BR><BR>I'm fairly certain that some kind soul will assist you with your wheelchair.<BR><BR>My husband helped numerous elderly folks in wheelchairs on our cruise.<BR><BR>Good luck.

Victoria - you could advertise for a "companion" for your cruise in a local paper. As a retired, widowed female I would love to accompany someone and assist for a little adventure myself. Just be specific in advert (i.e. pay own share, female etc.). There are so many single people who need companions to travel because most packages are based on double occupancy.

You'll probably find people to help you, but you shouldn't count on total strangers to always be available. Better to look for a traveling companion to go with you.

The crew will help occasionally.<BR><BR>All new large ships are very handicapped accessible but it sounds to me you are not able to move your wheelchair yourself. If so, you will have to hire someone. There are companies that offer this service.<BR><BR>Good luck,<BR><BR>Paul

If your disability is such that you are unable to push your wheelchair unassisted, will it also make it difficult for you to meet all your other personal care needs? Even in an adapted/modified cabin, these things are often more difficult away from home. If you will find these tasks difficult, I think you may need to consider asking or hiring someone to accompany you, even though I can understand your wish to travel alone.<BR><BR>If that is not the case, I doubt the cruise line has designated people to assist you, but, if you are comfortable asking for help, I imagine fellow passengers might offer assistance. Also, various crew might help for an additional tip. But that leaves you in the situation of having to find someone to help each time you want to go from point A to point B.<BR><BR>

How about a scooter? or a Power Chair? they can get to most places, even those that are not wheelchair accessable. <BR><BR>Medicare may also pay for one of these for you. They really are marvelous!