raindropsalways

I had to look of the HC Badge.... and have been laughing at myself. The HC Badge and placard are the same thing. Now I understand why others in that part of the world were bewildered with my some of my comments. Sorry for misleading you.

Please, no one is picking on those that use scooters who are disabled. It is those using scooters that are not disabled. Mobility scooters have made things possible for many people who are not disabled but due to age or other reasons can benefit by the use of a mobility scooter. I fully understand that and wish that there was a solution. However, walking is not life threatening for those. The scooter makes it easier and I wish that those people could also be accommodated. Regardless, they have options and the disabled do not have the options. Also, to my knowledge, all the cruise lines indicate door width and are very up front with that information. The large mobility scooters do not fit through any of the standard doors. The cabin size is a matter of convenience, it is the doors that determine who or what can enter. I am not familiar with wheelchairs, however believe that many are also rather wide. Thus they also require the larger doors and are probably dealing with the same issues.

I am aware there are doctors that will sign letters or airline flight forms declaring a person handicap. However I have not ever heard of any doctor signing a government document (state or federal) declaring a person handicap that is not handicap. There are some very serious penalties for that and a doctor could loose their license. I travel with a valid blanket letter and a list of my prescriptions for my own safety and to appease the airlines. I had an rather serious accident while on a cruise a few years ago and ended up in two different hospitals and a nursing home. Every doctor along the way thanked me for the documentation. I also have travel insurance for every trip.

Both Ruth and I use the small scooters, thus not a problem getting through the doors of a standard cabin and we would try to find a place to park my scooter out of the way. Ruth was able to use her crutches, but the scooter was really the best. Yes, two scooters in a standard cabin are a challenge and when you add a third person it really becomes togetherness. Even many of the accessible cabins are cramped with two scooters.

Also, more and more of the ships are making an effort to accommodate us. Unfortunately, their first consideration is the profits and space becomes a valuable issue. I did notice that one cruise line was starting to list the toilet height. It definitely is a consideration.

The term “accessible” relates to the turning space required by the old standard wheelchairs and the width of those wheelchairs. Thus wider doors and more space inside the cabin. Most travel scooters are actually smaller. Regardless, space is required. Most of the basic mobility scooters are larger. The original standard mobility scooters are larger and used by many. They are actually safer than the travel scooters but really limits where a person can go.

Really doubt that anyone wishes to deprive anyone of a cruise, but I am a strong believer that those that do not have any options be given first priority and until the cruise lines has a way to control who books the cabins, it cannot be controlled. Again, to my knowledge, the placard or HC Badge are documents that could be used for proof. Also, in case I missed any local descriptions, the placard and HC Badge are the local “handicap parking permits”. They do not contain any personal info, however our local placards have a serial number that can be traced to an individual. Also, as I stated above, I really doubt that any real doctor is going to sign off on any government form unless the person is truly disabled. That is a NO NO with hefty penalties..

None of us can stop those who violate the rules.  Yes, HC paring is also abused. 

I honestly do not know all the specifics about the ambulatory accessible cabins or the name of the both cruise lines that offer them. I am aware that Carnival offers them and think maybe Royal Caribbean does on the new ships. I believe the bathroom is one of the main areas with modifications. Regardless, I would recommend verifying with cruise line before booking.

Yes, the placards are abused. When I first got my placard, I did not get my HC plates until the existing plates expired. At that particular time, my son and his wife only had one car. So I shared my van with my daughter-in-law. However, I found out she was using the placard for her own convenience so this nasty MIL hid the placard in my purse. It was probably close to eight months before I got the plates and then my son suggested to her not to park in the HC spots. Yes, the placards are abused. To my knowledge, neither of my granddaughters or my son have ever taken advantage of the HC plates when driving my van.

Seems like down town Minneapolis and most of the major shopping places have extensive HC parking. A corner business area with a few shops has minimal HC parking. It is safer to drive to a major shopping area. Regardless, I have seen HC parking abused also in addition to knowing that my DIL did it until I found out.

1 hour ago, orkaren1 said:

Thank you, it sounds like you get how difficult it can be for someone who can't cruise without the accomodations provided in a HC cabin.  Many people just don't understand and think it is okay to book a HC cabin just because they use a scooter and like the extra room

Yes, I fully understand the problems. However, at present there is not any way the cruise lines can control the problem because a “Doctor's statement” might include “personal” information. To me, my life is more important than who knows I have lung issues. Regardless, others do not feel the same. However, there is one document in the United States that proves disability and does not include any info regarding a person's illness. That happens to be the placard for the disabled. The one we hang in our vehicle window. Even though it does not include the individual's name, it can be traced back to the individual. I'm pushing to find enough disabled who would also be willing to throw the possibility at the ADA, who in turn could include that fact in their requirements which the cruise lines follow. The cruise lines could enforce it on their own, but would probably need a little push and they do abide by the ADA rules.

I'm positive there is an abundance of people that can benefit from the use of a scooter, however walking is not a life threatening issue for them. That is the major difference.

There is at least one cruise line that I know has accommodations for both the deaf and blind in standard cabins.  But mobility devices to require space.  Regardless, I've spent many nights in a standard cabin with two scooters.  It is not easy.

Orkaren1 and Mesico8, thank you very much for your post and comments.

Your reminded me of something that may be of interest to those using scooters for comfort or just to make things easier. On a fairly recent Regal Princess cruise, Princess took the scooters for all those in standard cabins and charged them every night and returned in the morning. I my case, my scooter stayed in our closet and I charged it since I could not risk being without it over night. With this in mind, I would suggest that anyone sailing on Princess and can suffice without their scooter contact Princess to verify if the ship they wish to sail on offers the same service.

In past history, it seems like when one cruise line implements a procedure, the other cruise lines follow shortly. Thus there is a possibility that other cruise lines may also be providing this service. Certainly worth considering.

For those of you that a have a problem with the high step, get a piece of 2” styrofoam and make a step. It is light weight and you will never know it is in your luggage. For those of you requiring grab bars, contact the cruise line. My very first cruise, I was disgusted with the abundance of grab bars in the bathroom. At that time, I did not know what they were for.

We booked only one ambulatory accessible cabin. Would have probably been great for a couple and one scooter. But three old ladies and two scooters were not practical. Large fully accessible roll in bathroom. Assuming no one takes hot steamy showers, probably an excellent place to park a scooter or wheelchair. Other that the bathroom, a typical basic cabin with a door wide enough for scooter to get through. Would assume it would accommodate a wheel chair, regardless would verify if using a wheelchair.

For anyone that wants accessible cabin for comfort or practical needs, please remember there are many that do not have options, anything else could be life threatening. That is the big factor and the real reason for the HC cabins.

I have repeatedly been told that the cruise lines cannot ask for doctor's verification of an individual's handicap because that is “personal” information. Thus the placard is the only thing I am aware of that will provide proof a person is disabled and not include any personal information. I am receptive to any system that would allow the cruise lines to verify that a person is disabled, thus requires accommodations to make it possible for them to cruise.

Are you aware of what the test for disability involves? Ask your doctor to test you and fill out the paper work for the placard. It is that simple. The test basically determines if you are capable of maneuvering a specified distance without the possibility of bodily harm or death. That is what the disabled have to live with. I can guarantee you that it is no fun.

Carnival and another cruise line are offering the ambulatory accessible cabins. Thus there currently is an option for those that do not require all the necessities of the standard HC cabins. I am not familiar with those cabins, only that apparently they work well for cruisers with limited special needs.

Ruth had Charlotte Marie Tooth disease. Regardless, she and I managed to travel around the world. Yes, she was disabled, but she did not depend on always getting an accessible (HC) cabin. In stead, she made things that would make life easier for herself. She made a little 2” high step stool with a cord tied to it for lifting off floor, that she would use when ever we got stuck in a standard cabin. A perfect height to get in the bathroom. Unless something has changed in the past few months, the cruise lines always have shower stools available, just ask or fill out one of their special needs forms before you cruise and submit it. Fortunately, I have not been stuck in a standard cabin for some time, regardless, it seems like most had minimal grab bars. Ruth could walk with crutches, regardless it was a rather clumsy walk. I think I held my breath every step she took.

I personally procrastinated getting my placard and license plates. A doctor had suggested me getting it four or five years before I finally agreed. And yes, I cheated by getting a child's two wheel electric scooter with a seat and my doctor gave me the necessary paper work to take it on plans as a medical device.... but I still was not “disabled”. Oh, I can walk, it is just difficult to breath when ever I exert myself, very difficult. Even had to give up swimming and just floating in the water is not any fun. To be very honest, I preferred the two wheel child's scooter, but it really lacked safety factors. My son was really happy when I got the mobility scooter.

So please, if you are disabled, get the placard and if you have a vehicle the plates. Make life easier for yourself and put those around you at ease. If you would not want to use it for proof, that is not important.

Believe that someone misread an earlier post. I stated that the “helper” gets in free and even indicated that the helper would have to carry the disabled up and down the stairs. The Copenhagen card gives a discount, however I failed to state that one has to purchase the Copenhagen card and it benefits all that purchase it. I also failed to state that if the HC cabins are not booked by a certain date or time element they go into general booking and anyone can book them. This at least allows the disabled an opportunity to book one. And yes, there are some disabled that use the system, which is also wrong.

2 hours ago, Bloodgem said:

Hi Betty,

Can please explain what you mean by the European system? 

I'm from the UK and have only sailed with RCI. All I do is fill in a special needs form, which is given to me at the time of booking. I have never been asked to provide proof of need.

 

Maybe accessible cabins bookings should be made into non refundable. 

In the UK all our booking are non refundable. With RCI I can even book an accessible cabin on their own website. I have ring their office. Or in my case I get my TA to ring them.

Sorry, I am not familiar how they control anything with cruising in Europe. However, when on land sight seeing, if one shows their HC card (placard, handicap parking permit) the helper normally gets in free. On one of our trips in London, we visited the Tower of London.  When the clerk asked which one of us was the helper, we just explained that we help each other. They only charged us for one entry. In Denmark at Kronborg, we really threw the clerk a mess. Ruth and I had the Copenhagen Card, which gave us a discount, however we were also entitled to the “helper” being free of charge. And to really confuse matters, there was three of us on mobility scooters. My cousin is also disabled. In other words, it was a very cheap day for all fours of us. My cousin's wife was with us. Denmark is very adamant about using the HC placard. It does not matter if you are on a scooter, if you do not have a placard, you pay full price, no discount. In Rosenborg Castle, if the disabled person wants to see the Crown Jewels, their helper has to physically carry them up and down the stairs. Fortunately, I saw the crown jewels before I became disabled.

Hope this clarifies things for you. Basically, I am suggesting there is already a non-invasive source to prove a person is disabled that could be used by the Cruise Lines to prevent anyone and everyone that is not disabled from booking the cabins for the disabled. As it is now, the cruise line does not have anyway to control who books what.

The problem of some disabled individuals booking multiple cabins while deciding is not half as bad as non disabled booking cabins. If the non disabled did not book the cabins in the first place, a disabled person would not have to use any special system to be assured of getting an HC cabin.

Non-refundable would just be an additional hardship put on the disabled. I did not have any plans or anticipate that I would have to cancel a cruise. Regardless, some nasty doctor told me that I had to have a by-pass (heart) operation instead of cruising. On the plus side, he released me early enough that I was able to catch up with Ruth and Rose on the second cruise.

That TA does suggest that they should book standard cabins, but no where does he suggest that the handicapped may not have the option or ability to use a standard cabin.

In reading through his reasoning, I certainly do not have any objections to those who benefit from the scooters cruising. However, no where does he indicate that they should not book HC or accessible cabins. He actually tells one group that they would have to. He also elaborates on the additional space in the HC cabins. What do you think those people are going to book?

I certainly have respect for those that use the mobility scooters to make life easier. Regardless, they may have an option. Those of us that are handicapped do no have that option. Yes, I'm one that can walk; the legs work. It is just that my lungs cannot tolerate the exertion and breathing happens to be a necessity for all. Even though I do not use oxygen full time, it is a serious requirement, thus I limit my physical activities. Also, I have been determined to be handicapped by both state and military veterans standards.

This takes us right back to the reason the US cruise lines cannot verify the need for an HC cabin. If we would follow the European lead, there would not be any problems and the cruise lines could verify the need, thus prevent able bodied people from booking the accessible cabins. All it would take would be the HC placard. I do not know what the other states provide, however, mine has a number and the expiration date and can be traced right back to me even though my name is not on it. Ruth was from California and her placard also had info that could be traced back to her. We got our passes to use Miami's accessible transportation by providing them our local info. Also, there is nothing personal on the placards, thus no private info is released to anyone.

I remember one of my first cruises after Ruth passed away. The number of scooters parked at the edge of the dining room made it look like a mobility convention. Due to the extensive number of scooters, I believe many were in standard cabins. I fully support those that can benefit by the use of a scooter even though it may not be a necessity. However if they are depriving someone that does not have any options, they are wrong. So if you have a parent or family member that really needs mobility device, take that person to the doctor and get the damn placard. Yes, I know most of us do not want to admit there is anything wrong, my son jumped for joy when I finally got my HC placard, but the granddaughters still did not know.

Personally, I would support that TA if he, in any way put emphasis on not booking the HC cabins unless they are actually HC. That is what is lacking and his encouragement for them to book a cruise tends to aim them to the HC cabins. I'm positive that Ruth and I are not the only ones that had to book a standard cabin a time or two. Fortunately we worked out a system that was doable. If you think it is tight with one scooter in a standard cabin, please try it with two mobility scooters.

Please take a moment and think about it. If multiple TAs start promoting things like this, if and when will there ever be accessible cabins available? Yes, we have booked a few cabins when a cruise itinerary was first released. However, are you aware that there are some people that book multiple cabins the first day they open up for bookings and then as they make up their minds as to which cruise they will take, they start canceling the others. The problem with that is the fact that cancelled cruises normally go into general inventory and loose their HC status. Ruth and I grabbed one of those cabins once because we knew the cabin number.

Sorry if I sound like an old stick in the mud, but in addition to being disabled, I'm not getting any younger thus a few age challenges start sneaking in after you pass that ¾ century mark. I'm still able to travel alone and be fully independent, however it is not easy. As many of you know, people all over the world are wonderful and it seems like there is always someone to help if there is a problem.

The issue is not what he is promoting, it is the way he is promoting it. When he stated the HC cabins are 50% larger, he should have included a plea for them to not book an HC cabin. Actually, it probably would have been better if he had not made any comment about the size. A comment about the HC not having any other options would have been more appropriate.

Seems like every time I suggest using HC placards, people assume they include personal info or think I'm crazy. I'll certainly support any logical solution anyone else can come up with. As long has the handicap does not want any personal info released, I cannot think of any other solutions for cruise lines to control the use of HC cabins. It really works good in Europe.

I think we all enjoy cruising regardless of the inconveniences. Also, I hope accessible cabins will be available for each and everyone of us for the cruises we desire. But at some point we have to make a stand and attempt to correct the current problem.

I certainly do no have a problem writing to the Cruise lines suggesting a possible solution to the current problem or even writing to ADA. Unless we do something, it is not going to get any better. Please, not only think of your parents needs, think of your future generations needs.

Betty

Just discovered proof of one of our major problems regarding the availability of accessible cabins. Problem is with non disabled using HC cabins as most of us already know. This is one of the major problems as to why.

A TA (The Travel Tutor) is promoting the use of scooters for non-disabled people. Yes, I would agree that a scooter would make life easier for those individuals, however they have a choice. We, the disabled to not have options.

I do not know how the rest of you feel about the issue, but I'm tempted to write to all the cruise lines and request they stop allowing him to book accessible cabins unless he can provide proof they are disabled.   Here is the link to his advertisement promoting the use of non disabled using scooters on shps.

https://themighty.com/2018/06/mobility-scooter-cruise-ship/

Please share your opinions with me and if you disagree, please be gentle.

Thanks,

Betty

I have not sailed on the Sun, but have been on a number of the old NCL ships and have always been pleased with their accommodations. Yes, my friend, “don't-use-real-name” is correct. He has had to tolerate me on a couple cruises and I do not think I ever ran over him once. NCL's accessible cabins have always been comfortable. Both Ruth and I had our scooters and there was always ample space for both.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I did not realize it was that far into town. Of course, Ruth and I always visited the original or part of town with the historical buildings. No idea of what it is like now, but in 2005 we did not have any problems other than the usual bumpy streets . Also, at that time there was a shortage of curb cutouts, so we either rode on the edge of the street or used driveways to get on and off the curbs. I think there may have been a couple times we were assisted getting off a curb.

Regardless, last year I visited some other ports in Mexico and most had created curb cutouts, thus did not experience any problems. I would have a tendency to assume that Mazatlan has made similar changes.

If you happen to go a bit further south to Puerto Vallarta, please find a couple others to share a taxi and go to El Malecón. It is an easy trip on the scooters and the sculptures are well worth the visit. I'm assuming your scooter will fit in the trunk.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

1 hour ago, ljslight said:

I just got a new scooter. Upgraded from a manual wheelchair. I have severe RA and Fibro. Can I take the scooter on the plane? Is it safe to check a scooter? Do I need to box it up? I am doing a 16 Hawaii cruise in 4 weeks. We start out at Vancouver and end up at LA. Can I still rent one if I have different embark and final port?

Thanks for your help!!!

I'm assuming you got a travel scooter. If so, you should not have any problems taking it on a plain. Regardless, please check the airline's standard rules. Most airlines, you can drive it to the plane or you can do the same as I. I ask when I get to the gate, if they want to take it then and later take me to the plane in a wheelchair or if they want me to drive it to the plane and they will take it from there. At the boarding gate, they will put a gate luggage tag on it and give you the stub. I have standard gel batteries. If you have lithium batteries, you will have to remove them and carry them on board the plane with you. You will be one of the first on the plane and the last off the plane, so just relax and wait. The scooter will be delivered to you at the plane. A few times I have been provided a wheelchair to my scooter. As soon as you purchase your flight tickets, contact the airline to let them know you will be traveling with a scooter.

You do not have to box it up or package it in any manner. The airlines are fairly cautious, however over time you may notice a minor scratch or two on your scooter.

Delta has recently come up with a form to attach to the scooter. It is very similar to one I made years ago when the scooters were first introduced to the airlines. Do a little search on their website and you will probably find it.

I do not have any knowledge of the large mobility scooters or if they are allowed on planes. I have not ever seen any of the old large ones on a plane or ship. Do not know if they are still being made.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

You are in luck. Royal Caribbean docks on the south side, thus you can get out on your own if you want. We took the city buses all the way to Cocoa Village (a small historical town southwest of the port). You will have to transfer buses, but that was not a problem. https://321transit.com/ From the port, you would take bus #9 and transfer to #4. For returning, just a reverse. Enlarge Google map and you can see the locations of the bus stops by the little bus emblem on the map. If for any reason, the ship docks on the north side of the port, you cannot get out on your own. You would either have to take a tour or a taxi.
 

Cocoa Village is a quaint little town and we enjoyed our self made tour. I believe some of the cruise lines offer a tour there now. Regardless, the city buses would be a lot less expensive.
 

When my son was stationed in Orlando, we went to the Kennedy Space Center. Really don't know what we expected, only that we were disappointed . That was almost 40 years ago and I'm sure things have changed. However, we dined someplace near the Space Center and the food was excellent.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Yes Mark, we have only been to a couple of the stops on a Spring cruise and on a different cruise line. I fully agree with you in regards to the cost of “accessible” tours. They are outrageous, thus Ruth and I did many things on our own.

First of all, I have great news for Alseund, the HoHo bus is accessible https://city-sightseeing.com/en/66/alesund. They have space for one scooter. Actually, they have space for two small scooters, but attempt to keep one for strollers. We mainly wanted to get to the top of the mountain, which you should also see. However, before it, the “out-door museum” is very interesting. We did not take the entire trip. Got off at Alseund Church and scooted back (sight-seeing on the way) to the cruise terminal. You can board the bus at the edge of the cruise terminal parking lot.

In Stavanger, we arrived on the day of their Independence, which they celebrate. Regardless, before the major activities, we managed to see some of the interesting points on our own. The locals were in appropriate costume and very impressive. Look at your map on Google. The ship docks on the west side of the inlet, not far from “Stavanger tourist Information”. We wandered to the cathedral in the park just south of the inlet and then up to the park on the east side of the inlet. There is an accessible path down to the water on the west side of the park, but it was a little difficult to find. Wandered around the shops in that area and then headed back toward the center of events. Their Independence day is May 17. If would been a regular day, we would have wandered around the town more. But with all the festivities and costumes, we were very happy. If you have concerns about distance, use Google's “direction” finder and it will give you distances.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Pictures are all from Alseund  - The Ho Ho bus was a birthday present to her from me.

2 hours ago, 2Scots said:

We are on the RCI Radiance and my mother who is sight impaired and uses a walker will need assistance to her Muster Station. Our cabin a few down from hers is a different Muster Station. How will she get assistance for the Muster?  Can we change since our cabin is about 8 down on the same Port side as hers. she is in an accessible cabin as well.

 

Thoughts and prior experiences are appreciated.

My suggestion may not be perfect, but I think it would work and probably be the easiest. Since you are on Royal Caribbean, they are one of the nicest in regards to the disabled. Chances are that your mother's muster station will be the one closest to the door leading to the elevators. I would suggest that you check in with your normal station and advise them you would like to stand with your mother at her station (assuming it would be the one closest to the doors accessing the elevators) to assist her. I was on Royal Caribbean when they started letting the disabled escape the muster a few seconds before the mob in an effort for the disabled to reach the elevators first. If you are not already aware, there is no mercy at the elevators. Yes, there are many that are very considerate and willing to wait their turn, but please do not rely on manners. I went into a state of shock when a long legged man physically stepped over my scooter to get in the elevator ahead of me as I was entering the elevator.  I stopped, but wish that I would have kept going.  

Have a wonderful cruise.

Betty

Cannot help you with a specific cruise, however I believe that Celebrity normally offers a Veterans event on their ships and it is posted either on a bulletin board or in the daily paper.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

First of all, I am not familiar with a rollator. Both Ruth and I used scooters.

I do not remember the gang planks in Amsterdam, only that it was a breeze for Ruth and I to get on and off. We did not embark there, only visited.

Civitavecchia is easy. Not positive about current info. When we disembarked there, we had to obtain our transportation or take the train. If you check under “Europe Disabled Cruising” (separate thread at the start of this thread), there is some more recent info as to what is available.

The last time we disembarked in Civitavecchia, we took the port shuttle to the exit and scooted to the train station. Took the train to a town south of Rome, saw the sights and then back on the train to the airport for late night departure. At that time, there was not any train directly to the airport. On a prior trip, I contacted a shuttle service for transportation to the airport. For that trip, we found others on the roll call that shared the shuttle with us.

I do not recall any problems getting on and off the ship at either location. 

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I would contact the lodge. There is always the possibility that they offer a shuttle service. I know the taxis offer accessible vehicles as well as the public bus system. I have taken the buses to and from the port just to visit friends in Seattle. Even if the lodge does not offer a shuttle to the ship, they would have full knowledge of other options.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

It was a long time ago and I really do not remember that much and no longer have name of contacts.. We booked a private tour in Bora Bora along with others on the Cruise Critic Roll Call. It included a boat ride to and from another small island, swimming with the sharks, and a pig roast. We secured both our scooters on the dock at Bora Bora and walked (Ruth used crutches) to the boat. As far as swimming with the sharks, Ruth did get into the water, but never let go of the ladder. I took a couple strokes in the water, regardless all my physical activities are limited. The pig roast was authentic and the food was excellent. Upon returning, our boat was docked further from our scooters, thus the crew assisted us. And yes, we found kids sitting on them. We use a bicycle chain and lock when ever we left our scooters anyplace..

We also stopped at a couple islands referred to as French Polynesia. Both places we just wandered around and saw what we could see. Yes, we were rather adventurous, regardless we looked out for each other and managed to go around the world before scooters were ever seen many places. Back then, most ships would allow the small scooters on their tenders, thus we were able to go ashore everywhere except Kiribati. Actually, only one tender went in to deliver things and then return. Extreme bad weather.

As far as getting around with a mobility scooter, I'm sure that you will find that people all over the world are wonderful. There was not much accessible ten years ago, but that did not stop us.

Hopefully, others with more current info will be able to offer you some information. For Ruth and I, the important factor was just transporting the scooters.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Vitamin Sea Addict - I received a notation that you had responded to my post, however I am not able to find the response. So I went looking for it. At this point, I thinking maybe you had a similar mishap to one I recently experienced. I posted a response and made a typo, so I corrected the typo; however I failed to save the post, thus it disappeared.

In looking for your response, I happened to notice your post about your son's hearing. Thank you. There is so much truth in what you said, I thoroughly appreciated it. Most people really do not understand the effects of being disabled regardless what the disability is. In my case, I can walk, that is not an issue. However, walking is physical exertion which limits my ability to breath, thus I use a mobility scooter.

Currently I'm booked for a January 2021 cruise into San Juan. Seems like ever cruise into our out of San Juan, I have not been able to get to see Casa Blanca, thus I've already told my traveling companion we are going there.  I've used this the map I posted a number of times. 

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

On 6/13/2019 at 8:52 PM, Vitamin Sea Addict said:

Anyone have a good map of Old SJ? I've seen a variety of maps but I want a clear map that I could print out ahead of time and use it to accurately (with whining children in tow) get where we want in San Juan.  Sounds like the trolley is no longer a reliable source as whether it is running can be hit or miss. I'd just like something clear and easy to navigate. So many on google images seem cluttered or unclear.

Thanks!

I like this one for detail.  Unfortunately, the site listing sequence is far from perfect.  Regardless, it still offers good info. 

If you happen to have "National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass" it would all you free entrance to many of San Juan sites including both the forts. 

Thank you for correcting my error.  Yes, I was thinking of Columbia.  Forgot all about Spain.  Way too many years ago.

It has been many years ago since in Gibraltar (November 2008). We first shared a taxi with others and went to the top to see the monkeys and a fort. Ruth could walk with crutches and I could do limited distances. We were able to secure our scooters at one of the vendors booths. After seeing the monkeys and mountain, we just got on our scooters and wandered around town. All within short distance of the ship. Note: I'm assuming you meant Gibraltar.

Cartagena was also a number of years ago (October 2007). However, the dock is a ways out of town. We negotiated a deal with a taxi driver to take us to town and back to the ship. One of those deals where you pay after you get back to the ship. He was able to put our scooters in the trunk. That vehicle had a very large trunk. We were also there in October 2014, however this time we did not go into town. They had built rather nice park which I think included a few zoo animals. Memory gets a little vague sometimes.

Considering the extreme locations, I'm guessing you are either taking multiple cruises or attempting to decide. Regardless, have a wonderful cruise.

Like previous poster stated, most cities now offer accessible public transportation. Gibraltar everything was close to the ship, thus no need. Cartagena now offers a ho ho bus, but I not know if it is accessible. You might look up the that bus. Normally they indicate on their websites info regarding accessibility.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Do not know when you were last in Europe or attempted to find transportation, however there has been extensive improvements and availability to get around for those of us requiring mobile devices. If you are cruising, the cruise line does pretty good at having at least one accessible tour. There are still some ports that cruises may not be able to offer accessible transportation. Both my traveling companion and I required the use of mobility scooters and the occasional problem we ran into was “only space for one device”. However, most of the cities now offer public transportation, which we utilized. Most the cities offer excellent bus service, metro services or places like Copenhagen offer inner city train service.

I would suggest that you do research on the local public transportation and chances are that you will be able to see the entire city on your own. Just map out where you want to go and match it to the public transportation. Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam all have excellent bus service. Amsterdam also has street cars that are accessible.

As far as getting between countries or cities, we normally took the train. However, both of us had created a way to attach our luggage to our scooters, thus we did not physically have to tote it.

Do not be bashful about writing to the various places including he city offices. Over the years I wrote to many cities for info. Most are very willing to provide complete accurate information.

What specific places are you currently thinking about?

Have a lot of wonderful trips,

Betty

Years ago, I had to have stitches removed and there was not any problem. However, for the facilities own protection, they may want him to see a doctor first.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

In your reasonable priced paces, both Ramada and Red Carpet offer shuttle service from FLL and shuttle service to Port Everglades. However, I believe they may have a time limit on picking up at the airport. I would suggest contacting them about what they offer.

http://www.ramadafortlauderdaleairport.com/

https://www.redcarpethotel.com/

Ruth and I have taking the public buses all over Fort Lauderdale and Miami. We planned our trips out well and never had a problem. http://www.broward.org/bct/Pages/Default.aspx

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty