grab007

Reading some these threads about meals, MDR, Windjammer and specialty dining reminded me of when they used to have meal announcements preceeded by a series of chimes. After a while you would have a pavlovian response whenever you heard the chimes!!!

Now of course with so many dining options its no longer done. But for you newer cruisers, it was like calling in the cows to eat!!!

There's nothing on the website, but is RCI communicating anything about the chikungunya virus, either on board or emails prior to Caribbean cruises?

We'll be going to Labadee and Jamaica where its particularly hard hit. We'll definitely be getting some 100% DEET before we go.

Is RCI saying anything?

My ideas were only brainstorming ways to free up wheelchair accessible cabins. I'm sure there are many more.

Its always easier to come up with reasons for NOT doing something than reasons FOR doing something. My point was Money Talks! If enough of us make our voices heard, the cruise companies will find a way. Even though the ADA does not apply, there are more accessible cabins and public spaces than ever before. We just need to remind them that its only a good start!

Thanks for watching the thread.

Thank you for everyone who viewed my blog post and especially to those who responded. Well, I am now back and thought that I would write my own views on cruising with a disability/neurological condition. The post is split into with the first being a general overview of cruising with a disability and the second being an account of my personal experience:

 

Cruising and Disability - A perfect match?:

http://brainlesionandme.com/2014/05/28/cruising-and-disability-a-perfect-match-part-1/

 

A personal experience of cruising with a neurological condition:

http://brainlesionandme.com/2014/05/30/a-personal-experience-of-cruising-with-a-neurological-condition/

 

 

Hope it helps somebody else xx

Thank you for your post. The most important person in my life is my wife of 40 years. Two years after we were married she was diagnosed with MS. She has over the last 38 years suffered many of your symptoms. She lost the ability to walk amost 20 years ago. We have been cruising for many, many years because it is nice break for both us.

After reading your blogs, I see that you possess two similar qualities as my wife. Courage and a positive attitude! With those two wonderful qualities you will be able to conquer the obsticles that life throws at you.

My advice to you Rhiannon (I really like the nickname too!) is not to give up on cruising if you like it. Take it in smaller doses if possible. Just keep doing the things you like and you'llbe fine.

God bless you.

Personally I never hesitate to book an accessible given the need for one.

 

Though it would be nice if cruise lines built more accessible cabins but he cold hard truth is it's all about revenue. Accessible cabins require approximately 1.5 to 2x the space than the standard cabin in the same category. ADA law does not apply to the build out of a cruise ship unless that ship is registered to and sails under the USA Flag as that of NCL's Pride of America. Even at that there is a complex formula relative to non-accessible cabins vs. accessible cabins to determine the number of accessible cabins and the cruise lines would still be only required to meet the minimum at best.

Bravo to all of who are not afraid "to get out there!"

Hopefully the powers that be will take note of this thread. Every "disabled" person's needs are different. The cruise lines could take that into consideration when designing cabins. Not all of us need a wheelchair so a fully wheelchair accessible cabin might not be needed but a "semi-accessible" cabin with a wider door and easier bathroom. Or perhaps secure storage areas for scooters near steward stations so those users coulde get to them easier without the need to keep them in their rooms. Also they could add the devices for hearing impaired folks available in more cabins as well. I know there are a lot more ideas out there.

As long as more and more of us make our voices heard (and our vacation $ available) the cruise lines will take our needs into their design considerations.

Chicken of the Seas...

Just think of the menu possibilities!

What cruise line still does that? Haven't seen that on any ship in many, many years.

Yeah I did it on Princess back in the 80's. I did see it on Seabourn in the movie Speed 2 and we know how life-like the movies are...!

But it was fun!

This should be good..:rolleyes:

Trap Shooting on sea days!

I've said this before and will repeat it here: My worst day cruising was still better than my best day at work!!

The majority of folks on CC are veteran cruisers. We all LOVE to cruise. So picking one cruise over another will usually get down to looking at the fine details. Sometimes this may seem like nit-picking or complaining. But when it gets right down to it, this is how we choose to spend our vacation. Picking one ship or cruise line over another is part of the FUN!!

Cruise Critic is a fun way for us to compare and contrast doing the thing we LOVE to do!!

I am on FOS on 9/14 and have a reservation. Its $95.

More wheelchair accessible suites and an elevator that gives wheelchairs priority.

RCI has done a good job making newer ships more accessible but booking 18 months in advance limits itinerary choices. Everyone will agree that elevators are a problem for almost everyone. Try getting one if you are in a wheelchair. Perhaps designating one elevator per ship that gives folks in wheelchairs priority. Anyone could use it but if a wheelchair is waiting at any stop, room would need to be made for it. Just a thought...

I haven't read anything here that I disagree with - even with you who disagree with each other. All are true. Parents are ultimately responsible for their kids. Lifegaurds might create a false sense of security and open the cruiseline for lawsuits (gotta love them lawyers.)

We're all here for each other, folks. Parents watch your kids, the rest of us will watch too. Royal Caribbean, get the lifeguards - and a few more lawyers. Accidents will still happen. Say a prayer.

rangers in the finals!!!!

How come you're only looking at the cost side of the value equasion without considering the benefits? We take a vacation to relax, have fun and maybe experience a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Like the mastercard commercial...priceless! How can you put a cost on that?

To me this is a matter of respect. Respect for the venue, the servers and the majority of fellow cruisers who want to look nice and have a nice evening.

A nice shirt and slacks are fine. But in my opinion, on formal nights if you want to wear shorts and tank tops there are other places to eat where that is more appropriate.

Excellent video!

I was wondering if you considered - to add stability in windy conditions - a detachable centerboard like ones used on sailboats. A large one would definitely help keep her more stable and you could make it detachable for when its not in the water.

Just a thought....

Still amazed each time I see it!!!

I think people who use perfume or aftershave should not be allowed on balconies or elevators! Many folks are allerigic, those floral fumes stay behind them in elevators and waft down the side of the ships from balconies. ENOUGH!!!! ENOUGH I say! The resulting sneezing is causing the spread of diseases - dare I say noro????

Its time to start promoting unscented perfumes and aftershave lotions. If anyone is offended, good!

My wife tells me we need a bigger house I tend to build the bigger all the time, but allows me more detail.

 

 

John

Hello John!

You don't need a bigger house but I think a bigger hot tub will be needed!

I can't believe I only found this thread today. I am also a model builder but, alas, I've only ever built them from kits. Elaborate kits yes, but kits nonetheless. Your wonderful ships are truly works of art combined with engineering as you built them sea (lake) worthy as well!! I have always hunted down the ship models on every Royal ship I've been on (many!) and taken hours to appreciate the workmanship. You should be proud to know that your's puts them all to shame! YOUR'S WORK!!

I can also appreciate the attachment you have with them. They're almost like your children. Your story about dropping the stern section and then having to walk away for 30 minutes before you could look hit close to home as a friend knocked over a Fletcher Class destroyer I had built which was a replica of the ship my Dad served on in WWII. I was not in the room at the time and I had to get hold of my emotions as well before I could look. Fortunately, my story ended as your's in that the damage could be fixed in a few hours.

I join the other posters on the thread in congratulating you on "your new child" and look forward to your projects going forward!

Bill G

It IS funny how this thread has morphed! I'm a looooonnnngggg suffering Ranger fan and last night's defeat of Sidney (I'm always the victim) Crosby was sweet. It will be Habs or B's..... tonight will tell. We'll be waitin' for ya.

Qed

Thank you all for the info! Yeah its pricey but I don't know if I'll have another opportunity as there are fewer birthdays ahead of me than behind!

Thanks again.

Seeing the Joker brought to mind that maybe dressing for dinner is kind of like being invited to a Halloween party. You don't have to wear a costume but it might be more fun if you do!

Um, no. My very first cruise out of FL in pretty good seas I thought nothing of it. Was having a great time and then it hit. Don't tell people it's all mind over matter. It's not. It's all inner ear and everyone is different. Just because you don't get seasick, doesn't mean others don't. The reality is, everyone is susceptible because everyone has their motion. I take Bonine (generic version actually) and start the day before. On Allure, I probably could have gone without it, but why chance it? No side effects and no seasickness either.

 

It's not fair, nor is it good advice to tell someone if they don't think about it, it won't happen.

I did start by saying "its been my experience." Obviously your experience was different. Whether your advice, mine or someone else's is better is up to the reader. That is what's fun about blogging, no?

Okay so I'm a little compulsive but I actually set up an excel spreadsheet with a To Do task list and a What To Bring list. This list is kept handy to add to/delete, etc. Its VERY helpful when you do start to pack. At sixty days out, start it now! Have fun!

In my experience I have found that seasickness, except under extreme conditions, is a self-fulfilling prophesy. If you think too much about it, you're more likely to get it.

Just get into the wonderful adventure you're about to have, enjoy the ship, the food, the activities and the new friends you will meet! You will be so into the fun, you will forget you ever thought about "the motion of the ocean."

Have a great cruise!