Ski Mom

My scooter from Special Needs at Sea was The Pride Go Go Elite. I did not take it apart, so I cannot speak to that. But, I never had a scooter before and found this one extremely easy to use; it stopped on a dime and had no problems at all clearing thresholds. In Curacao there were cobblestone surfaces and the scooter performed beautifully. It takes a little practice to get back up the ramp to the ship, but I was able to that without incident as well. Although it has three wheels, I felt very safe on it and thought it was very stable

ladylyn915,

Thanks that helps! I'm glad to hear you found the Go Go Elite 3 wheel scooter stable and you were able to get up the ramp and maneuver thresholds and cobblestones.

I don't want to hijack this thread but I I just have a quick question. I own my own standard scooter at home butI I am planning on renting a scooter on an an Alaskan cruise on the Golden Princess in an accessible room. I plan on bringing my own foldable wheelchair also because we are going on some pre cruise boat tours that cannot accommodate an electronic mobility device because of Coast Guard regulations.

My question is should I rent a standard scooter that I am used to or should I rent a travel scooter that can be folded down and stored easier. Will I regret renting the travel scooter because of the differences mainly stability and ground clearance and speed to stop and ability to adjust and clear thresholds.

I do not need the scooter to move around my state room but I definitely need it to get around the ship and to walk any more than 50 feet .

Thanks in advance for any insight you could give me on this.

There are so many things for you to consider when planning but to your initial question re: some of the optional tours I can really urge you to take the Island Wings tour. A very dear friend researched and booked us on the excursion and I am so grateful. I own not warming to our pilot/guide initially but she was great and made for a very special day. Access in and out of the plane was a bit tricky for me but then I am both the size of an offensive tackle AND clumsy LOL. Despite that dynamic the scenery was amazing and satisfied my desire to see more of the Alaskan interior than my schedule would have allowed for in the absence of a cruise tour. I would also suggest the train ride tour to Whitehorse in the Yukon. it is fairly low impact but offers an amazing afternoon.

Thank you so much for your response! After reading all the great reviews on Island Wings we decided to splurge and take the tour! Can I ask you if you got out of the plane to stretch your legs when it stopped on land or did you just stay in the plane? I am nervous about accessing the plane so thank you for your reassurance. Can I ask you what tour you took to visit the Yukon? I wanted to break it up by taking the bus up and the train down as suggested by other CC members but Chilkoot Charters will not accommodate a wheelchair. It looks like the only option is taking the train both ways through the RR. Is that what you did?

I remember having trouble viewing her photo bucket pictures too. Here's another link she posted to her pictures she also left s link to trip advisor as well. I really enjoyed reading through her trip report.

https://flic.kr/s/aHskYQNeyn

Lands end sells cute UV protective clothing they also come in petite sizes. I own a coverup and a long sleeve tshirt from them. I love mine!

https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-lace-up-swim-cover-up-dress/id_305662?sku_0=::2UJ

https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-long-sleeve-swim-tee-rash-guard/id_305569?sku_0=::2UP

Here is some more:

SKAGWAY MUSEUM

http://www.skagway.org/museum

 

https://www.nps.gov/klgo/index.htm

 

Red Onion Brothel

http://redonion1898.com/brothel-museum-tours/

 

Jewell Gardens

http://www.jewellgardens.com/

 

Walking Tour

 

http://www.alaska.org/guide/skagway-walking-tour-non-audio

 

Soopy smith

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/soapy-smith-killed-in-skagway-alaska

 

This is the best. LIVE Alaskan Brown Bears. This is in the wild. You can see their life. It is nature and my not be kind all the time. I havae posted this before, but may you might want it.

http://explore.org/live-cams/player/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls

Geocruiser,

Thank you for the different options to do in Skagway. I wanted to take the White Pass bus/ rail tour with Chilhoot charters but they told me they could not accommodate my wheelchair and I really didn't want to take the train both ways with the railroad so your information gives me plenty of other options!

If you are going to Juneau on the cruise - consider reading "A Wolf called Romeo:" by Nick Jans - a true story about a black wolf in the Juneau area.

Calitravelallover,

I just finished a Wolf Called Romeo and Loved it! I didnt want it to end! Definitely a must read for anyone visiting Juneau. I can't thank you enough for recommending it!

I have to jump in here to say that I love L.L. Bean outer wear. I have also bought shirts and shorts and skorts, and many items from them over the past 15+ years. L.L. Bean is not cheap however it's very good quality, and I believe good value. I never shop for clothes online, with the exception of L.L. Bean because their sizes are always true. Also, returns are free because I make the purchase on the L.L.Bean visa credit card. OK just my two cents.

 

 

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Thank you PhD-iva! I have worn their active apparel but never their outerwear. I do all my shopping on line because I can't physically get to the store so acquiring the llbean credit card with free returns would be such a great convenience to me! Then I could try them on in the comfort of my home. Thank you for the information!

Thank you so much for the all the information and tips on your experience with wheelchair cruise travel. I am cruising Alaska July of 2018 and require a wheelchair. I loved all your pictures! I was so moved by the obvious love you have for your Mom! What a beautiful journey for both of you!

thanks, that's a good point.

The ones with wheels start at $116 like this https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/medline-steel-wheelchair-with-swingaway-footrests/ID=prod6071474-product

but they are also rather heavy, starting at 38#... Do they roll when folded?

 

Dad doesn't need a chair from car to couch. He can even make it to the apartment complex pool just fine. But Regal Princess is huge, and he will most likely need something to help him go the distance and then plop into a chair somewhere.

Mom does have a rollator, but I don't think that's what we need for a cruise.

That is very similar to the wheelchair I own. Yes they are foldable, look at the second picture. Yes it is heavier but easily fits in a trunk and Much more comfortable and safer to be pushed around in. I don't think it matters if you are a large person or small I think this is the better choice I would highly recommend renting this one instead of the other one. The large wheels make it possible for him to be able to move around on his own so he doesn't feel stuck. You mentioned he is in physical therapy. Why not have the PT show him how to do that. When I was in the hospital after back surgery and required a wheelchair till I recovered and got stronger it was part of my PT ...just a thought.

For summer in Alaska, I've taken an unlined Patagonia Gore-Tex jacket for wind and rain, and a light weight sweater for underneath if it's chilly.

For wet (or dry) trails, I'd recommend New Balance 3000 walking shoes. They are light weight, leather, water resistant, comfortable and don't look like athletic shoes or sneakers. I've got many miles on mine. http://www.newbalance.com/pd/new-balance-3000/MW3000.html?dwvar_MW3000_color=Brown#color=Brown&size=9&width=4E

 

 

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Thanks for the recommendation on the shoes! I have actually been looking at them online and they look like they would be perfect for me. I own NB gym shoes and they are very comfortable but I hate how they look with pants so it's great to hear you like them!

Tried to edit my post but I could not. What I meant to say is I was suggest renting a regular foldable wheelchair at home to have for the week. You can push it right up to the plane sometimes they have room to store it right in the plane cabin if you let them know ahead of time when you book the tickets if not they will store it underneath and have it for you when you get to your destination.

I reread my post I meant to say the transport chairs "are uncomfortable" to sit in for any length of time. I'm sorry for all the corrections but I was using voice activation on my phone and even with proof reading I stil missed my mistakes sorry.

I don't have a lot of experience with cruising but I do have experience with wheelchairs. I own two . One is a transport chair and one is a foldable regular chair. The transport chair is just that it's light I and folds up nicely and is great for transport from saying the car to a restaurant however awkward to push with the wheels turning to and frow all the time and it does not do well over bumps in the road. It is also comfortable to sit in for a long period of time for example when you were at a play or a movie because it doesn't have much support on your back.

 

My regular wheelchair is quite a bit heavier but does fold up and has a removable seat cushion which I highly recommend because one it makes it more comfortable and also makes it higher to sit which makes it easier to get in and out of. It also handles better with bumps in the road.

 

In the past we have requested a wheelchair transport and check in. The pros too that are that a volunteer will push you off the way to your gate . We have also breeze through the TSA because they allways wave us over tibthe shortest line as soon as they see the volunteer pushing her wheelchair and we breeze right through.They have also left the chair with us while we wait to board The plane I would push your day off right to board the plane in the volunteer will return it for youand you can request that a wheelchair be waiting for you with transport at your destination just let them know and it will be waiting for youagain they will push you to baggage and have always left it with us that way you can get one of those carts and load all your baggage and have have someone in your someone in your group push your dad all the way to the rental car shuttle and returned it back to the terminal.

 

If this would work for you I would suggest renting of regular foldable wheelchair and have it waiting for you in your state room.

 

My needs have since changed and I am going on a cruise to Alaska next July. I am planning on bringing my regular wheelchair and checking out asking for a wheelchair transport to the gate.I am also renting a scooter from special needs at sea or care vacations and having it delivered right to my state room. This was recommended to me I hope all members on Cruise critic. I know you do not need a scooter because it sounds like your dad is much more ambulatory than me. But I just wanted to share my experience s with a wheelchair hope it helps!

 

Another note you may not think you will use the wheelchair that much but sometimes it's hard to find a place to sit at various places on your trip and it's great to have someplace for him to sit and rest. So maybe a transport chair would work out fine for you. Hope I didn't confuse you if you have any other questions feel free to ask!

Tried to edit my post but I could not. What I meant to say is I was suggest renting a regular foldable wheelchair at home to have for the week. You can push it right up to the plane sometimes they have room to store it right in the plane cabin if you let them know ahead of time when you book the tickets if not they will store it underneath and have it for you when you get to your destination.

I don't have a lot of experience with cruising but I do have experience with wheelchairs. I own two . One is a transport chair and one is a foldable regular chair. The transport chair is just that it's light I and folds up nicely and is great for transport from saying the car to a restaurant however awkward to push with the wheels turning to and frow all the time and it does not do well over bumps in the road. It is also comfortable to sit in for a long period of time for example when you were at a play or a movie because it doesn't have much support on your back.

My regular wheelchair is quite a bit heavier but does fold up and has a removable seat cushion which I highly recommend because one it makes it more comfortable and also makes it higher to sit which makes it easier to get in and out of. It also handles better with bumps in the road.

In the past we have requested a wheelchair transport and check in. The pros too that are that a volunteer will push you off the way to your gate . We have also breeze through the TSA because they allways wave us over tibthe shortest line as soon as they see the volunteer pushing her wheelchair and we breeze right through.They have also left the chair with us while we wait to board The plane I would push your day off right to board the plane in the volunteer will return it for youand you can request that a wheelchair be waiting for you with transport at your destination just let them know and it will be waiting for youagain they will push you to baggage and have always left it with us that way you can get one of those carts and load all your baggage and have have someone in your someone in your group push your dad all the way to the rental car shuttle and returned it back to the terminal.

If this would work for you I would suggest renting of regular foldable wheelchair and have it waiting for you in your state room.

My needs have since changed and I am going on a cruise to Alaska next July. I am planning on bringing my regular wheelchair and checking out asking for a wheelchair transport to the gate.I am also renting a scooter from special needs at sea or care vacations and having it delivered right to my state room. This was recommended to me I hope all members on Cruise critic. I know you do not need a scooter because it sounds like your dad is much more ambulatory than me. But I just wanted to share my experience s with a wheelchair hope it helps!

Another note you may not think you will use the wheelchair that much but sometimes it's hard to find a place to sit at various places on your trip and it's great to have someplace for him to sit and rest. So maybe a transport chair would work out fine for you. Hope I didn't confuse you if you have any other questions feel free to ask!

For July a sweatshirt and a water proof jacket are all that you need. No point in spending a lot of money. You are better off buying the rain jacket a little big and just putting a couple of extra layers underneath.

Great point. I have an old rain jacket but sadly it's to small to use with layers so I will plan to size up thanks!

I really like North Face. They have a waterproof shell that costs about $90. They stand behind their product 100%. I had one where the membrane started to peel. I took it back to the North Face store in Seattle when I was there on vacation. They sent me a coupon for a new one, as it could not be repaired.

Yes! That jacket got very high ratings on consumer reports. Great to hear your experience with a was so good !

After serious consideration, I went with Columbia because they were cheaper with good reviews. They were fine but only have a small pocket for a key or card. I just remembered the others from when I was looking and thought the side zippered ones might work for you. Easier on/off and even unzip to vent if you do get hot. There might be just one style that side zips. Otherwise, I think lighter weight is fine because leggings or tights make a nice liner.

I totally agree the easier I can make it for me all the better. I think they would work out for me the best also. Thanks for the info I actually think they are on sale I think they will be a good investment in my trip !

I swear I'm not pushing LLBean but their pants were in the running when I was researching. I remember they have rainpants that unzip hem to waist. That might be helpful for you.

My rain hats are by Totes, and I'm happy with them. One is a bucket hat and one is a ball cap with ear flaps. Dorky but effective.

Hey I'm all about the dork if it keeps me dry haha! Those zip rain easy off rain pants sound great because it would really make my wearing them a breeze but there are 4 different styles with 4 different price points. Which ones do you have?

I just bought a good Lands End rain jacket. Didn't spend nearly that but it is warm.

Was that the light weight squall jacket ?

I have never bought waterproof shoes to Alaska. I recently (accidentally) bought some clearance Brooks athletic shoes that were marked "GTX". I didn't realize they were Gore-tex and water proof. You may want to look into Brooks GTX athletic shoes.

I didn't really mean to say waterproof shoes as they can be a little heavy on my feet. I just need to get a comfortable pair of walking shoes that will dry fast. I will look at the BB shoes you suggested thanks.

My go to is a high quality golf rain jacket. It is both waterproof and windproof. It adds warmth if the weather is cool as in Alaska. Even more important for me is my waterproof bucket hat that is an accessory that is an invaluable part of my wet weather gear. For what it's worth, I'm a former golf professional and got these for playing in bad conditions. Tried using them for travel--first time in Alaska. They were awesome once I got over using them for other their intended purpose, LOL. Retail is about $350 for the jacket and hat. Foot Joy is the brand FWIW.

 

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DRPWDUNIL

Wow those are some pretty sharp Golf/Alaskan cruise attire! The prices are a little steep for me seeing that I don't golf and wouldn't be able to use them as a multi purpose option like you did. I am loving that bucket hat though and would definitely consider investing in that! Thanks for the info!

Speaking as an active woman who HATES to be cold, and having been to Alaska twice late July/early August, I have no memory of being cold. I wore waterproof, lined, non-insulated jackets, layered with lightweight fleece and long sleeved t-shirts as needed. It definitely rains in the summer in Alaska. I love the LLBean fitness fleece jackets; I have three colors. Take your silk underwear; I still have mine from my cross country skiing days.

 

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Those llbean fitness tops look great! All my fleeces are pretty heavy and would be to bulky to pack so I could definitely update my fleece collection and I'm sure I will get good use of them as well at home. Thanks!

Thank you all for your input. It's true being from the midwest I am all to familiar with the fridgid temperatures and icy cold of our winters. If I was more active and moved around more I wouldn't even think of needing an insulated layer. I am able to walk but not very far so I will be viewing the glaciers and doing the Kenai fjords national park boat tour in a wheelchair or in a seated position. I know I could sit inside and view but I really want to experience being out on deck and seeing all this majestic state has to offer. Getting over heated can be just as debilitating for me. So thanks to all your suggestions I am going to invest in a good waterproof breathable shell and rain pants and of course waterproof shoes. Up until three years ago I was still skiing so a have plenty of warm hats and gloves but I will also pick up a pair of light weight gloves and a light weight fleece and some long sleeve tees. Thanks again for your input. I know it's a year away but there are some great sales out there that I am excited to take advantage of! Happy cruising to you all!

I was there last week and wore the whole 3 in 1 everyday and sometimes gloves and ear warmer. I guess it depends on how susceptible to cold one is. We were in a wet weather pattern and doing outdoor activities.

Thanks for the report. I'm sorry you had so much rain. As I get older I am more sensitive to both cold and heat. There is nothing worse than being wet though it chills me to the bone and makes everything miserable. I hope you had a good trip in spite of the rain.

In that case consider a poncho or riding coat, which you can spread over the scooter/chair as well as yourself. There are plastic versions of the classic riding duster format available for dirt-cheap - with a few strategically-applied bulldog clips or clothespins (also handy to weight your shower curtain in the cabin!) you can ensure nothing gets caught in your wheels.

 

I'd suggest lighter-weight fleece - Spring/Fall rather than winter-weight - as they're more versatile than a single thick one. Long-sleeved T under a fleece gives plenty of warmth for upper body with a shell cutting the wind; light longjohns or even a pair of tights under long pants or jeans do the same for lower body.

More great suggestions thanks! I forgot I have some silk long under wear top and bottom that I loved to wear when I still skied I will fish them out! I think I will bite the bullet and buy a breathable rain jacket even if it costs more I hate the feel of a non breathable one. If it is absolutely poring rain I do have a cheap poncho.