Handicapped Cat. 3 question

[MCourtney]

Hi all.... DH and I are giving mom in law and boyfriend a cruise for Christmas! It's a surprise, so I'm trying to book the right cabin for them without asking too many questions, but I think she may already be suspect

Anyway here is my question: DH, DD and I are in a midship Cat 3, and currently have them booked next door in a Cat 4. Boyfriend needs a motorized wheelchair to walk long distances, and would be taking it on the cruise with him. Do you think we should book them in a handicapped Cat. 3 instead? Those who have stayed in both, or either, please let me know your thoughts..... I'm really stressing over this! (next door v. not next door, concierge v. none, solid rail vs. clear.....)

 

[Cruise]

I would say if he's taking the wheelchair, they'll need to be in a handicapped accessible room. The doorways to the regular cabins would not be wide enough to let a wheelchair pass through them and I really, really don't think they let you leave them in the hallway due to safety protocol.

 

[MCourtney]

wow... never thought it wouldn't fit through the door.... well that makes the decision a lot easier, but somewhat more $$... thanks

 

[justmestace]

There are some awesome Cat 5 handicaps in the rear (aft) of the ship. They have a ton more room than a Cat 4, and also bigger balconies. Take a look at them on DCL's website.

One problem with keeping it a secret, is that in order to book a handicap room, you have to have a medical form signed by the person's doctor before they'll hold one of those rooms for you.

 

[ESN]

We stayed in both - a midship 3 and 8600. We personally liked the aft better - We did not need the accessiblity - but it must have been the only Cat 3 left - so we were booked in it.

Downsides of the aft suite -- verandah was nearly always wet (rain, runoff from when they washed Topsiders, etc) Not a little damp - but at least 1 -2 inches of water at all times. ALso - this room only sleeps four - there is no Murphy bed. There is no tub - only showers which tend to flood - as they are flush with the floor due to access issues. We also had a lot of trouble with both toilets backing up/not flushing - but that may have been a fluke that week. The pros include a huge verandah, albeit wet - and great access to Topsiders by the aft staircase. It is also a very quiet location. People can lean over from Topsiders and see you on the verandah - if that is an issue for you. Did not bother us.

Midship is a great location, but very noisy. There is a lot of creaking in the suite itslef - as well as noise from outside in the hall, and from deck 9. Verandah is long - but not as wide as aft suite.

Both rooms are very spacious and nice. We liked aft better mostly because of the quiet - Our kids still nap - and it was very hard to get them to sleep with the constant noise midship. We had calm seas - so motion was not an issue for us.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I just wanted to say, under the ADA (American Disabilities Act) they are not legally allowed to charge you more for a disabled cabin, nor are they allowed to require medical evidence of a disability. I'm pretty sure the ADA applies to cruise ships, as well as land-based businesses, but I'm not certain.

Hope this helps!

 

[MCourtney]

Thank you all .... lots of good points! Nothing is ever easy is it? .... next year i'm just getting them a target gift certificate !