Cruises for the handicapped?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

I have been on 20 cruises on 5 different cruise lines and can tell you from experience that your brother-in-law will be treated royally even if he is in a scooter.
The cruise ships have a policy of catering to the handicapped (physically challenged). They have cabins that are accessible. A person in a scooter will have no trouble getting around the ship as there are generally 2 or 3 elevator bays (front, midship, and aft) to take you to every deck on the ship. All of the hallways and decks are plenty wide enough to accommodate a scooter and not hinder other people passing by. In the main dining room the wait staff will assist him getting to and seated at his table. Then they will likely park his scooter nearby so it's out of the way. On our cruise a few months ago we saw 3 scooters parked just outside the main dining room door. In the show room there are always special areas for people in wheel chairs and scooters; just roll right in and enjoy the show. They generally have a lift at the pool for handicapped people so they can be lifted into the pool and/or hot tub. When its time to leave (and board) the ship the ship's personnel will assist in getting him up and down the ramp.

We just did a cruise on Holland America where the average age of passengers is about 65 to 70 years. The ship had many cruisers in wheel chairs, scooters, walkers, and even oxygen tanks on a cart. On most cruises there are generally so many people using scooters and walkers that no one even pays attention. Its not like "look at that a person on here in a scooter". Your brother-in-law would feel right at home.

As far as pros and cons, there are many pros since the cruise ships do whatever they can to accommodate the handicapped. The only con I can think of is he may not be able to do some of the tours offered by the cruise line and/or may not be able to go on a beach unless the cruise line has a beach wheel chair. I know that at the Royal Caribbean private island, Labadee, Haite, they did have those beach wheel chairs with the huge wheels for the sand.

You can pretty much pick any cruise line to go on but be sure to tell your travel agent and/or the cruise line that you need an accessible cabin.

Samson

My girlfriends grandmother had to use a wheel chair on one Cruise we went on with her. They make the ship very accessible for those that are handicapped. The theatre has seats made for wheel chairs or scooters, there are more than enough elevators available all over the ship. Getting off the ship, there are no stairs, but have ramps instead. There are plenty of other people handicapped on the cruise also, so its not like he would be the only person on there. I really cant think of any cons, even the buffet tables are in reach for people in scooters or chairs. Hope this helps!

Lax91

pros- easy transportation, good sights, lots of fun, great food and activities

cons- water could make him slip, it could be really busy, hard time getting around freely, Might feel aqward or get left out

Mary L

The ships have cabins which are accessable, and they are great! You absolutely must reserve them very early, however, since there are not as many as they could sell. Other cabins have narrow doorways and often a steps up to the bathroom. All that being said, I have met many people with canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and oxygen tanks on cruises, and they all seemed to be having a wonderful time! I think he should go and have fun!

Brian D

go on any cruise man.

schtoops

Ive been on 13 cruises in my 25 years of life. Let me tell you that cruises are PERFECT for the handicapped. Elevators everywhere. 100% Acceptable.

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