orkaren1

RC is offering an all day snorkeling on your own excursion.  Does this excursion give you any special access to areas you cannot snorkel without the excursion or does anyone know what the advantage would be of purchasing this excursion as opposed to just swimming wherever you want to go?  We have our own masks and snorkels if that helps.

Thanks!

18 hours ago, cropping cruiser said:

 

The person who wrote the review is a member of the same RC Accessible Cruise Group that I am. So I have seen this before. Her assessment is fair review. However, I had a different experience with the driver I had on the accessible tram. He was very helpful and made sure all those with need got on before others jumped on and left no room for those who needed it. It’s not going to be a smooth ride b/c they are driving on sandy paths so if you have any concerns speak up to the driver. Royal has been responsive to the reviews this group has been giving them. I disagree with her about the beach mats, I would prefer to see some hardscape or boardwalk type walkways in the beach. The mats that are not that stable. In a perfect world Royal would have considered some if these issues ahead of time but it’s not perfect so they are doing the next best thing. Listening to our group, they have added more hardscape walkways and the more we request it by reviews, letters etc the better it will be. The reality is the beach us the hardest place to make accessible. I live in NJ and I cannot access any beach unless I make plans ahead of time to hopefully get one if the few beach wheelchairs that may be available depending upon which beach town you go to. And then it’s only available during the busy season. At this point in my life I only get to actually go on the beach and in the water in the Caribbean.  

Would you be able to share the name of the RC accessible cruise group you are in?  If you can't share it in this forum perhaps you can send it via PM.  I am interested in joining your group as I am sure it would offer some great insights for cruising with my husband's needs.

8 hours ago, snowglobe said:

Thank you for this link.

Thanks, that is a very informative review.  My husband will not be going into the water at all so I am not really concerned about that.  Hopefully we will be able to get one of the beach wheelchairs to get over the soft/sandy areas.  If not, we luckily have a couple of strong people who can get him into the cabana and he will probably stay there most of the day.  I just bought a portable mini fan that can clip onto his wheelchair to help  keep him cool.  

After our visit I plan on contacting RC to offer my opinion on possible improvements that could be made.  I think disabled persons pointing out improvements or suggestions might be able to make a change.

11 hours ago, cropping cruiser said:

 When I was there Chill Island was not open. However, we did have a beach bungalow in South Beach. Where we were was fairly close to where the team dropped you off. So I’m not really sure how different it will be. That being said, there was no paved place to park a wheelchair or scooter. You can take it on the tram and leave it at the check in. That was fairly packed down. I wouldn’t drive the chair except to take off tram. They had the beach wheelchairs right there at the check in. They best way would be to plan on transferring for the short walk to cabana and then transfer to a more seat. Since you have help and it sounds like he can transfer. There was a restroom nearby and it did have a handicap stall. Obviously, this isn’t the best way to do it but it may work for you. I would reach out to Special Needs and see if you can get more info. It’s difficult b/c they are not on site but worth the call. Also, our friends went directly to Guest Services as soon as we boarded to try to get the bungalow that would work best for me. I am still able to walk short distances so it helped to pick the bungalow. If your in a suite with the concierge you can also email them directly to make the reservation for you. We selected our lunches and they delivered them to the bungalow so once I was there I was fine. Hope this helps. 

Thanks for the info. As soon as we board the ship I will check with guest services about cabana assignment.  I have already reached out to special needs but the only information they gave me was that "Coco Cay is not accessible".  Not too helpful.  I'm sure we will figure something out and make it a great day regardless.

We will be there in October and my husband is a full time wheelchair user.  We have a Chill Island cabana scheduled and once he is in the cabana I am sure my husband will spend most of the day there while other family members and partaking of the amenities.  

Does anyone know how close the trams go to the Chill Island cabanas or if there is a paved path nearby?  As long as we can get somewhat close our son and or son in law will be able to carry my husband into the cabana.  He has tried a beach wheelchair at other places and found them to be uncomfortable because they are too large for him to sit in a good position.  

We are not counting on much for accessiblity but will hopefully be able to make it work.  One of our main concerns is restroom accesibility.  My husband needs assistance in the restroom and I doubt there are family/companion restrooms on the island.  

• Thanks for the info!

17 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

Headed to the port for lunch. Check in later. 

Have a great day.  When you are back on board and have some spare time, would you have time to post a couple of bar menus? Also I am trying to find out if high end brands such as Balvenie are available at the bars?  Thanks!

I am trying to find a recent bar menu from HOS to get an idea of what kinds of alcohol is available.  On a previous cruise on Oasis they had Balvanie but I was wondering if scotch and other alcohol in that range is still available?  Thanks

2 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

 

This one is for you. 

 

 

That actually looks pretty soggy and gross.

4 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

 

Not this time. They did away with the veggie one. Meat lovers rejoice. 😉

Darn, we are vegetarians and was looking forward to the vegetable plank.

2 hours ago, mexico8 said:

I don't need all the facilities in the accessible cabins but I do use the shower chair and I have yet to have a non-accessible cabin that would accommodate my scooter.   I also have trouble just to get it in the cabin because most hallways are not wide enough for me to even get it in the door of the cabin.   

 

I do have medical issues and would not be able to make the walk from my cabin to the dining room on most of the ships.    All the comments about scooter users abusing the system is really not fair.   Just because we are not in wheelchairs does not make us able bodied.   We need the accessible cabin so that we can be on the cruise.   I could not book a non-accessible cabin on most of the ships.   Occasionally I have found a larger cabin but it's rare.   

 

We have been unable to take some cruises because there was not an accessible cabin.  When we get to ports that have a tender I stay on the ship.   I think a lot of people are being too hard on those of us with scooters.   We need the scooter as much as they need their wheelchairs and I think most of us do have the accessible placard.   My doctor had to fill out a lengthy questionnaire to get mine.

In the future look into the Junior Suites ( that's what they are called on Royal Caribbean, not sure what other cruiselines call them or if they have them). The JS are the same size as an accessible balcony room and have wider doors and they are usually readily available, in fact I just checked RC website and there are still some available for cruises less than 2 months out The cruiseline will provide a shower chair and they have availability of other handicap devices that might aid you.  This might be a better option for you than getting an accessible room and there is more availability.

Most ports have very limited because other countries do not have ADA laws.  We rarely go on excursions.  Even  with some excursions that are advertised as accessible the person still needs to be able to manuver up a few stairs or be able to stand and get into the van/bus on their own or with assistance.  My husband is unable to do either of those things.  On our upcoming cruise we will only be getting off the ship at one port.  We have arranged a private tour.  The van can hold my husband's wheelchair but he will be lifted into the van.  Luckily my son and son in law will be with us and can do the lifting.  This is the only way we can go on any excursions.

I am glad your state requires an extensive questionaire to obtain a HC parking placard.  We live in Florida and all we need is for the physician to sign a paper and check a box that says the person cannot walk far distances.  Needless to say there are many people who get placards when they don't really need them that badly.  I have even seen blogs on Disney sites that tell people how to get a temporary placard so they can park closer to the park entrance. Even though we have a placard, I only use the HC spots if I need to get my husband out of and back into the car.  Many times there are no more HC spots available and I have to park in a regular space. In cases like this I will park in the middle of two spaces or block the drive because I need the space to get my husband's wheelchair and lift close to the car.  

1 hour ago, raindropsalways said:

 

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

Every day I park somewhere it seems all the handicap parking spaces are full and most of the cars have placards.  I can't tell you how many times I have seen people with placards in handicap spots practically jumping out of their cars and running.  I have even seen people suddenly start limping when they see me getting my husband out of the car into his wheelchair.  From what I have seen people just ask their physician to sign the placard application and they don't seem to question the true need for a placard.  I realize people may have disabilities that are not evident and can't walk far for various reasons so the parking situation isn't a big issue for me.  I just get upset when I see blogs about people thinking they need an accessible cabin just because they want more room to store their scooter that they don't even use when they are at their home or going short distances. There has to be someway the cruiselines can verify accessibility needs without being intrusive into personal medical informationl.  As for ADA requirements I am sure the cruiselines meet the basic standards and requirements.  They are actually pretty lax as to what is required.

1 hour ago, raindropsalways said:

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.

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

2 hours ago, mexico8 said:

I have a mobility scooter that I have to use when we take a cruise.   I don't really need the special facilities in the accessible cabins but I do need to be able to keep my scooter in the cabin.   I have to plug it in to charge the battery and there is no place else to keep in on the ship.  

 

I agree that cruise lines should provide storage/charging areas for scooters.   I could book any cabin and let the people who need  the accessible cabins have them.  

 

It is not possible for me to have a regular size cabin because most of them don't have the room for the scooter.    Sometimes even trying to book an accessible cabin one year ahead we are not able to get an accessible cabin.   A few times we found posts that mentioned an extra large cabin (not accessible) and we jumped on the chance to have that cabin.   I missed a couple of the features from the accessible cabin but managed okay without them.    I was happy to have the space for my scooter.

 

I really hope that the cruise lines can make some changes for the scooter users and leave the accessible cabins to those who really need them.

Unfortunately people booking accessible cabins when as you said you don't really need the special facilities in the accessible cabins is exactly the reason my husband has trouble getting an accessible cabin.  My husband absolutely cannot cruise at all unless he is in an accessible cabin.  He is unable to stand or walk at all and requires the raised toilet seat with grab bars, roll in shower, etc.  

Before he became a full time wheelchair user he used a scooter on cruises.  It was a tight fit getting it through the door and finding space in the room to store and charge it.  We would request a shower chair and toilet support but would never have considered booking an accessible cabin just to have the extra room to store the scooter.  As I said before, hopefully the cruiselines will sometime make arrangements to store or charge scooters without taking up room space.  Until then please, please, please do not book an accessible cabin unless you really need most if not all of the facilities provided in these rooms.  You are making it more difficult for people who need these rooms by booking them just to store your scooter.  A conventional sized scooter will fit in any cruise cabin.

47 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

 

 October 2018 😁.

Oops sorry, just noticed that.  I guess it helps if I get enough sleep at night before I comment.

My husband is a quadriplegic and full time wheelchair user due to a progressive neurological disease.  Cruising is one of the easiest ways for him to vacation because of all the amenities offered for disabled persons on the ship.  We absolutely must have an accessible room or cannot cruise which is why we book our cruises about 14-18 months out.  That being said I certainly hope people do not book accessible rooms simply because they use a scooter and it is convenient to have the extra space in the cabin.  I realize everyone has different needs and the cruiselines are unable to ask specifics about disabilities.  Just realize that if you don't require some or all  of the amenities provided in the handicap rooms you could be locking someone out of a cruise because they do need the amenities.  Perhaps someday cruise lines will increase the number of handicap rooms or provide storage/charging areas for scooters outside the rooms but until then please think about your needs when booking the room.

From your signature it looks like you will be on the October 20 Harmony sailing with you.  Enjoy this cruise and hope the weather doesn't affect you too bad.

I would go with one of Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships.  They have lots of activities for kids including water play area with water slides, several pools, two arcades, ice skating,  rock climbing, mini golf, basketball court, ping pong, etc.  They also have excellent kids clubs with different activities throughout the day.  The kids clubs are divided by age groups with activities geared accordingly.  The diving shows and ice skating shows are great and your son would probably enjoy these shows as well as movies that are available periodically.  As for ports there are any number of excursions you could enjoy with your son at every port or you can just stay on the ship and enjoy all the ship amenities without so many people around.

We will be sailing on Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas with our 6 year old grandson who is being evaluated for Aspergers.  Does anyone have any hints on cruising with an Asperger's child?  Also would it be worthwhile to contac Royal Caribbean special needs department ahead of time to advise them of our grandson's needs or would it be better to wait until we are onboard and talk to the people in Adventure Ocean kids club?

We will be sailing on Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas with our 6 year old grandson who is being evaluated for Aspergers.  Does anyone have any hints on cruising with an Asperger's child?  Also would it be worthwhile to contac Royal Caribbean special needs department ahead of time to advise them of our grandson's needs or would it be better to wait until we are onboard and talk to the people in Adventure Ocean kids club?  Thanks for any information or hints you might have.

We were on Oasis two years ago and went to Solarium Bistro.  Lots of options that seemed to be healthier, hardly anyone in the venue so no crowds to deal with and great views.  Any future cruises we will most likely go there again.

Thanks all or the info!

Does anyone know if lunch on embarkation day is included with the UDP on Harmony?  Also if it is included can it be used at Sabor on embarkation day or are Jamies and Chops the only specialty restaurants open for lunch on embarkation day?

Thanks for any info you can give me.

I have taken knitting needles and small scissors with no problem.  I took my knitting with me once when I had jury duty.  They let me keep the knitting needles and scissors but confiscated the small wind up tape measure.  Guess they thought I might try to use it to strangle someone with it.

I received two RC gift certificates that I redeemed for OBC.  It did not show up on my cruise planner or anywhere on the website so I called to see where I could find it.  I was told it would not show up until I was onboard but the representative could see that it was on my account.  Slhe emailed me confirmation of both redeemptions that I will take with me on the cruise just in case.  She also told me that the OBC I redeemed through my Visa rewards will not show up until about 2 weeks before the cruise.