dappledumpling

My wife had a problem 10 years ago and the treatment left her with mobility issues. we started with a transfer chair to get her on and off the ship. plus location to location on the ship. Then we progressed to a full wheelchair and handicap cabins. (A good lightweight wheelchair is easier to push and maneuver.)  Then I made the best purchase of our lives, I bought a Eagle HD travel wheelchair (electric joystick controlled) and she regained her independence. weighs about 50 pounds which was no problem for me to toss around. 

The freedom it provided was fantastic... We used on cruises, theme parks.. the mall  wherever she wanted to go...  Not sure on your wifes illness but if not expecting mobility to return you might consider a travel power wheel chair.  We found scooters cumbersome and the 3 wheeled ones not as stable..

Hope this helps,

Rick

PS I dont mean to make this sound like a commercial but it definitely changed the last 4 years of her life.  

I just went on my first solo cruise in January (allure of the seas)  Had a great time so I jumped on Independence end of Febuary.  Wasnt sure how I would do as I had always sailed with my wife, but she lost her battle to cancer. Miss sharing times with her but love the solitude and solace that comes on the sea.

Next solo trip in 21 days mariner of the seas....

I set a goal of 10 sailings this year  Plan on doing one a month (taking june and july off) I have 4 cruise ports within 4.5 hours which makes short sailing work well.  

Funny after reading this post I went to my RCCL app and lists the event as Singles & Solo Meet up.   I have never attended one and I fall into both categories (Widower who still travels).. Who knows maybe I will check out the next one when I am on the ship, they are at 7pm which is when I normally dine. 

Both are great ships, just depends on what you priorities are...  Sailed Mariner in december and allure in January and had a great time on both.. In fact sail Mariner in April then allure in May...

Allure- love the dining (specialty restauarants)  japenese steakhouse and brazillian steakhouse

          -the vibe in boleros

          -tranquility of central park 

Mariner-less people.. (Did I mention less people)

            -the vibe of Schooner bar

As you can see I bounce back and forth

Rick

You buy a day pass.. No room but you get to use the amenities and all inclusive.

I am port specific..... port canaveral I like 11am as parking can be a challenge. But I like to leave as early as possible from there as I can head into work and utilize minimal PTO.  

Lauderdale or miami 1230 to 1pm.. gives me a little more drive time and less stress.  I will be one of the last off in those ports.... leisure breakfast to prepare for drive..

I personally am doing a 4 night cruise a month (occasionally a 5 night if friends call). I use to sail in only balconies and above  but as a solo traveler I dont need the extra space. I understand setting a goal as some of us are goal oriented.. I set 340 as a goal as thats when they reduce the single supplement. Will hit it in march.... then will shoot for 500  cause why not... lol.

If you goal is diamond  go for it.. hitting goals is great but the trip to get there is even better. Enjoy your travels

Rick

For allure the Hibachi or Giovannis,,, 

Chops on allure is hit or miss,  150 CP is nice but not a place I would want to dine with a large group.

I sail on halloween and luggage tags were available 30 days out

My wife 10 years ago got diagnosed with Peripheral neuropathy post chemotherapy. Like you she is good for a short time on her feet .  We started with a transfer chair then progressed to a regular wheelchair  and now she has a powerchair.  Apparently i like to drink and run into walls when pushing her. The power chair has been a great investment in our lives..  The mall,, seaworld,  disney and countless cruises have been tackled with this device. A regular room worked fine until we got the powerchair then an accessible room became needed..  Bonus showers have had seats in the accessible staterooms we have had.

Tender ports can be a challenge and we generally stay on board. Folding wheelchairs are much easier on excursions.. 

Hope that helps a little

We use resort for a day and booked rose hall hilton.  Lazy rive,r slides and swim up bar.

Lunch and drinks included.. its an allinclusive resort.  A little pricy but very nice.  There is a beah there as well..

I really appreciate you taking the time to post and show some pics. We are sailing the Muse next year in Alaska (First time with Silverseas) . And your posts and pics are getting us so excited...

Once again Thanks

both terminals have a loop to drop off luggage. At that spot  he can drop you and the luggage off then drive across the street and park.. Or he can valet park and stay with you. Both very easy

Tampa is one of the easiest ports

Welcome to cruise critic..

Tendered ports can be quite challenging with a wheelchair.  Ports that dock directly are easy access off. (ports vary on how accessible they are once on land) Let us know ship and ports and we can give you a better idea. 

Agree with previous poster if you can get an accesible stateroom it will make your life much easier.

2 hours ago, shepherdqueen said:

Are any of the Skipper's Grill or Snack Shacks handicap accessible without sinking in sand?

I believe skippers grill is accessible.. The snack shack in the thrill area is accessible, but I don't believe the one in chill area is... Could be wrong as I havent been there in a year

1 hour ago, alithecat said:

I recall having two of these available: Glenlivet, Glenmorangie and Glenfiddish. I think it varies by cruise. Always the lower end/younger Scotches, but quite drinkable.

I enjoy Glenmorangie  and Makers is drinkable.. I know I will enjoy whatever they have.. Just trying to set my expectations correctly

thanks, appreciate the info.. cant believe I misspelled muse in title

First Time Silverseas sailing 10 night Alaska. Have been on lots of cruises but never a luxury line. As Royal and Celebrity are down grading their sailing experience I though my best option was to step up my choices.  Question on whiskey choices on board..  Prefer Scotch but can live with a nice bourbon... Any decent selections on board?  Any info would be wonderful

Thanks

I personally listen to music on my balcony.. Sometimes with headsets.. sometimes with my Speakers.  I try to be considerate of my neighbors and keep it quiet. When I see my neighbors in the hall I let them know if you hear my music please let me know..  Now if you are loud obnoxious on your balcony.. all bets are off.. But my goal is to relax.... and not stress anyone while I'm chillin

On 1/31/2023 at 4:42 PM, dcsam said:

Thank you.  I’ll take a look at the Fold & Go.

Very similiar is the eagle HD.. I bought that one for my wife. The back wheels are a little larger which helps in port if a little off road is needed. Agree the joystick can require some getting use too.

We went to seaworld to get my wife use to the joystick.. Not overly crowded but great practice.. Malls work well too

Happy cruising

2 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 

 Thanks.  I had no idea.  Then again it's been more than a couple of years since we sailed out of Tampa.  It's just surprising with the sophistication of the navigational equipment that fog would be that much of an issue but I am glad it's safety first. 

 

Google skyway bridge may 9 1980... a freighter collided with a support structure in a squall and took out the old skyway...... Scary

1 hour ago, fredmdcruisers said:

They can eat what they want, but just pay extra if you are going to eat 3x or more what a normal portion in the MDR. Maybe, rather than appear pigish, stop at the WJ for anything you like after dinner.

Im one of those evil people that eat 3 meals plus app (no dessert) for dinner... I eat OMAD (one meal a day)  so breakfast lunch and dinner at one shot. I request 3 meats and steamed veggies.. boring diet but it works for my health....  Hope this helps see another side..

ALLURE berths at terminal 18... take good care of her we jump on when you disembark.....Have a wonderful cruise

I am going to labadee on the mariner next week. do JR suites have access to barefoot beach? Also i see barefoot beach cabanas are available for purchase can I book in that area or should I just stick with Nellies... Been a long time since I have been to labadee and trying to figure it out ( last 2 times did not get off ship  but have grandkids with me and trying ti maximize my time with them and they like beach days..  Thanks

Call RCI customer service if you booked direct or ask your travel agent to facility the change. The trouble normally is there are very limited accessible cabins.  We used regular balconies with a folding wheelchair for years, but when I  purchased a electic power chair we needed the extra room.  Another option for added space are junior suites but the problem there is the bathtub can be difficult to get in and out of....

Hope that helps

Rick