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crystaly
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21-07-2007 06:49 PM
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 4
| Hi, I am thinking of going on the tapas/togas and villa/vinos cruise . Can anyone advise me who has mobility problems. I have very limited walking capacity so do use a wheelchair . Never been abroad before so don't know a great deal about anything really. The ov2 seemed to be a good option . My hubby will be with me of course but I,m a bit concerned about getting off the ship at tender ports and also travelling to rome etc ? Id really appreciate some advice . We dont intend to go until next year but dont want to book and make the wrong decision really .
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tenpin
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21-07-2007 08:30 PM
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Joined: 19 Nov 2004
Posts: 1568
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Hello Crystal,
Most ships do cater for those with mobility problems.
There are about eight cabins on most ships with wide doorways and easy access, plus a few more that have limited wheelchair access, where the chair is left outside the cabin at night.
Getting on and off the ship is NOT a problem as they use a separate gangway on the lower decks and crew are on hand to help. You do need to inform your travel agent on the full extent of your disability, who in turn must inform the cruise line.
Now for the ports of call, in the brochure you will see a little anchor sometimes alongside the port of call, this means the ship is at anchor there and you are ferried ashore by small boat. This again is Not a problem for those in a wheelchair, as crew will lift you aboard, (except in really rough seas.)
Next tours, ships tours will always give you some idea how much walking is involved whether its level ground or some up-hill just look at the ships tour brochure or ask at the desk. If you can get aboard a coach then most trips will be possible for you, but you may need to use a ships fold up chair instead of your own, getting it into the luggage space. There are few coaches operating with chair lifts in the Med but not sure how many.
Your best bet is to phone P&O (Ocean V2) in Southampton 0845-3555-333 and ask any questions you have before booking. Your TA should use 0845-355-3055 or on-line.helpdesk@pocruises.com.
Hope this helps some but if you need any more help post on here with perhaps details of roughly when you are going and I'll find it out for you.
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My Latest Review: Jun 2008 Grand Princess Cruise Ship (9/10)
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thelandlady
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21-07-2007 08:55 PM
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Joined: 09 Jun 2007
Posts: 31
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| hi, i have been on ocean village with a lady in a wheelchair and it was flippin hard work, eg having to go round the buffet twice and getting back on board i had a problem pushing the wheelchair back up the gang way and the crew said they could not help because they were not insured, she only weighs about 6 stone, i would recomment the thomson ships as it is waiter service and the let you get on and off using the bottom door where supplies go on and the staff help you a lot.
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crystaly
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21-07-2007 10:36 PM
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 4
| Hi thanks very muchTenpin I seem to have a mixed response here. My wheelchair is a stowaway which basically folds up to about the size of a childs buggy so I don't think that would be a problem on coaches etc. Have you actually been on a cruise with wheelchair users on it ? Its just as landlady points out she had immense difficulties and no assistance seems to have been available. I'm really concerned about that aspect as you will appreciate.
I have also looked at the website and as Ive never been abroad before didnt even realise that the ports were no where near for example Rome . Ignorence on my part I suppose. The excursons are also quite expensive at £32 - £40 + . Is that per person. Apologies but I have a thousand and one questions . We were thinking of going October 16th 08 for two weeks.
Landlady thank you very much for the comments on the difficulties which you had as a caregiver. I am trying to be practical and know that sometimes what it says in theory in brochures etc. doesn't really happen in practice. I have to take into account that my husband has health problems as well . We did look at thompsons but we wanted an informal setting and ocean sounded ideal in that respect eg in terms of dress code and eating times etc. Thompson do seem to be a bit more formal as well as being more expensive . Its difficult to make a decesion at the moment. Any more comments help will be appreciated.
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tenpin
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22-07-2007 12:02 AM
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Joined: 19 Nov 2004
Posts: 1568
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| Crystal,
Ok it was on OV1 that my wife had an accident and had to use a wheelchair for 11 days.
However that said, at the buffet we only had to ask and waiters not only got our food by taking us round they then returned to the table to ask if we wanted anything else. At Breakfast as soon as we entered they found us a table then got our food for us.
We exited the ship on deck 3 most times and this was almost level with the quay, the few times it was steep we had all the assistance required.
Again on Thomson, Princess and Costa, we have traveled with full wheelchair users and NEVER had any trouble getting help.
But as I suggested do check with the cruise line before you book, as new rules come in all the time.
The advantage of some of the bigger cruise ships is in the acual size of them making it much easier getting round, and there really is not that much in the price.
All tours in Rome are expensive, because you are docked in Civitavecchia which is a good hour and 15 mins from Rome, and is one of the few ports where I recommend useing the ships tours, rather than DIY. And that only in case you miss-time your return and miss the ship.
If you do go just ask for help they are obiged to help you and yes they are insured to assist any disabled passenger
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My Latest Review: Jun 2008 Grand Princess Cruise Ship (9/10)
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crystaly
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22-07-2007 12:17 AM
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 4
| Thanks very much for your help . I will contact ocean and clarify the position for wheelchair users . I was really excited when my local travel agent showed me the brochure as it is within our budget . As long as they can reasure me that if we need assistance some one will help that would be great. Believe you me I won' be asking if I don't need it I,m quite independent and a bit stubborn hmm so my hubby tells me . If we do book I will take your advice and take the rome tour I really wouldnt want to miss rome ! One final question regarding smoking , I know that thompson are presently considering a decision as to whther they should ban it on their ships ! Do you know if Ocean are going to ban it ! Would they tell me if I phone up and ask do you think?
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tenpin
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22-07-2007 11:07 AM
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Joined: 19 Nov 2004
Posts: 1568
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| Hi again Crystal,
I have checked latest ruling on the smoking issue, and up until today they are waiting for clarification from Parliament, as it stands you may still smoke on certain open decks, in the Casino most nights, though this is being considered seriously by P&O (OV2) as like other British based ships. I am getting mixed reports about the two smoking bars, but will keep you inform if I hear further. Maybe anyone who has cruised since the ban will be able to help with this one.
If you go to www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk point your mouse on to how to book, then onto FAQs about ¾ way down you will find OV policy for those with mobility problems.
I know you have stated OV is within your budget, but do look at the many other offers for med cruises that are around you may by surprised at the deals. The Saturday Mail gives you a great idea of prices.
Again I am here to help should you require it, and I am sure you will enjoy cruising.
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My Latest Review: Jun 2008 Grand Princess Cruise Ship (9/10)
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crystaly
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22-07-2007 01:06 PM
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 4
| Hi tenpin thanks very much for all your advice you have been really helpful. I think one of the problems ive got really with choosing a cruise is there are that many available its difficult to make the right choice . I will have a look at the daily mail. I,m not going to book anything until I have all the information I need anyway. Its our 35th wedding anniversary next year and it would be awful if I made the wrong choice due to lack of information. I will let you know if I actually book one. Take care
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SCUBA
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28-07-2007 10:04 AM
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Joined: 10 May 2007
Posts: 178
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| Ocean village 2 does have some disabled cabins with more space hand rails and all the usuall u would expect i have seen this cabins first hand
as for some of the ports not sure
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My Latest Review: Jun 2007 Butlins Skegness (10/10)
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nimrat
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30-07-2007 04:28 PM
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Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 51
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| crystaly, we went on OV2 back in may/june - had a great time. Although we are not disabled in any way we did notice that there were a few passengers who did use wheelchairs and also that the crew DID help these people up and down the gangways when needed!!! Hope whichever cruise you decide on you have a lovely time.
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My Latest Review: May 2008 Ocean Village Cruise Ship (9/10)
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catkinx
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30-07-2007 05:45 PM
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Joined: 06 May 2007
Posts: 18
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| Hi Cristaly
My husband is disabled, and although he doesn't use a wheelchair, he does have walking difficulties and needs the use of two crutches. We have cruised on the Thomson ships for a great many years and have always had excellent service as far as getting on and off the boat is concerned, they always allow us off on deck 2, which is usually almost level with the quayside, and there always crew to help.
I just wanted to put your mind at rest regarding the formality of the Thomson ships, should you choose to cruise with them. There is normally only one formal night per week, for those people that do like to put on their party gear, the rest of the time, the dress is smart casual. Should you not want to attend the formal night, and many people do not, then the alternative restaurant is laid up very nicely in the evenings, with tableclothes, candles etc. So please do not worry about Thomsons being very formal, because they are not.
Hope this helps, and whomever you choose to sail with, I hope you have a very good time.
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My Latest Review: May 2008 Thomson Spirit Cruise Ship (9/10)
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ajohna
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20-10-2007 11:30 AM
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Joined: 20 Oct 2007
Posts: 1
| Crystaly
Just come across your post, and thought I would add a few, hopefully, constructive suggestions, assuming you have yet to decide.
I can't comment on OV, but would strongly recommend (if the budget allows) Fred Olsen. My wife and I have recently returned from the Black Watch, I have mobility problems, but do not use a wheelchair generally, wife is able-bodied.. I had to ask for wheelchair assistance embarking and disembarking, but not whilst on the voyage. This was provided with a smile.
We arrived at Dover by car, our cases were taken from the boot, next time we saw them was in the cabin. Parking very easy, a short distance to the departure lounge. Embarkation all on one level, similar to getting on a plane. A couple of things very evident as we waited in the lounge, most of the passengers were 'mature' , also a considerable number were disabled, incl wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs, zimmer frames, crutches, sticks, also one lady with portable oxygen, all embarked without problem.
On board the disabled passengers were much in evidence, and the ones I spoke to were very complimentary about the assisstance they received, nothing really was too much trouble. I can't comment regarding disabled cabins, only that there are a few. Not too sure how they got off and on the vessel at the ports of call, but there was obviously provision made as we met some of them. We did not tender at any port, so cannot comment on the facilities, although I think I read somewhere that wheelchair passengers could not be accommodated, you would need to check this point. On the bus trips again you would have to check before booking.
A lot of people tend to think the 'formal' is compulsary, it's not. On the formal nights, usually two a week, to dine in the main restaurrant requires dinner suits, or dark lounge suits for men, my wife wore a long skirt and top, and is strictly adhered to. If it's not your thing, then there is informal dining in the buffet , which also serves waiter service, which is casual. It is possible, therefore, to go the whole cruise, and not wear a coller and tie, if you so wish. Full details are given before you sail. There are set times in the main, and open seating in the buffet.
At the present time there is smoking allowed, although limited to certain areas.
I have no doubt that on Fred Olsen you will get excellant value for money, and they are very well geared up to cater for disabled passengers.
Another point, I would recommend going from the UK, to avoid the hassle of flying.
We have been to Rome, not on this trip, but a Costa cruise. It is a long hard trip, usually very expensive. There is a special train from the quayside to the city, about 1 hour each way, which is better than a coach.
Well, hope you can make sense of this, and further hope that it may be useful, one final thing, do not hesitate to ask any questions to whichever line you choose, prior to booking, also if I can help further please ask.
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