Eastern or western Caribbean with a wheelchair

[egoldber]

We are going on a cruise this summer and for the first time I will be in a wheelchair I had a stroke 2.5 years ago and have very limited use of my left side I can walk short distances with a cane but I am very very slow it could take me an hour to walk the length of the ship

We have done both itineraries in the past and greatly prefer the eastern but we are traveling with a large family group this time who have never cruised Disney before

I probably won’t do many or even any excursions I would prefer to stay on the ship and enjoy it uncrowded
Any other tips for managing the fantasy in a wheelchair would be appreciated
Thanks in advance

 

[tvguy]

No first hand experience. Anyone with experience None of the Western stops is in the U.S. so no ADA requirement. Doesn't mean they aren't wheelchair friendly, just no legal requirement. At least on the Eastern one port if U.S. and ADA would apply there.

 

[FightingIrishman]

My mother in law has done bone Eastern and Western on the Fantasy in a wheelchair. I recommend bringing your own wheelchair from home, both for the airport and ship. Alternatively, you can rent one from a third party and they will have it at the mid ship area outside the Enchanted Garden under the staircase. Call Disney Cruise Line and they will let you know the companies they work with.

On the ship we have had no problems, other than stairs (which require us to ask entertainment staff a half hour before the evening show time to escort us to the front of the Disney theater and use their private handicap elevator). There are reserved spaces in the front row on either side of the main section. The separate movie theater has accessible spaces.

Make sure when you go to the safety drill to stay towards the exit. Be one of the last ones to arrive. Try to leave the safety drill as fast and early as possible. Leaving the safety drill is mass chaos already and if you are not one of the first to leave, in a wheelchair you WILL be the last to leave and get an elevator.

A difference between Eastern and Western is 2 ports versus 3 ports. If you plan on staying on the boat and enjoying less people, I would assume having 3 ports would allow for that more. You can also look into port adventures based on wheelchair accessibility, which is what we do before booking a cruise. Or just let the rest of your party decide.

I don't think you can go wrong either way but Grand Cayman is a tender port so no wheelchair access there to go ashore. Cozumel is an island so you will be limited to shore activities just there and not Playa del Carmen on the mainland.

If you have other questions just ask.

 

[egoldber]

I have my own chair and will be bringing that