dcsam

Make sure the wheels are solid rubber.  Not plastic.  

You might check the Disabled Cruise discussion on this site. The same topic is covered quite a bit there.  

  My husband has the Travelscoot and loves it.  It folds down; can be put into a bag and carried over the shoulder.  I think it weighs 30 or 35 pounds.  But the seat and backrest would have to be carried separately. Typically (when flying), he drives it to the plane; he walks into plane, while I take off the back rest and carry that and the battery onto the plane with me.  The scooter is then placed in plane.  Its at our next destination as he steps off plane. 

Close to the airport, but we love Cedarbrook Lodge.  Feels totally removed from the airport commotion  - has a ‘northwest feel’ and quite relaxing.  We often stay there just for a short getaway. On the waterfront (and close to the ships), look at The Edgewater. I don’t think either have a shuttle though.  

We’ve cruised aboard Azamara R ships, Oceania Riviera and Viking Oceans.  Viking Oceans was the best for handicap accessibility. Next: Oceania Riviera.  The most difficult to maneuver on was Azamara R ships (same as Oceania smaller ships).  Problem with Viking is they supposedly don’t allow scooters onboard.  However, we saw about 3 of the small, compact type when we cruised with them.  We left ours at home and I pushed my husband in his transfer chair.  

We just returned from an Oceania Riviera cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.  We have also cruised with Viking.  Our friends and I couldn’t help but compare this Oceania cruise to our Viking cruise. Viking is our all-time favorite.  I think much of it has to do with Viking’s spacious ships.  Lots of places to be and never crowded.  We missed having a walk-around promenade on the Riviera. Viking’s ship are brighter, more modern and prettier.  Love, love, love Viking.   Food?  Tough call.  But we thought the red meats were much better on Viking and the seafood better on Oceania.  

Had to order 3 of the ingredients online.  Went to Safeway today, but no duck.  Chicken thighs (with skin on) will have to do.  Watermelon is out of season, but they had some precut.  I’m going to give it a try, but geez... what was I thinkin!!!! 

We returned from our first Oceania cruise. Loved the Red Ginger restaurant and the watermelon, duck salad.  Has anybody made it?  Can I use something else besides duck?  What's palm sugar and lemongrass stalk? Galangal?

Thank you!

 

 

 

SWEET FISH SAUCE INGREDIENTS

¾ cup palm sugar, coarsely chopped

¼ cup water

½ large shallot, coarsely chopped

1 lemongrass stalk, bulb portion only, coarsely chopped

1 kaffir lime leaf

½-inch piece galangal, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 to 2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 to 2 tablespoons tamarind concentrate

DUCK AND WATERMELON SALAD INGREDIENTS

Canola oil, for frying

½ cup raw cashew nuts

Kosher salt

6 confit duck legs

2 to 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce

6 cups 1-inch-cube seedless watermelon

½ cup Thai basil or sweet basil leaves

½ cup mint leaves

½ cup cilantro leaves

1/3 cup thinly sliced shallot

FOR THE SAUCE: In a medium saucepan, combine the palm sugar and water, place over medium heat, and heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is melted – about 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat. Stir in the shallot, lemongrass, lime leaf and galangal and let sit at room temperature to cool and to infuse the flavors for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.

Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl. Discard the solids. Add 1 tablespoon each of the fish sauce and tamarind, mixing well. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce and tamarind if needed. Set the sauce aside at room temperature.

FOR THE SALAD: Pour 4 inches of canola oil into a large, deep saucepan and heat to 325°F on a deep-frying thermometer. Line a small plate with paper towels for draining the cashews and line a larger plate for draining the duck. Add the cashews to the hot oil and fry until crisp, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt while hot.

Increase the temperature of the oil to 350°F. Add 2 duck legs to the hot oil and fry, turning to brown on all sides, until crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to the towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining duck legs in two batches.

When the duck legs are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin from each leg in as large a piece as possible. Cut the skin into strips and set aside. Bone the legs and shred the meat into a bowl. Season to taste with the hoisin sauce.

In a separate bowl, combine the watermelon, basil, mint, and cilantro. Add the duck meat, duck skin, cashews, and shallot. Toss with enough of the sweet fish sauce to coat lightly. You may not need all of the sauce.

TO SERVE: Divide the salad among individual serving plates or martini glasses.

Prior to our cruise, I searched long and hard for pictures to no avail.  We are cruising aboard the Riviera as I type. I hope the photos come through. Downloading has been slow and a bit frazzled to say the least. 

  I believe 7084 balcony cabin is the same.  I’m glad I brought some magnetized hooks as there aren’t many in the bathroom or cabin.  Also, our room service menu is a ‘concierge level’ menu.  It certainly wasn't expected, but is quite helpful and considerate of Oceania for those with mobility issues.  Any questions? Just ask. I hope those with ‘challenges’ find it helpful. 

 

 

Thank you for trying.  We’ll be in Puerto Rico next week.  I’m sure we’ll find plenty to do.  Thanks again

Keithm,

Long jeans were not allowed in the Terrace  /buffet?  

I know, I know, another dress code question.  I did a search, but still need to find out if jeans are appropriate in the terrace for dinner?  Yay or nay?

Thank you!

I’d also be interested.  Thank you!

 

dcsam@comcast.net

Ashland, what stops did you make with Cosol’s private trip?  We have one booked with him in a couple weeks.  So far: waterfall, scenic stops, beach and  hike at Tet Paul. Did you get in on some of the snacks/beer that’s common with the group tours?

We’re booked with Random Wind for an upcoming day on their catamaran.  My husband is disabled too and I was assured he will do fine.  He can walk very short distances, but his balance is poor.  In addition to his scooter, I’m bringing his foldable transfer chair.  I figure we’ll take that to where we meet.  We’ll do the same when we meet up for a tour while at St Lucia.  I simply don’t want to risk leaving his scooter.

It may be too much to ask. And it may be too late.  But if you’re out and about and happen to go by cabin 7087 or 7084, could you snap a few pics of the interior and balcony?  There are no online photos (and I’ve searched a lot).  I thought it might be easy to do since it’s a turnaround day. No worries if it doesn’t happen.   Thanks so much!

I purchased this for my husband.  Didn’t like it.  Very slow, and bumpy!!  A bit heavy too.  We sold it at quite a loss and purchased a Travelscoot.  Money well spent. 

Great idea!  Sounds like it would be doable for my husband who would be using his Travelscoot scooter while out and about.  Could work.  Thanks for the suggestion. 

In this group of 6, only the ladies drink alcohol.  Will the fellas be able to order N/A  drinks (virgin margaritas, non-alcoholic beer)?  And is bitter lemon available? 

Thank you!

Our first Oceania cruise is less than a month away.  The cruise ends in Miami.  What’s the latest we can disembark?  Our flight isn’t until 5:30 (out of Fort Lauderdale).  I’ve heard the airline checkin may not be open until 2:30, so we’ll be waiting outside of security.  Does Oceania have the service that picks up and checks in our luggage?  If we did that with our one check-in piece of luggage and are able to print boarding passes, would that get us through security earlier rather than wait for the Alaska airlines counter to open?  I’ve heard waiting outside the security area isn't the most comfortable place to wait. 

Thank you. 

Perhaps begin with the purchase of a transfer chair - one with fat wheels. Those with skinny wheels seem to be more challenging to maneuver.   On our upcoming cruise, we’ll bring both a transfer chair and Travelscoot scooter.  There are times one is a bit more handy than the other.   

Thank you.  Any way to view the cost of various massage?

We'll be able to book our specialty restaurants in a couple more weeks.  We're traveling with two other couples.  Which specialty restaurant has a more festive atmosphere to celebrate a milestone birthday?  

Also, exactly how do we book a table with two other couples? I've tried the CruiseCritic search mode, but haven't had much success.  

Anybody have a spa menu for the Riviera? If my husband books a massage, does that give him access to the front pool area too (before or after the massage)? 

Thank you!

 

 

We haven’t cruised with Oceania yet (but are booked with them in December).  Like you, we don’t need towels changed daily.  I often rehang our towels and just let them know we won’t need the room cleaned (either am or pm).  They’re more than happy to oblige! 🙂

Can two people order 3 (1 for him and dos para me;-)?