First time cruise & travelling solo with my 96 yr old mum

thank you to everyone else for your good wishes

Ilovedogs22

Ohhh! Came across this post by chance & got hooked and now I want to go a cruising! Hello sailor. 😊

Hello Sailor - do it !!

Ohhh! Came across this post by chance & got hooked and now I want to go a cruising! Hello sailor. 😊

Hope you have a lovely time.

I took my Dad on a couple of cruises when he was in his 90's and his mobility wasn't great although he didn't need a wheelchair.

Apart from the good advice already given I found that smaller ships were way, way better for him to get around. Not too much walking and the lifts tended to be not so busy. I also made sure it wasn't a "family friendly" ship!

As you've already booked I would look carefully at the placement of your cabin(s) to make sure you're not too far away from the places you're most likely to use.

I'm sure you and your Mum will have a wonderful time!

Wow lovely daughter taking your mum on a cruise. I think you’ll be ok in the Canaries as most of the ports are dockside. Enjoy your cruise.

oh my goodness so many helpful and reassuring answers, thank you all. I didn't realise there were so many options for transport/luggage so will look at our range of options. I will definitely ring customer services beforehand and just noticed it says on my confirmation to ring if any passengers have disability/accessibility issues.

I'm not too worried about the tranfers tbh there's no way she'll go onto a smaller boat so she'll probably enjoy a quiet day by herself and we'll only take the easy transfers where I can wheel her off !

thank you all so much - a mine of information xxx

Have a good trip! I think your only problem might be the shore excursions where they sometimes will not take people with mobility issues because of getting on and off the tenders. Fine when they drop anchor in port but a lot of the smaller places can’t handle the big ships and that is when you have to hop on and off the small tenders.

How are you getting to the port? We’ve always driven and the luggage has been taken to the cabin from the car for us. The car then taken by port staff to a pre booked car park. Very simple. In our experience there are many less able passengers on cruise ships. Wheelchairs are common. It’s also possible to hire one to take if you don’t think it will be needed at home. Good advice to call the cruise line and explain the situation. I’m sure you’ll be offered excellent support and practical help. Agree it’s a good plan to check if there are tender ports. The transfers can be tricky. Enjoy your adventure. I’m sure you’ll both be well looked after and have a wonderful time. .

molibity = mobility. haha

Im sure there will be other molibity challenged and wheelchair passengers given the number of older people who choose cruises. Do not be shy to ask for help.

Ring the customer service people - thats what they are there for. Not a cruise but last time I flew I rang Swiss Airlines and asked about special assistance as I had a change of airport at Frankfurt en route to Venice. They will ask a few questions but only to work out what facilities or help you may need.

I was met by a cheerful man with a buggy at Frankfurt and am so glad as its a huge and bewildering airport. I could never have managed by myself. I even sat on the buggy to go through passport control. It was all organised in both directions like a military operation. I didnt have to do anything for myself. I had a meet and greet at Venice and they took me right down to the water taxi for the crossing into the city.

You can have your luggage picked up from your home and delivered to your cabin at £50 per case.
One of the problems with wheel chair use is if the cruise ship anchors at sea,
It's always best to check before you book if this might happen. Your mum might have a problem getting from the cruise ship into a small boat.
Using a W/Chair on board ship is not a problem
Ring the cruise company up and check for your peace of mind.

I've been on quite a lot of cruises with my elderly husband. I've always found that from the minute you arrive at the port your every need is taken care of. I have even been walked back to my cabin in rough seas.

Once you get to the port you will be helped with your luggage. It will be taken from you and arrive at your cabin.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.

crazyH

I have been on 3 or 4 cruises with friends, so I can’t advise you regarding wheel chairs etc although I have seen a few passengers in wheelchairs. I’m sure someone will come on with the tips you are looking for.
You and your Mum will love it - enjoy ⛴️!

thank you

I have been on 3 or 4 cruises with friends, so I can’t advise you regarding wheel chairs etc although I have seen a few passengers in wheelchairs. I’m sure someone will come on with the tips you are looking for.
You and your Mum will love it - enjoy ⛴️!