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Hi all! This will be my first cruise and I am excited! Going on Oasis of the Seas for the Eclipse Cruise in August 2017.

 

I have relapsing remitting MS; i am finally out of my wheelchair (and hospital! woohooo!) but still tire easily. At home and locally, I use a cane and take many breaks, as needed.

 

This was not originally a themed cruise -booked in February- but have been planning and hope it will be ok, regardless of crowds.

 

I own the following equipment:

Power chair

manual transport chair - not comfy and handle broken

rollator

 

 

Thinking of renting scooter but not sure it's a smart investment. The ship will probably be packed so elevators and corridors harder to manage with it. We are doing a glass bottom boat tour in Nassua and just want to go to public beaches in St. Marteen and St. Johns.

 

Also, my hubby is against bringing equipment as friends will be taxiing us around in Florida and to the port; their vehicle cannot fit my powered chair.

 

I know the Oasis is huge! We're in an accessible balcony on deck 6; in the forums, someone mentioned muster s one deck below so maybe I could try the stairs with my cane.

 

I don't know how the heat/humidity will affect me. I would greatly appreciate all insight!

 

Thanks,

Janet

:D

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Does the ship have a manual wheelchair for you to borrow? I think I would go with the cane and a manual wheelchair for when you are tired. The ship is huge! Tiring for those without mobility issues! The stairs for lifeboat drill would be a nightmare for you on the cane. Too many people pushing by, going up and down. Have you talked to the special needs people? What do they suggest?

 

 

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Does the ship have a manual wheelchair for you to borrow? I think I would go with the cane and a manual wheelchair for when you are tired. The ship is huge! Tiring for those without mobility issues! The stairs for lifeboat drill would be a nightmare for you on the cane. Too many people pushing by, going up and down. Have you talked to the special needs people? What do they suggest?

 

 

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RCCL does not loan out wheelchairs. If a wheelchair or other mobility equipment is required the individual has to either bring their home or rent it through one RCCL's approved vendors. Scootaround.com ( formerly CareVacations ) or SpecialNeeds.com

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No, unfortunately Royal Carribbean directed me to rent something from Special Needs at Sea. They don't offer wheelchair rentals. I wish there were services to trade devices:)

 

Ok, I guess I need to price out manual rental vs. purchase... I probably knew this already but just needed other confirmation! Thanks for your advice.

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Hi all! This will be my first cruise and I am excited! Going on Oasis of the Seas for the Eclipse Cruise in August 2017.

 

I have relapsing remitting MS; i am finally out of my wheelchair (and hospital! woohooo!) but still tire easily. At home and locally, I use a cane and take many breaks, as needed.

 

 

Also have MS. Traveled the world on cruises as well as land . Even worked internationally while living with MS. So if you have any specific questions about traveling with MS, dealing with a disease modifying medication ( if applicable) while traveling, minimizing the potential of an exacerbation , etc., etc., etc. don't hesitate to ask.

 

 

This was not originally a themed cruise -booked in February- but have been planning and hope it will be ok, regardless of crowds.

 

This being a Themed Cruise makes no difference as to the number of passengers on board as the Oasis always sails at full capacity. Embarkation and disembarkation is when you'll have to deal with crowds. Also anytime there's entertainment and or party on the Royal Promenade Deck crowds can also be overwhelming. For as big as the Oasis most of the time it won't feel crowded.

 

I own the following equipment:

Power chair

manual transport chair - not comfy and handle broken

rollator

 

Thinking of renting scooter but not sure it's a smart investment. The ship will probably be packed so elevators and corridors harder to manage with it. We are doing a glass bottom boat tour in Nassua and just want to go to public beaches in St. Marteen and St. Johns.

 

Also, my hubby is against bringing equipment as friends will be taxiing us around in Florida and to the port; their vehicle cannot fit my powered chair.

 

Transport chairs are very hard to use on cruise ships. Also it requires someone to always be available to push it. However transport chairs do come in handy if you are going on tours .

 

The rollator is a must to take if only used in your cabin. The route you'll be taking can get a little rough and the rollator with give you that stability needed.

 

Your husband has a valid point about not taking the power chair .

 

Please listen to someone also living with RMRL MS energy management is key in your daily life when living with RMRL MS and cruising with RMRL MS is no different. .Therefore if you don't plan to take you power chair than renting a mobility scooter from RCCL's approved vendors is a must ! There's no way you can get the full experience of cruising on the Oasis by just using a cane , not even a rollator.

 

I know the Oasis is huge! We're in an accessible balcony on deck 6; in the forums, someone mentioned muster s one deck below so maybe I could try the stairs with my cane.

 

Any person with a mobility disability is not required to take the stairs the muster drill. RCCL's staff will automatically direct you to the elevator. I usually go to the location 30 minutes before to avoid the rush of people all at once,

 

 

I don't know how the heat/humidity will affect me. I would greatly appreciate all insight!

 

Most people living with MS are either heat sensitive or cold sensitive so you already should know which category you fall into. If heat sensitive you'll need to plan for that.

There are cooling items that work on an evaporation basis that can be purchased on line at a nominal expense . The heat and humidity can certainly play havoc on your body if you don't plan properly. I personally like the cooling scarf something similar to this : https://www.amazon.com/Cooling-Polymers-Reusable-Outdoors-Exercise/dp/B072MPMBDY If by chance you're on Copaxone that contact their support network Sharedsolutions and or the nurse that you first worked with as cooling scarves are often given out at their local dinner seminars.

 

There's a lot more information I can provide but don't what to overwhelmed you . Please advise what additional questions you have,

Edited by xxoocruiser
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I don't know how old you are but our local Senior Center has donated equipment that you can have. I have also been told our local Masons have donated equipment they give out. Have you checked with these types of places?

 

 

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Though a good suggestion it's important to make certain there is maintenance record to review as well as marking certain the weight capacity of the item is clearly visible. Borrowing equipment not making certain is has been properly maintained and or not knowing the weight capacity can cause more harm than good to the end user,

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Senior centers are a good thought; unfortunately, I'm only 44. I would feel guilty taking items as they may be needed more by seniors in my community. Right now, I feel proud of my hard work and I am happy to no longer be wheelchair bound.

 

I thank you all for your help and advice. This disease is relatively new for me. I got hit hard unexpectedly 2 years ago; in hospital, rehab , a different hospital for over 4 months recovering. At the time, my right side was paralyzed, I lost the ability to speak, and the vertigo was overwhelming. I lost all hearing in my right ear, but grateful it has returned. It wasn't officially diagnosed for 6 months.

 

I am very excited for what I view as a chance to do all that I can, in the event I relapse and do not have as strong a recovery. And thank you especially xxoocruiser for any and all advice! Trust me, I need it. I am heat sensitive and having a cooling vest, cooling shirt and many cooling towels to combat it!

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My very first cruise ever was on Oasis in 2013. I STRONGLY urge you to rent a scooter. If you rely on a manual wheelchair, who is going to push it? If you, what will you do when you tire on that HUGE ship and you haven't gotten to the dining room or show venue? If your husband, do you really want him spending all his time pushing you around? Renting a scooter let me get around without tiring and without using up all my husband's time and energy. It even let us do some things separately, reflecting our different interests!

 

Healthy adults are not allowed to use the elevator for the muster drill, but people with disabilities are exempt from that rule. I don't remember how it was handled but I can guarantee I didn't take the stairs in 2013! (In the event of a true emergency, there is a special team of crew members who are designated to get any passengers who need assistance to the lifeboat.) In fact, the scooter is a help, since seeing you on it, the crew member guarding the elevator will know you can't use the stairs. Also, especially if you don't bring a personal wheelchair along, make sure you tell the airline and cruise line IN ADVANCE that you will need wheelchair transportation. I guarantee that if you tire easily, you won't make it through the airports and check-in walking!

 

Because Oasis is so huge, it doesn't feel crowded even when full. There are large communal areas like the park and several show venues, with multiple activities going on at any given time so it's not like all the passengers will converge on the same location. Also, my experience has been that MOST people are considerate of a person on a scooter, generally holding back for me to get on and off of elevators, for instance. Of course there are rude exceptions, but they are a small minority.

 

I'm not terribly heat sensitive but I don't like it. We booked a balcony for our Caribbean cruise and I hardly used it because of the heat. But our room stayed a comfortable temperature and so did the indoor venues. (The water show was outdoors.)

 

Check your local resale shops for an affordable wheelchair, if you want to have one around even if you don't bring it on the cruise. Wheelchairs get donated often and are usually quite cheap. Also, if you find a wheelchair you like, consider getting around via accessible taxi rather than your friends. If they are truly friends, they will understand that you need help and you need to be comfortable.

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I thank you all for your help and advice. This disease is relatively new for me. I got hit hard unexpectedly 2 years ago; in hospital, rehab , a different hospital for over 4 months recovering. At the time, my right side was paralyzed, I lost the ability to speak, and the vertigo was overwhelming. I lost all hearing in my right ear, but grateful it has returned. It wasn't officially diagnosed for 6 months.

 

Major exacerbations are very tough as you have experience first hand. Have been in the same situation and know how scary it can be. Being that your DX is very recent than it's still a new learning experience for you. Each day may even become a new normal for you. Therefore all the more important that you manage your energy and pre-plan your days knowing full well there will be adjustments that have to be made. The daily adjustments will not take away from you experience only if you let it.

 

Hope you live in an area that you have access to MS Specialists rather than to only general neurologists. Even better if there's a MS Research Center reasonably close to you. Residing in the Chicago area I'm very lucky to have access to 5 of the top Medical Facilities that have world renown MS Research Centers.

 

 

I am very excited for what I view as a chance to do all that I can, in the event I relapse and do not have as strong a recovery. And thank you especially xxoocruiser for any and all advice! Trust me, I need it. I am heat sensitive and having a cooling vest, cooling shirt and many cooling towels to combat it!

 

Looked up when the Oasis Eclipse Cruise to see what month it is since your original post didn't state that information. The fact that it's in July is going to be very problematic for you're heat sensitivity and your MS symptoms as July is typically the hottest time throughout the Caribbean. This is not being said to scare you but rather to stress the importance to be prepared. It's just as important to cool down internal body temp A.S.A.P when feeling over heated as it is to cool the exterior body temperature. The best way to do this is to drink a non-alcoholic frozen drink , and iceee/slush if available and/or bring a wide mouth water container that you can fill with ice on board ship and make certain you take it ashore with you.

 

In addition to your cooling items you really need to bring a hat . I prefer the straw hats from the San Diego Hat Company that roll up for easy packing yet keep its shape but there are many other choices. If all else fails duck into a store that's air conditioned.

 

Remember Heat generally causes only a Pseudo MS Exacerbation meaning as soon as the body's external and internal temp returns to normal you should be OK.

Edited by xxoocruiser
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"Hope you live in an area that you have access to MS Specialists rather than to only general neurologists. Even better if there's a MS Research Center reasonably close to you. Residing in the Chicago area I'm very lucky to have access to 5 of the top Medical Facilities that have world renown MS Research Centers.

 

Looked up when the Oasis Eclipse Cruise to see what month it is since your original post didn't state that information. The fact that it's in July is going to be very problematic for you're heat sensitivity and your MS symptoms as July is typically the hottest time throughout the Caribbean. This is not being said to scare you but rather to stress the importance to be prepared. It's just as important to cool down internal body temp A.S.A.P when feeling over heated as it is to cool the exterior body temperature. The best way to do this is to drink a non-alcoholic frozen drink , and iceee/slush if available and/or bring a wide mouth water container that you can fill with ice on board ship and make certain you take it ashore with you.

 

In addition to your cooling items you really need to bring a hat . I prefer the straw hats from the San Diego Hat Company that roll up for easy packing yet keep its shape but there are many other choices. If all else fails duck into a store that's air conditioned.

 

Remember Heat generally causes only a Pseudo MS Exacerbation meaning as soon as the body's external and internal temp returns to normal you should be OK."

 

Thanks, I have a great neuro-immologist (sp) who specialized in ms; I have been on Tysabri for 2 years, still have flares but no major relapse. I go to the U of R MS clinic; I'm happy to hear you have a great clinic as well. What dmd are you using and are you happy with it? I'm jv+ so am looking to move on to Ocrevus. It would be great to have treatment only once or twice annually instead of every 28 days!

 

The cruise is actually August 20-27, sorry didn't mention that. I have a cooling vest already and have ordered an assortment of cooling accessories off Amazon. If I'm hot or tired, I plan on staying in my room and just relaxing. I have 3 hats including a straw one; the ms foundation actually gave me a really good one plus the vest which I'm hoping will help with the heat.

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My very first cruise ever was on Oasis in 2013. I STRONGLY urge you to rent a scooter. If you rely on a manual wheelchair, who is going to push it? If you, what will you do when you tire on that HUGE ship and you haven't gotten to the dining room or show venue? If your husband, do you really want him spending all his time pushing you around? Renting a scooter let me get around without tiring and without using up all my husband's time and energy. It even let us do some things separately, reflecting our different interests!

 

Healthy adults are not allowed to use the elevator for the muster drill, but people with disabilities are exempt from that rule. I don't remember how it was handled but I can guarantee I didn't take the stairs in 2013! (In the event of a true emergency, there is a special team of crew members who are designated to get any passengers who need assistance to the lifeboat.) In fact, the scooter is a help, since seeing you on it, the crew member guarding the elevator will know you can't use the stairs. Also, especially if you don't bring a personal wheelchair along, make sure you tell the airline and cruise line IN ADVANCE that you will need wheelchair transportation. I guarantee that if you tire easily, you won't make it through the airports and check-in walking!

 

Because Oasis is so huge, it doesn't feel crowded even when full. There are large communal areas like the park and several show venues, with multiple activities going on at any given time so it's not like all the passengers will converge on the same location. Also, my experience has been that MOST people are considerate of a person on a scooter, generally holding back for me to get on and off of elevators, for instance. Of course there are rude exceptions, but they are a small minority.

 

I'm not terribly heat sensitive but I don't like it. We booked a balcony for our Caribbean cruise and I hardly used it because of the heat. But our room stayed a comfortable temperature and so did the indoor venues. (The water show was outdoors.)

 

Check your local resale shops for an affordable wheelchair, if you want to have one around even if you don't bring it on the cruise. Wheelchairs get donated often and are usually quite cheap. Also, if you find a wheelchair you like, consider getting around via accessible taxi rather than your friends. If they are truly friends, they will understand that you need help and you need to be comfortable.

 

Thanks, lots of great advice here; I guess I'm going with scooter and bringing rollator and cane. DH shouldn't have to push me, I guess I'm being over confident.

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Thanks, I have a great neuro-immologist (sp) who specialized in ms; I have been on Tysabri for 2 years, still have flares but no major relapse. I go to the U of R MS clinic; I'm happy to hear you have a great clinic as well. What dmd are you using and are you happy with it? I'm jv+ so am looking to move on to Ocrevus. It would be great to have treatment only once or twice annually instead of every 28 days!

 

The cruise is actually August 20-27, sorry didn't mention that. I have a cooling vest already and have ordered an assortment of cooling accessories off Amazon. If I'm hot or tired, I plan on staying in my room and just relaxing. I have 3 hats including a straw one; the ms foundation actually gave me a really good one plus the vest which I'm hoping will help with the heat.

 

Regarding Tysbri. This is rhetorical

  • Are you being tested regularly for JC Virus Antibodies ?
  • If tested positive has the JCV Stratify Test been to determine PML risk assessment level ?

Originally was on a DMD ( Avonex) for eight years. After considerable research I chose to forgo any DMD. My Medical Team is aware that I have many medical professionals in my family at facilities that are known through out the world. They also know I do my research, read the fine print on an medication take, follow all research/result etc, etc. etc. . Many times even before they have read them.

 

Will not go into length on an open forum such a CC as to the specific reasons for my decision but suffice it to say my nuero said on the recorded it was recommended to remain on a DMD. However off the record he could not dispute any of the statics, data , information ,etc, etc, for haven chosen to cease using a DMD.

 

It's great that there are many DMD options available today including Ocrevus. You put 100 people in a room with MS and no two people's symptoms are alike . It's almost as if we all have a different disease. It's important to understand that many of the new options come with even worst possible side effects than the original injectables ( Betaseran, Avonex, Copaxone, Rebif). Therefore it's stressed that anyone about to change DMD's to understand all possible side effects not just the most common that are listed or that you doctor chooses to discuss. Read the complete fine print of any DMD you're considering. For example most people are not aware that a side effect of Ocrevus is the risk of cancers ( malignancies ) including breast cancer. This is not be stated to scare you rather stress the importance that you need to do you're own research in understanding the ALL possible side effect for any DMD. You need to be your own best advocate . In the end it's your decision what DMD ( if any you chose.) Good luck in your decision.

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Thanks, lots of great advice here; I guess I'm going with scooter and bringing rollator and cane. DH shouldn't have to push me, I guess I'm being over confident.

 

Since you have decided on a scooter the following is information that will be helpful :

 

Wheelchair assistance Embarkation and Disembarkation: RCCL will provide wheel chair assistance. On embarkation just ask the first RCCL represented you see at the terminal for assistance. On Disembarkation day information as to where to go for wheelchair will be posted in the Cruise Compass placed in you cabin he night before.

 

 

Embarkation Day: The rental scooter will be deliver to the cabin onembarkation day and must be left in the cabin on disembarkation day. If you usethe ship's wheelchair assistance on embarkation day note that you will bedropped off in a public area . If not taken directly to your cabin and droppedoff in a public area than once cabins are available to passengers someone fromyour party will have to go to the cabin to get the scooter if you're unable tomake the walk. The scooter rental contract states that the scooter will not bedelivered until 2:00 PM . It's also important to note that rental equipmentdelivered to the ship is not given priority loading by the cruise line as shipssupplies take precedent. Therefore the scooter might not appear in the cabinuntil closer to the sailing time though it was deliver to the port by 2:00 PM.

 

Disembarkation Day: The rental scooter must be left in the cabin ondisembarkation day. The cruise line will not provide wheelchairassistance/pickup from the cabin. The night before a location for wheelchairassistance for disembarkation will be published in the daily cruise newsletter.You can ride the scooter to that location but than someone from your group mustthan take the scooter back to cabin for pickup from the rental company.

 

If you have not booked an accessible cabin than depending on the type ofscooter required due to weight capacity it may not fit through the stateroomdoor. All scooters and wheelchairs MUST be stored in the stateroom. Dueto the safety and escape way requirements established by SOLAS (Safety of Lifeat Seas) regulations, it cannot be stored in the hallways, stairways, or anyother public area. Ignoring these regulations can and does impede thesafety of others whether disabled or abled bodied moving about the hallways notto mention impedes the safety of all on board the ship in the event of anactual emergency. Even if the cabin attendant tells you it's Ok it's NOT !I for one will contact the ships security to have the scooter removed if one isobserved left in the hallway.

 

Scooters or any personal items for that matter CANNOT be stored on balcony.

 

 

After you obtained the scooter you should go to the dining room to check thelocation of your assigned table if traditional dining has been chosen. Reason you need to check is to determine that there is a good path to drive the scooter to the table.Once at the table you can transfer to a chair and the wait staff will than parkthe scooter in area that will not hinder others in the dining room. If there'san issue than go to the Matre'D and request a change in table location.

 

Scooter keys are not unique as car keys. Scooter keys are universal and ascooter can easily be mistaken. Therefore I suggest you bring an extra luggagetag for the scooter to identify your rental scooter.

 

The most common scooters rented by SpecialNeedsatSeas and Scootaround (formerly CareVacations) are the Pride Go Go Elite Traveler or the Pride Go GoSport which both have a very low under clearance of 1.5". Therefore it'snot unusual that the scooter will get hung up on the gangway joints. Under nocircumstance should you allow the ship's personnel to force push the scooterover the joints which is their first reactive response. The scooter needs to beplaced in freewheel mode and than rolled over the joints. If you aren't able towalk down/up the gangway than a person from the ship's crew must guide thescooter up/down the ramp while another pushes the scooter up/down the rampwhile. If you're able to walk up/down the ramp it's recommended that you do sowhile the scooter is than freewheeled pulled up/down the ramp. If the scooterisn't placed in freewheel and the crew force pushes the scooter over the ramp joints the scooter can be permanently damaged and since it's a rental you will be responsible for the repair costs or possibly the completereplacement cost. To place the any Pride GoGo rental scooter in neutral there is "yellow" lever on the rear wheel section below the seat. There's an "UNLOCKED" Icon and a "Locked Icon. Make certain the scooter has been returned to locked position before you get back down.

All models in the Pride GoGo series can be easily broken down to fit into the trunk of a car or taxi. Fast forward to the 54 sec. mark of this link

to see how it's done as you may find this feature handy when going ashore .

 

If there are any tendered ports you will only be permitted onto the tender with a mobility scooter ifthe tender has roll-on capabilities. Also note regardless of whether it's adocked or tendered port the Captain has the discretion to not allow wheelchairs andscooters from exiting the ship as safety of the passengers is always the utmostconcern.

 

 

Thescooter does not stop a dime. It has a rolling stop. The slower the speed priorto stopping the shorter the roll. The faster the speed the longer the roll.Therefore you need to always be aware of this so as not to run into otherpassengers and or objects.

 

 

You may encounter thresholds going toand coming from an outside deck that the scooter can get hung up on which makesit difficult to clear. You at times will have to scout out other routes thathave a better leveled doorway threshold.

 

 

Elevators may also be an issue at times withscooters as able-bodied passengers will just jump in front of you to get intothe elevator first no matter that you were there first. It's not just kids. Ihave found that adults are often worse than the lids on-board. At peak timesyou're best to take the elevator that's further from your destination as itwill be less congested.

 

 

Get on the first elevator that has openspace for the scooter regardless if it's going the opposite direction of whatyou want. What goes up must come down and vice versa.

 

 

Arrive at the muster drill early toavoid all the crowds getting onto elevators.

 

 

It's recommended that you remain at themuster drill location for at least 15 minutes if not more after it's ended toavoid the congestion at the elevator. It will be impossible to get onto anelevator until the crowds have cleared.

 

 

Expect that there will be obstaclessuch as room service carts as well as inconsiderate passengers that haveintentionally left their wheelchairs, scooters , other mobility equipment aswell as baby strollers in the hallway of where you cabin is located. For anymobility equipment left in the hallway which blocks you passage don't think twiceabout calling the ships security to have it removed immediately. As far as theroom service cart there's usually a cabin steward nearby so just yell out forassistance and it will be repositioned so you can pass.

 

 

If you don't intend to go on excursionsthan suggest you wait to get off the ship until the masses have gone. Reasonbeing that security and gangway personnel generally have to shut down theprocess to make certain you get off safely with scooter. Other passengerswaiting in line get restless particularly if they're on a time restriction tomeet up with an excursion.

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Hi all! This will be my first cruise and I am excited! Going on Oasis of the Seas for the Eclipse Cruise in August 2017.

 

I have relapsing remitting MS; i am finally out of my wheelchair (and hospital! woohooo!) but still tire easily. At home and locally, I use a cane and take many breaks, as needed.

 

This was not originally a themed cruise -booked in February- but have been planning and hope it will be ok, regardless of crowds.

 

I own the following equipment:

Power chair

manual transport chair - not comfy and handle broken

rollator

 

 

Thinking of renting scooter but not sure it's a smart investment. The ship will probably be packed so elevators and corridors harder to manage with it. We are doing a glass bottom boat tour in Nassua and just want to go to public beaches in St. Marteen and St. Johns.

 

Also, my hubby is against bringing equipment as friends will be taxiing us around in Florida and to the port; their vehicle cannot fit my powered chair.

 

I know the Oasis is huge! We're in an accessible balcony on deck 6; in the forums, someone mentioned muster s one deck below so maybe I could try the stairs with my cane.

 

I don't know how the heat/humidity will affect me. I would greatly appreciate all insight!

 

Thanks,

Janet

:D

 

Hi Janet - I'm Janet as well. I cruise with my sister, who also has R/R MS. We did both Oasis and Allure and had a ball on both. She travels with a small mobility scooter (Luggie) and we couldn't have done the cruise without it. Oasis is a huge ship, and has others have said, it never really felt crowded. You just have to accept the fact that the elevators will be busy. Also keep in mind the heat. Be prepared for it. We brought cooling towels. We loved the Viking Crown Lounge for someplace cool to sit but still have great views. Unfortunately the heat affects my sister that we can no longer cruise in the south during the summer (we're heading to Alaska in August).

There is special seating for muster drills. Since you're in an accessible cabin, the instructions on the back of the door will tell you exactly where to do.

The MDR was very accommodating. My sister would park the scooter at the entrance and just walk in (she uses a cane). There was also adequate spots for the theatres (wheelchair seating is in the back).

We were even able to get up to the flowriders to watch the riders. Also plenty of seating at the Aqua Theatre.

Have a great cruise - you'll love Oasis.

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> If all else fails duck into a store that's air conditioned

 

Just a caution - not all the stores in the Caribbean ports had air conditioning, in fact IIRC only about half did and many of the ones with AC had large open doors so the AC didn't have much effect. I'm not saying they aren't there but it won't necessarily be the closest one to you, you may have to hunt for one.

 

I understand not wanting to admit to yourself that you need a scooter. And it's hard to conceptualize just how big a cruise ship is and how much effort it would be to get around. Plus you want to retain as much mobility as you can for as long as you can. You may want to ask your doctor about exercises you can do to keep up muscles that won't get used much on board. I don't use scooter or wheelchair in my house, I walk. I try to walk into the stores that have electric carts. I work out at the local Y. But travelling is a different situation, and I've come to terms with the fact that I have limited energy and stamina and I want to reserve what I have for enjoyable activities when I travel. I don't want to insist on walking and then be too tired to enjoy shows or ports or just gabbing with friends. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the independence my folding scooter gives me, it was SO wonderful for DH not to have to push me through the airports or around the ship. Have a wonderful cruise!

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Please listen to someone also living with RMRL MS energy management is key in your daily life when living with RMRL MS and cruising with RMRL MS is no different. .Therefore if you don't plan to take you power chair than renting a mobility scooter from RCCL's approved vendors is a must ! There's no way you can get the full experience of cruising on the Oasis by just using a cane , not even a rollator.

 

Any person with a mobility disability is not required to take the stairs the muster drill. RCCL's staff will automatically direct you to the elevator. I usually go to the location 30 minutes before to avoid the rush of people all at once,

 

I couldn't agree more! I have fibromyalgia, and run annual cruises for people who also have it. Some people feel like it's "giving in to their illness" to rent a scooter, but I always say it's all about energy management. If you have to walk everywhere on a ship that size, you can easily send your illness into a full flare and not be able to enjoy the cruise at all. On our last cruise, those who rented scooters where truly glad that they did. Many of those who didn't said they really wished they had. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. It's not like you can change your mind on the ship and rent one there.

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Thank you all so much; I am waiting till July but am definitely going to have a scooter. Energy management is always key to enjoyment! i hope i don't overdo it but i can always take naps when i need to. Has anyone rented the wheelchairs meant to be used at the beach? Am curious cause my rollator is not sand friendly..

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tiffcruisers,

I have been on the Allure a sister ship of the Oasis. I have MG sort of a cousin to MS, and have similar issues more on the muscular side. The Oasis is a HUGE ship and as others have suggested it would be most practical for you to rent a scooter. As far as beach wheel chairs, in Labadee they have them to get you back and forth from the ship to the beach area. A rollator would get me at least 4 or 5 inches in the sand maybe less ;)

 

Good luck in learning how to manage MS there are a lot of folks with MS that have a lot of good advice. dave@activemsers.org has a news letter that he emails out that I find useful in managing MG as well.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I stopped reading the thread when I saw you had decided on a scooter. The following is personal info:

 

1. You will not have to leave the scooter in your cabin. You will be given specific info as to where wheelchair disembarkation meets, they will transfer you to their chair and you leave the rental with them.

 

2. I am on your cruise too and also have a HC cabin on deck 6. My husband is the disabled one and I use a transfer chair. I get good exercise without going to the gym. We cruise approx. every two months and have been on Oasis twice, and twice on the Allure this year. When it's muster time, you just go to the elevator bank. Those at these stations commandeer the elevators, so no problem getting down to deck 5.

 

3. When we do rent a chair it has always been from Special Needs at Sea and completely satisfied all the time.

 

P.S. One of my sons graduated from U of R.

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Hi Pia!

Thanks so much for all the great info! My husband, Mark, who will be on the cruise actually works for UofR and will be attending Simon School for his masters this Fall. We will be in cabin 6232 so it's nice to meet a future neighbor;)

I have a question about cabins maybe you can help with. I use CPAP machine which I need to use when sleeping. Are there plugs near the small side tables that I could use?

We're very excited for this cruise, especially viewing the Eclipse. Can't wait to meet new friends and relax!

And again, I truly appreciate everyone's advice.

Janet

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Hi Pia!

Thanks so much for all the great info! My husband, Mark, who will be on the cruise actually works for UofR and will be attending Simon School for his masters this Fall. We will be in cabin 6232 so it's nice to meet a future neighbor;)

I have a question about cabins maybe you can help with. I use CPAP machine which I need to use when sleeping. Are there plugs near the small side tables that I could use?

 

Janet

 

Talk about neighbors! We are in 6236. Can't get much closer than that, since there is no 6234.

 

I don't recall if there's an outlet on the side. Sorry. What I can tell you though is bring a door stop with you. The doors are heavy when you have to manipulate yourself and a modality. I can't understand why Royal didn't allow for automatic door openers like Celebrity, NCL and Carnival.

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Does the ship have a manual wheelchair for you to borrow? I think I would go with the cane and a manual wheelchair for when you are tired. The ship is huge! Tiring for those without mobility issues! The stairs for lifeboat drill would be a nightmare for you on the cane. Too many people pushing by, going up and down. Have you talked to the special needs people? What do they suggest?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

 

ships DO NOT provide accessible devices. you must rent one from one of two major companies that have contracts with the cruise lines.

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Hi Pia!

Thanks so much for all the great info! My husband, Mark, who will be on the cruise actually works for UofR and will be attending Simon School for his masters this Fall. We will be in cabin 6232 so it's nice to meet a future neighbor;)

I have a question about cabins maybe you can help with. I use CPAP machine which I need to use when sleeping. Are there plugs near the small side tables that I could use?

We're very excited for this cruise, especially viewing the Eclipse. Can't wait to meet new friends and relax!

And again, I truly appreciate everyone's advice.

Janet

 

The Oasis Ship does have electrical outlets next to the bed in all accessible cabins. However not all RCCL ships have electrical outlets next to the beds in accessible cabins.

 

You'll love the extra balcony depth due 6232 being located at the curve of the "Hump". "Hump" cabins, whether standard or accessible, are coveted for the extra depth . Your neighbor PIA in 6236 benefits from the extra depth stretching the entire width from being on the "Hump". You both have selected great cabins ! Enjoy. Was just on the Oasis this past March and had a wonderful time ! A week is not enough time to enjoy all the amenities of the Oasis Class Ships.

Edited by xxoocruiser
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Talk about neighbors! We are in 6236. Can't get much closer than that, since there is no 6234.

 

I don't recall if there's an outlet on the side. Sorry. What I can tell you though is bring a door stop with you. The doors are heavy when you have to manipulate yourself and a modality. I can't understand why Royal didn't allow for automatic door openers like Celebrity, NCL and Carnival.

 

Really no need to pack a door stop. Your cabin attendant will provide one upon request.

 

RCCL Radiance Class ships and Vision Class Ships accessible cabins have automatic door openers.

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