firerunner

Do you have a catalog or website?

Yup we do :) not sure if i can post it on here though

and

you have to think 50 shades of grey stuff (we actually supplied them with some movie props) or if you watch Gotham, they have a dungeon - ya thats our stuff in that dungeon LOL

so yes we do have a website but its not safe to post on here..:)

I tell them the truth - that we make and sell sex toys.

Always shuts them up

Anddddddddddd

I CAN GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! does a lil happy dance!!!

All three of my Docs said, yes go so we leave wedneday and sat sail saturday!!

thank you for all your positive thoughts and prayers and good vibs!!

Now to finish packing!!

We are suppose to leave Wed for Seattle, a few days at Inn at the Market, then catch the Ruby on Sat.

And I just got out of the hospital.

I try not to stew on it, for I will know tomorrow whether the docs are going to let me go or not. But man it is so hard, it brings me to tears, the planning and excitement, travelling first class, Inn at the Market, whales and bears and Glaciers spending quiet, away from the business and staff time with my hubby...

POOF could all be gone tomorrow.

ya ya we have insurance but it is not making this any easy. I just keep hoping and praying the doc says that yes i can go

We are looking at tickets for sept 4 (and we will be on the cruise) so instead of trying to do it with ship internet which is slowwwwwwwwwww we have our daughter doing it, she has the cc # and what we want. Much easier and much safer.

What is the Pub Lunch?

I have read this thread and will give my two cents. Initially I was not going to reply for I can come off as *harsh* but well here goes.

I am disabled and have been for a number of years due to a progressive disease.

"people say I PAY for FTTF so why should YOU get it free just because you are disabled. You have the same rights to get to you room as i do just go later in the day"

funny for I do not have the same rights as a healthy person.

You know I would die to see the ship tour they do. And I can't it is not accessible. Most behind the scene tours are not accessible to us, but they are to healthy people. Most ships I cannot get to the top deck. Sometimes I think how cool it would be to just SEE it. But I can't, on many ships, not accessible.

Tendered port? Forget it - a ship day for me.

Excursions - not likely unless they can accommodate my 300 pound wheelchair.

I do not have an *entitled* attitude, but I do think *who the hell cares if a disabled can go to their room before others? not like they can stay up all night..and dance. "

and its funny right, for the disabled are not abusing the system we fight tooth and nail to get the same rights, its the healthy that are abusing it, cheating it, and we , the sick pay for it and the healthy ones yell about the few *extras* we do get.Some healthy people make it seem Like dying from a progressive disease is some special thing.

True story - Disney last year and it was HOT, hubby has customized my wheelchair, I have shade, I have a fan, even a cell phone charger on it. Standing in line a woman looked at me and said..you are so lucky a fan and shade...I quickly replied..you can have my fan and shade..if i can have your legs.

we used Jorge Luis Ramirez Morales from http://www.portlimon.com and absolutely loved Jorge. He personalized the tour for us, at half the cost of a princess tour. It was just my husband and I and we highly recommend him!

I have MS and am in a wheelchair and I cannot count the number of times passengers and crew alike. Have offered to help me. Be it carry my tray or get me something that I cannot reach.

Sometimes after a tired day in port a simple gesture makes one feel like a million bucks.

Both CareVacations as well as SpecialNeedsatSeas recommend 30 days advance notice. Just call the 800# and speak directly to a representative. CareVacations as well SpecialNeedsatSea are most accommodating to give a no obligation cost. Neither company solicite business via email or phone if that concerns you. However know that they will ask the same questions that were requested on the website as cost is based on the following criteria :

• Number of days require
  
• Embarkation Port
  
• Disembarkation Port
  
• Weight and Height of end user
  
• Weight capacity of Power chair .
  
• If you plan to purchase insurance for the equipment
  

thank you I knew you would know..:) I didnt realize these chairs needed insurance.

We talked about bringing my own wheelchair but transporting it from Orlando to Seattle and then two/three days in seattle needing to find a HC Taxi. I just think the logistic will be too much. So hubby is bringing the push wheelchair for me and we will rent one for the cruise.

Believe it or not this trip has be a little stressed LOL for I ALWAYS have my own chair and never worry about flights etc.

keep telling myself it is a new adventure lol

Maybe a scooter would work better for you. Call Care Vacations or Special Needs at Sea to inquire. They deliver the scooter to your cabin and then you just leave it on the ship when debarking.

Nope, I dont think I could drive a scooter. I have used a joystick type wheelchair for years and years. Scooters are too big and awkard.

Hubby has booked us an Alaska Cruise for next aug 2017!! So excited and yet a little worried

I currently use a power wheelchair invacare :) And I am not bringing it on the plane, we will bring the push one. Which means my first ever rental.

So what do these things cost? When I look at the websites they want me to give my infor to get a quote. I just want a rough estimate. I will be renting an power wheelchair joystick type controller for that is what I use now.

How far in advance do we book the wheelchair?

thanks for your help!!

 

Regarding the OP statement about security having gone beyond the normal actually means nothing to me nor should it you as everyone's idea of 'normal" is different.

OOMG MY MOTHER - that is her. SHe has a fake hip and sets off the scanners every single time and of course they pull her aside for a pat down and the entire time she is saying "its a fake hip its a fake hip."

And then after the pat down she is telling anyone and everyone that will listen how security *groped* her

argh

normal is so subjective. I have watched her getting patted down and it is no worse then what has been done to me when travelling with my wheelchair.

Normal for me is sexual harassment to her.

Wifi problems from the time we boarded on Oct 17 until a couple of days ago. Had I paid for it I would have expected my money back.

Yup BAD wifi and they did refund for it.

Just off the emerald this morning also and of all our cruises this was our least favorite.

I am in a wheelchair and we had room A304 and the bathroom smelled of moldy water. We told our room steward and she tried (she was WONDERFUL!!) and we also complained to guest services, ultimately we just kept the bathroom door closed so the moldy smell would not stink up the entire stateroom.

Entertainment was the worst on this cruise, not enough to do during the days and the evening shows where just sorta BLAH (other then the elton john one it was amazing!!) We never saw the cruise director other then at the shows. I think Mike on the Carnival Conquest spoiled us, he was the BEST cruise director we have ever had.

Food was ok, when we started cruising we cruised for the food, now its not such a big thing, so ya it was ok and we felt the staff went above and beyond. I as always asked if I needed help etc..wonderful crew. Great hot chocolate at the International Cafe.

We did do our anniversary at Sabtini and it was REALLY GOOD!!

Ship was very clean, table were always clean.

Overall this was a good cruise but not one of our favorites.

Am I missing something I dont see a link and I dont see this offered on carnival

Thanks for the replies!

As stated I have been on ONE princess Cruise (with two more booked) compared to FIVE Carnival.

We liked both cruise lines but there are differences, only you can put a value/price on those differences and whether it will make or break your cruise line choice.

We really do like the livelier atmosphere on Carnival..:)

No questions or replies so I will finish this up quickly.

Entertainment

Carnival has nicer theaters then Princess, I think they probably seat the same number of passengers but princess doesn't have those tables to sit your drinks on. So the theaters seem smaller and more cramped. Also many people were sitting glasses etc on the floor and they ended up getting knocked over.

Carnival has more HC seats in their theaters.

Sea Days - Princess was a little boring for activities on sea days, they just didnt seem to have the activities that carnival does.

Performance - I think both Carnival and Princess are pretty equal here, BUT Carnival has the adult comedian show where as Princess did not. We enjoy the comedians! So in my opinions based on theater lay out and Comedians Carnival wins this!

**********

Casino

They both happily took our money But I wonder if Princess has better air circulation for the smoke was barely noticeable in the Casino, Carnival it is like walking into a smoke house, and you leave the casino and your clothes smell like it. YUK! Yup Princess gets this one..:)

**********

Passengers -

On every Carnival cruises we have met/seen/heard drunks. Doesnt bother us but they are there. Carnival is also a younger crowd and more kids/family type crowds.

Princess was older more refined. A quieter crowd, not the party type, so it seemed. It seemed like everyone we talked to had adult children whereas Carnival it seemed most people had young children.

**********

Shopping, Drinks, Pictures

Shopping was about the same, same type of stores, candy booze, cigs etc. I do not think they pushed the drinks as hard on Princess as they do on Carnival.

Pictures - Believe it or not I have NEVER had an issue on either cruise lines with pictures.

In this area I think Carnival and Princess are pretty equal.

**********

Price

Pfft Based on this cruise and my two upcoming cruises, Carnival wins this!

Princess is more costly but, our two upcoming cruises with them are booked due to the itinerary and not the cost.

**********

Final thoughts.

Honestly, I do not think there was that much of a difference between the two cruise lines. With Carnival you get more bang for your buck with Princess you get a quieter cruise. I really think it is a personal choice. Nothing really stood out to make me say HEY Carnival/Princess is better.

As it stands now, Carnival will be our cruise of choice as long as they offer the itinerary we want. We enjoy the more rambunctious crowds and even the kids. But we would also not rule our Princess (especially since we have two cruises booked with them!)

Hoped this help anyone that is comparing cruise lines!

Have a great night

I am a little late we have been so busy!!

We booked a short three day on the Regal princess back in April, this was our first Princess cruise and we have two more booked with them. We have been on 5 Carnival Cruises. I also am HC and use a wheelchair.

Let me share my thoughts,,:)

Embarking

Princess - Was in Fort Lauderdale, we had some issues here, and I give the Port/Princess a 0 out of 10. The terminal was so cold and impersonal. They kept us lined outside calling in 40 or so at a time and then we had to stop and fill out their health form and their disembarking form and then it had to be signed by a Princess personal before we could go to check in and get our sign and sail card.

HC people were treated poorly IMO.

From here HC people were out into these rooms..it was cubicle like rooms, so you really couldn't talk with others unless you wanted to yell thru the walls.

Carnival - We have used Tampa and Miami and LOVED both ports. Carnival wins hand down on embarking!!

**********

The Ship in General - The Regal is a brand new ship and I swear you got on and it had that new car smell still LOL and it is GORGEOUS! Regal is like High Class Vegas Decor whereas Carnival is like Vegas. If that makes sense.

Was one better then the other??

Not in our opinion we have enjoy Conquest, Paradise, Legend and Inspiration (2) as well as Regal Princess and we loved the decor in all the ships. But if you are looking for more modern classy Regal wins hands down, but if Vegasy showy is your style..then Carnival.

**********

Muster Drill - Carnival wins on this--- Princess makes you bring your life jacket (not sure what for not like we put them on) and then since EVERYONE is carrying life jackets we all had to dash back to our rooms to put them away, this resulted in the elevators being SWAMPED after the drill.

**********

FOOD!!

Hands down PRINCESS wins on the ice cream!! I NEVER ate ice cream on the carnival cruises (hubby did) we watched kids at those machines and taking cones out and shoving them back in the cone dispenser and argh was just bad. BUT Carnival Ice cream is open 24/7

Princess - Actually as a station and this nice lady gave out the cones. Hubby said the ice cream was much better on princess and of course the area wasn't run over by kids!! I did have ice cream on the Regal and I think they win hands down on the ice cream station however they are only open 10 AM till 11 PM.

MDR - I think the food was comparable with both companies.

Buffet - I think Princess had a better breakfast selection .

Drinks - Tea coffee water etc - I like how carnival does it, really Princess stop having the staff serve coffee tea ect. IMO it was a PIA, I drink LOTS of water and was always trying to find some or find someonr to bring us some.

Princess has the Cafe and AMAZINg Salads and sandwiches

Carnival Had Guys burgers we all know how good those are!! Carnival also had the Fish and chip station and Sushi

So food wise I think Carnival might be just a little ahead of Princess.

**********

Our Room - Princess wins hand down because they are very very tight with their HC rooms. When I spoke to the Cruise director on Regal he stated that passengers have actually been banned from Princess for misuse of the HC rooms. Our TA stated the same thing, that unlike carnival whom will give an HC room to anyone, Princess doesn't. They hold those room as long as possible before releasing them to the general public. Other then that, which is a big issue for someone in a wheelchair, both rooms were very similar in size and ship. Princess did have TWO outlets!

**********

Accessibility

It is HILARIOUS to hear able bodied people complain about accessibility LOL but HC/wheelchair access for both ships is pretty similar. Some areas you cannot access BUT man oh man I heard so MAN AB people complain about the access on Regal. Not sure why something about elevators not going all the way or not in the middle of the ship. Or maybe it was stairs. Also they complained about not being able to walk completely around the ship, I never heard these types of complaints on Carnival . Maybe someone on Regal can chirp in and explain what the access issue is on the ship..:)

**********

OK have to finish tomorrow time for bed!!

If you have any questions just ask.

Princess was AMAZING in helping me re-book and move things around!!!!

So we ended up booking a short five day in Oct, with the wedding in Nov and company from canada starts arriving Nov 8 and then the new baby in dec..and I think we are going to try and do a baby shower also in Nov for our family from canada, add in I need a HC room and well..that was all we could take

HOWEVER we did book an Alaska cruise also for NEXT september 2016!!!!

I have to say making these changes was painless and very easy and the agent laughed at me over and over again as I told her about the wedding and the baby LOL

So no Panama Canal but yes to a 5 day Caribbean and an Alaska Cruise!!

I have really been blessed this Mothers Day!!!

We celebrated mothers day early, tonight our 29 year old daughter and her husband along with our son and his fiance had us over.

And it was time to open my gifts..I opened this BIG box and out popped these pink and blue balloons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was crying when I realized I am finally going to be a grandma!!!!

Anyways, we have a cruise booked in Dec for the panama canal, and my first grandbaby is due in..drum roll...Dec!!!!

And our son is getting married in...Nov!!!!

SO we are going to rebook something in Sept/Oct from Florida but it seems Princess doesn't have a huge selection of Caribbean cruises.

Am I missing something?

It looks like the only thing that is now going to fit our insane year is a 5 day to cozumel/cayman.

Any other ideas?? I really want to do another cruise THIS year.

Also is there a fee for changing the booking? We are 221 days away from the panama canal so lots of time.

thank you!!

I received my citizenship june 2014.

WHENEVER I traveled I carried my green card and my passport from my home country.

Why risk it.

Put yourself at ease and carry ALL your ID.

My husband and I sorta do this now, if we told people/table mates about who we really were and what we really do... then they would

1) Run away screaming

2) Think we were lying

3) Ask way too many questions

So we sorta fluff our story to make others more comfortable.

I do often wonder tho if we told the truth and nothing but the truth what people would do lol

Im not a smoker either and I surely do not understand why they cant smoke on their balcony but it is what it is

at least the new smoking areas look nice!

No I can't. You have 95% of the rooms to pick from on a cruise, I have 5% and I have to worry if some AB is going to book it before me. Absolutely Carnivals fault

BUT

That is the reality of a HC person yet we are called "insensitive and selfish" "getting our own way" and told "think how disappointed the abled bodied person will be if they have to move" ..

The words on this thread.

Not mine.

When I see HC people being called the above by healthy abled bodies because all they want is an HC room so they too can have a cruise..

Yes it makes me a little upset.

As for being mean/vindictive, I didn't judge you based on your post don't judge me based on mine.

Added as a side note to clarify - If there are NO other rooms available for the AB then yup go for, book the HC room and dont allow a bump, but we ARE talking about bumping which means there is an equal or greater value of room IS AVAILABLE to that AB person. SO really I am not sure why we would be called selfish, inconsiderate etc. The AB would move to the same value room or better.