raindropsalways

According to Seaside itinerary they will be there. The reason it is listed twice is because it is being sold both as a 7 day cruise and as a 14 day cruise. Regardless, the total on board is only for one visit and is counted as only one ship.

Cruise Time Tables is usually very accurate. I wonder if one of the ship is one that changed itinerary. There were complaints about a number of ships that changed their itineraries about that time.

Hope this eases some of the stress.

I attempted to determine if all five ships were there as “port of call” or as “departure port”. Regardless, I could not find five ships there on January 22. Only three as “port of call” including the Sunshine. Regardless, I would not worry too much about multiple ships in San Juan. The only place that might be over-crowded would be the Rum Factory.

As far as I know, this is the best source for info regarding ships in port. https://www.cruisetimetables.com/ If you are attempting to use Port Authority info, it would be possible to have some freighters listed also.

Have a wonderful cruise.

Betty

8 hours ago, Bandruidh said:

Thank you for your replies.

There seem to be 2 main types. 

A. those that just fold up very easily like Luggi and Travelscoot.

B Those that seem to break up into 3  or 4 parts.

what experience has any one of type B surely getting those passed checkout would be a nightmare?

Type A are very very expensive and how good are they for home use on the pavements at home?

 Regards

Both scooters that I have had disassemble, however I never had to completely disassemble either one. The only thing I ever had to do was take the seat off so the scooter would fit in a vehicle trunk. It is rolled onto the planes upright, completely assembled. I only have to remind who ever is taking it to put it into free wheel and reset it. I keep the key with me.

My current scooter is the small Go Go which is one of the least expensive scooters on the market.

Betty

Correction in regards to Princess.

We booked late, thus no accessible cabins available. Regardless, I was not worried because I knew my scooter would fit through the cabin door. Since I was in a standard cabin, Princess wanted to take mine and all other scooters in non-accessible cabins every night, charge them and return them in the morning. I refused to let them take it because if I had to leave my cabin for any reason, I would require my scooter. Thus Princess provided me with an extension cord long enough to reach the closet where I parked my scooter. I was not left in the hallway or any public places, it stayed with me. That cruise was this year (May 2018).

I do agree with all those that suggest purchasing a scooter. I have not ever rented. Currently I am on my second scooter that I purchased and have saved many dollars by purchasing. Roughly 50 cruises. It is a Pride Go Go.

My memory is not perfect and that was almost 10 years ago. We shared a vehicle going to the airport and I think we were picked up at the ship. Looking at the website, it appears that cars can enter the area. https://civitavecchia.portmobility.it/en/port-civitavecchia-address-how-get-and-useful-info. To be positive, I would suggest you write to the port again.

When we took the shuttle bus on our last trip, the bus driver or someone else at the bus stops assisted Ruth with her luggage. My suitcase is attached to the back of my scooter and goes right on buses with m.

Just realized you are boarding today. You are probably already at the ship.

Have a wonderful cruise..

Are you going on crutches or mobility device? Regardless, Cozumel is fairly accessible. They do have wheelchair taxis available or are willing to put a small mobility scooter in a vehicle. Or if you dock downtown, you can just wander around town.

Since the ship docks in Labadee, you can go ashore. I think they have a trolley not too far from the dock if you are walking and they do have paths suitable for mobility devices.

Jamaica depends on where you are docking. If in Falmouth or Ocho Rios, you will be on the edge of town. We used mobility scooters, thus were able to see the town on our own.. Montego Bay has a shuttle bus into town which is wheelchair accessible. However, if in town on your own, stay within the recommended areas.

Do not know about any tours from any of the ports.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

One more thing. The Casa Blanca in San Juan is partially accessible. She will find very few historical buildings that are wheelchair accessible. I have not yet seen it, but sure looks interesting. I have scooted to the entrance when it was not open in hops of seeing something. Not particularly an easy trip, but doable. Here is a link with some info: https://sanjuanpuertorico.com/casa-blanca-museum-old-viejo-san-juan/

Betty

I found your other post with the ports of call.

Key West should not be any problem, regardless there may be some rather active type tours that are not recommended plus others may have limited space for mobility equipment. If you dock downtown, you can go just about anyplace on your own. If you dock at the Navy base, you will have to either take the ship's shuttle into town or a ship's tour. If a ship's tour, double check with the tour department. If you or anyone in your family collects shells, Key West has an extensive shell store at reasonable prices. Also, there is Kilwins (great chocolates). Some of the trollies are accessible which would take you to the various sites.

Basically, I think you should write to NCL Access desk (accessdesk@ncl.com) and ask what tours are available at each port for mobile devices.

In St. Maarten, you can easily walk / scoot into town. However, for tours, I suggest you check with the ship.

St. Johns, Antigua is fairly accessible. Most of the curbs have cutouts. You should be able to see the major points of interest on your own if you desire to do so.

Road Town, Tortola you can also see on your own. We enjoyed J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens and other sites in town on our last trip. The overall trip was approximately 2 ½ miles.

There is a lot to see in Old San Juan. Fortunately, the ship docks in Old San Juan, thus decide what you want to see and do it. I have heard that the trolley is accessible, but have not used it. We both used scooters, so we went everywhere on our own. If I had to make a choice on what to see, my first selection would be Castillo de San Cristóbal. It is approximately ½ mile from the docks. If you happen to have a US Park pass, take it along. Can be used at most the sites in San Juan. You may have to look for the curb cutouts.

I still have our plans for Road Town, Tortola and brief plans for St. Maarten and St. Johns (basically a map so I don't get lost). If you would like, I can email them to you. Just email me bettysworldnow@yahoo.com.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

First of all, it sounds like you have not ever filled out a SRI (Special Requirements Information). Exact title may very, regardless you would identify the medical equipment you are bringing on the cruise and that you require refrigerator for meds. Since your only requirement sounds like the need for a POC, which you will be bringing along. That is all you would have needed to tell them. Apparently you gave the cruise line the impression he just had the transplant.

As far as Med Evac, that is not a taxi service. Depending on where the ship may be at the time a person develops an emergency situation, he could be put in a local hospital. Chances are that your insurance company is going to attempt to get that hospital to take care of him so that they do not have to provide Med Evac... it is expensive. And that tiny little jet, with the pilot, co-pilot, two medics, your husband, his POC and maybe a small suitcase, is full and it is going to take him to the port of departure. Or, if both the medics are small, they may be able to squeeze you in and no luggage.

In regards to the fact that he may have to go to a specific hospital in the U.S., I do not know how that would be arranged. I had surgery in Fort Lauderdale and was put on a commercial flight with a medical escort to Minneapolis where they put me in a nursing home for a couple weeks.

Basically, the ship is doing everything to protect your husband. You attempted to to the correct thing, just apparently was not aware of the standard procedure and created excessive concern. I would suggest that if you booked directly with the cruise line, e-mail them back and ask for the form to fill out. If you used a TA, call the TA, tell him/her what happened and ask them to get the form for you. Also, make sure you have travel insurance.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Glad to hear you got confirmation from the port.

You can also use Google maps to determine distance. After you have entered and located your starting address, select the "direction" option and then select your destination on the map. I normally, select the "walk" (little man walking) option for route. In Europe that can be iffy because of step streets, thus drive option can be safer some places.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I am type I diabetic and have been for most of my life. I have a tough time at night with low blood sugars at night. What are the chances I can get a waiver to bring juice or regular soda in a sealed container to treat hypo's at night?

You probably have a couple options. If it is a medical need, get documentation from your doctor and I would suggest notifying the cruise line before sailing that you will bring items with you. However, like someone else suggested, both are available on the ship. Get one of the personal drinking bottles and fill it every day at the buffet or ask your waiter in the dining room to fill it for you. The soda you can purchase on the ship.

I travel with two documents. One prepared by my doctor that list my general needs due to my medical condition. This letter is up-dated every year. The other is a complete list of my prescriptions and medications, plus a check-off list of special clothing and equipment I need. They sure came in handy when I was involved in an accident while on a cruise.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

There's a lift or ramp then on the shuttle bus?

I think it was a ramp, but honestly do not remember. Years ago, they used a portable ramp. But the most recent one (February 2013), what ever they used was built into the bus.

So you were able to get a scooter on the bus, correct? (It will be the GoGo Sport.)

And I have contacted the port about this but haven't heard back from them yet. I'll post what they say.

Yes, that is correct. Actually both scooters were the small Go Go Pride plus our suit cases (my suitcase is attached to the back of mine making the overall assembly about 12 inches longer). Actually, Chivitavecchia is one of the easier ports to get around in.

I've been told that the shuttle bus stop has been changed since I was last there, however the map I found on Chivitavecchia Port website indicates the shuttle bus stop is still in the same location. Regardless, the shuttle buses were wheelchair accessible, we got both scooters on the same bus both going to and coming from the ship. We have also scooted into town and enjoyed our little tour just wandering around. It is approximately a mile from the pier to the where the little dot for “Chivitavecchia" on this map: https://www.civitavecchiaport.org/from-the-port-to-civitavecchia-train-station/.

I do not recall having any problems scooting around town. We did stop in a little candy store and bought some almonds. They had some sort of thin coating, not candy, regardless they sure were good.

I personally would write to the port (contact info on site above) and verify the details. In the past, I have received conflicting info between the port and the ship and to the point the ship actually confirmed the ship was wrong.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

We are sailing on Anthem of the Seas Oct 18, 2018. I have emailed the excursion and special needs departments at Royal Caribbean and they have not been able to answer my questions. My husband is in a transport wheelchair and has a brace on his leg. He can walk short distances and go down a few stairs. I have already booked our excursions, but need to know if I should cancel them. I would like to know if the tender at Bar Harbor is a "ferry like boat" or a lifeboat. We are booked on the RC Acadia park/lobster bake tour and I need to know if they can store the wheelchair. Would anyone know if there is wheelchair storage on the Portland/Kennebunkport five hour tour, Peggy's Cove and Halifax three hour tour, St John hop off and on tour? Thanks for your help, first time cruising on Anthem of the Seas

I do not know anything about a collapsible wheelchair. Is there any possibility you could take it on the tour vehicles with you? Also, it is unlikely that you will find storage place anywhere. We traveled with a bicycle lock and chain and locked both scooters to a light post or something similar.

Are the tours you booked with the ship? I would assume that if so, they would all be the easy tours. Also, is there any possibility they can transport the wheelchair? I'm surprised that RCCL has not been more assistance. Rather than securing or storing the wheelchair, ask if it can be transported.

I believe ships use standard tenders in Bar Harbor.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Aruba: A few years ago, we enjoyed a trip to the Ostrich Farm. It is not too far from the Natural Bridge and some other sights. We found the taxis to be reasonable in Aruba, however we waited until the mob was gone.

Both Aruba and Bonaire have a Donkey Sanctuary if that would be of interest. We confiscated pears and apples and snuck them off the ship for the donkeys. I've only been to the one in Aruba. NOTE: If you have not ever fed a donkey or horse by hand, hold your hand open, flat, and just lay the fruit on you open hand.

I have not ever used Accessible Caribbean Vacation. They might have something of interest to you or ideas that would help. http://www.accessiblecaribbeanvacations.com/

Have a wonderful cruise, Betty

First of all, do not worry about parking in Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale). The various cruise lines have assigned areas. Princess sails in and out of Terminal 2, northern part of the port. Driving there take Federal Highway (US 1) to SE 17th St. and turn east. At Eisenhower turn right (south). The port guard will be a little way ahead of you. Have your travel documents ready.

This place will provide some info regarding accessible tours. https://www.accessiblecaribbeanvacations.com/ I have not ever used them because we created our own tours. Also, I felt they were rather pricy. However we did require transportation anumber of places and I normally would write to the various local transportation companies (taxi, bus, what ever I could find). Or, if there was a particular place I wanted to go or sight we wanted to see, I would write to them asking about possible sources.

If she is using an electric wheelchair, she will probably require accessible transportation. If she is using a collapsible wheelchair, I would assume she can get in and out of taxis.

If she just wants to wander around the various ports, most are accessible to a certain extent. Some may have rather bumpy surfaces (cobblestones or something similar) and curb cutouts may be limited.

In Barbados there is normally an accessible taxi in the taxi line. However, if she is using an electric wheelchair, it is an easy ride on the sidewalk into town. If someone is pushing her, these distances could add up. To my knowledge, this is the only port on your cruise that offers an accessible taxi at the same rate. I only used it once,many years ago.

In Antigua you will dock right downtown. Most of the sidewalks in town are accessible and you can get to the Cathedral without any problems. However one of the east/west streets south of the Cathedral did not have cutouts at every corner. Just went a couple blocks further south and did not have any problem.

St.Thomas downtown is over a mile from the docks and is doable all the way. At the edge of town, a couple of the sights are on a rather steep hill. The Danes would build anyplace.

Martinique does have a few things down town. I'm thinking about going to the fort on my up-coming cruise. It is about the only thing I have not seen.

St.Kitts had some rather high curbs, but I think there areutouts at almost every corner.

GrandTurk is one of Carnival's private islands type port. In the port area there are many of the conventional shops, a pool and the space landing landmark.

I'm going on a couple cruises in January and have put together small maps of the port area with minimal port info. Even though I have been to all the ports, it is easy for me to get turned around, the maps usually get me back to the ship. They are not for accessibility, just directions. I do have one for Barbados, Antiqua, St. Thomas and Martinique. If you are interested, just email me at bettysworldnow@yahoo.com and I can send them to you. Please include “Cruise Critic” in the subject so I read it.

Have awonderful cruise,

Betty

I do not recall the Getaway having any narrow doorways and wheelchairs are normally wider than scooters. Of course, there are the collapsible wheelchairs that eliminates width issue. Regardless, if it is a problem, ask the rental service to provide you a scooter without arms (they can easily taken off and put back on). I assume you are renting one of the small travel scooters.

I took the arms off my first scooter and the second one I bought without arms. I am too independent, thus I prefer my ability to get around on my own and those scooter arms are a nuisance to me. For someone that needs the arms to raise themselves off thescooter, it would probably be a necessity. My traveling companion also had the small scooter with the arms. She definitely needed them. There was a number of times we ended up with both scooters in a standard cabin. Yes, it was togetherness.

In Cozumel, the person directing taxis will get you one that can accommodate a scooter, assuming that you get one of the small travel scooters. The taxi usually charge an additional $5 for the scooter. There are also a couple accessible taxis, but a long wait for them. The last time we were at the ruins, they had stepping stones and the grounds were not scooter or probably wheelchair friendly. Here is a link to Cozumel docking schedule. https://cozumelinsider.com/CruiseShips Punta Langosta Pier is the cruise downtown dock. If you dock there, you will be in town and can just cross over to the shops in the skywalk; elevators on both sides. However, if you dock at Puerta Maya Pier or the International Pier, I would recommend a taxi into the down town area or any of the sights.

In Roatan, you will dock at the Port of Roatan. I assume the dock has been repaired. In the immediate area (up the hill), there is a strawmarket. We booked a private tour that put both scooters in the back of their vehicle. Do not remember the name. Regardless of what you decide to do, I suggest that you try to fit in a stop at the Cameo Factory. Definitely worth a visit. I think it was Bodden Tours. Regardless, we found another couple on our cruise Roll Call to joinus, thus we got the four person price.

For Costa Maya on our first trip, we just scooted to the town which is abut 1 ¾ miles from the dock. Might be a bit of a walk for any one with you. On our last trip, I had booked a private tour to the ruins. They agreed to transport our scooters. Unfortunately, Ruth passed away two days before our trip and I ended up canceling the ruins trip because I just did not want to do it without her. The port area is basically a large shopping area.

Havea wonderful cruise,

Betty

Getting in and out of the safari trucks may not be a problem, depending on her size. My traveling companion did not ever have a problem with the safari trucks because the drivers just picked her up and put her on the truck. They also lifted her off. She only weighed about 130 pounds. He also lifted both our scooters and put them in the back. On one trip, we went to Coral World and on another trip we just took an island tour in St. Thomas.

Not familiar with the ferry, however here is a picture that shows a ramp.https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/09/af/69/21/virgin-islands-ferry.jpg Looks like there may be a small step down inside of the boat, but that should not be a major problem.

Yes, that was a great cabin NCL, we enjoyed it on two different ships.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Unfortunately, those of us on scooters are below normal sight level when walking, thus people of foot do have tendencies to run into us. If I am driving through a crowd, I will hold out my arm a bit on the side of the crowd enough to alert them that I am there. Nevertheless, it is a horrible feeling if you run over someone's toes regardless of the fact they actually ran into you. For this reason, I attempt to avoid crowds as much as possible. Suggest you avoid sales on the ship. They can become extremely crowded. If you are not versed in driving a scooter, it might be difficult for you to drive with one hand. The lever on both sides will do both forward and backup depending on if you push it up or down. Thus, only one hand can be used.

Another person attached attached a post (broom handle type) with a bright flag on top. I had something similar once for identification so a group could find us. Do not remember exactly how I attached it. I use a small dowel and probably masking tape.

If you have not done Paseo del Morro in San Juan, it is a lovely trip. Just follow Paseo de la Princesa east from the docks and it turns into Paseo del Morro. Also, San Cristóbal is accessible.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I did a Transatlantic earlier this year on the Regal Princess. They were taking all the scooters from standard cabins and charging them someplace over night and would return them in the morning. Since I would need mine in case of an emergency, they provided me with a long extension cord and I parked it in the closet. I believe all Princess ships have the big closets outside the bathroom that most scooters will fit in. Regardless, those sharp 90° turns are a bit tight. Many of the newer ships have the wider doors.

I was in Limon too many years ago and really do not remember. All the other ports are doable, but sidewalks may or may not have curb cutouts, thus you might have to alter your route or ride a couple blocks in the street. Also, you might experience cobble stones or some other form of bumpy ride.

Montego Bay had an accessible shuttle bus into town. However, do not go alone and stay in the main part of town. Cartagena we made a round trip deal with a taxi and he put our scooters in the trunk. Aruba, Curacao and Cozumel are all pretty easy.

In Aruba if you want to go outside the town area, the taxis are fairly reasonable and they will put a small mobility scooter in the trunk. We recently took a taxi round trip to the Donkey Sanctuary and asked him to drop us off at Wilhelmina Park on our way back. It is a short distance from the park back to the ship and you get to see everything in between. Oh, if the donkeys are of interest to you, confiscate some pears and apples from the ship (in secret - we are not suppose to take food ashore, that is a No No!). The donkeys sure enjoyed them.

Since the Miracle is a small ship, there is a chance it might dock downtown Cozumel. However, if you dock at the at the other terminals, you can take a taxi into town. They have reasonable taxi rates to anyplace on the island. The taxi rates are posted, but they normally add in $5 for the scooter. If you go to the ruins, the taxi use to be round trip (recommend verifying). However, if you go to Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park or down town, the taxi fair is one way. The last time we went to the ruins, they had stepping stones, thus we did not get to see much. If interested, suggest you ask before making the trip.

In Curacao it is just a bit over ½ mile from the ship across the Queen Emma Bridge into town. Very easy to get around town.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I never actually measured them but was told many times that they are normally 17”. I know the ones on NCL are higher than standard plus they have the grab bars. Never had to struggle on NCL.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I believe the airlines are referring to the lithium batteries to be carried on board the plane. I have standard gel batteries, which stay with the scooter in the hole. However I have read that the lithium batteries are not allowed in the hole. Think that is something you should verify with the airlines. I have been asked what type of batteries I have many times.

Regardless, if the scooter will fold down small enough to take on board, that would be the best option.

The basic scooters are normally pushed to and from the aircraft. The workers put it in free-wheel and just push. Occasionally, a couple workers will carry it up the stairs by the plane.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

In my opinion, the only way the problem will ever be resolved is to get the ADA to allow the cruise lines to demand doctor's proof that an individual requires the “accessible” (not HC) cabins. The cabins were originally designed for mobile devices (or large equipment), not hearing aids, white canes or any fictional problems. The standard cabins with applicable modifications or devices are great in many cases. I'm not suggesting one's medical history, only their current needs.

The problem was created because the disabled did not want anybody to know their personal business. To my knowledge, none of the cruise lines care what the problem is, they only want to know what the individual's needs are, thus a doctor's statement would be appropriate for everyone. We are all suppose to fill out a “special needs” form, so what is wrong with having a doctor verify it. I'm not suggesting medical history, only what a person's needs are.

Since I have Minnesota HC plates, I am only familiar with Minnesota's requirements. Here it is specifically based on the distance a person can walk without fear of harm or dying. They do not require any info regarding the reason or my illness. I also happen to know that Minnesota is easier to pass than the VA standard. Thus I suspect there may be other variances out there. In my case, I am disabled under both standards and I do not care who knows or if they know I have serious lung issues.

What I am leading up to is that the disabled needs to petition the ADA to change the rules allowing applicable sources to demand verification of an individual's need. Not one's medical history, only and specifically, their needs. That would eliminate a lot of abuse and help many of us. As far as doctor's charging for a letter, suggest that they provide you with a statement as part of your annual physical. Mine is included and up-dated every year. The airlines use to ask for it on their form, but I never had a problem using my letter. One airlines even made a copy and I think they noted it in my records.

Sorry if I upset the apple cart, but we need to take responsibility for the nightmare we, the disabled, actually created by demanding privacy when privacy should not have been an issue. What we need is adequate space for our devices or the applicable devices as may be necessary.

Yes, currently, most of us have to book early to get an accessible cabin. Before they changed the final payment due date, many of us could get a price reduction when the price was dropped. With final due dates being out four months now, it is very unlikely we will be able to get those discounted rates.

Betty