torpeedo

27 minutes ago, GJustice said:

ONE scooter should work, but I'm not sure ANY room smaller than a suite will have room for two. 

Absolutely!!!  Never get two in a "regular" cabin!!  I didn't catch that it was both Mom and Dad!!

1 hour ago, Opstrat said:

hello all. there are 11 of us going on symphony next july from barcelona.

 

both my mum and dad will be needing to take mobility scooters with them. 

 

question is do they need an accessble room if they are bringing scooters. the site states they must be kept in the room which is fine. 

 

the scooters are wide enough to fit through standard room doors so they are fine there but there are some other cruise companies that require the accesible room even for scooters.

 

thanks.

We rent a scooter from Special Needs at Sea.  They only ask what your cabin number is. I don't think they really care.  Royal has never asked.  It would be more comfortable for you if you could get an accessible cabin but it's not a deal breaker.  Call Royal or your TA to put yourself on a wait list for the accessible cabin.   If you are in a regular cabin where the bed is not by the window, balcony or whatever, it will be snug. Better if the bed IS by the balcony door or a window.  What you can do is have your cabin steward pick it up at night and they will charge it and bring it back in the AM or when you want it. You don't have to but you can.  A Junior Suite is a good cabin size for a scooter.  There's a top on CC for handicapped cruising and they have a lot of info.  You can also ask Royal for a shower chair which is helpful.  You can bring those removable handles for the shower also.  We also bring a bath mat so the shower is not slippery.

On 9/4/2022 at 11:31 PM, coaster said:

• HAL did not warn us that AC would not work in the cabin we booked. Not offered a refund if we cancelled. They knew about the issue before we boarded. Anyone taking a shower in our cabin just made the lack of AC more unbearable due to the steam factor. Slept at night with no shirt or bed covers to tolerate the heat.

The exact reason we stopped cruising with HAL.  We were given a fan! LOL

Shame because we did like the overall HAL experience.  But went to Royal in 2007 and never looked back.

1 hour ago, navybankerteacher said:

It has regularly occurred to me that free shuttle services from hotels are not worth their cost.  You usually have to wait until the vehicle shows up, then you have to wait until it fills up, then you have the crowded ride to the port.   If there is any sort of reasonably priced alternative I prefer it.

Agree with you.  Last time we did it was June and we had to wait over an hour for the shuttle to take us back to the hotel.  We were not the only ones either.  Some had planes to catch also.  I looked up some of those car options and it looks like it's $200 each way. Last time we used the limo service it was $50 each way so times have changed I guess.   We decided to take the hotel van over and then cab it back to the hotel.  Going there isn't so bad, it's the return pick up that was the worst.  Believe me I raised hell with the hotel and the service.  Hotel said they have nothing to do with the transportation.  They take the money so they should expect their customers to have some kind of good service.  The transportation people said they had traffic??!  Really,  I would think you would know that since you do the transportation every day and know there are people waiting.  So I hope the plan works with the taxi but we have a lot of luggage and a walker so it has to be big!

On 8/25/2022 at 6:38 PM, trueeden said:

Another local NJ option. I've used them multiple times into NYC or the airports.

 

My Limo

973-929-5466

Thank you.  We're looking for a limo service from Elizabeth to the Port of Bayonne and return to the hotel.  We don't want to take the shuttle service from the hotel.  Had bad experience there last time and had to wait over an hour to be picked up so not doing that again.  I think the last time we used a lime it was the Black Limo service and they were OK.

1 hour ago, sherylc said:

Unfortunately it was at MDR, Coastal Kitchen and Chops. Very consistently bad service. And often more than one appetizer to one person while another got zero.
 

And there it is.  Just terrible service everywhere.  It is lack of staff for sure. But...raising gratuity costs for less than acceptable service is a mystery. 

All of this is why we don't go to the MDR at all. We used to do MTD and the lines and chaos was not something we want to deal with. Many other dining options available.  If you have a big table it has always been a very long slog for dinner.

All of my upcoming excursions say sold out or others are being cancelled.  I think Royal is trying to make you go to their "Private" tours (bottom of the page with excursions) that they are supposedly setting up and somehow eliminating the middle man for more $$$.  No thanks.  I am doing my own with the tour operators.  

47 minutes ago, twangster said:

Carnival has this noted in their new policy:

 

 

• All policies are subject to local destination regulations.

 

What Carnival doesn't state is what occurs when a guest doesn't meet "local destination requirements".

 

I think Carnival is hedging, hoping that the remaining destinations that have significant requirements will drop those come September.

 

That's a bit of a gamble but maybe they are right.  The problem is... what if they aren't?  In that case what will happen to guests that are not compliant with local destination regulations.  

 

Time will tell.  

I sure hope so.  I know Carnival says that Bermuda and Canada you will still have to test.  Going to Canada end of Sept on Adventure and hope that they either stop testing or make it 3 days for our travel time.

2 minutes ago, Luv2teachandcruise said:

I know this question was asked before, but I can't find it...how far out will we get an email from the suite concierge? We are booked on the Allure for next Sunday in a Crown Loft Suite for our 30th Anniversary!

 

Thanks!

Robin

 

 

Should be today or tomorrow.  Usually a week before you board.  Congratulations on your Anniversary and the CLS!! You'll love it.

3 hours ago, RoperDK said:

Thanks so much!  We will be on the Harmony in a Grand Suite.  I only need their smallest scooter.  I read that it will fit in the regular size door.  How do you get through the cabin door by yourself?  I can get out of the scooter and open the door, but it closes automatically.  Also, as a new "driver" any hints on navigating the bridge walkway to get on the ship?    

Harmony in a GS is fine.  Very easy to get into the door.  It opens out so I hold it out when husband drives into the cabin.  We usually have the GS and park ours next to the couch, closer to the kind of counter where you have all your waters and stuff they deliver.  It's a little area where you can plug it into the outlet by the lighted shelves with glasses and stuff.  The best advice I can give you is to take is slow rounding the corners.  We usually have cabin 8660, close to the aft elevators.  We can easily get the elevator up to deck 17 for the CK and the Suite Lounge.  They're very very helpful there. Given you are able to walk somewhat, you can leave the mobility scooter outside the Sl Or CK door and walk in.  OR you can take it inside to your table and the staff can drive it out.  We usually leave it at the door or very close to the door inside the SL or CK. Don't forget your keys!!:LOL!

35 minutes ago, RoperDK said:

Please tell me more about picking up the scooter outside the terminal at Port Canaveral.  I am having hip replacement following our cruise and can't walk long distances.  I thought the scooter would be in your stateroom.  Picking it up outside of the terminal would be great! Saves time in waiting for wheelchair assist at the port.   

It is really easy.  When you reserve your scooter via their internet site you will receive your information and receipt.  Either Scootaround or Special Needs at sea, will send you a text or call the night before asking you when you will arrive and how you will arrive.  They may again email, text, or call you the morning of departure.  They will try to take the scooter to your mode of transportation when you are arriving at the port if you want them to.  Otherwise you will find them to the right of the terminal entrance.  Both of them have their scooters at the same place.  They will show you how to use it if you need instructions.  Then off you go into the terminal and the staff there will guide you to where you will do your x-rays of your carry on's etc.  Then there's an elevator that takes you up to the next level where you check in...again!   They are very good at directing you .  

We used Special Needs at Sea last time because they were much cheaper.  They include the insurance in the cost which I believe was $225.  We use the 3 wheel transportable scooter.  Go slow!  If you have a handicapped cabin that would be great or a JS or above is also good because you can get the scooter inside easily.  Always take your keys with you and put something in your basket that's notable.  That's so somebody doesn't take your scooter by mistake at dinner or elsewhere.  The keys fit all the scooters sooo. Oops can happen,
IF YOU ARE ON THE MARINER..it's a different terminal, terminal 5.  Basically the same instructions apply to that and the vendors know that the Mariner is at a different terminal.

49 minutes ago, molly361 said:

Some people on our FB page for Monday's sailing have been getting their tests for free today at Walgreens and some have to pay.  Guess it depends on your insurance.  My healthcare provider did mine no charge and I wasn't about to ask.  They knew if was for travel

Yes, tested today at Walgreens for travel and no cost if you have Medicare Part B.  

16 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

Why do you assume you will be charged? The OP posted earlier the website told her she would be charged when she made the appointment. Did you schedule the appointment today?

 

In any case, keep us posted please.

Somebody else had posted that he went for a test at Walgreens and had scheduled when free but when he arrived he was told it was $128.99.  He argued that he made the appointment and nothing was said then but that didn't work.  He left.   I assume I will have to pay also since that balloon is there now even though I booked the appointment yesterday.  I tried to get a real person on the phone to ask without success. 

I made an appointment for Saturday at Walgreens. Said free and no indication of cost.  I just went in now and there is a big blue balloon popping up stating you may be charged due to medical necessity issues change by the Federal Government.  They didn't say how much but I assume our cruise now costs an additional $258.  

The test is in reality not medically necessary at all and just to satisfy Royal Carribean's requirement.  

If your wife is using a cane then maybe a walker wouldn't be enough support for her.  You might talk with her MD and see what he recommends.  We rent mobility scooters from Scootaround or special needs at sea.  You can compare prices and the service is the same. In Port Canaveral you pick up the mobility scooter outside the terminal.  Very convenient. 

5 hours ago, molly361 said:

They are only booking three days out 

Thank you.  I was wondering why I couldn't book for Saturday which I had been able to in the past.  It's a Saturday and now most testing places are closed or I need to pay $180.  

We've done this route many times.  You can try Ollie's Trolly for Acadia.  It's a nice trip with them. We've done by bus, Royal trip, also good.  Make SURE your trip includes Cadillac Mountain.  We fell for an excursion that just said Acadia national Park and did NOT go to Cadillac Mountain. 

10 hours ago, molsonschooner said:

Is it safe to  assume it is ok to take a wheel chair on a tender

Yes, you can as well as a walker/rollator.  But you will have to be able to pretty much get off to step over to the tender itself.  There are a couple of stairs in a tender.  They/ tender staff and Royal staff/ will assist you,  When we go to Bar Harbor you have to go by tender and we've used a walker before.

48 minutes ago, RFerrington said:

THANK YOU !!  I can definitely walk.  I just don't have any stamina.  I have been just staying on the ship in most ports as we've been to them over and over again anyway.  But I think if I had a scooter I would be more inclined to get off and at least explore a little.  I was concerned when I read (somewhere above) that a rented scooter could not be taken off the ship.  That would not work for me at ALL as I intend to not use the scooter on the ship, just in the ports.

My husband finally broke down and rented a mobility scooter and has changed his life.  You should use it on the ship, especially the big girls.  We take it off the ship and can wander around ports.  No scooters on tenders though.  You are definitely permitted to take it off the ship by the rental companies and Royal.  They always assist you when getting off and on the ship.  Special Needs at Sea and Scootaround provide the services and Royal has this on their website.  We've used both.

We just stayed at the Embassy Suites week of June 5th with their cruise package.  The hotel was fine.  Room was clean and quiet plus ready when we arrived.  We parked for the 5 nights which was included.  The Happy Hour had a lot of munchies and also Empanadas which were delicious but filled us up along with all the other goodies so we never went to dinner.  The dining room was not used at all though.  Nobody there.  Breakfast was delicious.  They have a great omelet station.  We took the 11 am van to the port and all went well with that.  Now the bad news.  We left the ship around 8am and got to the area B or C to wait for a return trip.  We waited 1 1/2 hours for the van.  One had come but it was full and had seats for 3 people and a party of 3 took those seats.  We were assured that a van was right behind him, not to worry..  Never came and there were many people waiting.  We all called and they never answered the phone.  The hotel said they have no relationship with these vans.  The driver claimed there was traffic which, of course, there always is in that area on a weekday.  Plan accordingly as a professional service should.  Some people had flights and probably missed them.  IF you do this, make sure you make it clear that you will be picked up at a certain time.

Just tried again and get the OOPS!

23 minutes ago, torpeedo said:

I've been seeing $266 for 7 nite cruises.  Plus they are adding prepaid 18% gratuities to that amount.  You can always book and cancel. I'm paying $393 + gratuities for an 8 nite on the Mariner in July.  I don't think I'll see that rate again. (this is all for 2 people)

Correction, the $393 is for two people.  The $266 is for ONE person

1 hour ago, betmust said:

I haven't sailed since before covid. Had a cruise booked for Canada/New England and it was cancelled. Looking to book it now. It will be on Serenade of the seas and i am looking for opinions on Cabins # 9562 and 9564.   Thanks for any help.

Both would be a good choice for a balcony.  They are close to the main elevator and forward from the hump so you have a forward view.  I've heard from a Captain that starboard  is a good side to book for Canada New England cruises.  More often you have the port view.  I try to book starboard for that itinerary.  Sometimes it doesn't work for various port or other issues.  You're also walking distance to the WJ.

11 minutes ago, westcoasttech said:

Just got a sale email for additions to my Symphony cruise in late October.  I’m tempted by the UDP package which is claiming to be 50% off at $208 per person.  Is this a good deal or will it be offered at any better price closer to the cruise or once on board?  (My only other experience with a dining package was on NCL and wasn’t good as it was impossible to actually get into the restaurants at any reasonable dining time due to large family groups making multiple reservations (so they could pick one and not turn up at the others) on a Xmas week cruise … ended up getting the package price refunded after a talk with guest services!)

I've been seeing $266 for 7 nite cruises.  Plus they are adding prepaid 18% gratuities to that amount.  You can always book and cancel. I'm paying $393 + gratuities for an 8 nite on the Mariner in July.  I don't think I'll see that rate again. (this is all for 2 people)