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.

On 9/12/2023 at 2:28 PM, lenquixote66 said:

Does anyone have this model exerciser ? I bought one a few days ago not realizing that it uses a Lithium battery.I am concerned about the possibility of the battery causing a fire.

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.

On 9/19/2023 at 3:44 PM, sfpt154 said:

When renting a scooter, do you purchase the damage insurance and/or theft insurance? How long before your cruise do you reserve a scooter. Going on 1st cruise next year and trying to learn all I can.

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!

On 9/18/2023 at 12:19 PM, ChuckL said:

Just make sure that you get the dimensions, particularly the width, of whichever device you rent. Depending on the company you use and what you are renting, you may need to stay in sn  Accessible Cabin to be able to fget it through the doorway, because you are not allowed to leave it in the hall as it's  a safety hazard to the other passengers. lThe cruise line Specisl Needs department should be ablr to get you the door dimensions for your ship.  

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!)

On 9/2/2023 at 2:51 PM, shipgeeks said:

I notice the bottom surface could lose some of its rubber.  Do you take grippy tape to reinforce that if needed?

Any other hints for this newbie?

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.

On 8/22/2023 at 5:25 PM, mets123 said:

There's a few differences between a three wheeler a four. The three wheeler is usually recommended for people under 300 pounds. On a three wheeler your feet are flat while on the four they sit on top of a wheel well which could cause discomfort with your ankle problems. The four wheeler gives you more stability but has a wider turning radius.

 

And most important, give yourself at least 15 extra minutes at dinner time to find an empty elevator.

 

 

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. 

2 hours ago, RumRunner01 said:

I'm seeing a Labor Day Early Access Sale for DBV for "Buy One Get One Free" for my Wonder April sailing. On home page of my cruise planner it said "Up to 40% off Beverage Packages" but when I price out DBV it's the BOGO offer. I'll probably buy it to be safe since it seems prices are continually increasing.

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.

I've cruised a few times, mostly renting before I bought my own scooter.  It makes a HUGE difference; if you're caught in a crowd or behind people walking too slowly, you don't exhaust yourself!  Here's some stuff I've learned:

• The cruise line may ask about the width of the scooter.  You can get that from the rental place's website.  Most scooters are less than 23" which means you can fit it through a regular stateroom door... but only very carefully.
• Sometimes you can bend the rules and park your heavy full size scooter in the stairway landing while you are charging.  Get a cabin near a stair/elevator to make that easier.
• When you go to a restaurant they will ask you to park somewhere.  Let them know how far from the scooter you can travel.  Sometimes they'll offer to park & retrieve it for you if the area is too tight.
• If you need to go to the buffet when it's busy, don't be afraid to ask for help.  An attendant may be willing to carry your tray as you go through, getting whatever you ask for.  If you can wait for it to be less busy, you're more likely to get help and less likely to run over an oblivious child.  🙂
• Scooters with electrostatic brakes can be driven with one hand.  Scooters with hand brakes CAN, but only if you're willing to keep it to a low speed and stop it with your foot sometimes.

I hope you enjoy your solo cruise!

9 hours ago, DianneCS said:

Our pd nurse says we need to do manual in case there is a problem.  How do u do that at night - wake up every 2 to 3 hours?

If you have a problem and need to do manual PD, then your spouse will do it while awake, maybe during the day.  Ask your nurse to give you both a refresh on the manual PD process, which was part of the initial training.  Someone can do an exchange, disconnect, go off and do something for a couple of hours, then do another exchange.  

9 hours ago, DianneCS said:

How much extra solution do u bring?  Some times the cassettes go bad and sometimes we have to throw away bags.  Also do u bring extra in case the cruise can't get back?

 

Our baxter rep said contract People deliver to cruises.  Not sure if that is right

This is something you can and should arrange with your PD nurse and home clinic.  They know what arrangements to make and what supplies to order.  There's a whole process & everything.

You can do this.  More than that, you should do it -- give your spouse and yourself something fun to look forward to in March and look back on when it's done.  Dialysis is a lot but it doesn't have to be everything.

2 hours ago, mahdnc said:

Here is the link to the promotion: link

 

I would call Flights By Celebrity to ensure that you are getting the promotion when you book.  The discounts don't appear through their website.

I was looking at their website yesterday and the day before, and the discount DID appear when I book flights from my reservation at Celebrity.com.

I purchased a cruise Tuesday with the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, and it included $100 off airfare if booked through Celebrity.  The cruise is next August, so we're not really ready to decide on airfare yet.

Is there a time limit as to when I have to book the flights in order to get the $100 off?  So far Celebrity looks like my best airfare deal... but I've never priced this flight itinerary and I don't know if the prices I'm seeing are high (and will drop later) or low and will likely go up.

If you are doing your dialysis at home, you can bring your machine with you whether it is PD or HD.  Definitely contact your cruise line and let them know you're bringing a machine. (If nothing else, the cruise line needs to know in case of an emergency.)  Let them know your dietary needs, too; most dialysis patients need to pay close attention to their intake of substances like potassium.  You'll have a dietitian to help you determine what your personal needs are.

No matter the modality, let your care team know about your trip.  They can assist you in ordering the type of supplies you'll need for the trip and shipping them to where you can get them loaded on board.  

Have fun on your trip!