ms Rotterdam wheelchair accessible rooms

[T in Lakeside]

My husband and I are considering a rather lengthy cruise on the Rotterdam. He is confined to a wheelchair. We both won't cruise without a veranda room.
I've confirmed with the cruise line that the only veranda staterooms with wheelchair accessibility are either facing the back of the ship (more movement and looks like its questionable whether wheelchair would make it past the bed to get out on the veranda) or back up directly to the elevator shafts.

These two statements backing up to the elevator are decent sized room but we are afraid that the noise would make sleeping a real problem. These room numbers are S7040 and S7041 and are on the navigation deck.

Looking for cruisers particularly wheelchair users who may have stayed in these two staterooms and can provide input on the noise, particularly at night, from the elevators going up and down etc.

thank you for any assistance you can provide

 

[bob]

Those elevators pretty much service the main dining rooms and lower stateroom decks so will probably get much less service than others, except during meal times. Ship elevators are usually pretty quiet and though not knowing the layout of these cabins, my guess is that the bathroom will be backing up to the elevators thus giving a degree of buffer for any noise there might be. Though they do service the lido deck the elevators at the front of the buffet get far more use than the rear so with exception of dining hours, most of the service on this set of elevators will probably be decks below you but it will sure make it easy for you to get to the dining room or to the lido buffet.

 

[GloBug]

Gee, would this be my SIL? Glad you found your way here. bob usually knows what he's talking about. And he knows where to find coal! Those AFT staterooms are wonderful, we love them. Have had them several times. I could see how it would make it difficult for M, though, especially if the seas are a bit rough. Hope you find the answers you need.

See you in 19 days!

 

[T in Lakeside]

Gee, would this be my SIL? Glad you found your way here. bob usually knows what he's talking about. And he knows where to find coal! Those AFT staterooms are wonderful, we love them. Have had them several times. I could see how it would make it difficult for M, though, especially if the seas are a bit rough. Hope you find the answers you need.

See you in 19 days!

it would, but I'm not doing well at navigating takes me forever to get back here etc.

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

We were on the Rotterdam a few years ago and S7040 and S7041 did not "back" up against the elevators.

It appears that since her retrofit in Oct 2009 they have made those rooms larger in order to have both the tub and a separate shower. The area that would be backed up against the elevators would be the bathroom and closet area -- thus you should not hear any noise in the cabin area where the bed and sofa are.

You would be wise to book one of those cabins as there is a lot of space to move around and you have a large verandah.

 

[ShipMaven]

S7040 and S7041 are both Deluxe Verandah Suites, the largest accommodations on the ship other than the Penthouse Suite. Your DH will have absolutelly no problem "navigating" the room and getting out to the verandah which is very large - round table with 4 chairs, 2 lounge chairs with cocktail table. You will have all the amenities of the Deluxe Verandah Suites including exclusive use, with the Penthouse, of the Nepture (Concierge) Lounge - the Concierge can relieve you of many "chores" such as obtaining dining reservations in the alternative dining rooms, spa appointments, shore excursion tickets, etc., etc.

Don't give a second thought about the location of these two accommodations. As bOB and KK stated, you have the bathroom and dressing room/closet as a buffer between the elevators and your living/sleeping quarters.

 

[T in Lakeside]

Thank you so much. Can I ask what you think of Holland America, I read lots of reviews at this website, most of which were negative - rude personnel etc. etc.
T

S7040 and S7041 are both Deluxe Verandah Suites, the largest accommodations on the ship other than the Penthouse Suite. Your DH will have absolutelly no problem "navigating" the room and getting out to the verandah which is very large - round table with 4 chairs, 2 lounge chairs with cocktail table. You will have all the amenities of the Deluxe Verandah Suites including exclusive use, with the Penthouse, of the Nepture (Concierge) Lounge - the Concierge can relieve you of many "chores" such as obtaining dining reservations in the alternative dining rooms, spa appointments, shore excursion tickets, etc., etc.

Don't give a second thought about the location of these two accommodations. As bOB and KK stated, you have the bathroom and dressing room/closet as a buffer between the elevators and your living/sleeping quarters.

 

[T in Lakeside]

Thank you for your input, How did you like the ship and personnel, there are many many negative reviews about Holland American ships, found no reviews for the Rotterdam.

We were on the Rotterdam a few years ago and S7040 and S7041 did not "back" up against the elevators.

It appears that since her retrofit in Oct 2009 they have made those rooms larger in order to have both the tub and a separate shower. The area that would be backed up against the elevators would be the bathroom and closet area -- thus you should not hear any noise in the cabin area where the bed and sofa are.

You would be wise to book one of those cabins as there is a lot of space to move around and you have a large verandah.

 

[T in Lakeside]

Thank you for your input, it is appreciated.

Those elevators pretty much service the main dining rooms and lower stateroom decks so will probably get much less service than others, except during meal times. Ship elevators are usually pretty quiet and though not knowing the layout of these cabins, my guess is that the bathroom will be backing up to the elevators thus giving a degree of buffer for any noise there might be. Though they do service the lido deck the elevators at the front of the buffet get far more use than the rear so with exception of dining hours, most of the service on this set of elevators will probably be decks below you but it will sure make it easy for you to get to the dining room or to the lido buffet.

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have done 52 cruises on HAL --have 582 days.

Those elevators are used quite a lot!! They are the only ones in the aft for people to use to go to the aft area of the ship -- Lido -- dining room. But as I said -- they way they have refitted those 2 handicapped cabins -- and the location of your bathroom and closets -- you will be fine in either of them.

It has been a while since we were on the Rotterdam.

Yes -- there have been times when we have had a few crew members that were not good -- but that has been very rare. We have been fortunate to have excellent crew members for the majority of our cruises.

Hope you have a great cruise.

Yonnie

 

[ShipMaven]

Thank you so much. Can I ask what you think of Holland America, I read lots of reviews at this website, most of which were negative - rude personnel etc. etc.
T

T - I, personally, like Holland America very much, and LOVE their Deluxe Verandah Suites and Penthouse Suites. Suite amenities are delightful, and the Neptune Lounge is a wonderful touch. I rarely go anywhere but the Neptune Lounge for breakfast and lunch. The crew is friendly and solicitous, and most helpful to those with any mobility issues.

While there's always the chance of an "off" voyage with any cruise line, rude crew members would be exceedingly rare on HAL.

And, BTW, my first voyage with Holland America was back in 1952 - a little while ago!

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

I also have to Pipe In.

We always stay in either the PS or SA Deluxe suites.

When we were on the Rotterdam we had PS 7004 -- it was so wonderful.

We love being able to grab a quick breakfast in the Neptune Lounge when we want to get off the ship quickly.

Also -- on the Rotterdam -- Deluxe Suite passengers get to have breakfast in the Kings Room (different than most of the other ships). Just check the daily program for when the main dining room opens -- the Kings Room follows the same schedule.