When your accessible room isn’t so accessible...

[@mortar235]

Your agent screwed you and booked you in a non-accessible room.

[@jillmo3286]

This happens to my son all the time ever😢time travels regardless the hundred pounds uhavev to pay beforehand always left stranded at airport or exactly what happening in Ur video it's a disgraceful

[@mortar235]

@jillmo3286 for cruising it's best to review deck plans before booking to identify the specific accessible rooms and book those. Booking a nonspecific room means it won't be assigned until close to sailing so it's more likely all accessible rooms will already be taken

[@arokh72]

@@mortar235 agreed 100%. When my disabled partner, and myself, cruised last year, we booked well in advance, and booked the exact accessible cabin we wanted. You pay more, but piece of mind is worth the extra cost.

[@Kni0002]

better book directly and select the room on the website, cut out the middle man

[@debidehm9129]

Did you upset your booking agent?!

[@OhNoYouDidnt]

Interesting regarding the accessible rooms, in the UK on the ships I've been on it was clearly stated when you booked an accessible room that if someone who needed the room came along you would be moved to a non-accessible room if you were not booking it for said reasons.

[@alexnorth757]

what happens when the cruise is fully booked like this guys cruise was and the room that he is vacating is smaller or cheaper than the accessible room that you are in?

[@cloudelk6059]

@@alexnorth757you might right but if someone actually needs are going be that guy. Now I do say if you were in a accessible and were to be ask to move to smaller cabins so someone who needs your room can have it. I would except you be refund if he different of the two room price and to compensate for whatever it free drink or onboard credit. But we don’t live perfect world so refund of different porbbley but being competitive with free drink or on board credit should definitely happen.

[@alexnorth757]

@@cloudelk6059 the problem with that is that if i was downgraded in room size/quality than i probably wouldnt want to be on the cruise at all anyways. i normally book the smallest room that im willing to accept. if i got a smaller room than what i book, than it would ruin the trip for me as i wouldnt be comfortable in something smaller. like the room he showed us later was a full size bed compard to the bunk bed he originally had. if i was moved form a full bed to a bunk and given a bit of cash back, i would still be completely unhappy.

[@Sharakad]

@@alexnorth757 I mean if you are warned about it beforehand and still book it, then it kinda sounds like your problem. You rolled the dice and lost.

[@Marynicole830]

@@alexnorth757 I mean it would be fine with me if they refunded the price difference. I can deal with having a smaller room as long as I don’t pay for the bigger one while being in the smaller one. Someone else’s needs are more important than my wants and I would rather give a little so we can all enjoy the cruise than get what I want at the expense of someone else. If someone NEEDS the room I’m in that I got just because it helps a bit with some pain and discomfort ( accessible rooms help me and my grandmother, we both have pain issues though hers are far worse but we can have a good time in a normal room as well, we just need a bit more time to do things lol) then I’ll give it up without question. idk. It would feel wrong not to even without social pressure and all that.

[@mpkimmich]

I have booked many accessible cruises for myself. I am in a wheelchair and I always speak to the guest access department, even if I’m dealing with a travel agent, to verify that my room is both accessible and fully accessible with no step ups to the bathroom. Another thing I do, every single time, is look online for actual photos of the cabin prior to booking. Sometimes even though a cabin meets all your requirements on paper, it really just doesn’t meet your needs for some reason. Able-bodied agents, unless they specialize in special needs, do not fully understand your needs like no steps up to the bathroom and 32” wide doors. I have always received the accessible cabin that I booked. I hope you don’t give up on cruising.

[@paxundpeace9970]

Doors and step free access should be pretty basic having space of 30+in along the bed too. Sadly higher range and more expensive suites meet those requirements for space.

[@queenb9654]

You planned ahead and took extra measures to insure accessibility ♿ Unfortunately, this young man took the word of a travel agent. Hope it all worked out for him.

[@JTrickZ]

Call and email MSC corporate before you get off the boat. This is unacceptable when you made all required efforts and paid a fare.

[@fizz555]

He did not make all efforts he did not book an accessible cabin. That form is for additional needs not a in allocation. I know I have been on many cruises 4 with msc one on that ship. It is all his fault

[@neckbackcripplinganxietyattack]

@@fizz555what should he do then? Either way I feel like it should have been more obvious if you needed an extra extra form for allocation, since he wouldn’t have purposely ignored something that he needed

[@mortar235]

@@JTrickZ nope he made minimal efforts after cabins would have already been assigned.

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

i was once told at a motel that all rooms were accessible as they were on the 1st floor, but there was a STEP into every room....seriously!

[@paulbarlow9907]

This year, we booked an accessible room. The room was fine, but it was only accessible via 54 steps over 4 stairways. There was no lift or stair lift.

[@tiiuvanwinckle7880]

Unless the people who are handicapped themselves or have an accessible consultation to design these rooms then they will never know what is accessible or not. When I travel with my Mom I always have to bring a raised toilet seat because even if they have bars around the toilets the seat is still to darn low.

[@MsGrockle]

I did a cruise last year and I have a disability that impairs my mobility (I'm not a wheelchair user though). I booked direct with the cruise line and they were really helpful and identified all of the cabins that were close to lifts and other facilities and helped me choose the one that suited me best. I think that speaking with them directly was helpful as I got the reassurance straight away that my cabin would be suitable. The moment you add a third party in, such as a travel agent, there is a risk that they won't be able to deliver what they promised you. Even so, the ship I was on had only 2 wheelchair accessible cabins which was less than 1% of their total number. Things have to improve.

[@Michael-sb8jf]

This is what Im thinking The thing is when you book a cruise 3 weeks out your choice of rooms is very very limited. Cruise lines will then push out to travel agencies to fill as many vacant rooms as possible before departure. This looks like a room that no one wanted thus why it was available 3 weeks out. Now I also argue that they need to hold x amount of wheel chair assessable rooms for just an event like this too and put in STRONG language in your documentation about the possibility that if your put in a wheel chair assessable room they can move you at a moments notice. And one last thought Since most ships legally operate out of the Bahamas they don't necessarily have to follow US/EU disability laws?

[@jedwardfanxox6]

This is so frustrating. Hope you still got to enjoy your trip

[@vap57]

As a person with a disability, that cruises once per year I feel your pain. Though, I have have always been able to book an accessible cabin, your video taught me a lesson about the hazard of of booking a non accessible one. I have considered booking a "regular" cabin on cruises where the accessible cabins are sold out, but have never actually done so, and never will after seeing your video. On a second note, the more I see videos about MSC cruises, the more I know that I will be wary of booking on them.

[@lizardstravels]

This was not on MSC it is on the agent that booked. They did not know what they were doing. I book a ton of MSC and have never had any problems booking accessible rooms. But i always do the booking on the phone with a live person.

[@PegLegAdventures]

@@lizardstravels Definitely agree it's on the agent. Although I would recommend finding a better agent that actually specializes in accessible travel. There are plenty, many of whom are disabled themselves. Going through an agent has a lot of extra benefits. It just needs to be an agent that actually understands your needs.

[@mark_1185]

​@@PegLegAdventures I don't think the agent even needs to specialise in accessible travel to get this right. I've always been able to pick my cabin from a deckplan so I can see which cabins are accessible and can see exactly where they are located. I also look at photos of the room and zoom in on things like the door to the bathroom to see if there is a lip etc. I also look at the dimensions of the room.and layout to make sure it fits my needs. I do all this myself, as only I know my own needs. Yes the agent appears to have booked a non accessible room, however the customer doesn't appear to made any effort to do the research I've described above, which is pretty easy as all the info like deck plans and photos are readily available

[@tswej]

You would think they would offer comps to someone to switch rooms with you. That would generate good publicity, by doing nothing it tells people with accessibility needs they aren't welcome. At one point I was wheelchair bound after a failed back surgery so I definitely understand the challenges you face and I alway had my wife or children to help when needed.

[@jadajohnson5733]

That's the bed? I thought it was a couch.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

It is a couch. 😝 NOT A BED!

[@mortar235]

This is a solo non-accessible room. It's essentially a living room for an adjoining stateroom that they book to solo travelers at a discounted rate.

[@cghforever1334]

@@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD that's just cruel

[@maryannpiccirilli454]

We have cruised since 2005. Husband has needed an accessible cabin for the last 10 years or so. He needs the zero entrance bathroom and seat in shower and grab bars. If we have a balcony, it needs zero entrance. So we have to book our cruises very far in advance. Rarely can we book at the last minute for an accessible cabin. It would be nice if they made more cabins with zero entry bathrooms with bars, etc. I make sure the agent on the phone knows we can only use an accessible cabin. But best to have the deck plans so you can see where the cabin is and if is truly accessible. Celebrity does a great job with their accessible cabins being close to elevators and good size.

[@SEKCobra]

I think that the total/relative number of accessible rooms is probably OK, as (probably) not 100% of the 20% of people with disabilities will need those adaptions and you'll probably have to factor in the amount of people that decide against taking on the challenge of traveling. So if only 2.5% of their participants needs those rooms, that's OK. I think the real issue is, as you have highlighted, that even those 2.5% of rooms are not properly utilized or made available to the people who need them.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

@@SEKCobra you make some great points here.

[@321Jarn]

Yeah, plus if the ship is sinking or on fire it's impossible to help that many disabled passengers, so 20% of the rooms being accessible could also be a safety hazard tbh.

[@MusaNana-op4ek]

I suspect from the perspective of the cruise companies, handicapped people like wheelchair users are not their main target customers for these kind of rooms. Cruises seem to be quite popular with older folks, especially if you are not as fit and as mobile as you used to be, and a plane or train or bus trip seems not doable anymore. And the companies actively market their cruises to older folks. And if you happen to be a bit infirm on your legs, why not take the accessible room when booking your trip? I am not sure, but is an elderly person with some mobility issues considered legally handicapped? I guess in most cases they are not, but I can understand if they book an accessible room, especially if the encouraged by the cruise companies with their advertisement. Not saying that is right, just pointing out where some of the imbalance may come from.

[@Nerfunkal]

Universal Design, y'all walkers won't even notice.😊

[@Nerfunkal]

​@@MusaNana-op4ekThis is a great argument for accessible design, because everyone gets old and will face barriers as their mobility decreases.

[@mojosbigsticks]

Accessible rooms are rare as hen's teeth. You're doing a grand job raising the issue, but realistically, you'll never get to book one just a few weeks in advance.

[@sfpbosb85]

Having cruised a number of times, I sometimes take for granted my ability to access certain areas without issue. It makes me furious that someone without your disability is in a room you need, and they’re in a room they want but don’t need. I would strongly recommend you try a different cruise line and book a little further out. Might be time to bail on MSC but not cruising. Safe travels!

[@ybunnygurl]

My uncle had a stroke and was was wheelchair bound post stroke. He liked to travel and cruising was the only comfortable way for him to do it. Pro tip: book through a travel agent, or over the phone with the cruise line. You say I'm wheel chair bound and MUST have a wheelchair accessible room. Cruise lines direct travel agents can get those rooms even if it means moving people around and sometimes bumping them.

[@sionandjess]

It looks like he did book through a travel agent though

[@jennifercheney4353]

He did that...

[@TamMcKie]

I hope they managed to find a proper solution...considering that other room was "accessible" it feels like they don't understand what that terms means... I'm personally not in the same position as yourself, but my dad is, and I'll gladly admit you kept a lot calmer than I would've in that situation had I been on a trip with me dad...

[@malinpeh]

Finally found my way here after watching a video about it on “The Shiplife”, but it wasn’t easy since they didn’t link your page… Maybe ask them to add a link since they are using your video.

[@elizadoolotssecondchannel9545]

We had a very tricky situation with MSC as well we were in the accessible rooms but they wearnt accessible. We are a family of 3 and there was a pull out bed in the ceiling that I as a wheelchair user was meant to sleep on . They wearnt great at helping at all we complained and they just said that’s just the way it is but it shouldn’t be ! There was a huge step in to our balcony as well ! I am so sorry you experienced as similar thing they obviously haven’t changed !

[@leahw2124]

My late mother had this on the aria a few years back from Brisbane to numea. The room didn't even allow the bathroom door to be shut when she used it and then when they got off at a port, the tide went down and they couldn't get her back on. It wad pouring rain and all they could do was give her an umbrella while she sobbed.

[@ST52655]

😢

[@ElizabethStone-TolcherJames]

I originally thought they gave you a solo cabin that is made for one person till you said it was a bunk. That looks like the size of a solo cabin.

[@CathyGoes]

Things like this are why I tell people to not bother with travel agents. Yours screwed you over here. It's just as easy to book directly while you are looking at a deck plan online. You'll be able to see exactly where you are going to be along with making sure you aren't directly above/below the night club or some other noisy venue. The form is just for special needs on the cruise. Booking the actual accessible room is done when you are selecting a room.

[@GarbageMan2025]

Do we know it was a travel agent? Or an associate of the cruise line?

[@lizardstravels]

Not all Travel Agents are like the one that this guy dealt with. I have many clients that are wheelchair bound. I never have troubles getting them on ship. I work with the cruiseline directly to get the right cabin. I never book this kinds of cabins online. There are good Travel Agents out there

[@shelleylarose]

Three weeks before a cruise there were no accessible rooms left.

[@angelapreniczky5908]

I am a nurse, and this is absolutely NOT ACCEPTABLE. They took your money, and told you they can accommodate but fell short.

[@jonny-b4954]

To be fair, cruise ships really aren't built with wheelchairs in mind. Still a flub with the booking agent. I didn't even realize they had accessible rooms on ships. 5:00 No, not necessarily. Guarantee cruise ship customers aren't 20% disabled. And they smartly target their target audience. Bummer that didn't work out for you. Definitely better vacations for the wheelchair bound out there, it seems.

[@CobisTaba]

Please contact MSC corporate and I suggest seeing if Ben and David (the cruise vloggers) can help you get into contact with MSc. Since their debacle some time ago they have good contacts now and have always been very actively reviewing accessibility options so they understand the cause. Maybe we can raise awareness to the issue and get a proper fix fleet wide.

[@lizardstravels]

i agree with Cobis, contact MSC and reach out to Ben and David they might be able to get you to the right person

[@MundaneMan-fq7mi]

As someone who used to work in the hospitality industry, this is very good advice. Cause when reported to corporate the higher ups on the ship/hotel get very serious and will most likely intervene. Also that guest service was terrible.

[@Elderly-Marian-in-UK]

Eagerly awaiting part 2 of this. New sub here. Xx

[@Jillousa]

One thing to consider, evacuation. Will there be enough staff to evacuate everyone appropriately?

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

Do you think they can appropriately evacuate a person with a disability?

[@Baker_king12]

it’s especially surprising to me, considering I really thought that cruises would be a more accessible way of enjoying a vacation because you’re essentially in a giant hotel that has all of the amenities all of the attractions inside. I mean heck that’s a majority of the reason why cruises are so popular amongst senior populations is because they are cheap and relatively low resistance. I never thought about the fact that the restrooms and such are kind of small and cramped. And that bulkheads often times require you step over them.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

You’re right, cruises seem like they’d be an ideal, accessible way to vacation, especially with everything in one place. It’s surprising how many barriers still exist, like cramped restrooms and step-over bulkheads. Considering how popular cruises are with seniors, you’d think accessibility would be a higher priority. Hopefully, that changes as more people speak up!

[@bumblebee5990]

That is in no way an accessible room and you are right, this is giving off a vibe of we don’t care.

[@iammorpheus7345]

I am fortunate to not have this issue, but just watching.I am so frustrated for you sir. I am so sorry you had to deal with this. And it's not right at all, and they should be held accountable for this.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

Thank you for your kind words and understanding, it means a lot. It’s definitely frustrating, but raising awareness is a step toward accountability and change. Hopefully, with enough voices speaking out, we can push for a more inclusive and accessible world. Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@karenr59]

I had a similar experience on a 35 day cruise. Luckily I only use a walker. The bathroom was a nightmare as I cannot stand to shower and the shower head was fixed so it was a whole performance to have daily showers. Getting my walker through the door was also another nightmare.

[@arokh72]

Shane, I'm curious why you booked via MSC USA and not MSC Australia (my friend at MSC Australia told me this was the case)? I feel you may have had a better outcome if you booked via MSC Australia, being an Australian. I only mention this, because when booking locally, we've never had an issue getting an accessible cabin. My friend, who works for MSC Australia, will even fight MSC HQ to get a better passenger experience. Please don't let this experience turn you off cruising. My advice, as the partner of a cruiser who needs accessible cabins, is to book well in advance, use a good local cruise specialist travel agent (being country NSW, I can't help you there, sorry), and book the exact cabin on the ship you need. Yes, you pay more to book the exact cabin, but it can save situations like this.

[@sleepyboyuk]

As fellow wheelchair user, I feel for you! I physically could not get in that bathroom. Please always book " a numbered room" at time of booking to avoid this.

[@sophiejanewilliams]

I was once put in an accessible room in a hotel with very few accessible rooms at a busy time of year. I went back to reception to ask if I could have a standard room as I was therefore taking up a 2 person accessible room which I did not need and could be used for someone who does need it. In the same hotel a few weeks later, a friend who did need an accessible room was not given one as they had used them for other people who didn’t book those rooms. If you’re ever given one and don’t need it and haven’t booked one, please speak up and keep them free for those who do!

[@MsStina84]

It's the same thing every time. Other people seem to think that everyone can leave the wheelchair several meters away and walk to where they need to. I was actually told that at a cinema about 20 years ago (aged about 20), to use the accessible seats you had to leave the wheelchair against the wall at the entrance and walk to the seat (in case of emergency).

[@deejay8892]

This seems like a set up. My mom needs an accessible room. We book months or a year in advance. Even then we have to base our choice on what is available.

[@DB-zp9un]

was this thru MSC or a TA? If MSC that person needs serious training, if TA you need a new TA..

[@lizlilliman3644]

I am a wheelchair user and booked my 1st cruise. Wheelchair accessible cabins tend to sell put to disabled people 18 to 22mths in advance as there are limited rooms. I know exactly which room ill be in as we sat with the travel agent and looked at the deck plan as we booked. We are going with p&o and you also need to book an evacuation chair as well. As there are limited numbers of these the agent made sure we had that assigned before we looked at the rooms on the ship. We where also flexible with dates and ports. So i go sept 2026 very excited and ive also been able to request raised loo and shower seat. The room has a wet room. It maybe that all the rooms are full with disabled people already who cannont move to a non accessible room. Next time book and make sure you know your cabin at booking dont realie on the email form as thats sent for a what ever extra equipment you may need. Im looking forward to it and on a Facebook page for p&o travellers with mobility needs and people go year after year as its the best way to travel as a disabled user.

[@mojosbigsticks]

There was a case a few weeks back of someone having their cruise cancelled as the ship didn't have enough evacuation chairs. She'd booked an accessible cabin, months in advance, but when she filled out the form to say she'd need an evacuation chair, the cruise line cancelled and refunded her, and that was that.

[@lizlilliman3644]

@mojosbigsticks yep my chair was booked before the room was so all done at the time of booking so should hopefully be safe

[@PegLegAdventures]

Sounds like you have a good agent there. I'm sure you will have a great trip.

[@lizlilliman3644]

@@PegLegAdventures thank you so excited. When I was back at school I did latin and the 1st books where set in Pompeii, the ship so a accessible trip there, it's a bucket list item. I had to choose Italy or Greece. Italy because of this and Greece as I am a major fan of epic the musical (based on the Odyssey). Since then found out on our Italy trip we got where they think he went passed the sirens and cices island so excited about that too.

[@JohnyComeLately]

Commenting while paused at 3:15, can I just say I aspire to your patience.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

Your support and comments make it all worthwhile!

[@terrijennings8667]

The Best Western we stay at when we go on vacation only has one handicap accessible room in the whole place. Never understood why they only have the one. ☹️

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

That’s so frustrating! One accessible room is hardly enough, especially when so many people rely on those features.

[@PegLegAdventures]

I'm sorry this happened to you. I would say don't give up on cruising. There are cruise lines that are very accessible. And it can be a great way for disabled people to travel. Some advice for next time though; - Book VERY early. Accessible cabins need to be booked specifically. And that usually only works if you book more than a year out. Non-disabled people can and do book those cabins. I am 100% sure that since you booked your cabin so close to the sail date, there weren't any actual accessible cabins available. - Go through an agent that actually understands accessibility needs. There are many who specialize in that, often because they are disabled themselves. So they understand your needs. Unfortunately, it sounds like your agent screwed up royally. - Contact the cruise line's accessibility department. Which you did. However, the form you submitted usually just confirms you need the accessible room if you booked one, and lets the line know if you need anything else. It won't move you into an accessible room if you don't already have one booked. I've got an upcoming cruise on Royal Caribbean in a fully accessible cabin. One of the first things I did after booking the room was send in the form. So now they know there is an actual disabled person in that room. - Be picky about which line you cruise on. The European based lines tend to be a little more relaxed on accessibility features. US based lines have to meet ADA laws which are a quite a bit more stringent. I've cruised on Carnival and Royal Carribean and found them to be quite good for accessibility. Better than many land based hotels even.

[@scottmullings4505]

How do u stay so calm. I have mental & physical disability- I would have gone nuts - thank u for showing me u can remain calm --- cheers x

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

All this takes a toll, it wears you down. But I share this because I want people to understand what it’s often like for those with disabilities. Hopefully, my lived experience can bring about change. I can only try. Believe it or not, you watching and commenting helps. It boosts the algorithm, meaning more people see these videos, and those in positions to make changes start to listen. Before you know it, tourism and the world become more inclusive. Thank you for being part of this! If you're reading this, you can help by simply liking and commenting!

[@landsraad9745]

Seeing comments about lips to bayhrooms or apartments at the doorstep and just want to say its to prevent flooding. Theyre pretty necessary everywhere.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

Interesting because they don't have these in the accessible bathrooms?

[@jworth7203]

I’m really sorry you’re experiencing this. Were you workin* with a travel agent or did you book on your own? A knowledgeable travel agent would be able to advise you that your room was NOT accessible. In the future, I’d suggest n3ver booking a cruise w/o an assigned cabin number and verify before booking that the stateroom is fully accessible.

[@minniemcdonagh8990]

where I live we get booked in to a room that isn’t wheelchair accessible it’s very small and it’s hard to get my wheelchair in and out, I always tell my dad to ring down to the reception on the boat to give us a bigger wheelchair accessible room but my dad doesn’t listen

[@andrewmckenzie-k7i]

ok. i have watched this and your tick tok vids. i think i can gather what has happened, you booked a cruise through a travel agent but at no point has anyone booked an accessible room. you have to do that at the time of booking ie pick your own room from the deck plan. the form you filled out was only a special needs request saying that you require extra help on the trip. that form has nothing to do with requesting an accessible room. The form does state have you requested a disabled room its not asking if you would like to book the room.

[@petat13]

I’m sure you’re correct, but that’s really no excuse.

[@jeaniecameron295]

70k views and 1k likes...please like this video everyone. It helps bring awareness of this type of issue to light. This stuff goes on everywhere❤

[@blacksorrento4719]

I sent an enquiry to MSC at the beginning of this year, I am still awaiting a reply. I agree with other comments, to book an accessible room of which there are few available, you have to book at least 18months in advance. I understand and empathise with your plight. But I would be changing travel agents, and demanding compensation.

[@mark_1185]

Any time I've booked a cruise, I was able to see, in advance and before parting with any cash, photographs of the cabin type I'd be staying in and a deck plan of the ship so I can see exactly where it is in relation to facilities like elevators. I could also see a floor plan of the cabin itself including all dimensions. I actually got to choose the exact cabin I'd be in and knew the cabin number before paying. All this information (floor plans/photos) are readily available on the cruise line website. So I don't understand how this situation occurred. Did you just say to the agent that you need an accessible room and they said no problem and that was that? Did they not advise to go to the deck plan and choose a cabin from there so you can see which cabins are accessible and see where they are located and also see the photos? If not, get a refund from your agent and use a better one next time. If you are able to book through an agent that facilitates all the things I've explained that I was able to do before booking, you'll have a much better experience next time. I hope this experience hasn't turned you off cruising in the future.

[@jonathans.972]

I feel weird when I stay in a hotel room that has an accessible shower. "Am I in the wrong room?" I mean, I just can't understand how people won't just give up their accessible room!

[@pinkyshoes22]

I work in the hotel business in the US and it’s absolutely an ADA requirement that we have a dedicated room for someone who booked an accessible room. I assume cruises can skirt regulations like that because they are flagged out of countries that may not require it. It’s scummy though and dumb on their behalf. In my opinion, most people that cruise are older and generally when people get older there can be a possibility for mobility issues. It would make more sense for them to create more accessible rooms.

[@Those_Weirdos]

I feel that accessible rooms should be the last sold, except where need can be shown ahead of time to book it. However, the ADA and fear of getting sued into the dirt essentially prohibits this. Employees are generally not to ask about the need for disabled/accessible facilities, just like they refrain from kicking fake service animals out.

[@techfixuk]

I was only in a wheelchair for a short time (First I broke both ankles, then just after I had the casts removed from that I had a stroke), so I don't claim to be an expert. Having said that, I do have an opinion that I didn't have before. I think a lot of the problems for accessibility stem from the fact that these things are designed and built by people who don't have any mobility or accessibility issues. Theory is never as full as practical experience.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! Hopefully, industries will start prioritising that input!

[@eclipse_eternal8178]

Having more accessible rooms and designs won't ever hurt people don't have disabilities, but will help anyone that does. People without disabilities can always use the assessable rooms no matter what. I get that there's more too it than that (like costs and space and logistics) but really... why don't we just design with accessibility in mind first, because then you don't have to spend more money to fix things later on.

[@janetflanagan973]

From everything thing I have read in many forums, there is NO WAY I will EVER book an MSC cruise. I've cruised many lines, in bad cabins and great suites, but COSTA, MSC and CARNIVAL are off limits, no matter the price or itinerary. So sorry you had such a problem!

[@bevshaw5871]

I was promised an accessible room last Sept but it wasn’t even close. The door was so narrow. I scraped up my arms on both sides getting my chair in and there was not enough room to store my chair in the room for charging

[@redcapsue]

I'm confused why they didn't move people who were in accessible and didn't need it. They could comp them something nice and maybe upgrade them or something but I thought anyone disabled in need of the room has priority. Good to know they don't follow guidelines because I am disabled.

[@Thelittlethingsoflife]

When booking did you select a particular room and then when you got on you were swapped to a different room number? When I book cruises I have certain needs and select the exact cabin number I want at the time of booking? Was this the type of booking where you select a certain class of room and then the cruiseline picks your actual room? I’m too scared to book those types as it’s leftover rooms that are assigned. If you booked through an agent then they didn’t do a good job for you(I’m not one). I’m so sorry you had this experience. For a cruise normally for special needs we need to pick an accessible cabin at the time of booking. After that’s all done we also have to fill in the special needs form as the cruiseline usually needs this info to know if assistance is needed like if there is an emergency evacuation of the ship. MSC has gorgeous ships but they aren’t known for their service. For a first time cruiser who has accessibility issues I probably would not go with them.

[@ellenh4984]

He booked a guarantee room 3 weeks before the cruise. He made a huge mistake for a special need person.

[@JC-tf9wo]

This is unfortunate but I’m feeling this is more poor planning on your part. Personally i can use a regular cabin with assistive devices. Or a friend hold my arm to step into the bathroom. So I’ve been in both cabins. I found that ADA rooms sell fast. I try to get one if I can and ALWAYS pick my cabin number. Don’t rely on an agent and plan better.

[@epicgameztv]

As someone his lives with a disability requiring a walker.. i dont rely on a TA to book my cruise. I deal with the cruise line directly..

[@bradleymolloy8332]

Isn't there laws around this? Like don't they legally have to surply a proper suited room? I'm so sorry you have to deal with this! Also here from your tiktok ☺️

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

@@bradleymolloy8332 you would think so. It’s hard to give people with disabilities a room when they’ve all been handed out to people that don’t have disabilities.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

@@bradleymolloy8332 welcome

[@ybunnygurl]

So most cruise ships follow the laws of wherever their homeport is. And most of the homeportsof the ships don't have very strict laws which is why they're ported there; usually it's for tax purposes but sometimes it's also because employment laws are weak. That's because those laws are weak there usually you're not going to find a lot of laws regarding disabilities and accessibility for people with disabilities. And that's not even in places where there are strong disability laws. It doesn't always mean things are accessible.

[@shannonbannanie4370]

​@@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLDpeople book them because they are larger rooms. They should be held for those that need them.

[@MorgusVR]

They don't follow or have to follow ADA laws. They have to meet the code of their flagged country. A lot of them use Bahamas, MSC is mostly flagged with Panama. Codes aren't as stricted for these countries for accessibility.

[@scrumbles]

I certainly see why the bathroom is an impossibility, but why is a twin bed inaccessible for you?

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

The issue with a couch bed isn’t just its size but also the height and positioning. Many people with disabilities need a certain bed height to safely transfer in and out or enough space to use mobility equipment like a hoist. Accessibility isn’t just about the bathroom, it’s about the whole room working together to meet specific needs.

[@Anon0missX]

Questions: 1) How did you book this room, via the cruise line directly or with a travel agent? 2) Did that agent tell you to do the online check in right away or just booked you with no info on your next steps? 3) Why did you start looking at the layout of the ship and the accessible cabin count AFTER you booked? My few takes: 1) That person on the phone is responsible for telling you the truth: If you cannot get a specific cabin, there is NO WAY to ensure you will get an accessible room. If you were booked into a category but it's labeled "gty" or "guarantee" that means you are just guaranteed that kind of cabin or better. that is IT. Nothing to ensure you get an ACCESSIBLE cabin. FULL STOP. So either a travel agency is responsible to make you whole, or if it's an agent of MSC, then =MSC= needs to make you whole 2) That agent on the phone was responsible at MINIMUM to have you complete the online check in sooner rather than later. It's the opposite of online check in for flights, where you have to wait until w/in 24 hours, here you should have been informed to start the process ASAP as you were leaving w/in a few weeks 3) Sadly a little due diligence would have helped...MSC's own website for travelers has an FAQ section that would have helped you find out what you needed, even a "gasp" youtube search for cruising and wheelchairs would have given you a bit more heads up on what to expect or what help you needed to ask for, what you would have needed to confirm before agreeing to the booking.

[@Ivehadenuff]

I feel badly that this happened. I wonder if this man double and triple checked that his room was accessible before even leaving. I have only been on one cruise but I found the cabins on line and knew what to expect before I even left. Had this man looked at the cabins online he would have known it was not an accessible cabin.

[@토토총]

back in my day we used to wheel to the outhouse 5 miles away without wheelchairs and accessabilities and back every day.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

Lucky we’re not still in your day! Accessibility has come a long way, but there’s still plenty of work to do. Progress is everything!

[@토토총]

@@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD this is such a good comment! I love your videos

[@mcawesome914]

this is a clear example of the difference between being a karen vs genuinely advocating for urself

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

Which one am I?

[@ASMRmama-and-Sakura]

I’d run after the captain and get him to try your wheelchair, then get him to try and use your chair in this room! When you get back go to MSC and said what happened to correspondence, ask them to there faces! Sorry to hear about what’s happening😢

[@robinbrook5624]

Who ever booked your cruise dropped the ball! I don't know about MSC, but do know that the other major cruise lines have 'real' accessible cabins. Please don't make this your last cruise, but make it a teachable event for others, so the same thing doesn't happen to them.

[@mikes2147]

I feel for you. There needs to be a way to 100% guarantee an accessible room. As for making ships with 20% of the rooms accessible... that makes sense if 20% of the cruisers request accessible rooms.

[@Thelittlethingsoflife]

There is. When booking a cruise you can see all the rooms available on the ship. Then you can see if any accessible cabins are left and pick the one you want. That’s how I book. The other option is to book a class of room and then the cruiseline picks your room. That way of booking is like roulette as you don’t know where they will put you or if there are even any accessible cabins left at the time of booking. I’m not sure if that’s what happened here. If this is what their travel agent booked them, knowing there were accessibility issues them that agent failed them .

[@mikes2147]

@@Thelittlethingsoflife I am aware how booking on a cruise work. Somehow it did not work here. He should have been told before boarding he did / did not have an accessible room. If not, he should have been refunded.

[@epoc162]

If an accessible room was booked, but not given, that's a lawsuit if the terminal is in the US. Not sure on other countries though. If your agent was informed of the need and failed to book it, they could be liable for everything.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

You’re absolutely right. Have you heard of cases like this before?

[@3lli0]

I would demand a full refund and I'd report them for discrimination especially considering that comment about using the public facilities

[@paultyrrell9497]

You are so calm and so right they don’t give a shit. It’s bottom line. Shameful and an example of how greed has Gript the world. Sadly it’s not only cruise lines that don’t give a shit. It’s everywhere.

[@scorg]

Ah the solo sofa bed cabin @FraserAtSea had a cabin just like this on Grandiosa's twin Maraviglia and even he was finding it a nightmare to be in without accessability requirements.

[@RoennMC]

The people that designed the "accessible rooms" aren't the same people that use them

[@streips]

Hello. This is your guest services department. Listen. Would you possibly like to move into a tiny little room at the end of the hall because there's a gentleman with special needs who can't use it?

[@AraMarama-jw4df]

That’s terrible, how could they do that. Keep us updated.

[@Skittl1321]

This doesn't look like you booked an accessible room. You have to book a room with a roll in shower. The special needs form doesnt change your room. I'm sorry they didn't have a room for you. That really sucks, but your travel agent failed you. And our society isnt set up well for this.

[@LillyMcNealWhite]

The accessible room on the ship was requested 3 weeks in advance. The Italy hotel accessible room was requested the night before. Some of this issues are completely your own fault by poor planning on your end. If someone made the request hours or even minutes before you how can you blame the staff? Also another thing you keep saying accessible rooms are for wheelchair users come on we all know not everyone's disability visible. Just because someone isn't in a wheelchair doesn't mean they need the accessible room any less than you.

[@patti1044]

Seems like the TA did not book an accessible cabin and he was led to believe that filing paperwork would get him what he needed. This a booking issue .

[@dsfsdfdsfsdf9806]

I'd demand my money back, ask them to book me a flight and arrange for pickup at the nearest port.

[@woldrau777]

That's why you should always book with Danny at Harr Travel

[@edward60476]

I have to book one-two years in advance to grantee an accessible stateroom, these rooms book quick.

[@shannonbannanie4370]

I will be honest I'm shocked that the customer service from msc was that good. 😊

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

@@shannonbannanie4370 just wait! It is not over yet!

[@opendoor1613]

With all due respect, this isn't the fault of the cruise line. When I book cruises, I book the exact wheelchair accessible cabin number that I need. I would never go onto a cruise blindsided. If you're just finding out on boarding day that your room isn't suitable for your disability, you didn't do your research. There are plenty of fully wheelchair accessible cabins to be had, but you have to book one specifically.

[@mzleech]

I think some of the comments here are skirting dangerously close to blaming the victim mentality. While some make certain good points for due diligence, it doesn't change the fact that the world is still not very disable inclusive. It should not be this hard for someone in a wheelchair to meet just basic human needs while travelling. Having access to a usable bathroom is very different to getting, say, the perfect ocean view balcony. I also feel this cruise has thus far handled this not very well. I have been on certain cruises before where the staff would have bent over backwards to try to rectify such an issue. We all need to do better.

[@davidchoi244]

Thank you! I was about to leave a comment to this effect. For people without disabilities to claim to know what he should've or shouldn't have done is laughable.

[@sionandjess]

They need to go and knock on every disabled room and see if someone actually needs it. They need to offer to swap them over and help them move their belongings. They need to compensate you and severely apologise especially after not replying correctly to their process of emailing prior to the cruise beginning.

[@jjjww975]

I have a son with CP - and there is NO WAY I would put him on a cruise ship EVER .... if there is an emergency - everyone who is mobile will take care of themselves ...so, it would be me and me alone that would have to make sure he was safe ... these cruise lines don't care -- it's for the people who can move and take care of themselves with least effort from the cruise ship personnel ...

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

I completely understand your concern. In an emergency, it’s hard to feel confident that cruise lines would prioritise or even be equipped to assist passengers with disabilities. It’s frustrating that accessibility and safety seem like afterthoughts. Everyone deserves to feel secure and supported while travelling, but it’s clear there’s still a long way to go.

[@abfab2517]

CLICKBAIT SCAM. your agent and younare responsible. 3 weeks before booking? even 3 minths before booking, it is often not available.

[@stuart5852]

there is more accesible rooms on MSC ships than what there is on other ships, but its still not enough. As for the room, did you book it online or through an agent ? did the agent say if was accesible or did the the website say it was ? if you booked it online and there is no indication that it was adapated then im afraiad its your own fault As a travel agent myself im very particular when I book a cruise for a customer that the room has all the needs they need. If they are in a wheelchair im very particular in telling the customer that the room is or is not suited to them... so if its an agent you have booked through and they have told you its adapated then thats on them for selling you the wrong thing The cabin you are in is 14235, which on the deck plan is clearly NOT indicated as an adapted cabin. In fact im almost sure that NONE of the single cabins are in fact adapated, and that you need to take a regular twin cabin to get one.

[@xjaspx]

I think your travel agent should take most of the blame… mostly because it appears they booked you into a single occupancy room. You can tell by the single bed. They are often time the smallest room on the ship and no experience travel agent will tell you it’s remotely accessible. Giving you a single occupancy room and claiming it’s “accessible” should be a huge red flag. Normally it’s normal sized double occupancy rooms and suites that have accessible options.

[@mark703]

I hope everything turns out ok!

[@edinburghandbeyond]

Can u sue them

[@ForceFreeTrainergirl06]

I would have thought it would be common sense to think that if you book an accessible room with only three weeks to go until the cruise starts, that accessible rooms would all have been taken by then given there are so few of them? You should have enquired yourself with the company and also looked for photos of the ship cabins to check what the accessible rooms looked like. Yes it's been stressful for you but actually you didn't help yourself there did you?

[@CallMeVie]

This is ringing the bell on all cruise ships I wonder about all the new ones that are getting built if they have 20% of their rooms accessible

[@spencertomc6435]

Some people don't give a you know what. They look at a wheelchair accessible room as just a regular room but to us, wheelchair users, its not.

[@AJJesko]

To be fair, the 20% of disabilities also includes disabilities that dont actually need accessible rooms.

[@RA-wp6th]

This is so disappointing. I feel like the issue here is potentially due to a disconnect between the travel agent and the cruise operators.

[@WHEEL_AROUND_THE_WORLD]

Yup. There needs to be a better way for PWD to book travel. We need a new way! What do you think?

[@carine4318]

Let’s hope this gets to their head office 😮bloody shame on them and the travel agent…if he looked up the wrong shop then hope he has learnt a lesson tech and recheck

[@A2sdss]

If there's ever an emergency, I guess they don't care if you leave or not!?!

[@mattoverton4159]

to be fair, you should’ve done more research to make sure your wheelchair accessible whoever you book it through. You should’ve done your homework and actually looked at the Pacific Cruise line company you went with.