Jump to content

Father with disability, need tips for check in/disembarkation!


Recommended Posts

Hi all--first time poster! My family (parents in their 50s-- daughters 29+30) and I will be traveling on Anthem out of Bayonne on April 6th and I am getting anxious on how to best help my dad navigate the onboarding/offboarding process. We haven't cruised in years, since he's become disabled and us "kids" have become "adults" so this will be a totally new experience for all of us. 

I've called and requested a wheelchair at check in, and he booked a scooter for on the boat but I am wondering if anyone has had first hand experience that can help! I can't rationalize the cost of "The Key" for all of us, we are on a budget!! My parents booked before my sister and I decided to tag along and didn't think through his disability as much as I would have pre-booking other than getting the scooter. I was able to make sure our rooms are close and near(ish) to an elevator bank but I am sure there is more we could have done ahead of time. We have documentation of his disability if it is needed for any services you may know of.

He CAN walk, however he has severe balance issues especially when he is tired or in big crowds (and crazy carpeting aka EVERYWHERE!). I'm thinking he may also need a sand wheelchair **IF** we get to CocoCay (hoping they don't divert us to Miami like the last cruising group!). 

Any advice is welcomed!! Thanks in advance & Happy cruising ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Amanda,

Welcome to the message boards! Feel free to ask away with any questions you may have. There are a lot of experienced cruisers here who will be glad to help you out. Last year I had a bad knee and rented a scooter to get around on the ship. It was in our room (ocean view balcony) when we boarded. At night, I left it i the hall outside our room and called house keeping. They stored it overnight and brought it back in the morning before 7:00 am. Only problem I had was with the elevators, they get crowded! 

Enjoy your cruise! :27_sunglasses:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...