Some opinions please....

[PSU]

Hello folks -
Been with DVC for many yrs now and have had the opportunity to treat extended multigenerational family to some awesome vacations at DW and DL (DH and I couldn't have little ones but have enjoyed spoiling the nieces and nephews...and the adults ;-) ). Well this year was thinking of a cruise for my MIL's 82nd...she has some mobility issues so would plan on bringing a standard fold up wheelchair (no need for an accessible rm though - just a shower seat would do)..In any case, think a 3 night would be comfortable for her...Given her health can't really plan that far out so question is - am I crazy to book a cruise for end of March this yr - eg next month? Would need 2 staterooms - only 5 of us going, 4 adults and one high schooler...Thanks for the opinions (and any other advice) - I've never done this cruise thing before and in reading posts, just realizing that booking seems to occur much earlier than even DVC!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hello folks -
Been with DVC for many yrs now and have had the opportunity to treat extended multigenerational family to some awesome vacations at DW and DL (DH and I couldn't have little ones but have enjoyed spoiling the nieces and nephews...and the adults ;-) ). Well this year was thinking of a cruise for my MIL's 82nd...she has some mobility issues so would plan on bringing a standard fold up wheelchair (no need for an accessible rm though - just a shower seat would do)..In any case, think a 3 night would be comfortable for her...Given her health can't really plan that far out so question is - am I crazy to book a cruise for end of March this yr - eg next month? Would need 2 staterooms - only 5 of us going, 4 adults and one high schooler...Thanks for the opinions (and any other advice) - I've never done this cruise thing before and in reading posts, just realizing that booking seems to occur much earlier than even DVC!

Certainly not crazy. We've booked cruises as close as 4 days ahead. But many people do book further out. If booking this close works for you - go for it.

One thing I will point out - if you don't have an accessible room, I'm not sure a shower seat will fit in the bathtub in the regular rooms. The tub isn't a standard size, more like 3/4 the size.

 

[Laundress]

Not crazy at all. Go for it and make some awesome family memories.

 

[PSU]

Certainly not crazy. We've booked cruises as close as 4 days ahead. But many people do book further out. If booking this close works for you - go for it.

One thing I will point out - if you don't have an accessible room, I'm not sure a shower seat will fit in the bathtub in the regular rooms. The tub isn't a standard size, more like 3/4 the size.

Thanks much!

 

[PSU]

Any thoughts on whether booking a 1 bdrm concierge for all of us on a 3 night for ~40% (vs 2 rooms) more would be worth it ( considering cruise newbies)? thinking that too short of a time to really appreciate the extras..maybe just the "normal ;-)" stuff on DCL will be enough...1 more - any chance to get Remy at this pint? - really want to have dinner there...

 

[wilkeliza]

Any thoughts on whether booking a 1 bdrm concierge for all of us on a 3 night for ~40% (vs 2 rooms) more would be worth it ( considering cruise newbies)? thinking that too short of a time to really appreciate the extras..maybe just the "normal ;-)" stuff on DCL will be enough...1 more - any chance to get Remy at this pint? - really want to have dinner there...

I would save the money and go with the 2 bedrooms sonce most of the perks of conceirge are already gone. However your mom's age could make the extra space and lounge of concierge worth it really up to you.

If Remy isn't available when you book and pay then you can usually get a reservation day of boarding. The navigator found in the terminal will tell you where to go.

 

[PSU]

I would save the money and go with the 2 bedrooms sonce most of the perks of conceirge are already gone. However your mom's age could make the extra space and lounge of concierge worth it really up to you.

If Remy isn't available when you book and pay then you can usually get a reservation day of boarding. The navigator found in the terminal will tell you where to go.

Thank much!

 

[JW9DVC]

Have a great trip. Honestly if you can. Try a 4 day cruise or 5. The 3 goes by to fast. Those extra sea days help us at least feel the vacation.

JW

 

[mevelandry]

Not crazy at all. It's doable but I would call DCL in advance to make sure you are going to be able to meet all her needs.

I've had an accident last year + my FIL has knee problems so I had to think about mobility too while booking our upcoming cruise.

I booked rooms close to the elevators.

I know that they have trams for Castaway Cay so the walk is not that bad. I don't know if you can rent a Cabana but I did so my FIL and MIL have a place to rest during our day at Castaway Cay.

We planned activities on the ship instead of an excursion in Nassau.

 

[Quellman]

I think you will enjoy 2 rooms, maybe connecting if you can get them, rather than a single room. The extra bathroom space will be really useful.
I also don't think that concierge would be a waste if you know what it is you would be getting with the room. They could still snag you a cabana if one became available. You would also be close to the lounge area, which might be beneficial so your low mobility mother in law won't have to go far in search of food. They can also assist with any excursions and you will get priority disembarkation. Of course you need to decide if you think those benefits are worth booking so close and losing out on the pre-booking of the excursions and cabanas.

 

[Huskiesrule]

Just an FYI about when I called about having a non HA room - they have something called a transfer seat that must allow you to get into the tub but it didn't sound like it was a seat for in the tub itself. Not sure if this is something that will work for you but you can call and request it.

 

[lanejudy]

They do have a "shower stool" and a "transfer bench" -- both of which are noted as "available on request for any stateroom." I suggest you contact DCL Special Services department once you make your reservation, to request either/both of these items as well as any other suggestions or information they may be able to provide for your MIL. Also, there are sand wheelchairs available first-come/first-served on Castaway Cay if that would help.

Don't worry about booking now. Yes, many people book a year or more in advance, but it's fine to book last minute as well. For adult dining, they hold back some slots so you can arrange that on embarkation afternoon.

Happy Birthday to MIL and enjoy your cruise!

 

[Weedy]

FYI: the shower is small and you have to step up and over more than an average tub. There is also a small step up (2-3 inches) to get into the bathroom.

 

[PSU]

Thanks all for the opinions and advice...very helpful!
Will be going for it ;-)

 

[ndavis]

Transfer seats have two of the legs that come over the side of the tub so she can just sit and slide. I would be hesitant of a non-accessible room because I'm not sure two people could fit in the split bath, if you are helping her. I'd also recommend researching a transport wheelchair for the trip, 4 smaller wheels, she she can't propel herself, but it's much lighter and easier to transport. Good luck! I also wouldn't do longer than 3 nights, I think you are correct about that.

 

[lanejudy]

If for whatever reason you find that showering in the stateroom is extremely challenging for her, please know that there are H/A showers available in the locker room at the spa/fitness center. You are welcome to take her up there, and I'm thinking for a 3-night cruise that probably wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[ndavis]

If for whatever reason you find that showering in the stateroom is extremely challenging for her, please know that there are H/A showers available in the locker room at the spa/fitness center. You are welcome to take her up there, and I'm thinking for a 3-night cruise that probably wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience.

Enjoy your cruise!

Oh yes, that's a better idea. Those split baths are tiny.

 

[tink1970]

If there is a cruise available, then do it!
Having sailed in a 1 br suite on the Dream I can comment a bit on this. There are two bathrooms-one is quite large and has a small shower area as well as a jacuzzi bath tub. Very nice. There is a second bathroom in the cabin which is a shower/sink/toilet ...I'm not sure how large it is (ie enough for a seat) BUT if she decided to use the HA in the gym/spa it would be close-either across the hall if you were on the 11th floor of the Dream or down one flight if on the 12th floor. Also, upon embarkation you would meet with representatives from the spa, dining, etc so if you wanted Remy they would do what they could to accommodate you (no promises but they try to make CL guests happy). The lounge is also nice and often not crowded, as is the sun deck (even if she couldn't manage stairs she could take an elevator to the 12th floor and use access card to get in). I'm not saying not to do 2 rooms on another level but pointing out the advantages, even at this late date of a 1 br suite. Not sure how much of this applies to the classic ships (I'll know after July!) but I'm sure 2 baths, concierge staff being helpful, etc are similar.