Pride of America's amazing Hawaii itinerary can only feature some calls to port with assistance from tender or gangway. It's not at all out of the ordinary, but as we'd all like this cruise group to sail without issues, a notice of disclosure was released for information purposes in advance of our sailing.
If you're new to cruise, it's not abnormal to receive such notices or updates. Your safety is always the top priority, and that of other guests and crew. These sorts of disclosures help us work with those guests who have specific needs and we can build a plan to ensure the best outcome possible for your participation!
An abridged notice from Norwegian
Guests must be aware that certain vessel transfers, such as tendering and gangways, may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters and a guest may not be able to go ashore. When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Some guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark while at dock or tendering. Scooters cannot be taken across on the tender, guests must utilize a collapsible wheelchair.
If the guest can walk onto the tender, the total weight of the wheelchair cannot exceed 100lbs (a guest may have to utilize steps or a staircase to access the tender and re-board the vessel).
If the guest is unable to walk onto the tender, the total weight of the guest cannot exceed 100lbs. This is for the safety of the crew as NCL depends 100% on manpower to lift the wheelchair or the wheelchair guest onto the tender. The only one who can determine if the transfer takes place is the Staff Captain. Factors such as weather and sea conditions are taken into consideration.
Note: Scooters, wheelchairs and/or guests who weigh more than 100lbs will not be lifted or carried to the tender and/or to the shore.
Please be advised that tender ports are subject to change without notice.