Lots of Questions

Hi - I posted this same question under the family section, but thought I might get advice here as well. I am now starting to plan our first cruise. I know nothing about them. We have a 12 yr. girl; 11 yr old boy who is confined to his motorized wheelchair (he has MD); a 9 and 8 yr. old girls, making us a party of 6. We were thinking of taking the 7 day cruise on Disney Magic, but have been told that we should take Carnival instead (better for the $$$). I am hoping to get some help here. First of all, have any of you travelled w/ a handicapped child? How are the accomodations? Also, I'm assuming all 6 of us cannot be in the same room. How do large families go on cruises? Any help, thoughts or ideas would be wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

[nushnakka]

I agree for the money Carnival is a better deal. I can't say about handicapped but I have seen several so I guess it works out. As for cabins, no you can't get 6. Put the kids in a seperate cabin. They do have handicap rooms which are bigger.

[Jim Bragg]

Both lines have very good programs for kids as does RCI. CCL is often the best fares with RCI very close and many times alternating with CCL for the best fares. Mostly it depends on the ship, time, and route. DCL is more costly, (they have to make up for lost casino revenues). All three lines work very well with handicapped people of all ages and you will see many others handicapped in varying degrees. Unless you get one of the very top suites, (VERY expensive), you will need two cabins. Book early with your selected TA of choice and make sure they are aware that you need a handicap cabin and an adjacent cabin. These cabins go quickly so book early. You may also have your TA contact the "Special Services Dept." of the line you end up booking so that you can coordinate anything you need in the way of extras.
Jim

Friends I travel with who have kids book one ocean view room and one inside room to save some money.