advice please!

[cruzmom]

We are scheduled for Vision of the Seas 4/ 20/03 Our very first cruise! However...
our 13 year old daughter had a snowboarding accident 4 weeks ago. We are hoping that she will be partially mobile by that time. Is a cruise do-able with a teen on crutches? She will have had her pins removed and be in a brace and possibly walking by then. Its all up in the air. So should we reschedule???? Will she feel leftout of teen activities? Also any suggestions on excursions in mexico? We are a fun-loving couple with our injured gal and sixteen year-old sister. Who, by the way ,will celebrate her 17th en-route. Suggestions please!!!

[LisaK]

if your daughter can get around on crutches then she shouldn't have a problem, if she is in a wheelchair, she shouldn't have any troubles getting around either. The halls are wide enough and their are plently of elevators. You might want to have your TA contact the cruise line to see if there are any handicapped staterooms available. The cruise lines are very helpful when they know that they will have a passenger with mobility problems. Rembemer that kids heal a lot faster then us adults, she may surprise you! I wouldn't cancel your cruise, she has just short of a month of healing time, that's a lot for a teenager. What are your ports of call so that we may make some suggestions for excursions.??

[cruzmom]

We will be stopping in Cabo san Lucas, PV and Mazatlan. We are thinking more of beach excursions and trying to avoid much hiking or walking. We are keeping our fingers crossed that she will be mobile and she is pretty determined when working with the Physical Therapist so I am sure she'll heal fast ! Thanks

[PapaBill]

A 13 year old on crutches with one good leg can probably cover more ground than 95%
of adults. Unless she is in a cast, she probably will get along just fine.I could see a cast being a bit of a problem on a beach. Can't think of any worse torture than sand down inside a cast.
Aisle seats on planes and buses will probably help(so she can extend her leg) and many public buses and tour buses reserve a seat up front for handicapped.
I'm betting she will have the best time of everyone.

Dear Cruzmom:
In Cabo, why don't you go on one of the many glass bottom boat rides? The fish life are great in Cabo and your daughter and her cast will be able to handle sitting in the boat.
Let us know how things work out.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor