Cruising with Disabilities

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

[Julie-sihi]

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

[charlayned]

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!!)

[jacklynazure]

Thank you both for this information. Really helpful😊

[sharonnewton]

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!

[JJCruise]

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

[angelasofia]

Loved your video! You're both lovely! Am about to go on a cruise and Im renting a scooter, to move for longer distances since pain does not allow me to stand too long... thank you!

[melissablair]

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

[joannamcdee]

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...

[ingemetdiedikkedingen]

i'm in a wheelchair too and looking for a cruise with only docking

[eloheli]

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

[Blackbird]

Thank you but got hidden disabilities of Dyspraxia sometime if things get too much I do need wheelchair if get too much to me.

[hollypotter]

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.

[bobbieparks]

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 🙏

[rosemaryfreeman]

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.

[sharonobryan]

I'm a bit afraid to go anywhere with my wheelchair and other issues.

[ighostlegzthemod]

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

[tinapackard]

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.

[sharonnewton]

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!

[Mushkiepotamus]

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 !!

[wallacetravel]

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.