tande-
We have been on several cruises, the last in 2009 to the Caribbean after my husband was diagnosed in 2008. At that time, he was where I think your fiance is now (according to your post on other thread).
He was using a cane & AFO's, had a walker at home (but didn't take it out of the house). Walking was becoming more difficult & tiring for him, but he "wasn't ready" for a wheelchair- even a manual one. Consequently, he was staying home more. Not good.
We flew to Florida from Philadelphia, no problem then with that. (a little different now)
We arranged to have a manual wheelchair to use on the ship- I thought this would be a way to ease him into the idea of using a chair. (this is offered by most cruise lines)
I would not use a manual w/c though- most places it was easy to manuveur, but in the hallways (which are LONG) it was difficult to push due to carpet. Now, the crew are accommodating & will help when they see you but that is not all the time. And, it made my husband feel "handicapped & old".
Instead, make arrangements for a scooter (again, most lines offer this). Also, definitely book a wheelchair accessible room/cabin. Even if he is fine in your bathroom now, it would be helpful to have the seat in the shower as well as grabbars.
Even with calm seas, there is a slight rocking of the ship (everyone adjusts after the 1st day), but for someone with balance issues, this could be a problem. Better to be safe than sorry.
As Tom says, you can find out which outings you can manage. I personally like the days when the ship is docked & many are off. The pool area is not crowded, it is quiet & restful!
I would suggest if the ship leaves from Florida- and you fly there from CA?- to fly at least the day before the cruise sails, and stay overnight. I would think the flight alone would be tiring, and the day of boarding has a lot of excitement & activity.
Another possibility would be a cruise leaving from the West Coast. As rcharlton said, Cabos & the Mexican Riviera would be nice and I think there are many cruises offering that itinerary.
And, Tom, thanks for your comments. We just booked a cruise for May; will leave from north Jersey for the same reason as you- we will drive & take Jim's PWC.
Even though we have an accessible cabin, I had been debating taking a wheeled combo shower-commode chair with us. Will definitely give the loan closet a call & add that to our "carry-on luggage"!:lol: