norcalnick

I ended up purchasing one before I truly had to depend on it. All I can say is that although it cost me a little over $2k (SmartScoot) it has improved my quality of life, my accessibility, and urges to go on more cruises in the future!

When you get to the gate at the airport, be sure to check in with the gate agent, as they need to tag your scooter. The agent will ask questions such a weight, battery type (lithium (Li-ion)or sealed lead acid (SLA)) and if Li-ion they will expect that you will be taking the battery on board with you. I'd suggest purchasing a battery bag similar to this on Amazon: http://a.co/bxe78cO as it will keep the battery safe. (SLA batteries, I'm not sure if the rules are the same, as my scooter is Li-ion) Thankfully, you'll get priority boarding which will give you time to take out the battery and secure your scooter.

I would not suggest leaving your scooter unattended while at port. You should be able to navigate the scooter in most shops and restaurants easily. But if you "must" get off and walk, park it inside near the cashier or host stand, if possible. It's a long walk back to the ship and for the rest of your cruise if it goes missing! Have a wonderful cruise!

Thank you! I actually was wondering about getting down to the San Jose Artisan Market. We are planning to do the Hemingway Tour the first day and had thought about the HOHO bus for the second day.

Thank you again!

You're very welcome! Oh yes, the HoHo bus...we did that the second day too. The pick up/stop was just to the left of the terminal, but for some reason, the drop off was across the street, of course there was no slope at the crosswalk! Enjoy your time in Havana and cheers to a wonderful cruise!

Nocalnick,

 

How did it go for you in Cuba? I have a powerchair and have purchased a rollator as I'm thinking that might be better from what I've read about getting around, but would like to hear your experience if you don't mind please!

 

Thanks,

Alan

Hi Alan, Cuba wasn't too bad. Upon leaving the terminal to the sidewalk, there's no ramp and it's a step down (about 5"). Once you're on the sidewalk, if you head to the left, there is a ramp, but that's pretty much it. 90% of the time, the sidewalks had no slopes. Getting to the San Jose Artisan Market (1/2 mile to the left of the terminal) I had to ride on the street, a portion of the street was sectioned off without any cars so it was safe. In front of the terminal was the Old Towne Market which was all cobblestone which made for a slow and bumpy ride, but definitely worth the look. Otherwise, we took a classic car tour to see the rest of the sights. Each stop was easy to navigate by scooter, or rollator. If you are able to walk quite a bit with a rollator (without balance/tripping issues) I'd say go for it! :)

We bought a Smart Scoot in June for my husband and its been a life saver. It gave him mobility when he was very sick. I can actually lift it and put it in our SUV which makes a world of difference. We do plan on taking it on a cruise in September and will let you know how we make out. We do not have a handicap room.

 

Does anyone out there have any suggestions as far as a cover/bag that we can buy for when we gate check the scooter when flying?

 

Thanks

Barbara

Congrats! The SS was a lifesaver for me too! You do not need a cover. When we get to the gate, we just remove the battery, put the feet pegs up, and push down the seat backrest, and you're good to go. We used to put the handlebar down but it takes a lot of wear and tear on the cables in transit. Here's a tip, purchase a battery carrying bag, the airlines are strict with lithium batteries and I've been asked if it's in a secure case. The bag I bought was only $11 on Amazon and the SS battery fit perfectly. Here's a link:

https://www.amazon.com/HOBBYTIGER-Retardant-Charging-Zippered-215x155x115mm/dp/B01D88ICDM/ref=pd_sbs_21_12?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01D88ICDM&pd_rd_r=2WEKGPG8W39X3DNWBP4Z&pd_rd_w=YvS84&pd_rd_wg=nauyM&psc=1&refRID=2WEKGPG8W39X3DNWBP4Z

Also, the first time we cruised with my SS we didn't have a handicap room but, the SS fit through the door, with an inch to spare. Just be sure the back wheels are at the narrowest setting and it's best if your hubby angles the SS as straight as possible when entering.

Happy travels and happy scooting!

This is the exact same way I experienced the NCL Jewel. Kids running around everywhere you go. Assaulted in the theater by a woman over a seat. Nothing done about it. People wearing old dirty shorts and T shirts with lots of ugly tattoos and bare feet dancing in the bar/lounge area at night.

People didn't dress up for anything, very low class dumpy people on this ship. Don't cruise this ship or you will be very disappointed.

Look in the mirror before you start judging anyone. We just got off the Jewel on Sunday 4/9 and during the cruise, I was one of your "low class dumpy people" as I dressed down for all meals, wore shorts, t-shirts, have multiple tattoos, riding on a scooter (as I have a disability) and was just enjoying that I was on VACATION. Because once I'm home, I have to dress in a suit and tie daily, that allows me to live a very, very comfortable life and home, and am a sweet, kind, compassionate, and generous person...so I've been told, but you wouldn't have known that with your disapproving glares.

Perhaps, for your next cruise, charter a private yacht, such as the Atessa IV that was docked in Puerto Vallarta? Don't mind the tattoos though, the crew keeps them covered.

The Bruno Curbsider was about $3300, installed. Keep in mind that I'm in Canada, so that's Canadian funds. USD would likely be less.

 

 

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Great, thank you! And thanks for that link about the battery carrier, I prefer that then just throwing it in my back pack!

I purchased a Smartscoot online from the manufacturer, Innovative Mobility Products, in October 2016 in time for my Transatlantic cruise If I have to use a scooter, I love this one. Having the 3 speed options is great. Gate checking my scooter, and retrieving it at the door of the plane was easy and so convenient. Just remember to slow down when turning. That being said, the turning circle is incredible, and if you slow your speed right down and turn the steering column completely to the left or right, it's like turning it on its axis. My husband can easily load and unload my Smartscoot from my car, but I cannot. I've installed a Bruno Curbsider hoist into the cargo hold of my small SUV, and now I am completely independent whenever I'm on my own.

 

I do not recommend that you check your Smartscoot either with the airline or the cruise luggage porters. Always gate check it and ride it to the plane door. You don't want to risk having it damaged, especially the motor and breaks. Ride your Smartscoot to the embarkation ramp. At that point, depending on the incline, staff will help push you up, or they will push your empty scooter up the ramp while you are pushed in a wheelchair.

Glad you're enjoying the Smartscoot! If I may ask, how much was the cost of the Bruno Curbsider, and installation? First time I've heard of it, and might be interested. Thanks in advance!

How does an airline lose luggage on a non-stop flight? yikes!!

For this flight, we did curbside check in. I had a bad feeling as there was a lot of luggage on the curb; I should've trusted my gut! So, it probably sat on the curb or under a pile making its way to the tarmac by the time we left.

What really ticked me off is that SWA had zero record of it. I guess they don't scan bag tags before loading them on to your plane, or a plane, for that matter.

7 day R/T Seatte/Alaska with the obligatory Canada stop. I have no clue whether we will debark in Canada. With time spent in Seattle pre and post cruise.

 

You'll be just fine. I carry my meds in a pill box and never had any issues or inspections whatsoever. During our Alaskan cruise last July, I had a few Oxycodone (narcotic) pills as I was just recovering from a gout attack and had no problems.

Enjoy your cruise!

Has anyone on this Board used a scooter on the streets of Havana?

 

If so, what was your experience?

 

I've used a scooter in Europe and managed it quite well on cobblestones etc but somertimes it was difficult loading it on taxis and almost impossible on buses.

Hi tommui987, what kind of scooter do you use? I use a Smart Scoot and it's super easy to load into a trunk of a taxi, and collapses well for a bus.

I'm looking forward to taking it to Havana this July, although I know it will literally be a "bumpy" road ahead. ;)

Thanks for the details, mlbcruiser!

I'm dependent on a scooter for any travel more than 20-steps, therefore I had a feeling Havana might pose a slight problem. However, I booked our cruise to Cuba anyhow; as they say, "YOLO" (You Live Only Once), it's a bucket list trip, and I want to visit Cuba in the event American travel to Cuba becomes restricted again.

During our last cruise, our stop at Grand Cayman had very steep sidewalk cut outs where I needed a push, and some sidewalks didn't have a cut out at all! It's a matter of just staying aware of your surroundings.

I hope this doesn't stop the OP for travelling to Cuba; where there's a will, there's a way! ;)

There are two versions of the staterooms. On one, the one we had, the couch is next to the sink and the Star Trek Transporter modules for the shower and toilet....

 

Here's an image of the bed next to the Transporter modules:

Star Trek Transporter modules...LOL! Love it!!!

I would've preferred the reverse floor plan for sure!

I'll call again to double check, as we're sailing on Sunday...woo hoo! :)

We don't buy the soda pkg because its the fountain stuff. When we want a canned soda we go to the arcade and there is usually a pop machine in that area, just use your card and no 18% grat is added.

Can't remember price but i know it was cheaper than the bars.

Nice! Thanks for that tip, FranknBeans! The better half prefers canned soda and goes through two a day. :cool:

Just be careful, because when I booked our upcoming cruise, I had the choice of one promo item and when I chose the Specialty Dining promo, I was told I had to pay a service charge of about $12 per meal, per person. So, I opted for the $50 excursion credit, for now, as I could change it before the sail date.

Epic stateroom bathroom setup wasn't my favorite but, it wasn't a big deal either. I'd rather have everything in one room, and didn't like the sink literally in front of the bed. I just didn't like the curved walls in the stateroom, it made parts of the room feel narrow. Otherwise, it was very comfortable and would sail on the Epic again!

When we were on the Epic, we noticed the cigarette smoke was heavier than usual and lingered throughout the floor. We were on the Western Med. itinerary so there were a lot of Europeans on board who smoke and used the opportunity to smoke in the casino area even if they weren't playing.

This is why I love this forum... I've taken your advice and rebooked my flight to Saturday and will now have time to see a bit of Seattle and leisurely make my way to the pier Sunday morning. Thanks so much for your help!

Thank goodness! Reminds me of our Alaskan Cruise when we flew from OAK to SEA. We were on the second flight of the day, to arrive at 10:30am but, our luggage didn't make it on the flight! Talk about stressed OUT! Airline (Southwest) had no idea where it was and we had to "hope" it was on the next flight, which arrived at 12:30pm, and they did. Grabbed an Uber and sure enough, there was traffic. Got to the port at 1:30pm and breezed through check in. Lesson learned, give yourself adequate travel time, and plan for the inevitable! ;)

Congratulations! We did this exact itinerary on the Epic in November '15 and had a great time.

Glad you splurged on a balcony stateroom! It's great having that extra space, fresh air, and ability to relax on your own balcony! I just didn't like how the sink was outside, the shower was practically in the room. I'd rather have that all it its covered area. But otherwise, no big deal.

Naples - Walked around the immediate area of the city and there wasn't much to see so we went back to the port and got on the Hop on Hop off bus for $20 per. Took about 90-minutes to see the highlights of the city and the beautiful scenery. Otherwise, there wasn't much else in Naples.

Rome/Cittavecchia - Just pay the small fare for the shuttle bus that gets you to the train station and take the train into Rome, which didn't cost that much, about $7-10 per. We also did the Hop on Hop off bus there which was also about $20 per and got to see EVERYTHING! The Colloseum, Circus Maximus, St. Peter's Square, Vatican and Trevi Fountain. We left Rome around 3pm and got back to the port at about 4:30-5pm.

Livorno - Grabbed the bus to Pisa to see the tower, that's pretty much all that's there. There are a bunch of vendors on the walk there to grab some souvenirs, as well as McDonald's if you want wifi or a Big Mac.

Cannes - There was a little train (think Disneyland parking lot train) at the port that went around the city. Forgot how much it was, but it wasn't expensive by any means. Aftewards, we walked down the boardwalk and into town to look at the posh boutiques. It was quite expensive, even for food. I remember paying $18 for a tuna sandwich at a bakery!

Palma - There was a Hop on Hop off bus at the port but you have to get there early as there aren't many buses that go around. Gets you around town, lots of shopping, and cathedrals.

Overall, we saved money by not doing the excursions through as NCL as they were just so expensive, yet we saw all that we wanted! Just one tip, especially if you go on your own, is to be mindful of your return time to the ship, as it will leave without you; we've seen it happen.

Have a great time!

Dear OP, based on your comments, be sure to never cruise on Carnival, sounds like you just might go postal before the ship leaves port on the first day! :)

We've sailed the Jewel to Alaska last July and will be sailing the Jewel again to the MX Riviera. The Jewel is a great ship, not too small, and doesn't have endless corridors like in those mega ships. We've sailed the MXR before and realize a lot of So Cal families are on this itinerary but, we're not there to focus on other people, we're there to relax, enjoy being on vacation, while the coworkers are toiling at their desks! :)

Princess, yes there's a different vibe there. We noticed they cater to the empty nesters as they have formal nights and more conservative entertainment. Formal nights, we ate at the buffet. Older folks, they're not party people, neither are we! "Ghetto" folks as OP mentioned, yeah they were there too, as were the tattoos, and the kids. But overall, we actually loved Princess, and would sail them again!

Bottom line, don't worry about what other people may or may not be doing, you're on vacation! Relax and make memories with the family, that's what matters most.

No need to dress up, you're on vacation! That's what I love about NCL. However, you (men) can't wear shorts during dinner. Jeans, slacks, or sweatpants are acceptable, just not shorts. Enjoy your cruise!

This has happened to me, as with most of us. But, I committed to the price at the time, and accepted it. Sure, it'd be nice if there was a price guarantee like some hotels have but otherwise, you're taking a chance by waiting. I typically book 3-6 months out; with the exception of our next cruise, which was booked 30 days out...not for the faint of heart! :)

Slightly off the subject, but just had to get this off my chest. When we go to the buffet, we use the hand sanitizers when we enter, and again before sitting at the table. It grosses me out seeing so many people in line nibbling off their plate, and licking their fingers, just knowing they're not done filling their plate, and will touch the serving spoons and tongs, laced with their saliva, and whatever else the hundreds of hands prior have touched. Ew, ew, eww!!!

I think I just convinced myself to never eat at another buffet again, ever! LOL!