We are thinking of taking a cruise has any... - PSP Association
We are thinking of taking a cruise has anyone else done one - if so what has been your experience and have you any tips? dorothy-thompson
hi dorothy
have u ever beenon a cruise b4?
I never fancied it but u can get a "disabeld" cabin - someone on either this HU site or the originaal PSP Blogging site recommended it last year and said it was really great!
i am sticking to mini hols in this country as i have problems when i go anywhere different - am still not using a wheelchair all the time yet but my 4 wheeled frame can not always support me thwen i am out and I " Freeze"
love jill and a 
We have been on a number of cruises since my husband was diagnosed with PSP. From his point of view he feels safe because he is constantly surrounded by people and he doesn't feel so out of the community when on ship. From a carers point of view there r a number of practical issues to consider. Make sure travel insurance is up to date, make sure you pack more medication than u need - double. Let the travel/cruise company know u are travelling with a disabled person and u will need a wheelchair to greet u at the port, carrying cases and keeping a watchful eye on the patient can be very stressfull and tiring.I have found it easier to pick up the ship from England, eg Southampton as although airports are excellent getting u on and off flights before other passengers etc you wait a long time for the assistance which can be frustrating for thepsp sufferer. We always book anytime meals as this gives us more freedom. We always take the tips off the bill at the start of the cruise otherwise it can prove tone very expensive and we prefer to tip individuals. If u have any queries I have forgotten do raise them.
It may also be helpful to take a list of your healthcare professionals and their contact phone numbers with you. I would also advise you take some printed information on your condition, perhaps relevent pages from the carers information pack, just in case you have need of treatment whilst away.
We have been on 2 long cruises and I needed to rent a wheelchair which met us before boarding the ship . We also notified the airline that we would be needimg a wheelchair to get to the plane and thru customs. People aboard the ship were so kind and helpful; a nd we even got to go ashore when the crew members helped my husband down and up the gangplank. The shore excursion desk reserved the front row of the bus for us and allowed us to go down first when we told them of my husband's needs. It was such a wonderful respite...no shopping, no cooking, no cleaning and no mail or phone. GO! Edmee P.S. We flew from NY to Miami, Fla and got on the Holland America crruise line. The Indonesian crew was superb!!!
Jill,
We have just returned from a cruise to the Western Caribbean out of Tampa, FL. It was our third cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines, which has freestyle cruising (so set meal times or assigned tables). Previously, we sailed to Eastern Caribbean out of Miami and Alaska out of Seattle. We were able to drive to Seattle from our home in Northern US and did not need a caregiver 3 years ago. That was the best. All flights are very stressful with my husband, who no longer walks and is unable to transfer, either. He falls into his w/c and into the aircraft seat during transfers. Managing luggage and him has been impossibly stressful, even with the caregiver along with us (she adds additional luggage).
We have found the balcony staterooms for Handicapped passengers are not really accessible unless you are able to step up 5" to get outside on the balcony. They are small. The best room was the inside handicapped room, which was large enough for the 3 of us and our luggage. We found that we were able to see out just fine by getting out of the room and going to the buffet for meals or to the pool. Lots to do on the ship, and the only way we travel, as hotels are impossible at this point. We loved ordering room service for breakfast or pizza at midnight.
Do the cruise. If you ask for help, everyone will be happy to push wheelchairs, help you through the meal line, provide any kind of assistance, or make reservations for special events. There is plenty to do, and if you are able to drive to the cruise terminal, the airline hassle is not an issue.
Northwest Anne
Yes, Edmee, I would be happy to let you know what is happening with us and vice versa. Are you connected with any of the online support meetings held through Cure PSP? There is a meeting tomorrow led by Ken at 8 pm EST. Contact PSP to be connected to the group. I try to participate when I can (5 pm our time). That's a busy time for me, and I often fail to participate due to caregiving needs.
Tell me about your husband, Edmee.
Anne
Dear Anne, Would prefer we communicate directly via e-mail. I can be reached at self6@comcast.net. Hope to hear from you.
My wife is still somewhat mobile but I have a great idea for you. We took a river cruise on the Seine from Paris to Normandy. It has a smaller group of people than a larger ship. You can stay on the ship and enjoy the scenery as it passes by. It had a lift to get from one level to another (one person lift). If you did this type cruise you wouldn't have a need to get off at each port and could just enjoy the scenery instead of being out at see where you would only see water most of the time. It think a river cruise would be ideal.
