Cruise and ports with light wheelchair, thoughts?

[DianaMB333]

Hi
I’m doing the planning for our upcoming summer 10d Mediterranean cruise, which also includes a week extra in Paris/Barcelona… therefore the trip is long and could be exhausting

Particularly for my mom -71yrs with some arthritis; and my niece -7yrs old… mom doesn’t use wheelchair or cane; niece is too big for a stroller

I’m thinking on something like the image below so that they have the alternative if the walk is too long..

Question is.. have you tried s’thing like this? Do I need to register my mom as requiring “accesible” reservation so that we can bring the chair onboard?

Tours, I have them mostly all planned with private transfers, so I’d write them to confirm that bringing it would not be an issue

Any tips pls? Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[auntlynne]

 

[DianaMB333]

Only book accessible if you need the wide entry door and/or HA bathroom, please.

I’m guessing the chair you mention folds. Maybe even store folded under the bed.

Yes, totally.. don’t want to take anything that someone truly needs… just wondered how to register (?) the chair so that we can bring it on board..
Thanks!

 

[auntlynne]

 

[SteveMouse]

Cobblestones and other surfaces b ashore can be rough on wheelchairs and their users. The decks (almost any flooring) aboard ship) is not an issue. Ashore is a different situation, with the user’s weight and how theh are pushed, also factors.

I have utterly destroyed a couple of cheaper pieces of equipment because of vibrations because the rolling surfaces weren’t flat. We didn’t expect to bring them home, but they were brand new at the start of travels.

That is factual, not especially a complaint.

Your mileage may vary.

I

 

[happycamper47]

I don’t think there’s any registration needed. First I have ever seen any mention of this. You have me curious. You’ll be pushing it around the terminal and ship before rooms are ready.

If someone has different info, I trust they will speak up.

You don't even have to register a scooter, you just have to keep it in your cabin or in the assigned storage area when not in use. Which for the Wonder and Magic is deck 6 elevator portico midships, and for the Fantasy and Dream deck 2 under the staircase by Enchanted Garden.

 

[lanejudy]

just wondered how to register (?) the chair so that we can bring it on board..

Others are correct that there is no need to "register" or even advise DCL that you are bringing a mobility aid onboard. It sounds like that is not the case. It looks like it folds and can probably store under the bed. Personally I would carry it on because there is a risk of damage to a lightweight frame like that with checked bags.

As for in ports or your post-cruise plans -- as PP mentions, cobblestones or such will be very jarring in that chair, probably to the point of being very uncomfortable. Unfortunately cobblestones are quite common in many old European destinations. There appears to be minimal or no cushioning, and the hard small wheels won't help absorb shocks like a regular manual chair might. I suggest going to a local medical supply company and having your mom try out different types of chairs, also see if they have any recommendations. And do some research as to the types of surfaces where it will be used.

You don't mention the child's needs, but maybe a special needs stroller would be better suited for her. They come in different sizes and one that appropriate fits her might be best. But these are expensive. The Maclaren Major Elite is more common in the UK than here in the US but I don't know anything about rentals (of any brand) in Europe.

 

[SteveMouse]

Adding that larger wheels are easier to push over rougher surfaces because the wheels are leas likely to get stuck.

 

[happycamper47]

The Maclaren Major Elite is more common in the UK than here in the US but I don't know anything about rentals (of any brand) in Europe.

I think Special Needs at Sea does rent in Europe as they are currently offering a 2 for 1 to anybody doing a Transatlantic Cruise. That sounds like they are trying to get the equipment over there for future rentals.

 

[lanejudy]

Yes, Specialneedsatsea.com does rent in numerous international ports. I don't know if they do land-based rentals such as rent for the cruise and keep the equipment for a few days post-cruise; it may be worth investigating. But unfortunately I don't believe they rent special needs strollers.

 

[Flossbolna]

As others have pointed out surfaces can be an issue. But I think using this wheelchair might make sense as you can use it when it’s possible and use it as a seat when standing. If the street surface is bad then you fold it up.

So, I think you can use it well for giving people brakes, but you can’t use it as sole transport once they are exhausted as you will most likely run into surface issues in between.