How are the accomadations on the Carnival Pride when you have to transfer into the tender boats to go to the islands? Thank you

ablejan:

How are the accomadations on the Carnival Pride when you have to transfer into the tender boats to go to the islands? Thank you

Couple steps up, then maybe one down and you pivot and are able to sit in the top section (handicapped only). There are lengthwise grip bars you can hold onto to get up the steps. There are attendants to assist. I have severe arthritis and am a BBW, tried it on the Pride successfully and thought the DH could manage it. I have him working with a trainer to rev up his arm muscles for the Spirit in November. That's the same class and he's 6'4" when standing. In general, he can only manage a step or two (MS) but I think he's gonna be OK on it. I have heard that quads can manage it - the attendants just get a few more people and pass the person right onto the tender.

Hope this helps.

Suzie

rasbury:

What do you do with your wheelchair or scooter once you get on the tender. Is there room for it too?

No scooters or electric chairs allowed on tenders. Wheelchairs must be collapsible. You may want to rent one for the duration if you don't have one.

Suzie

Hi All;

Thanks for the posts...good info to use.

My husband uses a cane for short distances and a manual sports-type of chair for longer distances. It doesn't fold, so I'm also interested if he can take it onto Catalina Island during our cruise next month.

It definately will make things a lot harder if he can't take his own chair...but we'll see what happens. We've become pretty good at adapting to barriers.

Shari

Although I haven't tried them personally, I understand you can rent a golfcart to tour the island. Your DH could use the cane to board the tender and it may be possible for the golf cart vendor to meet  you on the dock - not sure. Sound like a plan?

Suzie

Thanks, Suzie...we hadn't even thought of that...what an intersting suggestion. And he'd love to drive a golf cart all over. Just hard to take into stores and eateries!

Has anyone tried this?

Suzie :

Although I haven't tried them personally, I understand you can rent a golfcart to tour the island.

The golf carts are danged expensive ($40/hour) and you still have to get a couple hundred yards down a wooden pier and a few blocks down the street from where the tender drops you to get one. They are an OK way to putt around and kill a couple of hours but honestly the views aren't the best. For less than the cost of two hours in a golf cart you can take the interior island tour for two.

It really would be best if you brought along a folding chair. Most of the excursions can handle someone with limited mobility; there are usually a few steps involved in everything there (getting on a boat, getting on a tour bus...). Walking around town in Catalina is going to be limited to wherever you can go on Crescent Avenue and within a block or two; the town of Avalon is built into a valley of sorts and has steep climbs.

~ MattInSoCal

I'm sure we'll make due with whatever we have to, it's just disappointing when we're all so excited to see Catalina for the first time. It would be a shame to leave behind a custom sports chair that can go almost anywhere (except the beach), and instead take a folding hospital-type chair (which is bigger, bulkier and heavier) that will be both limiting and uncomfortable. But if that's the way it is, then we'll roll (literally!) with it.

Shari

DH's alternative chair is a lightweight, sports-type, collapsible model. Very easy for me to fold up and becaue of the nice wheels, I can push it when closed with one hand. I'm sure something like that is available for rental. If you like, let me know if you are interested. I will contact a friend with stores in SD and Long Beach to see if he rents these chairs.

Suzie

Hi Suzie;

Thanks for your offer...That would be great if you could ask your friend if he rents out collapsible chairs in long Beach and what the cost would be...

Thanks,

Shari

I will email him tomorrow. Glad to help out.

Suzie

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. Trolls ranme off the site.

My friend does not rent collapsible wheelchairs and is not informed as to where you might get one. So Sorry but I will keep checking. Would be happy to lend you ours if you live or will be near Las Vegas.

Suzie

Hi Folks;

We're back from our first cruise and used a tender to get to Catilina Island. My husband uses a sports-style chair and can walk short distances with a cane, and we were a little concerned that he would be refused a ride on the tender. We figured/hoped we probably wouldn't have a problem as we can at least take the wheels off the chair, and between the 4 of us we could hold the parts on our laps if need be.

Anyway, no concerns at all. Everyone was very nice and helpful...the chair was lifted in one peice (by the tender driver - usually that's my job!) on and off the front of the boat, and we had a great time. My son went golfing on the island and hubby caddied. All arrangements went smooth as silk, no issues with accessability at all.

That being said, the top deck of the Carnival Paradise is not accessable, as there is only stair access. So he was not able to play minigolf, wheel around the track, etc. A little disappinting.

Hope that helps,

Shari