Wheelchair/cruise?

[MK032197]

My mom will be cruising with us next Spring. She does not need a wheelchair all the time but might have difficulty with walking long stetches. We did not want to bring a wheelchair. Are wheelchairs available on the cruise if needed?

 

[SteveMouse]

A limited number of wheelchairs may be available for emergent issues, but should not be relied upon as being available. Please be aware that there can be alot of walking and standing aboard ship, not to mention embarking and disembarking.

I am uncertain as to whether you may take a ship's wheelchair ashore.

You should also note your mileage may vary with respect to shoreside accessibility outside the US. Nassau, for example, is not wheelchair-friendly.


You may want to strongly consider bringing your own.

 

[KPeveler]

My mom will be cruising with us next Spring. She does not need a wheelchair all the time but might have difficulty with walking long stetches. We did not want to bring a wheelchair. Are wheelchairs available on the cruise if needed?

My understanding is that there are wheelchairs aboard for emergencies, but are not meant to be used by guests who anticipate a problem.

 

[dclfun]

My understanding is that there are wheelchairs aboard for emergencies, but are not meant to be used by guests who anticipate a problem.

Agreed. You definitely will want to bring one for her to use for distances. As was mentioned also, there can be lots of walking required onboard and then of course in the ports of call. Nassau has actually become much more w/c accessible. I just sailed on the Dream last week and there are now vendors providing w/c lift transportation in the hospitality building that you pass through as you leave the ship and enter the downtown area. DCL can provide a lift van in conjunction with a Port Adventure. Many of the stores are now ramped, although there aren't always curb cuts at every crosswalk. The shipboard w/c's are ONLY for emergencies, such as a passenger who sprains an ankle. They are also not in great shape and may not be comfortable. If your Mom is eligible, she can get a prescription for a manual chair or perhaps you can find one on Craigslist or in your newspaper. Most are sold for $100 or less and are in like-new condition for that price.---Kathy

 

[mdvlprof]

Nassau has actually become much more w/c accessible.

Good to know.....

If wheelchair is a standard wheelchair, it will 'fold' so you won't need a HC room. Look into rollators [walker with a seat], too.

 

[Bete]

that shore excursions are not wheelchair friendly in most instances. I haven't done a cruise, but I've been reading and reading about this part and it's very poor. I can't say if they will allow a wheelchair on a bus if you fold it up and she walks up and down the bus; they should but I would ask about it if your intention is to take any tour excursions.

 

[DisneyCruiser83]

DH uses canes to walk, but does not use a wheelchair all the time on land. Our first cruise he did not bring his wheelchair, as he did not think he would need it. We came to realize that the ship sways and rocks, sometimes substantially which makes it difficult for people with balance or walking issues to maneuver safely and comfortably. Well, the ship lurched once and he fell. He did not get hurt or anything, but it was a learning experience. We ALWAYS use a wheelchair for getting around the ship now.
As stated, many excursions are not wheelchair friendly, even tours through DCL. We have found that more often than not, private vendors are more accommodating, as they only deal with us, and not 40-100 plus other cruisers.
I don't know which itinerary you are looking at, but tenders are impossible for our situation, and may be difficult for your mother. You have to walk (not use a wheelchair) and the ramp is often unstable and slippery. You may just use that port as a "ship day" if a tender port is on your itinerary.
As far as your original question, yes, DCL does have wheelchairs on board to assist passengers if need be. You just put down a refundable $200 deposit. And yes, you can take them off the ship.
Good luck with your decisions. Happy sailing!

 

[dclfun]

You *can* reserve a lift van in conjunction with the DCL excursions. It costs $95 for up to four guests, roundtrip. There are also accessible taxis available at the pier so she should be able to get around. Atlantis, for instance, is very accessible. There are no tenders needed for the DCL Bahamas cruise.