anyone been on ocean village 2 whose got mobility problems.

[catkinx]

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.

[ajohna]

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.