The Basic Facts About Accessible Cruising

[@aussiejohn5835]

Thanks, Frank and Kevin, this has been the most helpful video I have ever seen for those with special needs. Please accept this small token of gratitude.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you so much John !! You are kind and generous.....and we appreciate your support !

[@timothyjohnston4083]

It was because of your videos on accessible cruising that I booked my first cruise back in October 2018 (NCL Dawn Boston to Quebec City). I was so worried about the _what-ifs_ but you showed that it is possible for someone with mobility issues to cruise virtually worry-free. Knowing that the crew on board are trained to assist those with handicaps; and that there is a team dedicated to help with any emergency evacuations assuaged my biggest fears. From your videos, I learned to look for "full turn around accessible" staterooms. And to check that the ports we wanted to visit were "docking" rather than "tendering" ports. And now, in October 2022, I and my best friend are going on our second cruise (4th attempt due to covid). This time to Alaska on the NCL Jewell. We can hardly wait ! And yes, I sent my "Accessibility Form" to NCL within days of booking the cruise. All that remains is to reserve a wheelchair (I normally use a walker; but prefer a wheelchair for longer distances and to avoid excessive fatigue -- those ships are so big !). Thank you for being such a great source of information about the options available for people with accessibility issues who dream of travelling.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you so much Timothy !! Your comment validates what we do....and why we do it. We are happy & blessed to be a small part in allaying any fears people might have in getting out to travel.....through our eyes & experiences. We are so excited for you on your next cruise !!! Please take lots of pics to share !!

[@michelletaylor8895]

I am getting ready to take my first cruise needing to use a wheelchair, I can walk a little with a cane but not very far. I am a little worried about it. But I am determined to go and enjoy.

[@micheleparenteau1105]

Bravo! Fantastic and extremely valuable information not readily available to disabled travelers. Very well explained and thought out. Thank you so much.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you

[@midwestkatie4]

Absolutely spot on. You guys have stuck to your mission and have made cruise planning so much easier for special needs folks. We love you!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you - Love you too

[@katiekluesner1686]

Thank Y’all SO Much for your video! 🙏🏻👍🏻💕 I would like to take my family on their 1st cruise in 2025. We will also have a wheelchair accessibility for our cruise. This video definitely open my eyes up to some things I didn’t think of. It’s a total different elements that goes into traveling with a wheelchair. 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻🙌🙌💕

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Our pleasure!

[@midwestkatie4]

You guys are the best! I refer anyone with mobility issues to you.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Katie !!

[@DonnaDavis-l1u]

I had a back injury years ago. My only real limitation is limited walking for longer distances. So a scooter allows me to get further than I can walk. I never book a handicap room because there are many with more limitations. I am so glad there are so many ways for people with pretty severe limits.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

😀

[@anita5572]

Oh wow there are so many things that to know & handle if you need a scooter or wheelchair. I’ll be going on my first cruise with a rented scooter this September. I have been on over 10 cruises but I did not need a scooter at that time. I’m so nervous that everything goes well

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Im sure you will have a wonderful time

[@freeetosaywhatilike7473]

Thank You Cruing With Wheels for this information on all the in and out of room and other think people with Accessible . when anyone ask me about handicap room they must make that 36” move around in the cabin . I would tell all to this youtube video

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Excellent...thank you !!

[@dawnmatthews2354]

I gained so much information from this video! I am a single cruiser in a wheelchair and you answered all my questions so far thank you!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephaniehawkins4165]

Thank you

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You're welcome

[@jenniferpratt440]

Thank u guys

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You're welcome !

[@suburbangirlcountryworld2491]

Wow Thank you so much, this was very helpful.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You're very welcome!

[@lindadunham286]

This is my second time watching this show and found it helpful for ideas I overlooked - thanks again.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charlayned]

Good video. I'm in an electric wheelchair. It's heavy and they don't have any excursions that will handle it. We were on the Adventure of the Sea last year, to Cozumel and none of the excursions could accommodate the chair. I can do the steps into a bus (if it's not too high), but they can't take my chair. Most ask for a folding wheelchair. My hubby can't push a manual so we just plan on doing other things. We went into the port area but that was it. We ended up going back and hanging out in our cabin. The shows were accessible, I managed to climb into and out of the hot tub (with some wonderful assistance from other passengers who held my hands while I did it.) I didn't try the pool, but I plan on doing that this next time. We're on Allure of the Seas in 9 days (Yay!!) and we have the accessible room, all the stuff we need ordered. But, once again, Roatan Honduras, Puerto Coasta Maya, and Cozumel don't have excursions that can accommodate me. So, we're hanging out in the port area that I can reach, then going back to hang out. So, your fans need to be aware that if they have something like a Quantum (Q) Edge wheelchair, you may not be able to do the excursions. You will need the size of your chair (mine: length 38", width 28", height 40", weight 325 lbs) and what kind of configuration, including what kind of battery it has. The Lithium battery mine has must be a "closed" battery with No Spill. You have to indicate this on the forms when you fill out the accessible information. If you have CPAPs and other items, you will need to let them know. On Adventure of the Seas, we needed to have extension cords to plug them in (we both have one). They supply the water for them. If you have other accessible items, like I have hearing aids, you need to make sure you have told them of any special needs for hooking those up. I'm taking my hub with me because my hearing aids need to be plugged into a USB slot. It gets fun when I have that, my phone, my husband's phone, and my tablet to hook up on the system. Adventure didn't have enough plugs. My hub came in handy, as did my laptop because I have two extra ports for things. I take the laptop because I'm an author and inevitably I get the urge to write during the cruise (all the water seems to give me ideas!) I have a complete list of my medications and my husband's in my tablet and in my cruise notebook. We will have all of them with us, but there have been times (not on the cruise) where that list digitized has come in handy. Also, a medical alert bracelet or tag will be a big help if you collapse and can't talk. We take those with us and we wear them. I hope this info helps others. I love going on cruises, even with the excursion problems. It's just so much fun!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks. Travel safe and cruise often.

[@justmee2477]

Thanks to you, we’re cruising to Alaska in 275 days (but who’s counting)! We’ve cruised lots before, but not since my health and mobility status changed. Your channel has given me the confidence to get back on board. This was a much appreciated episode for us. Thank you for sharing all your adventures at sea.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you so much. Have a great time on your cruise!! Alaska was one of our favorites!!! Travel Safe & Cruise Often !!!

[@tammysnowden3534]

Do you have a video about your Alaska cruise? I just found your channel and am now kind of freaking because I’ve done everything wrong by this video.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

@@tammysnowden3534 Here is a link to the NCL Bliss VLOGS - this was the cruise in Alaska. kzbin.info/aero/PLDv1vlbpn5BWR6AK1LP23Y4zh2bmEEwzV In the future please leave your own comment rather than replying on someone elses as it is very difficult to find so we can reply to you. Also here is a link to our alaska cruising playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLDv1vlbpn5BVg3wvHwoOjcJdwDmgyStWL&si=X7L29XDef1PLgePK

[@dorianlaumann2049]

I have been on 10+ cruises, all on NCL going back to the “Norway” which has long been retired to China and used as a hotel. Your best tool is doing your homework prior to selecting your cruise and then speaking up while on board. Our recent (Nov’23) 15 day cruise was fabulous on the ship (the Getaway), but the ports often had sideways with no ramps, or ramps by the port but not later which resulted in difficult and frustrating turnarounds. It’s easier hiring an accessible taxi/guide on your own as the ship is 2x or more the price.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

👍

[@tobymildon1981]

I am planning on going on my first cruise (as a wheelchair user) next year and this video was incredibly helpful. Thank you guys :-)

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thank you for watching.

[@jlwbc4158]

Our experience with Carnival re: autism was horrible. Absolutely ZERO accommodations were offered, no quiet rooms except our cabin. We were directed to guest services to inform them of Lil Dude's needs, but the reaction was 'okay...', and that was it. Every request for accommodations were met with 'no'. We ended up spending EVERY afternoon in our cabin for 6 to 8 hours. NEVER again.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

It is truly sad, the lack of training, plus a lack of accommodations. Our experience with Carnival was similar....lack of training regarding people with disabilities in a wheelchair. (the hostess in the main dining room was taking us to our table, far away from the entrance and a giant pillar was in the way. She told me I had to get up and " walk " the rest of the way ! I looked at her in disbelief.) Whenever we complained....the Carnival response was..." I'm sorry you feel that way ! " They offered NO solutions to any problem. Royal Caribbean is your best bet.....they have a great program for cruising with autism. www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/accessible-cruising/autism-friendly-ships Also, we have a playlist on our youtube channel dedicated to vacationing with autism. kzbin.info/aero/PLDv1vlbpn5BXhmS74-b93bnWBStB3DlZg

[@kpl-CA]

Please look at DISNEY for cruises & staff with training for people on the Autism Spectrum, especially for a child. My oldest is on the Spectrum (ASD), and I am a rollator/WC user, and Disney was decent for those needs. Not fantastic, but certainly better than others. Disney also excel with food allergies, and some device needs - like CPAP or BiPAP. For visually impaired or Deaf folx (I am Deaf and an ASL user) they are all lacking ☹️. All of them. They refuse to allow actually Blind or Deaf persons to evaluate them, they just... imagine... their compliance. They'll SAY they comply with LAWS, but in practice they do not comply. Enforcement simply doesn't exist. (Also, hearing & sighted people really shouldn't review what they don't use, they DO NOT UNDERSTAND what the reality is. Spotting Braille in an elevator or one captioned show leads them to think there's more "inclusion" than there really is. It's disrespectful and misleading to review what you don't use and do not need.) Even with 90-days advance notice ASL interpreters are often NOT AVAILABLE on cruises (even with *Disney* for a *Make-A-Wish* child on a CHRISTMAS cruise that was their Wish - that was our neighboring accessible cabin. Heartbreaking. I assisted the family myself, as a fellow cruiser). Or worse, the "interpreter" lied about their ability/skills/qualifications, and they have rudimentary ASL if that, which is very insulting & limiting. We've had cruise staff (and Disney staff) completely clueless about promised but not-installed doorbells, bed-shaker equipment, TT... as well as the O2 generators, CPAPS we bring. On cabins (and hotel rooms) listed as ALREADY equipped. They lied. Also - safety needs for Muster. OMG the staff can be clueless, even with the SN form sent in properly. Medication wise, be careful. Those tiny sharps containers are not big enough for flared auto-injectors - like biologics. I highly recommend bringing your own larger sharps container from your home pharmacy and talk to the Medical center about storage. Also, be careful about dinner seating. If they shove a disabled person into an inferior table, far from access, in a crowded, blocked aisle, or demand to take your mobility device away and "store" it somewhere you cannot get it, COMPLAIN to the Head immediately. Demand they do better, or file a formal discrimination complaint with Customer Service. It is NOT a disabled person's "duty" to be punished because a venue is overcrowded, poorly designed, or disorganized. Dining staff are often VERY discriminatory and cruel to disabled persons, and that is completely unacceptable and ILLEGAL.

[@graciez9534]

maybe cruising isn't the best option for vacay then. As a parent of an autistic individual, you learn that not every option is the right one for your child. Just spend the money and travel a different way. Just the light stimulus alone would drive my son bonkers, noise or not. Accommodating the entire spectrum would be impossible for a cruise ship that makes money off the features you are trying to avoid.

[@NinjaPuppy.2]

What an informative video. I learned so much today from it. Thank you for all you do to keep us cruisers informed and up to date. You rock!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks so much Ninja !!

[@floridacruisers7705]

Thank you sooo much for the information. My dad will be needing this type of cabin ..

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Our pleasure!

[@lindadunham286]

Thanks for all the great info.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Our pleasure Linda !

[@jenniferpratt440]

Love your excitment and enthusiasum love it i get like that near to my cruise too

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks !

[@gailpippin9761]

Stupid question: Why should you NOT store your insulin in the cabin fridge?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Because the cabin fridge is not always at the proper temperature. You can and should request a medifridge from the cruise line via the special needs department.

[@gailpippin9761]

@Cruisingwithwheels Thank you!

[@momeagle36]

Great tips guys, I will be on the Sunshine the end of October I do have a handicap accessible room and have sent all my paperwork to Carnival already.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Fantastic Susan !! Have a great time !!

[@deborahbolton3417]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us and you gave out a lot of information. That is so nice of you to do!❤️🙏🏼🎉⚓️🛳🥰

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

You are so welcome Deborah !

[@pauldupre8894]

We are going to the Caribbean very soon on P and O Arvia which we booked 12 months ago, we have now been told that my wife cannot take her travel mobility scooter onboard or in the cabin they want us to hire a mobility wheelchair (extra cost)we booked a regular cabin as my wife can walk but not far due to bad hips. The travel scooter has been on various cruise ships in the past ( virgin, marella and msc) with no problems so I can’t understand their problem.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Every cruise line has there own rules

[@Life_is_B_e_a_u_tiful]

I went on the NCL Gem with my parents last year. My dad had an issue getting into his wheel chair accessible room since the door did not automatically open. He had to swipe his card and use something to push the door open and try to quickly get in before it swung closed again.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Yup ... That can be a challenge on some ships.

[@Life_is_B_e_a_u_tiful]

@Cruising With Wheels this past year my parents took the NCL Joy, they have Automatic doors. They are planning another cruise next year and will make sure it has Automatic door. My dad's new to the wheelchair but now he understand his needs better with it

[@bearbullcruising6427]

Hey thanks boys, this was a good episode and definitely I’m in that category well both being ability challenged and legally blind so I use a mobility scooter but losing my eyesight so watch out, thanks for the video and just the information that you provide very helpful

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks so much Bear !!

[@reginaobrien8983]

Great video. Very helpful!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Glad it was helpful Regina !!

[@bentleybila3357]

We will be cruising on Quantum of the Seas in November and have booked a fully accessible interior cabin for my husband son and I....this will be our first cruise staying in an accessible cabin and accessible pool lifts...my husband (wc user) and I are super excited!!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Awesome !! Have a great time and please take lots of pics to share !!

[@2noelle]

Great information!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Karen !!! xoxoxoxo

[@howardmarfell5031]

Hey y’all! We are going on our 1st cruise in 3 weeks on Royal Caribbean Mariner off the Seas, we have an accessible balcony room, do you know how to find out if it’s 36” accessible? And have y’all been on that ship? Love your videos! Thanks!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

We have not been on Mariner yet. You should reach out to either your travel agent or the special needs department to verify the door opening size. If it is indeed a full turn access room then it should be 36”. The mariner is an older ship though so I would double and triple check!!

[@jenniferpratt440]

Ive had a accessible cabins there great

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Good

[@lizdyson3627]

Wonderful video.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Glad you enjoyed it Liz !!

[@jenniferpratt440]

My mum has her own folded wheelchair i get a whhelchair from the port terminal in southampton to the cruiseship

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Excellent !!

[@hypnotherapy69]

regerding the form you need to fill out, is it a physical document or something lika an email?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

That depends on the cruise line you are sailing.

[@lonadill7547]

How do you locate excursions for limited mobility?

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

If you want to book through the cruise line...just go on and sift through their list of available excursions. Most cruise lines descriptions will show an " activity level # " and a brief description of the event. For wheelchair users....look for the " wheelchair symbol " on the page.

[@lizdyson3627]

While i'm all for people who need to bringing assistance dogs on the ship with them. I wonder if they notify other passengers that there will be a dog on board. some people are scared of dogs or worse have allergies. I love dogs by the way. just thinking of others

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

So true !!

[@hollypotter6989]

I didnt think that a ship flagged in another country had to follow ADA rules. My experience with Carnival was awful. The accessable cabin was big enough, but the way the door was angled made it a challenge to just get in the door. There was no dedicated elevators so we waited and waited every time as people pushed past us rushing to enter the elevators. No aisles in any restaurant with no room between tables to maneuver a scooter. There were lips in just about every doorway that needed ramps. Several were broken or had separated from the doorway. Also we were unable to tender. We couldn't get off the ship unless docked. One other issue for us was the deplorable state of the sidewalks and streets in foreign ports. In Nassau we couldnt find a section of siewalk without a curb. There were so many people it was like cattle in a schute. We got so hot and frustrated we just turned around and got back on the ship. Maybe its just that the ship was old and like you said wasn't refurbished. Thank you for all the great information. Where do you go for your research? I was unable to get much besides general info from Carnival s web site and it wasnt ship specific. I didnt know where to look for info on foreign ports. Also, before booking can you see what excursions are accessible on a cruise you might be considering? You guys are great. Thank you.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Like we said in the video .... ONLY ships registered in USA have to abide by ADA laws. Most major lines ARE NOT registered in the USA and are NOT ADA compliant. In fact, the only 1 SHIP we can think of is the NCL Pride of America that is registered in the USA and home ported in Hawaii. We find Carnival one of the worst for accessibility and have been saying it for years!! You will NEVER find a "dedicated elevator" on any line. Remember, you can't blame the cruise line for the rude guest that don't use proper elevator etiquette. We have also said for years that tendering may not be possible for a wheelchair/scooter user. Sounds like you went on an old ship!! You can research google, youtube, travel agents ect... Usually the cruise lines website has great information. Not sure why you couldn't find ship specific on the site as we have never found it to be an issue. Also, in our experience all of the cruise lines have the excursions sorted by activity level as well as labeled weather it is handicap accessible. The sad fact is that most times there is only 1 or 2 accessible excursions per CRUISE.

[@sudan01cs]

You can get the scooter in the turmoil that’s what I do so I can ride it up the ramp into the ship.

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Not all ports we have found have that as an option but its great to hear that where you have sailed from it is!!

[@kays749]

The biggest problem I have is dealing with able-bodied people who use the handicapped restroom and sit in labeled seats throughout the ship. The entitlement is infuriating!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

YES !! Our biggest pet peeves !! They have 99 % of the areas designated to them...yet they want to use the 1 % that we get. UGH !!

[@timothyjohnston4083]

Happens on dry land all the time with handicap parking spaces. I usually quip that their handicap must be visual if they can't see the sign and the blue paint on the ground. One lady I confronted was at first very offended; but she eventually moved her car. Another time, a man *sitting* in his car in a handicap space at a supermarket refused to move saying there were lots of other handicap spaces available (which was true, but not the point). I warned him he could get a fine; but he just ignored me. I informed the store employees at the customer service counter. They looked at me like I had 3 heads, saying "What do you want us to do?" Thinking back, I should have insisted they call the police. He would have gotten a nice big ticket. (In my jurisdiction, respecting handicap parking spaces is the only part of the Highway Code that can be enforced on private property.) Maybe in my old age (52), I am getting cranky and b*tchy. Time for another cruise, I think ! :)

[@kathythomson4244]

Don't count on royal carribian. They day they help you board and depart. They don't. All we heard was your on you own we have no help. Over 100 people gathered together had to help ourselves down to customs and wait in 2 hr lines last november. Your on your own is all they said. No response to later phone calls and e mails. They just didn't care. Kathy Thomson

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

That is very disturbing to hear. RCCL needs to do beter.

[@emileefontenot5252]

I'm sorry to hear this. We've always had a good experience with both NCL and RCCL. My husband is in a large motorized chair, and everyone on board is typically very accommodating. Occasionally we have to explain something to them, but for the most part Special Needs at Sea and the Accessibility Depts. have been helpful. Maybe give it another go?

[@joefontanello7984]

Can u guys BE more informative?! Great video!

[@Cruisingwithwheels]

Thanks Joe....More to come!