Need to Postpone Cruise-Please Help w/?

[cats04]

My DH was in a car accident on June 9th. He's still in the hospital. At first the doctors made it sound like he'd be up and walking in 90 days. Now they're suggesting we cancel our cruise, which is scheduled for September 24th. When I asked how far back I should move it, the reply was "as far back as you can". We booked w/expedia. I tried to call them last night but they were closed. Same w/this morning. I'm leaving for the hospital now. Does anyone know what I can expect? I know I'm getting close to our 90 day mark. I was thinking of pushing it back until September 2006. If it turns out that September is overly cautious can we move it up? Do you know what kind of fees we're looking at?

 

[ImMarcik]

I am so sorry about your DH's accident. I've moved my ressie 3 times and have paid no fees. Just, the price of the cruise changed. Making for September 2006 is probably safe and you can move it back or forward if needed. Good luck with everything.

 

[cats04]

Thank you so much ImMarcik. I've been in panic mode for the last few days. We didn't anticipate changing our vacation plans. I contacted our airline and they will issue vouchers. We need to complete travel before May 12th, 2006 (one yr. from purchase date) so September 2006 isn't going to work for us after all. Just when I think I have it all figured out..... Back to the drawing board. Thanks again for your reply

 

[CM_Mom]

Hi Cats04,

So sorry to hear about the accident. I think I would ask the doctors for a little more definite answer. "As far as you can" to them may be 1 month, 6 months or 12 months. If you discuss your expectations of the cruise and how active your DH would need to be you could ask for a reasonable estimate of when they would feel comfortable with him going. I know I would go nuts with such a "fuzzy" prediction.

Folks go on cruises all the time in wheelchairs but I'm sure you would enjoy the trip more if he were walking. But even then he doesn't need to be able to walk all the way around deck 4. Right now, I'm sure you're looking forward to just getting him home from the hospital.

Our prayers are with you during this time.

 

[cats04]

Thank you CM MOM I think that's been the hardest part, the doctors are very vague. I understand it's hard to predict. I ended up crying in front of the doctors for the first time yesterday. I think they finally understood how frustrated I was. It's not just about our trip, it's knowing what I need to prepare for. I wasn't looking for a date, just a time frame. They finally said, "6-9 months, from the time he's out of the wheelchair", for a full recovery. It looks like he'll be in the wheelchair until mid-September. Only time will tell what his capabilities will be in September. That's why I was thinking of pushing the cruise back until September of 2006 (as well as cost). Maybe we can use our airline vouchers for a mini-trip in the Spring. Something on a beach, not a lot of walking. Thank you for all your well wishes.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

God bless you and I hope that your husband makes a speedy recovery!!!!

 

[cindalu]

I am so sorry to your about your DH's accident. I will pray for you during this difficult time. Just a thought too some doctors are overly cautious. Your DH might suprise everyone and walk sooner.

 

[mommasita]

Prayers and thoughts are with you...I am sure it is not easy, but look at the rewards for you hubby, if he has therapy, what a goal for after!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[goofymama]

Thank you CM MOM I think that's been the hardest part, the doctors are very vague. I understand it's hard to predict. I ended up crying in front of the doctors for the first time yesterday. I think they finally understood how frustrated I was. It's not just about our trip, it's knowing what I need to prepare for. I wasn't looking for a date, just a time frame. They finally said, "6-9 months, from the time he's out of the wheelchair", for a full recovery. It looks like he'll be in the wheelchair until mid-September. Only time will tell what his capabilities will be in September. That's why I was thinking of pushing the cruise back until September of 2006 (as well as cost). Maybe we can use our airline vouchers for a mini-trip in the Spring. Something on a beach, not a lot of walking. Thank you for all your well wishes.

I was just going to suggest using the airline tickets for something else and still pushing the cruise back to Sept. 06. The price of the cruise would be significantly more in the spring. Good luck to you and a godspeed to your DH.

 

[cats04]

A big thanks to all of you. I know this will sound weird because I don't know you, but your messages have really touched me. You always know that your family will be there for you. What a surprise it's been to see how many others have offered help and well wishes. Neighbors, friends, and even the parents of my dd's friends have helped so much with babysitting and dog walking. And tonight when I walked in the house at 10:30 and checked my e-mail messages I had your well wishes to cheer me up!!! Thanks again. A bit of good news, the doctors are targeting July 1st for my dh's release date from the hospital. Not much longer.

 

[CM_Mom]

What wonderful news. I know you are ready to have DH home even if his recovery will be fairly long. I don't know of anything as tiring as sitting in a hospital room, unless it's being the patient.

I've found that the Dis folks are really like a big extended family. All of us are praying for you since we realize that but for the grace of God, we could be in your shoes.

Get a good night's sleep and savor the blessings. You DH will get well and you will be able to look back on this time when friends showed you how special you really are.

 

[ChrizJen]

Cats04, good news! I'm sure you're VERY ready to have him home!!
I hope that everything goes smoothly with the transfer of your travel plans, and most of all, I hope for the speedy recovery of your DH! Here's Pixie Dust!

 

[ImNarek]

We had to postpone our Disney cruise a year - from last September to this September. I am sooo looking forward to it - I've had two years to anticipate it!

DCL was great about moving our reservation. We'd booked while on the ship, when we rebooked we kept our 10% discount, and the onboard credit.

So don't worry about the cruise right now, it will be waiting for you when your family is ready. And you'll enjoy it all the more because you'll be able to truly celebrate when you do go.

Take care