Question on Life Boat Drill

[PigletsPal2]

DH and I are going on the 4-night Wonder cruise 11-15 January. Unfortunately, he suffered a light stroke just before Christmas which left him somewhat disabled. He can walk w/a cane, but not far and not fast. Stairs are out of the question. He also has no use of his right hand, but we're hopeful that with occupational therapy, this will be remedied. My question is whether anyone knows off the top of the head where the muster station is for Stateroom 2614. Will elevators be operational? Knowing the muster is at 4:00 pm, we may start out at 3:45! TIA for any help.

Queen Colleen

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you have submitted your Medical Information Form you will be contacted when on-board and asked if he can negotiate stairs. When you explain that he cannot, they will work out an alternative for you.

And next time DCLFUN checks in you will probably get a better answer. She works for DCL and uses a power chair.

 

[PigletsPal2]

Thanks for the info Cheshire Figment. I hadn't submitted a medical form, I guess because we weren't asking for a HC stateroom. Would it be enough to tell someone (guest services?) once we're on board?

Queen Colleen

 

[dclfun]

You can ask once onboard about how to best negotiate getting to/from your muster station, either by asking at GS or if the line is long, just call from your stateroom phone. You can also ask for assistance which means that you'd be escorted to/from the station with a crew member helping you get on the elevator. You can then ask to be dismissed early with the w/c guests so that you won't be waiting forever for an elevator after the drill. Since your husband cannot walk long distances or negotiate stairs, you may wish to bring a manual w/c just for distances onboard and esp. for the ports of call. Even the ramp to get off the ship can be steep depending on the water level and might be dangerous or difficult for someone who could be unsteady. On CC it might be too far for him to walk to the tram without tiring. They do have w/c's onboard but only for emergencies and if you need one throughout, you'd be asked to bring your own. You may want to think about requesting a transfer bench for the tub/shower as otherwise your DH would have to step into the tub. There's also a very small step up to get into the bathroom itself. For entering Triton's ( or Lumiere's depending on which ship) there are steps but there's also a side entrance for guests who cannot climb stairs and for the theaters there is seating in the back. You'd probably need to be sure to get to the theaters a bit early to get one of those seats or alternatively you can ask to be escorted down a back entrance via elevator to walk to the front row seating in the Walt Disney Theater- this requires you to be there early also though before those seats are all taken. Just some things to think about.---Kathy

 

[PigletsPal2]

Kathy, thank you SO MUCH for all the helpful info! (You answered last night right after I logged off. I'm thinking we might rent a transport w/c for the cruise. They're small, lightweight and can be folded. I don't think the shower is a problem, as he steps into a tub at home. As long as there is something he can grip for balance, he should be OK, and I'm there to help. We'll contact GS as soon as we board for assistance w/the lifeboat drill. Again, thanks so much - you're a veritable fount of information!

Queen Colleen

 

[dclfun]

I hope you have a great cruise!---Kathy

 

[dzorn]

Kathy, thank you SO MUCH for all the helpful info! (You answered last night right after I logged off. I'm thinking we might rent a transport w/c for the cruise. They're small, lightweight and can be folded. I don't think the shower is a problem, as he steps into a tub at home. As long as there is something he can grip for balance, he should be OK, and I'm there to help. We'll contact GS as soon as we board for assistance w/the lifeboat drill. Again, thanks so much - you're a veritable fount of information!

Queen Colleen

You may want to reconsider the transfer chair for the shower. Remember the shower at home doesn't move but the one on the ship may depending on the seas.

Have a great trip we loved our cruise.

Denise in MI