SeaBurd

I love Princess and wish they had a TA Southampton to Florida at the end of November, 2023. But, no such sailing.  Since I'd rather cruise than fly home I found a TA on MSC Divina.  I've sailed on her before.

I haven't booked YC as I don't have unlimited funds and prefer to sail more often.  For the first time I will be in an "ocean view" cabin instead of a balcony.  I opted for this since crossing the Atlantic in late November didn't seem like the optimal time to take advantage of a balcony. 

It is true the food isn't gourmet in the MDR but I've always found something on the menu that was enjoyable.  The few times my meal was not to my satisfaction, I was quickly served a substitution.  Don't expect to "eat and run" in the MDR as it normally takes 1 hour or so for dinner. On evenings when I wanted to attend the early theater presentation, I went to the MDR as early as possible and told my waiter about my plans.  And, I was always finished in time.  Service was excellent in all areas, cabin and public spaces well tended and clean.  The entertainment was geared to a more European audience but presented professionally by some very talented people.  

In my experiences, there is a wider variety of cultures represented on MSC cruises than I've noticed on my Princess sailings.  Some social customs are different than those I have come to expect.  Consequently, some passengers are not aware of the concept of waiting in line at the buffet, bar, or other areas. However, I also noticed that a smile and pleasant greeting are a wonderful antidote to percieved "rudeness."  It also helps keep my blood pressure down!

If the itinerary and dates are the same, given the choice, I prefer Princess.  Then, it comes down to price.  As a solo cruiser, unfortunately, the cost is often the final and deciding factor.  

11 hours ago, Etta1213 said:

I have never cruised solo. Husband has limited mobility and hasn't really blessed my going without him. If women like us could cruise together, we could maybe ease that loneliness. I did try to joing a church group cruise but was too late to be included for their Fall 2024 trip. 

You didn't say if your husband is open to cruising with you or not. I am currently cruising solo since I lost my best friend and husband in May, 2022.  He lost his right leg above the knee in 2018 at the age of 79.  It did take a little more effort to find accessible cabins and arranging (affordable) shore excursions that he could enjoy from his wheelchair but it was worth it all.  I now have incredible memories.  At his request, I am now taking those cruises we had planned to take together.  I just returned from an Alaska cruise and, by choice, dined solo in 2 specialty restaurants for the first time. 

I too lost my husband and best friend 1 year ago this month.  He wanted me to continue crusing and go to the places we had hoped to see together.  So, that is what I am doing... one journey at a time.

I am not a very outgoing person but I have found that by using the roll calls for an upcoming voyage and signing up for some of the pre-planned activities I meet some people with shared interests.  That makes it much easier to start a conversation and find someone with whom I can share a table at meal time if I don't want to dine alone.

I also recently lost my husband and am taking my first solo cruise next month.  I expect to have those moments of loss but I will also have the memories of the joyful times such as standing by the railing, enjoying the sunset as we did together.  Or, sitting on the balcony reading.  He really enjoyed the MDR so that will probably be my most trying experience but I am determined to do it... that's what he would expect.  It's probably easier to think about this solo experience than it will actually be.

Just booked a private Jeep tour with Cozumel CruiseExcursions.  My husband uses a folding electric chair (Fold-N-Go).  We are interested in the history, culture, and scenery… no beach or water activities since they don’t work well with a prosthetic leg 😌.  It sounds good and price is very reasonable.  

Recently booked our first MSC cruise, sailing July 11.  I didn't know about the military discount until after I paid for the cruise.  I called to see if we could get it applied to a fully booked reservation.  I was given the email address for existing reservations.  I sent them a message and attached my husband's proof of service.  2 days later I received a message approving the request.  

Today I had a problem with the website.  Unable to do the web check in.  A call confirmed that there was an issue with the site and I was given an alternate way to reach that section.  Completed the data entry with no issues.

Based on these two issues, my experience with MSC customer service is definitely positive.

On 10/30/2019 at 8:33 AM, hunt182644 said:

Will be going to the Military Tatoo in August. Wondering about the walk up to the castle for an older person? If one takes a slower pace is it a fairly easy walk. I realize everyone is different , just looking for opinions on those who have done the walk.

We are also going in August on the Regal Princess.  My husband is in a wheelchair and we are arranging for an 8 person tour designed for those with limited mobility. I'll be posting more info on the Roll Call.

9 minutes ago, Thrak said:

I just Googled the cost of a can of Coke in Italy. Looks like an individual Coke is around 2 euros. Yikes!

 

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.03 €

Thanks.  That makes it just about $2.25 USD so I think I'll save myself the trouble and just get the $2 Princess cans.

Thanks for the info on canned coke.  Glad to know it will taste the same.  Now, does anyone know the price?  Need to compare it to the ~$2 per can on board.

We are boarding the Sky Princess in Civitavecchia on Nov. 10.  Is there a place to buy canned soda within walking distance of the port?  Anyone know the price and if it tastes the same as that purchased in the US?

17 hours ago, CruisingAlong4Now said:

Has anyone used the Zinger on the cobbled streets in Europe? 

We did use it on some cobblestone streets in Stockholm.  Not too bad on the "smoother" ones but challenging on the rough ones.  

2 minutes ago, Orlando Vic said:

Do you possibly use a ramp to help get it in and out of the car's trunk?

No.  We have a van and just lift it in through the side door.  We have lifted it to put it in the back also.  It weighs 46 lbs. which is not a big deal for the younger folk.  If I really work at it, I can manage to get it into the car by myself but it is so much easier if my husband helps. 

Technique?  I'm not young enough or strong enough to just lift it by myself, so if I have to do it alone, I pad the edge of the car (so I don't scratch the car) then lean the folded Zinger up against it, tilt it back, and push it in.  To get it out, just reverse the procedure.  One trick, the wheels can tend to get in the way so we use a bungee cord to hold them in place.  

Yes, that is a drawback.  For our purposes, the benefits far outweigh this inconvenience.  Being able to fold it and transport it in just about any vehicle is great.  In addition to using it on cruises, we also took two trips on the AutoTrain (Florida to Washington, DC) with it in a handicap sleeper! 

3 minutes ago, Orlando Vic said:

Thanks for the information. It is very encouraging.

We live in Altamonte Springs and would like to have the ,contact information for the dealer in Leesburg. It would certainly be worthwhile to see one first hand. TIA!

Mr. Mobility, 1520 S 14th St, Leesburg, FL 34748 - (352) 323-8585

We were in to buy something else and showed them our Zinger.  Next time we went in we noticed they had 2 on the floor!

Thank you, shel003.  I have looked at them and they have some excellent options.  The prices take into account the use of fully accessible wheelchair vehicles so the cost is higher.  Fortunately, we are able to use standard vehicles when there is room to also transport a mobility device.  My husband uses a folding electric wheelchair but the same issue exists with manual wheelchairs, light weight folding manual or electric scooters and even rollators. 

When looking at some shore excursions (currently booking them at Mediterranean ports in Italy, Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal) I am reading "no wheelchairs" and when I question some of the tour operators they tell me that they have no way to transport the wheelchair, even if it is a small, lightweight, folding one.  Making progress by working through the city tourism divisions to find help. Not finding as much help as hoped for working with the shore excursion group at the cruise line itself.  

As the population ages more people will find themselves with physical challenges and need some of the accommodations provided in a fully accessible cabin.  While ADA regulations prevent asking for details about one's disability, it seems to me there could be a checklist asking if each of the accessible elements are necessary.  Necessary meaning the person would not be able to function without it.  Example: a person who is unable to stand and step into a shower or tub with a transfer bench would require the roll in shower.  Then, with ships having different levels of accessible cabins, a person could be assigned to the level that would accommodate his/her needs.

Holland America and Carnival (at least) have addressed this issue, in part, by providing 3 different levels of accessible cabins.  The definitions that follow are from Carnival.  HAL has the same designations.

1. Fully Accessible Cabins (FAC): These staterooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited mobility, who require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive devices. Fully Accessible Cabins contain accessible elements including turning space, accessible routes throughout the stateroom and an accessible bathroom. Additionally, the bathrooms contain grab bars and shower seats.
    
2. Fully Accessible Cabins - Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA): These staterooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited or no mobility, who require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive devices. Fully Accessible Cabins - Single Side Approach are a type of FAC that provide an accessible route and clear floor space on only one side of the bed, in staterooms configured to provide only one bed. In a stateroom configured to provide two beds, the clear floor space will be between the beds, with one side of each bed getting an accessible route. Additionally, these staterooms have an accessible bathroom that contains grab bars and shower seats.
    
3. Ambulatory Accessible Cabins (AAC): These staterooms are designed for use by guests with mobility limitations, who do not require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices. For example, Ambulatory Accessible Cabins are ideal for guests who only use an assistive device (like a cane or a walker) for traversing longer distances, and who may benefit from certain accessible features like grab bars, to assist with balance.

As someone whose husband is an above the knee right leg amputee, we have no option other than a fully accessible cabin.  In my opinion, most people who may not need them are currently booking fully accessible cabins because there is no other option available for them.  I believe they would be more than willing to be accommodated in anther cabin that suits their needs, freeing the FAC for someone who truly needs it.

Hopefully all cruise lines will do more to address the needs of this growing segment of the cruising population.

My husband uses a Zinger and we are very pleased with it.  We have used it on 2 cruises with no problems.  Both were newer, big ships (Oasis of the Seas and Regal Princess).  By remembering to charge it each night (or during the day if just sitting in the room) and turning it off when not moving we have not had an issue with the battery.  No problems with the gangways.  In fact, the crew is always there wanting to assist.  It does have a very tight turning radius which makes it very easy to use the elevators, pull up to a dining table, get situated at the entertainment venues, etc.  The only place I noticed a drawback was in the buffet.  Since the Zinger requires both hands to operate it, it's challenging for him to serve himself and balance a plate on his lap.  Of course, most times a crew member will assist if needed.  Sorry, there is another drawback: at times I find it difficult to keep up with him.  The chair can go much faster than I am able to walk!

I see you are in Central Florida.  So are we.  If you haven't seen one in person, I can give you the name of a company in Leesburg that carries them.  

Thank you, GC.  I have outstanding inquiries to several tour operators along the way.  In fact, I just booked one with ItalyTours EU after several emails back and forth.  Here is part of my final response to them:
 

Let me address the 3 issues you raised as detrimental for taking the small group tour:

1.     That person may not access all sites and they might be asked to wait at some points for others to complete the walking part of the tour for example (sorry we can't tell in advance where and when).
        Understood.  We have dealt with this issue on previous tours. 

2.     That person will have someone to help them physically as our staff may not be able to help 100% of the time.
        I am his assistant and have been his primary support on other excursions.

3.     The person will have to seat as others in the van and we will fold the wheelchair and store it in the luggage space
        He is able to transfer and does not remain in the wheelchair when riding in a car, van, bus, train, plane, etc.

The other issue you raised is: "We would normally recommend going on a private tour in order to avoid holding back others (the type of tour that you have chosen)"
        On other excursions we have taken, this has not been an issue.  (Don's chair can go faster than I can comfortable walk!)  He has also chosen to remain behind when the terrain is too difficult.  As I read your description, both the small group and private tour have the same amount of walking - 2 hours. 

Bottom line, ItalyTours EU accepted our booking for its BEST OF FLORENCE & PISA --- Full day shared tour from the port of Livorno.  Still working on the other ports of call on our upcoming excursion!

Hopefully some day tour operators will recognize there is a, large, basically untapped market for affordable, organized tours for people with limited mobility.   I'm not talking about needing a vehicle that can accommodate a person while seated in a wheelchair but someone who can transfer to a car, van or bus seat yet must have a wheelchair or other mobility device for stability and/or endurance.

With our limited cruising experince, most ship sponsored tours that are marked accessible are either immediately sold out or are nothing more than a "drive by".  And, many that are marked "easy" say they are not wheelchair accessible or there is no way to transport a mobility device.  Almost every port offers a private tour option but the costs are often prohibitive!  And, the response I've gotten from some tour operators is to use the Cruise Critic Roll Call to organize an appropriate private tour so the tour can be more cost effective.  I don't know about you but signing up for a tour costing hundreds of dollars and then hoping to get enough people that we don't even know to share the cost along with collecting their portion sounds a bit stressful.  We are going on a cruise to relax, not to stress out or be the tour organizer. 

We were lucky in St. Petersburg and had an extremely affordable, well organized, small (only 8 of us) and comprehensive tour with TJ Travel.  Now, we are going on a 21 day transatlantic from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale and we will actually have to do our own sightseeing excursions in several of the ports.  Wish I could find a TJ in every port of call!

Thanks, everyone, for letting me vent!

5 minutes ago, raindropsalways said:

SeaBurd - Why on earth would you assume that those of us on small mobility scooters do not need the other aspects of an accessible cabin? Unfortunately, it seems that the many fail to understand that most of us on mobility scooters are there due to serious medical issues, not necessarily a problem with the legs or inability to walk.

As I read your post, it appears you must have missed the first thing I said; "If mobility is the issue and the other accommodations in an accessible cabin are not needed,..."   

Obviously, if someone has medical issues that require the accommodations found only in the HC cabins that is what they need, no matter what the size of their mobility device.

2 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

I am cruising on NCL next month and RCI in December.Both cruise lines sent me forms to be completed by a medical doctor.

We got forms from both RCI and NCL for recent cruises.  Neither was to be completed by a medical doctor.  The one from RCI had a checkbox following this statement: "I require an accessible stateroom because I have a mobility disability or other disability that requires the use of the accessible features that are provided in the stateroom."  The NCL form was much more extensive and asks if passenger has mobility difficulties and if "yes" to specify. 

On 8/29/2019 at 6:23 PM, raindropsalways said:

Also, if anyone is aware of a mailing address (US mail or Email) for ADA, please share it. A form letter from multiple people would not offer as much of an impression as a distinct letter for each and every one.

 

Information found on the ADA website today:

Disability Rights Section Mailing Address

U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section - NYA 
Washington, D.C. 20530

Section Phone Number: (202) 307-0663

Chief: Rebecca B. Bond
Principal Deputy Chief: Anne Raish
Deputy Chiefs: Christina Galindo-Walsh, Kevin Kijewski, Amanda Maisels, Jennifer McDannell, Elizabeth Westfall

On 8/31/2019 at 7:13 PM, gadaboutgal said:

You know with the aging of the world's population-especially in the U.S.- no wonder accessible cabins are becoming more difficult to reserve.  We can expect that over the next 20 years or so it is only get much worse as the number of retirees grows tremendously and the health of so many of these elderly cruisers declines. 

If mobility is the issue and the other accommodations in an accessible cabin are not needed, it seems the issue is the size of the cabin and the mobility device used.  Perhaps a scooter instead of a wheelchair would be more practical in terms of size, weight, and cost.

Just did an internet search for "narrow electric scooters" and came up with some whose width is less than the 23" - 24" doorway width for standard cabins and a turning radius of less than 5'.  Here are 2 links to a fairly good selection of 4 wheel travel scooters:

https://www.spinlife.com/critpath/match.cfm?categoryID=237

http://www.discovermymobility.com/store/scooters/

I guess we are just more fortunate.  He is not confined to the chair all the time.  With his prosthetic leg in place, he can walk for short distances.  We can then get his chair through a doorway.  While it isn't the easiest thing in the world, he can actually manage to do it himself... as long as he is wearing his leg!

For those who need mobility devices but not the other amenities in the fully accessible HC cabins, may I suggest they consider a small electric scooter or chair.  An internet search for "lightweight folding electric wheelchairs" will provide a host of options. 

We chose one of these since we didn't want to have to modify our car to accommodate a standard power wheelchair for my husband.  The one we have folds and fits easily into our vehilcle.  It is light enough we can lift it ourselves.  It also has a very tight turning radius.  While we do occasionally need to move a cleaning cart to the side, it is small enough to maneuver through the ship's passageways.   If we didn't need the roll in shower we could book almost any cabin!