raindropsalways

I checked the itinerary you apparently have booked. There are a lot of ports and most have their unique aspects. If you are interested in the hoho buses, look up the hoho buses for that specific port. Some do have stops at the cruise ship docks. Most hoho buses do have a lift, but am not sure all do.

Barcelona do not worry about. You can get anywhere and everywhere in Barcelona on the public buses. The metro is also good, however if you are physically using the wheelchair, some of the stations are not accessible. Look up the Barcelona buses and metro on the internet. It is very well detailed. Not being familiar with the area, I just used Google maps to plan out everything. Suggest you spend a few days there. There is a couple hoho bus routes in Barcelona, but we never used them.

Marseille – With a folding wheelchair you should be able to make a deal with a taxi driver to take you into town and later pick you up and take you back to the ship. With this type of deal you do not pay the taxi until he gets you back to the port. It has been a number of years since I've been there and at that time there was not any public buses or hoho buses coming to the port. Taxi or a ship's tour bus was the only options. I'd suggest you check to see if the ship or port has arranged a shuttle bus service or if there is a hoho bus in town that stops at the port. Many of the European ports have a shuttle service for visiting ships and the cost is very reasonable.

La Spezia – have not been there.

Rome – You have some options here. You can just wander around Civitavecchia or get a train to and from Rome. Civitavecchia is an interesting little town, but it definitely does not have what Rome has to offer. The train station in Civitavecchia was within walking distance of the shuttle buses to and from the ship, however someone suggested that the shuttle bus stop has been moved. Link for train schedules: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en There is a hoho bus stop near the main train station in Rome. Having limited time, that might be the most practical. If you desire to use the wheelchair on the train, look under their “Information and Contacts”. There was two of us on mobility scooters and they were great to assist.

Sorrento – Never docked in Sorrento. Years ago we considered a tour stopping there, but at that time they did not offer much of anything for those of us on mobility scooters.

Valencia – I was there before I became disabled. Remember wandering all over town on foot, but do not remember what the streets or sidewalks were like.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

As long as you pack ONLY medical equipment or supplies in a bag, and label it as such, the airlines will not charge you extra for this stuff, for either carry-on or checking. We never checked medical supplies though, but took them in a duffel bag that we filled with Chux, gloves, catheters, lubricant, hand wipes, and meds, and took as an additional carry-on. Never wanted to risk a checked bag getting lost and not making it to the cruise. Going home, if we had left over supplies, we often donated them to the ship's hospital, which was always very happy to get them. We folded that additional duffel and took it inside our regular luggage on the trip home, except for the meds, which we kept with us.

That is the reason my doctor and I created a medical list. When you have a minimum of two electrical devices you may need adapters, extension cords, plus charger. With a complete list of prescriptions including applicable numbers, dosage, doctor's name and pharmacy I have been able to use the weekly pill boxes, thus eliminating all the pill bottles. However, my liquid medications are all in their original containers. Also, I do have some articles of clothing that are medical. If I am traveling out of a U.S. departure port, I will check a local drug store to see if they carry my incontinence supplies and purchase them there. Hanging a shopping bag on my handle bar is much easier than fitting them in my suitcase. NOTE: Most countries require that prescriptions be kept in their original containers, including the U.S. Thus, I do not recommend using weekly pill boxes.

After meeting up with FLL's check-in witch, I did have to open my suitcase and I also presented my list. She made a copy of my list and accepted that my suitcase was medical.

Like someone else mentioned, Cozumel is normally docking. Belize and Grand Cayman are tender ports. I have been told that Grand Cayman has a roll-on tender but do not know. If they have a roll on tender and the ship is assigned that tender, you can go ashore. Belize also has tenders and in the past, they would take scooters and manual wheel chairs. I have heard that the power wheelchairs are heavier, thus do no know if they will take them. However, if the ship uses Carnival's tenders either place, you cannot go ashore at that port. Carnival does not allow scooters or power wheelchairs on the their tenders.

Mahogany Bay is Carnival's private port. If you book any private tours, you will need to verify that they have permission to enter the port area.

I do not know the rules for collapsible wheelchairs.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Currently on the internet, the Pride Travel 3 wheel is listed at $649. I currently have a Pride Travel 3 wheel that I have had for at least four years (36 cruises). Before that I had I had a Golden Technology Buzz Around 3 wheel for about six years (24 cruises).

I'd suggest you check a couple of your local Medical Supply places. Like you, I have a limited budged and it is much less expensive to own. And as someone else mentioned, you can ride your scooter right to the airplane in the U.S. When we flew out of Rome, they took our scooters at the check in and somebody wheeled us around in wheel chairs. That was a number of years ago.

We did take the train from Rome to Civitavecchia and scooted from the train station in Civitavecchia to the ship's shuttle bus pick-up point. Again, that was a few years ago. Someone recently suggested that the shuttle bus point has relocated.

If you do get your own scooter and decide to use the trains in Italy, you should contact their Sala Blu department. We booked our tickets through them. http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en Just click on the wheelchair assistance at the bottom. That will aim you the correct direction. To my knowledge there still is not a direct train from the airport to Civitavecchia. We spent a couple nights in Rome before the cruise.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I have been to the majority of the ports in the Caribbean and found them all doable. Regardless, I am more adventurous than most and have been a few places many would not travel. I use a small mobility scooter.

Yes, you should avoid tender ports, except on Holland America and limited Royal Caribbean ships. I believe all Holland America ships have roll-on tenders and a few Royal Caribbean ships have the roll on tenders. Would suggest verifying before booking if you are looking at one of their itineraries.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

And is there any space left for your clothes...

I think many of us deal with that problem on every trip. The scooter is actually the easiest item to deal with for flights. When I arrive at the departure gate, I advise who ever is working that they have an option on taking my scooter; they can take it immediately and provide me assistance and wheelchair to the plane or I can ride it to the plane and then they can take it; whichever is easiest for them.

Packing: I do not use a CPAP, but I have a nebulizer with the original box. Looking at pictures, they are about the same size. I stuff some under ware around the nebulizer in the box and pack it in my suitcase. Oh, my suit case is a four wheel carry-on. In addition, I have a shoulder bag that is probably the maximum size for most of the airlines “free” item and a six pack size cooler.

Significant amount of my clothing is classified as medical, those items, plus extension cord, adapters, charger and nebulizer qualify my suitcase as “medical”, thus no charge. I even sneak in my shoes and some other clothes in my suitcase.

All my medicines and liquids are packed in the cooler which I attach under the bar coming out in the back of the scooter. My suitcase I attach to the back of the scooter with two tight bungee cords, thus it rolls right with the scooter, not towed.

An advantage us ladies have over the guys is I our light weight clothing. I can get four to five complete outfits in a couple packing cubes which fit perfect in my shoulder bag. And I still have room to put in my purse, snacks, travel documents and puzzle books.

Documentation; well we use to have to carry something signed by our doctor for the POC. So my doctor and I just incorporated everything and she renews it every year plus a complete list of all my medications. I've only had to show the documentation to the airlines a couple times. However, I did have a serious accident on one cruise and all three hospitals thanked me for my detailed paper work.

It is easier than you think... If you would like more detail or have further questions, please ask.

Have a wonderful cruise.

Betty

I have never seen any elevators specifically for the handicap. However, those in cruise terminals are mainly used by the disabled for embarking and disembarking for efficiency. In the airports most of the elevators are an out of the way area for people on foot. Escalator is much more efficient. I have to figure out where the elevators are in my own airport.

Have a wonderful cruise.

Please do not deprive yourself of a beautiful world out there. Always something to see and do, so enjoy it while you can.

The last time we were in Tortola, we rode our scooters to the Botanical Garden. Not the best road conditions, but doable. It is a mile from the dock, so should not be too far for someone walking along with you. In St. Thomas, it is almost two miles to the center of town, thus could be a bit of a challenge for anyone on foot. Also, some of the sights are on the hill side. Steep hill, hard on batteries. Regardless, there is shopping at the port and a couple museums in the immediate area. Great Stirrup Cay is a tender port, thus you cannot take the scooter. I do not recall NCL having any roll-on tenders.

I go ashore in every port. If nothing else, collect the free give-aways for my granddaughters. As many times as I have been to the islands, there is always something to see and do.

My traveling companion and I, along with an able body lady, took a trip around the world on our scooters. A couple flights, three cruises and train trip across Europe. At the time, the world was not quite ready for scooters. Regardless, people everywhere are wonderful. If we hit a snag or had a problem, it seemed like people were coming to our aid everywhere.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

We have been on both the Gem and her sister ship, the Jade. Had inside cabins on both cruises. Both of us use scooters plus I had my POC along. In cabin 11147, there was a third lady with us and we still had plenty of space and was very comfortable. In 4604 (down in the dungeon), it was just the two of us with our scooters and my POC and we were also very comfortable with plenty of space. Other than sleeping and showering, we do not spend much time in the cabin. Too many wonderful things to see.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I do not recall of any nasty hills around the ports on those islands and her weight is not a problem, thus she should be able to enjoy the entire day. Oh, no racing; high speeds can take excessive battery power. I'm assuming she will fully charge the scooter every night. I've never rented, use my own scooter.

Last November, while in Aruba, we got a taxi to the Donkey Sanctuary (round trip) and had him drop us off at Wilhelmina Park on the way back. It is less than ¾ mile from the park to the ship with most of the shopping in between. We took the donkeys some treats, however if you are not familiar donkeys or horses, I do not recommend treats.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I have a list of my medical needs prepared by my doctor that she up-dates every year. Thus my carry-on is considered “medical” and is free on all airlines. I also carry a complete list of my prescriptions and dosage... and never leave home without travel insurance. I only had to show my letter once. Others have mentioned that their doctor charges for a letter. I have not ever been charged.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

I also carry my charger with me in my hand luggage. I have been known to put some miles on my scooter getting to the airport or going from the airport, thus I usually charge it while waiting for my flight.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

SuperShuttle offers service in Miami, however I am not positive all their vehicles have two wheelchair spaces. You would have to verify that. If you are staying at a hotel in Miami that offers shuttle service to and from the airport and/or cruise port, they also have to provide you the same service. However, if their vehicles do not have a lift, your scooters would be put with the luggage and you would have to step up into the bus.

When we stayed at a hotel that did not offer a shuttle, we took a city bus to Bayfront Park and scooted to the terminal. On one trip it was raining, so I took the trolley from Bayfront Park to the port. It is a bit of a jaunt over the bridge to the port.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Both ports are accessible. Carnival actually did pretty good building these. I do not go to the pools, but basically scooted all over just to see everything. Do not remember what each had to offer, however there is a Harley-Davidson shop in Grand Turk.

I do not recall Amber Cove being as green as shown in the map (link below). I do remember finding a lot of nice little shells for my granddaughter.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

http://www.grandturkcc.com/

https://www.ambercove.com/userfiles/images/Amber%20Cove/Brochure-AmberCove%20jpg.jpg

Is it possible that you have the Accessible cabins mixed up with the Studio cabin? I am not aware of any HC cabins like that.

I am aware that not all handicapped people have a condition that is apparent. But I just wondered if you don't need the "full accessible cabin" (roll in shower, wider doors, lower sink and drawers) because you don't have a scooter or wheelchair, what other reason would you need for the HC cabin.

Some of the cruise lines do offer applicable or more specific needs depending on the individual's specific condition. i.e., a blind person or deaf person does not necessarily require the additional space. Thus the cruise line provides their specific needs in a standard cabin. Basically, the larger cabins were specifically designed for the minimum turn-around space required for a standard wheelchair and elimination of any steps. Most disabled utilized what is applicable for their specific condition.

Unfortunately, there are able bodied that like the additional space, thus attempt to book the accessible cabins without a need. Since many prefer to keep their medical conditions private, the cruise lines cannot ask for proof of a person's need. Personally, I would rather the cruise line know what my problems are in case of an emergency.

Betty

In Stavanger, we were there on their Independence or Constitution day (Independence from Denmark). After the boat tour we mainly wandered around town watching the parade and taking pictures of all the beautiful costumes everyone was wearing. It was very crowded in town that afternoon. I think all the locals were out celebrating. We did not even make it to the large park where there was more celebrating.

I believe you are referring to Gamle Stavanger. That is on the west side of the port and we were only in about a block from the port on that side. Really did not venture up the hill. If you go to Google maps and do a right click on the street, that will show you a street view of the area.

On the east side of the port, we did venture up a couple blocks up the hillside and went a bit into the small park, however we had to take a street back down. Believe there are steps on the down side paths of the park. Followed the road back to center of town and went into a few of the stores. Most were rather pricey but I did get a few things.

Noticed that you are from Arlington. I was stationed in DC and lived on the base in Arlington, just a couple blocks from the Pentagon.

Betty

To my knowledge, all cruise lines have a SRI form (Special Requirements Information) to be filled out. If you use a TA, they should automatically forward a copy to you. If not, ask for one. As far as documentation, the cruise line does not require anything other than the SRI form. If you are flying, the airlines may ask for documentation if you are transportation oxygen.

For my own use, I do travel with complete medical information. I have a letter signed by my doctor and a complete list of my medications. My doctor up-dates the letter every year. I was involved in a serious accident and this info was very helpful.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

In Civitavecchia it is almost a half mile from where the ship shuttle bus drops you off to the train station. I do not know if there is a direct train to the airport. We spent a couple days in Rome after the cruise and took the train to the airport. The station is in the airport, however we had assistance since we both used scooters. You may be able to request assistance with their Sala Blu. There are not any stairs at the train station in Civitavecchia. Only a few steps up into the train.

On another trip, we posted a note on our Roll Call to share transportation and a couple others did join us. It think there were four of us that shared the vehicle. Since we had the two scooters, there was not that much luggage space otherwise we could have probably had a couple more. Ours was a lot charge for the larger vehicle. Sorry, I do not remember the source.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Livorno has a couple in the fleet. The driver gave us the approximate schedule to and from the drop off point in town.

I do not recall seeing any shuttle buses in Gibraltar or Alicante, but that was a number of years ago. In Gibraltar we got permission to leave our scooters at a vendor's stand and shared a taxi up the mountain to see the monkeys. In Alicante, we just scooted into town.

Barcelona has an accessible bus that goes between the terminals and the port entrance area. One can go over the bridge on their own, but it is a little distance. All the city buses are accessible and most of the metro stations are accessible. Do your research on the public transportation and you can get just about anywhere in Barcelona. Overall, it is very accessible.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

The problem with posting a comment on something that might be a concern for others, there is always someone who wants to tear it apart. The Regal Princess has two ladies restrooms side by side at various locations on the ship.. One for the HC with a single stool, ample room for a large mobility device to maneuver and a sink. In addition, there are waste containers for applicable items and paper towels. No changing table.

I only looked in the AB restroom. The entrance and general area was rather narrow, not feasible for any mobile device. There were multiple stalls, however I did not notice a changing table, thus do not know if there was one or not.

Since the ship does offer both accommodations, side by side, there really is not any feasible excuse for the AB to be using the HC for anything.

Other than on ships, in airports I have utilized “family” restrooms which are accessible for HC. Most had two stools, one for adults and one for children. They also had a changing table. Where as the the standard lady's rest rooms in airports have stalls for HC, I have not noticed changing tables in the majority of the standard restrooms in airports.

While dining out, I have noticed that many ladies' restrooms do include an HC stall and a separate changing table in a general area, not the HC stall.

I do not recall ever seeing a changing table in any restroom on board a ship. Even though I do not feel it would be a need, others might. I think it would be easier just to take the child back to the cabin and change it there.

Since my baby is 54 years, I really do not go out looking for changing tables. Furthermore, I cannot remember ever being denied access to an accessible facility because someone was changing a diaper. In my opinion, I could certainly accept “changing diapers” as a temporary disability. It is a must for our children's health plus the clean diaper does improve the stench.

Another example of having to wasting time to create rules for common courtesy. I think most of us would agree that the AB should use the HC accommodations if no standard accommodations are available and no HC are waiting. But using the facilities for other purposes should not be allowed for either group. Nature is not always kind to us and our needs can be urgent.

One of the plus factors on the Regal was the fact there was a separate restroom with multiple stalls for the AB. The entrance and basic design did not allow for mobile devices, thus not practical for many of us to even attempt to access. Also, even though I can walk, it is a struggle and I'm getting tired of my sudoku books disappearing every time I leave my scooter unattended... only lost two on this trip.

I had not ever noticed anyone using a HC restroom as a dressing room or for other purposes. Except on one cruise, Ruth and I found a couple crew members making whoopee.

In an shopping area, I attempted to use the ladies HC restroom. Well, as most of us have experienced, it was occupied. I was going to attempt to use the standard restroom, but the cleaning lady suggested no. So she knocked on the HC room without much luck. After an extended time, a lady came out … she was using it for a dressing room so she could try on a few items.

The cleaning lady firmly, yet very polite, told the lady that room was for the ADA. Afterwards, I thanked the cleaning lady for standing up for us. She told me that her mother was disabled and knows exactly what we go through.

Sorry guys, I do not have any idea if you will suffer the same problem or not.

Betty

Regal Princess accessibility.

Good news, they have a lot of HC restrooms. However, I could not determine whose standards they used for the design.

Most restrooms had two grab bars with one grab bar at the back of the toilet and the other one on the left hand side. The only restroom I found with the grab bar on the right hand side was the ladies restroom on deck 7, forward, port side just outside the Princess Theater. Most of the time, I parked my scooter near the stool on the right hand side and used it as a “grab bar”.

Another issue for me was the stool height . I'm 5'7” and a 14” stool is a challenge to get up from. I think a number of the stools were too low. Most of those were in the unisex restrooms. Other places I'm guessing the majority were approximately 15”. I found one that was probably 16” or 17”, but do not remember where it was.

Overall, the ship is very accessible and very easy to get almost anyplace. On each side of the ship, there was an automatic door (motion detected) and a door with a push button for the deck outside deck 7. Those exits had a roll-over lip. For daily walkers, that deck does not go all the way around the ship. One can go on either side, but cannot travel completely around. No track either forward or aft.

As you come out of the port, immediately west there is the Paradise Island Water Taxi Terminal. Atlantis is on Paradise Island and it is a very easy trip. We both use small scooters and the attendants just assisted us on and off the water taxi and lifted our scooters on and off. Oh, do not look for a “terminal”. They just dock at the edge of the water. Portions of Atlantis are accessible. We just wandered around the open areas and did not purchase a pass to see everything. For details on what you can or cannot see, I'd suggest you check out their website. Actually, the water taxi was considerably less expensive than any land transportation.

On one trip, we took a taxi to Fort Fincastle and the Water Tower and scooted back (downhill) to the ship. Not the best roads for scooters or mobile devices, but was safe and doable. I do not know if the Water Tower has reopened or not. Many years ago, I was able to take my granddaughters up. There is an elevator.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty