Fantasy Western excursions for handicapped

[PegIra]

My husband and I use scooters to get around on the ship or when out go into port. Does anyone know of any tours that are mostsly touring on a bus with short stops to sight see? We can walk but standing for very long is a big problem.

Any help would be appreciated.

Peg

 

[maggie blossom]

I don't know the answer but you may want to post this on the DISabilities board. There are many helpful people there

 

[PegIra]

Thanks, I should have thought of that. Will try there.

 

[LWQuestie]

I noticed that the descriptions of the excursions note whether a person needs to be ambulatory or if wheelchairs can be accommodated. Have you had a chance to read the excursion descriptions for your particular cruise itinerary?

 

[PegIra]

I did read quite a few and didn't find anything, but haven't read them all yet. I will check it out again,thanks.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Many shore excursions use buses for transportation. The front seats of the buses are reserved for handicapped people, but you have to get into the bus to access those seats. Are you and your DH able to climb stairs?

The port towns usually have taxis or vans/drivers available for hire for a tour of the town. Then you wouldn't have to deal with buses and stairs.

I would also be concerned with ship tenders -- ferry boats that take you to shore when the ship is at anchor. Example, Grand Cayman's harbor isn't deep enough to accommodate the big ships. Getting onto the tenders can be a bit "dicey" for the disabled. Not sure the crew would be willing/able to wrestle two ECV's on/off the tenders.

At Castaway Cay, they have a tram that will take you where you want to go and they do have wheelchairs with huge wheels for sand, but you'd need someone to push it for you.

DMIL loved to cruise even when she was in a wheelchair, but she just stayed onboard most of the time in port. Probably because she'd already been there/done that and didn't want to impose on the family to push her chair. Tho we had several able-bodied rellies who were happy to help her.

 

[LWQuestie]

I'm not sure how you are accessing the port adventure descriptions, but if you follow this link, you can click on the port location on the left side, and filter down the results by both port and activity level. Click on the "Learn more about this Port Adventure" link on each result, and you'll get tons of info, including wheelchair/scooter accessibility.

For example, here's one listing:

Grand Cayman Island Tour
Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands At a Glance
Activity Type: Family Adventures and Nature Adventures and Sightseeing Adventures
Activity Level: Mild
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $39 (ages 10 and up)
Child Price: $29 (ages 3 to 9)
Ages: All Ages
Discover the sights and sounds of the Caribbean on this two-hour bus excursion through the streets of Georgetown, the capital of Grand Cayman, before arriving at the unique black rock formations known as "Hell." Afterward, visit the world-renowned turtle nursery, the Cayman Turtle Farm, and spend some time with these fascinating creatures.

Additional Information

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes on this excursion, which includes extensive walking.
The stops at the rock formations and the Turtle Farm will be approximately 20-30 minutes each.
Transport is via an air-conditioned mini-bus.
Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters are permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motor coach on their own.
You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, taxis and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.

 

[PegIra]

Thank you so much for all the great infomation. We can do stairs, our problem is walking long distances (especially my husband) and standing for a long time. He can't do either. We have been to all the places on the cruise, with the exception of Costa Maya. We are considering just staying on the ship or at most, shopping at the areas right around the ship where we can take our scooters.

Thanks again to take the time to try and help, we do appreciate it.

Peg