We had never cruised before,as my husband was wheelchair bound,we had always flown with assistance, and paid extra in the few hotels that were disabled friendly,we were so surprised to find that life on board was ideal from arriving by car at the Port of Southampton,when all our luggage was taken from our vehicle,parking in a disabled Parking space. The entrance to the port only yards away, the start mirrored the rest of the holiday.
The disabled room was large, and the walk in shower was roomy. All the staff we encountered were all professional and helpful. My husband could not believe that he could actually manage without my help to enter the Men toilets by pressing a button, and also inside was able to enter separate disabled toilet again by pressing button(as he only has use of one arm and leg as paralysed on Rh side of body)this made him feel unconcerned when it came to toileting on any part of the ship.
Access and size of the lifts was very good. We would recommend Cruising to any one in this situation it takes away all the stresses of holidaying, the same goes for going off the boat, if no tender you could leave ship by walkways, so more steep than others, but manageable and sometimes had assistance from staff. the food and entertainment were excellent! the Mall was unbelievable!!!! Were we really on-board a ship!!!
All Hail for the NEW Cruise Liners that now exist, they make life much easier for people with walking problems,and life is only made more interesting and stress-less, which you need on a holiday!!! We will certainly cruise again !! in fact we are considering the Caribbean, which we would never have thought of going to before!!!
1-Gibralta- accessible with wheelchair 15-20 Min's walk from port or if have a folding wheelchair accessible by taxis waiting at Port.2- Ajaccio, can get on front in wheel chair but cannot get to beach area ,as no ramps etc, very narrow pathways.3- Cannes not accessible Tendered 4- Barcelona accessible through port, buses wheelchair friendly,Taxis also available with fold u wheelchair. 5 - Ibiza accessible 6- Malaga accessible by bus and Taxi, 7-Lisbon accessible by bus and Taxi 8- Vigo accessible by bus and Taxi. All ports can be interesting ,Escorted Trips can be booked on board ship if you like, but not really necessary to leave the ship as there is always entertainment on board for people who don't want to leave the ship
Publication Date: 07/21/10
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