Valen9

I also decided not to go thru all the hassles of getting a RealID driver's license in my state, since I already has a passport card. I keep my passport card with me at all times and pack my passport only for cruises or international travel. I'd also be concerned about cruising the Caribbean without a passport book. You are gambling; if you ever needed it you'd already be in a pickle. If I needed to save $130, I'd look at other ways to save.

My expedited passport renewal came in about 4 weeks. The times on their website seem pretty accurate these days, perhaps even pessimistic.

I don't see any reports that the battery used in that exerciser has EVER caused a fire. I'm sitting in a room with 5 lithium batteries (not to mention the really BIG one in the garage) and they have never caught fire. I'm sure it's perfectly safe.

I've never purchased insurance. Reserve it once your plans are firm. You don't want to have everything all set and then find out that they're sold out!

If you rent from Special Needs at Sea, they can tell you which devices fit into regular cabin doors. Try to book a cabin near the elevator lobby so you don't have as much time traveling down the narrow hallways. (Or if you really, REALLY can't fit it into your tiny cabin, you can leave it in the hall and let them give you the dirty looks!)

Yes, your cane tip will wear down with time. Unless you're going to be on a cruise for months, you don't need to worry about it. They don't lose rubber THAT fast! I've also found that canes with the colored tips wear less quickly than the black ones but that may be just for me. I would not put tape on a cane tip; replace the tip (or the entire thing, they're not that expensive) when it becomes worn. Even new cane tips will slip if the surface is wet or slippery so be careful. This is the most stable cane I've ever used, and I'm sure it comes in a non-folding version. Or you can look for tips similar to it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1WM87GN/?th=1

Thanks, everyone! I'll plan to get half&half (or whatever) from the buffet. And experiment with the pods; since they're espresso, diluting with hot water (or running them twice) might be what I prefer.

I just upgraded us to a Junior Suite and it has a Lavazza coffee machine. For those who have experienced it, what comes with the machine? What can you ask for? I like to have a lot of (real) cream with my coffee -- can I arrange for that?

I don't think I can drink 6 drinks in a day. Though doing the math makes me feel better about buying the 2 or 3 drinks per day I *would* like to drink.

This is very good advice! Manual doors and elevators are big annoyances when you're in a mobility scooter. Try to rent a "travel" scooter; they are narrower and lighter which means you can put them in a vehicle if you choose to take a shore excursion. As a person new to scooters, you'll also appreciate being able to just lift one end and turn the scooter if you are in a tight spot. Make sure to check the user weight limit of any scooter you rent. The closer you are to that limit, the less distance you'll be able to travel on a single charge. 3 wheel scooters are usually more maneuverable but you have to be more careful when turning. Tip: when going over a crack or bump, make sure to hit it directly and not at an angle. You can usually get off and lift your scooter to go up or down a curb or over a high door sill.

Those are the same prices I was seeing on August 15. From my point of view, this "sale" is just rolling back the price increase. 😞

You said you looked at rollators, but they can be tough on the back or arms. My mom suggested an upright style where you lean on the armrests. Here is an example: https://www.shopjourney.com/products/upwalker-ez-lite As for luggage, you could put one bag on the seat as you walk. If you check your bags with the porter, might that be enough for most purposes?

Since that is unavailable, I can recommend this cane: https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Lightweight-Portable-Mobility-Collapsible/dp/B0B1WM87GN/?th=1 This version is foldable. The handle is excellent for anyone who needs to lean hard on it without killing your hand. The large foot is a bit shock absorbing, and has an "ankle" so it stays stable as you move. If you have a cane you like, you can get this type of tip by itself. I haven't tried mine yet: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BG8J54QH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

My last cruises were on NCL and Celebrity. On both ships, staff would frequently offer help in the buffet; carrying dishes, reaching things for me, getting drinks. If that's not your experience on P&O then you are correct in looking for other cruise lines.

I've previously rented a scooter cruising out of NYC on NCL. I rented from Special Needs At Sea -- be sure to compare their prices with Scootaround. I picked up & dropped off the scooter in the terminal, which means I had it for check in and boarding. Make sure you understand what you are renting and that it will fit thru the doors. Most scooters will. But it can take a lot of practice to get thru the doors efficiently. It helps if you are cruising with someone else who can hold the door for you. A lightweight or folding scooter means you can lift or push it in situations where you can't quite pilot it thru. We kept our scooters in the nearby elevator lobby, but that's not really allowed and they didn't like it.

I have status on NCL. Can I get anything from Royal?

We'll be on Anthem of the Seas. When I priced it, Voom was $20/day and TheKey was $31/day. Prices have gone up since then. Is this something I should wait for Black Friday to price? My cruise starts December 24 and final payment is September 11, so there is time.

This December will be my first cruise on Royal. I see something called "TheKey" offered. How do you use it? What are people's experiences with it? Do you recommend getting it?

I also recommend https://www.specialneedsatsea.com/ . I've picked up the scooter at the cruise port, which means you can use it to embark and disembark and don't need wheelchair assistance. Make sure to ask them when & where you pick up and drop off. Once you know what you are renting, fill in the special needs form and let them know what equipment you are using.

I just checked the board for my Solstice cruise on August 19 and there's one scheduled. I'm guessing they're back on even if that isn't the official line.