We had a lovely first time cruise with our disabled daughter on the Oosterdam. But like any holiday there were problems that we were unprepared for. The help that we received from most of the staff was exceptional. We managed to get a great deal of help to get her and the wheelchair onto a tender to go to the Isle of Pines and also off the ship at Vanuatu and Noumea. But what we couldn't get was information about the islands that we visited.We had no idea that the Isle of Pines had a sealed road for example.

In Noumea the ship docked at the container wharf. We were told that shuttles would takes us to the city as we couldn't walk through the wharf. But the shuttle buses had 4 steps to get on board. Too bad if you are old or disabled. I had to enlist some strong passengers to lift her on the bus - everyone was helpful except the tour director in charge.She told me to ask the driver of the bus for help.

The disabled stateroom was spacious and the bathroom had a walk-in shower. But the door to the room was heavy.The bed was lovely but quite high for transfer without lifting. Read more