NCL ‘Pride of America’
Hawaii – 7 Night Cruise
On the ‘Pride of America’ Ship
(on Hawaii Cruise Feb. 2 – 9, 2008)
Norwegian Cruise Line – Freestyle Cruising
Description & Accessibility
Accessibility
On this cruise I did not request an accessible room and was traveling with a manual foldable wheelchair which my wife pushed me in. Based on that I did not request a accessible room. The door width to the states room would not have been wide enough to drive a power wheelchair or scooter into the room, the bathroom with shower had a step up into it. If you have a powered mobility device always request a wheelchair accessible room which will have a wider door, level entry and level bathroom entry with wider door.
The ship itself is mostly accessible, the only issues are certain doors like to the outside deck that had heavy doors on them. Some doors to outside decks do have ramps but the doors can be heavy and tricky to open alone, they are fine if someone opens it for you.
It has been 3 years since I took this cruise so I am unclear now about the entry into the pool deck in regards to doors to that area, but the doors may be less of an issue than the ones to the outside decks. Pool areas tend to have ship staff and people movement around it, so it should be easy enough to get someone to open a door if needed.
The first couple of days on the ship and you will get to know the layout of the ship and alternative routes that may be easier.
I do remember one room called the “The Conservatory” that I left the wheelchair outside of the room as entry was not as easy to get into from a wheelchair.
I had enquired in advance of this cruise in regards to accessibility of tours and therefore on this ship there was a meeting with a crew rep after boarding for anyone that they had advance notice of having a disability and it was brief but it was just to clarify what your needs where or if anything they could do to help.
By: Donald Kerr