J&B in GA

Thanks for the replies, but I had already researched the information provided from both "cruisedeckplans" and Carnival's websites. My scooter will fit thru a standard 22" door opening, but it's a tight fit. There are no obstructions on the inside of the cabin, so the door should be able to open beyond the standard 90 degrees, which means the door thickness should not be an obstruction. We had a Premium Balcony last year and that door opened up approximately 120 degrees.

I was hoping to hear from someone that had personal knowledge of Cabin 11203 by having stayed in it before. But either way, we should be fine.

Thanks again.

I've booked the HC SPA Cabin 11203 on Carnival Magic for early next year and although I've seen pics and videos of the interior of the cabin, which shows a fully accessible bathroom with roll in shower, my travel agent was contacted today by Carnival's Special Needs group telling her that the cabin entrance door width is standard size, not wide enough for my 22" wide mobility scooter. They wanted to move me to a smaller HC SPA Cabin 11202, which they said has the wider door width. Anyone here have personal knowledge of the actual door width for cabin 11203 ? Thank you.

I've booked the HC SPA Cabin 11203 on Carnival Magic for early next year and although I've seen pics and videos of the interior of the cabin which shows a fully accessible bathroom with roll in shower, my travel agent was contact today by Carnival's Special Needs group telling her that the cabin entrance door width is standard size, not wide enough for my 22" wide mobility scooter. They wanted to move me to a smaller HC SPA Cabin 11202 which they said has the wider door width. Anyone here have personal knowledge of the actual door width for cabin 11203 ? Thank you.

I have difficulty with tall stairs or steps. Can anyone tell me what it is like getting on or off busses, trains or trams in Dublin. Thanks

We were there last August and were able to secure a large 6-pax taxi (think London Black Cabs) for the two of us and a mobility scooter which rolled in by the taxi driver after we were seated. We found getting around town and Trinity College very doable. We also toured the Kilmainian Goal (sp?), which you should reserve online in advance. There is only one tour at 11:30am each day for disabled visitors. You will miss the upstairs portion but the tour was excellent. BTW-The care-giver companion fare is free, which is true all over the UK and Ireland, just ask. There is also a tram system which has platforms level with the tram floor. All day pass was 7 Euros.

Have a great time.

???? We were told the water taxi isn't wheelchair/scooter accessible.

Depends on the water taxi. The smaller ones are not, although I have been able to step aboard and then the dock hands lift my scooter on board. This would not work for someone who could not stand and walk. The larger one they use to go to the center of town is. They have a ramp from the dock to the taxi. I have used it on several occasions.

We have done this several times using a mobility scooter. Although it's doable, I'd suggest you consider the water taxi from the cruise port. About $7/person/R.T. and it takes you right into the center of town. Saves time and power if using a scooter. :D

It's a very nice lunch served to Concierge guests only on embarkation day in the Main Dining Room (MDR).

We have used UberX with 3 pieces of luggage and always managed. This might mean one piece of luggage has to go in the front seat....but the drivers are good at making it work. Using XL is certainly a bit more comfortable with much more room for luggage, but you will pay more money. The app will show you the cost of each option and you can make your decision. Another issue can be how long you wait for your ride. If you look at XL and will have a long wait...then you might want to opt for X (or vice versa).

 

Hank

Hank,

You're so knowledgeable about Uber, I have a question. I'm disabled and use a mobility scooter when travelling. The one time I used Uber, the driver didn't think he could get my scooter in his car when he arrived, so he suggested I cancel and re-book an XL. When I did this, there were no XL's available, so the driver then helped me break down my scooter and it fit, but I was alone and no luggage, so he told me to re-book him, I did and all was well, except Uber charged me a $5 cancellation fee. :mad: I tried to get it refunded, but to no avail.

Having never used an Uber XL, will it be large enough for 2 paxs, 3 pieces of luggage, and my scooter ? There are taxi's in FLL that are minivans with rear ramps equipped, so I just drive my scooter into the back and the driver places all the luggage around me.

Thanks for your advice.

mnolan770,

We are also from the Atlanta area and usually fly into FLL the day of the cruise, although not as early as you. ;) Looking forward to your review of the ship, as we've sailed only on "M" class ships in the past. We're currently booked on the Silhouette out of Amsterdam in August for a British Isles cruise which includes an overnight stay in Edinburgh so we can attend the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo the first evening. Really looking forward to this cruise. :D We also have an aft concierge class balcony cabin on deck 11. Those aft views are wonderful.

Would love to see some photos of your cabin, as I'm not sure how large they are on an "S" class ship and the position of the bed. Near the bathroom, or near the balcony, and if the former is there much room between the foot of the bed and the wall ?

Thanks,

The Royal Yacht is wheelchair accessible with ramps, lifts etc. The Visitors Centre is actually on the top floor of the shopping centre called Ocean terminal, again with lifts. I'd allow 2 hours for the visit.

 

This is a link to the Lothian buses website with lots of info about accessible buses:

 

https://lothianbuses.co.uk/about-us/community/accessible-buses

 

The Castle is difficult for wheelchair users as it is on so many different levels with cobbles. This is a statement from their website about which parts cannot be accessed at all

 

Areas unsuitable for wheelchair access

 

Width restrictions make these areas unsuitable for wheelchairs:

• Queen Mary's Room (Royal Palace)
  
• King's Dining Room (Royal Palace)
  
• St Margaret's Chapel
  
• The Crown Jewels exhibition
  
• The Military Prisons
  

Most of these are accessible for more mobile visitors and staff are happy to give advice.

 

 

You will even find it difficult moving down the Royal Mile: it is hard to explain how crowded it gets with visitors and buskers and also the surfaces are very very old and very uneven.

 

If you wanted to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the #35 bus would be best from Ocean Terminall but taxis are plentiful and fairly cheap in Edinburgh so that might be easier. The area around The Castle is pedestrianised and the green and red Hop-on, hop-off buses (from the city centre) get closer than any other but truly a taxi is the best option to get there. I would also pre-book one to pick you up at the end. These mini-cab companies accept pre-booking and are well known. They could also advise best place to meet you in your circumstances.

http://www.capitalcarsscotland.co.uk

 

http://www.ecph.cab

 

 

BTW I assume you've got your tickets for the Tattoo??

 

 

Again I've probably made you think of more questions so please come back if you want to.

Thanks for the prompt reply and links. Looks like it will be taxis for us as the Lothian Bus website specifically specifies, mobility scooters are not allowed on their busses. Many years ago, when I was more mobile, we visited the Castle, so maybe we'll skip that this time and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which we haven't seen before. Currently in contact with the Tattoo ticket office for available disabled seating options. Appears there are still plenty available, but will secure in advance. They also offer a disabled car transit card so the Taxi driver can drive us all the way to the Castle Esplanade for drop-off and pick-up. Great service.

Thanks again.

It would be helpful to know when you'll be in Edinburgh and also how mobile you are. I am more than happy to help give you some suggestion depending on whether you will need to use public transport or are happy walking.

 

BTW Dai, sorry but The Royal Yacht Britannia is at Ocean Terminal in leith not at Newhaven Harbour. A #22 bus from the Balmoral takes less than 15 minutes to the terminal.

We are arriving at Leith in mid August (Monday) for a 2 day visit. Day 1 we're planning on visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia late morning after tendering in. Then we'll need transportation to Edinburgh around noon. Does the #22 bus you mentioned have a ramp or lift for the disabled ? I use a mobility scooter. Does the bus run throughout the day and evening, as we plan to see the Tattoo that evening which concludes at 10:30pm ? I know the streets will be crowded with Fringe Festivals but is visiting the Castle and Hollyrood Palace doable and disabled friendly ? We can possibly do one on Day 2.

Thank you for any advice you provide.

Still keeping the ship in great shape you! Guatemala was yesterday and on our two days at sea now. A little rough this morning but calming down now

Hi Mandy,

On your home run to San Diego now. Glad you're keeping the Infinity in ship shape for us. How's the ship's condition been ? Food in MDR or Specialty Restaurants ? Ports of Call and Panama Canal crossing, all good ?

As far as the full on-board customs inspection, yes we also received a notice about delayed boarding. Checked with Captain's Club and was told since we are booked into a Celebrity Class cabin, we should be able to still get priority embarkation so we can attend the lunch in the MDR, which they didn't bother to extend dining times.

Enjoy your last 4 days.

Thank you for sharing! We embark Wednesday on Infinity from FLL to SAN for PC.

Hi Mandy,

Enjoy your upcoming Infinity PC cruise. We'll be boarding 2 weeks later in San Diego for the return transit back to Ft. Lauderdale, so take good care of the ship for us. :D

I was told by Celebrity themselves and confirmed at Passenger Services that if the on-board credit was not used it would not be refunded. That was the fact on that cruise.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

It depends on the source of the OBC. Cruise line OBC offered as a promotional perk for booking is generally non-refundable, but Travel Agency OBC is refundable, if not used. The cruise line will deduct from your non-refundable OBC first. I believe with Celebrity the OBC is flagged on your cabin folio as OBN (Non refundable) and OBR (Refundable), but not absolutely certain.

One more question. For the Go Go Traveler how is it going up the ramp to the ship. Both for embarkation, debarkation and at ports. Will it go up the ramp okay? The embarkation and debarkation is a longer and sometimes steep ramp so was wondering if I would have a problem riding it up.

tigercat

Hi tigercat,

I never have a problem using my scooter for embarkation and debarkation, as those ramps are very gradual and wrap back and forth to make the incline/decline.

In the ports this can vary depending on high/low tide which can change the slope of the gangway to the pier. Going down the gangway from the ship to the pier is never a problem, although the crew often will grab the tiller handle and back you down. When returning to the ship from port, if at high tide and the gangway is steep, you may need the crew to assist with a push while you're under power. You may bottom out at the hinge point near the top of the gangway and require help to lift your scooter over it, which the crew will assist. Just make sure your batteries are fully charged before each port excursion. Enjoy your new scooter !

Currently own a Pride Go-Go Traveler Elite Scooter (3-Wheel), but looking to move up. They are priced about the same. Does anyone here have experience with either of these 2 scooters ? Preference on brand ? Will they both fit thru a standard cabin door, or will they require a HC ? We usually book an HC, but sometimes they are not available and my current scooter will squeeze thru a standard cabin door, if I remove the armrests.

Thank you all for your advice,

Thanks everyone for your feedback and cautionary advisories. I posted this question on the Princess forum as well, and many there have used EZ Air, saving money with no adverse issues, in fact one couple having a scheduling problem made by the airline said the EZ Air representative not only took care of fixing everything, but also comped a Tuscan Grill steakhouse meal for their trouble.

Sounds like pretty good service as well as saving money.

Thanks again.

Apart from it's a CruiseAir type thing, obviously!

 

I think you need to read up about exactly what it means by Flexible Fare. I very much doubt a Cruise Air type ticket is going to be cheaper than a non-refundable airline purchased ticket and have all the bells and whistles of a fully flexible airline purchased one!

Thanks for your insight, but I take it you have no personal experience with Princess' EZ Air program. I can assure you I compared both fares offered by Princess EZ Air, Flexible vs. Restricted, and only the Restricted had the same non-refundable provisions of the airline's ticket and was more expensive, where the Flexible was less than the airline's equivalent and fully changeable/refundable with no fees up until final payment or 45 days prior to embarkation, whichever comes first.

Anyone else have actual experience using Princess EZ Air ?

Thank you.

Has anyone used Princess EZ Air before ? I was checking and found their Flexible Fares are currently less than their Restricted Fares and also less than booking directly with the airline. Also, the Flexible Fare isn't due until Final Payment or 45 days prior to the cruise, whichever comes first. Doesn't appear to be any downside ??? Looking for some experienced feedback prior to booking.

Thank you.

I have a platform that my scooter sits on at the rear of our vehicle. We do NOT have to pay at Florida ports.

I have a platform that my scooter sits on at the rear of our vehicle also, it has a fold down ramp. I do not have a HC license plate or rear mirror blue placard however, as with my scooter I don't require to park in close. Is this also a requirement, or is just the scooter platform enough to qualify ?

Thanks.

I own a 3-wheel Go-Go Elite Traveler Plus and take it on airplanes land vacations and cruise ships. Buy owning vs. renting it's always available to travel through the airport and other long walk areas. It also pays for itself rather quickly vs. renting one for each cruise. Buy what feels comfortable, but I suggest you take it with you when you travel.

St. Maarten water taxis from the cruise dock to Philipsburg do not have roll-on capabilities as there are multiple steps down into the boat. If your mother can walk down/up multiple steps a collapsible wheelchair will be allowed.

 

Refer to this link http://www.accessiblecaribbeanvacations.com/st-maarten-disabled-access

This is not entirely true. I used my mobility scooter to roll on a ramp from the cruise pier to the large water taxi that goes into the middle of town. On the smaller water taxis that go to the dock at the far right of town, it depends if they will assist or not as there is not a ramp. Once they did and last time they would only allow me to use the ramp on the larger water taxi. This was in June 2016.

Not sure if this will work on Celebrity ships, but it worked for me on another line. I went to the poker table and inserted my S&S card and opened a poker account with NR OBC. As there was no one there to play poker with I removed my S&S card and left. Two days later, still hadn't seen any poker players, so went to the casino cage to close my poker account and received 100% back in cash. BTW - I checked my shipboard acct to see if they charged me the 5% cash adv. fee that they would have charged if I had gotten cash directly from my OBC at the casino cage, and they did not. I've used this method on several cruises, but not on a Celebrity cruise, so don't know if it would work there.

Not until the completion of the cruise, unfortunately.

Thanks Wine-O. I need to book a short X cruise to nowhere.

Per Celebrity website:

 

 

 

Club Points per Night

 

Inside/Ocean View - 2

 

Veranda - 3

 

Concierge Class/AquaClass -5

 

Sky Suite - 8

 

Celebrity, Signature or Royal Suite - 12

 

Reflection or Penthouse Suite - 18

 

 

If you log into your Celebrity account, your Captain's Club profile should show your points and tier.

 

We are currently Classic but only 7 points away from Select, so since we are in a CC cabin, will cross over that threshold after 2 nights on our upcoming 15 day cruise. Does our CC status change then, or not until the completion of our cruise ? Thanks.