Mother with limited mobility - Fantasy Western - advice please

[Vacation Kathy]

We are cruising with my mother-in-law. She is in her 70s and has had one knee replacement, but did not have time to have the second replacement before the cruise. She can walk, but not long distances, she does not use a wheelchair at home, but probably will bring one on the ship. We are looking for any advice for her about generally getting around on the Fantasy (aft deck 5 cabin) and choosing port excursions for the Western Caribbean. (Due to tendering, she and I have decided to skip Grand Cayman and have a spa day.) TIA

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are cruising with my mother-in-law. She is in her 70s and has had one knee replacement, but did not have time to have the second replacement before the cruise. She can walk, but not long distances, she does not use a wheelchair at home, but probably will bring one on the ship. We are looking for any advice for her about generally getting around on the Fantasy (aft deck 5 cabin) and choosing port excursions for the Western Caribbean. (Due to tendering, she and I have decided to skip Grand Cayman and have a spa day.) TIA

I'll just point out that you should be sure she has an accessible cabin. Regular cabin door are not wide enough to admit wheelchairs. And yours would need to be stored in your (her) room when she's not out and about.

 

[chris31997]

I would rent/have a collapsible wheelchair. Most excursions that are wheelchair friendly, she will have to be able to get out and in and then fold up the wheelchair. And having one that does fold up does make life easier for you IF you do not get an accessible cabin. It will be easier to store in the room. I would also give yourself plenty of time to navigate the ship and elevators.

 

[thumpie's mom]

Would also recommend a collapsible chair for her. My daughter who does not walk at all, uses a rigid frame wheelchair and we are unable to do most excursions because her chair does not collapse. That does not bother us as we prefer to stay on the ship anyway. If she can walk and you have the collapsible chair, she can participate in the excursions. While we have not been on the Fantasy, we have been on the Magic and the Wonder and find them pretty easy to get around. It is one of the reasons I prefer the cruise over the parks. There are a few doorways that are difficult to get over the threshold, but there are other options to get to where we want. The crew are very helpful as well. Elevators are the biggest hassle, but a small price to pay to be on the ship! Have a great cruise!