NCL: Jewel & handicap access

U

uppitycats

Guest
I am contemplating booking a cruise on the NCL Jewel ("Fall Colors, NYC to Quebec & back)..

First a bit of background:

I use a wheelchair. I've been on 3 different Princess ships, in handicap accessible cabins, which were lovely. The BEST part was that the "public areas" of the ship were also reasonably wheelchair accessible -- the public bathrooms had handicap stalls, for example, with enough room to maneuver in a wheelchair; doors that opened relatively easily, etc. And the dining room staff was very accommodating: one one cruise we had been assigned a booth..not possible in a wheelchair!..and upon seeing us enter they quickly realized the problem, seated us at a table, and thereafter never had to address this issue again.

Then I cruised on a new Carnival ship. This was a disaster for many reasons...while the cabin was fully accessible, if I was somewhere else on the ship and needed a bathroom, I had to return to my cabin, as I could not find one accessible bathroom in the public area! The dining room seating was a booth, and we were repeatedly told "there is no other space available!!", so I ended up blocking the aisle (sitting at the end of the table) and was tripped over at every meal.


So what can I expect on the Jewel? I saw in one review that there were "side doors" for people in wheelchairs to get into the restaurants? What is that about?? And what about bathrooms in the public areas?

Thanks for your thoughts..
 
N

nmnita

Guest
I am pretty sure all public or most anyway do have wheelchair assessability. The showroom (top level) has space in back for those in wheelchairs and the dining rooms will do everything possible to make handicapped individuals comfortable. I would suggest you call NCL and ask them directly exactly what they offer.

Nita
 
A

Annetteg

Guest
We've just returned from the Norwegian Pearl, and had a handicapped minisuite at the aft of the ship, on deck 11. It was very spacious, with a completely equipped bathroom, and a good sized deck. We had our room card specially swiped so that we could access an elevator (only one) that would take us directly to deck six, and the accessible entry to the main dining room. We found handicapped bathrooms on every public deck. Every restaurant was available to us, and we received first class service in every one we tried.
We were able to see every show in the theatre from the area reserved for wheelchairs. We chose not to get off the ship in Samana, because it was tendered, but we found good transportation in all other ports. We have been well looked after on both Celebrity and Holland America, and this was our first cruise with Norwegian. We would go with them again in a heartbeat. So, if the Jewel is similar to the Pearl - and I think it is - go for it!

Annette
 
U

uppitycats

Guest
Thanks, Annette, this is exactly the sort of information I was looking for.

I thinky ANY cruise is better than staying home :), but it's nice to hear I'll be well accommodated.
 
Top