Double amputee, wheelchair bound - is a cruise even a (sane) possibility?

[Trgccmac]

We have recently booked our first cruise (ever!) on the Wonder next March. We are leaving Miami with Cozumel and Grand Cayman as ports of call. I am trying to convince my parents to come as well - we have never done a big family trip, and my dad has had a few scares over the last few years. I keep pestering them to consider coming on the cruise with us, but they are hesitant as my dad is a bilateral above knee amputee. He is medically stable, uses a mechanical wheelchair, gets around his home just fine, and uses a transfer board for transfers. I would certainly get him medically cleared from his doctor, and insist upon good medical insurance.
They are most concerned about flights down - from northern Ontario; taxis and airport transfers; and the cruise itself. I think the ship would be no problem, in a HA room. I realize that the ports are not likely an option, but they would be just as happy to stay on board the ship.
I have looked on this forum, as well as cruise critic - but haven't seen many posts from a bilateral amputee, wheelchair bound perspective
I guess I'm just looking for others who have been there, done that...is this even a good idea? or am I just being a selfish daughter who wants to make sure we have one fantastic family trip!?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/fact_sheets/travel.html

http://acoa.convio.net/site/News2?id=5219

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190

 

[lanejudy]

For air travel, he should be allowed pre-boarding, which will allow him extra time. He would either check his w/c with luggage and use an airport one to the gate, or he could stay in his chair to the gate and gate-check his chair. This way it would be brought right back to the door of the plane when you land. All airlines have "aisle" chairs to which he would need to transfer in order to get onto the plane and to his seat.

DCL transfer buses are w/c accessible with a lift - you would probably want to note that on your reservation. Like the ME buses, he could ride up in the lift and the chair is secured in the bus.

Another option is private car service if he's more comfortable transferring in and out of a regular passenger car. If you have a large party, that might not be a good idea for him because they likely would come with a van. But if you used separate car service reservations (1 for your family, 1 for dad and mom) then he'd likely be in a regular car - you'd want to call and discuss it.

A 3rd option is a car rental. But that might be more hassle unless mom doesn't mind driving. Again, to fit your family and your parents, you'd likely need a minivan which is probably hard for him to tranfer.

I can't speak for those ports of call, but there is always plenty to do on-ship. He absolutely can be accommodated on the ship. However, I have heard that there are few fully accessible staterooms, so you'd want to check if one's available for your cruise and make a decision to book it soon.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

 

[Mary976]

My daughter is a not an amputee but she uses a wheelchair full time. I've done a lot of research and the WDW cruises look great...the only thing that has kept us from doing one is concern about port excursions (many of which are not accessible). That being said, if your parents are happy to stay on the ship I think it sounds like it could be a great trip for them.

Obviously trip insurance would be a must, but sounds like you were already figuring on that.

Anyway, I hope that things work out for all of you.

Mary

 

[Michigan]

My daughter is a not an amputee but she uses a wheelchair full time. I've done a lot of research and the WDW cruises look great...the only thing that has kept us from doing one is concern about port excursions (many of which are not accessible). That being said, if your parents are happy to stay on the ship I think it sounds like it could be a great trip for them.

Obviously trip insurance would be a must, but sounds like you were already figuring on that.

Anyway, I hope that things work out for all of you.

Mary

I have 2 full time wheelchair kids and we have been on several cruises. We cruise on Princess because Disney is twice as much for the same ports. It's not that hard to find an accessible excursion or many ports you can walk to town. In St. Maarten there is a tour guide that has a mini van that took us all over the island.

Cruising is the most accessible vacation you will ever take even the kids programs but you need to book an accessible cabin about a year in advance.

 

[peemagg]

I would also bring a manual chair that folds and use that for shore excursions. This would allow him to get off the ship if he so chose. Sometimes, especially with tendered ports, they can't get powerchairs or scooters onto the tenders, but if someone can transfer to a manual chair, then there is more possibilities for many things. Manual chairs also tend to work better when ashore for vehicles in the ports. Most can take a manual folding chair, but few can take scooters or powerchairs.