Starr Mtn

There's just something magical about being on a ship """"

Absoluately agree ! Always so enjoyable being able to share

your cruise experiences. I've been fortuntate to cruise albeit

handicpapped - and almost about 2/3 around the world - and

formally from CA - So you are taking me the rest of the Way !"

Wish I new a better way - so THANK YOU !

Star - thank you so much for the enlightenment. (I didn't think you could take a scooter out of the house if Medicare paid for it so I didn't bother to pursue that avenue.) This is very good information to have! I have read on these boards where some folks travel with both a scooter and a transport chair. I can't imagine adding one more thing to the packing list of that size/shape! Thanks again.

Sometimes no knowledge is ok ? ! Soon after my disability retirement a very

good friend invited me on a cruise around South America. I fortunately already

had a Passport and decided I might not have that opportunity again. It was meant

to be as we were able to book an accessible cabin.

Fortunately this cruise was part of a group and the tour guide was extremely

helpful in meeting needs for me and my scooter during tours. I didn't know

until the end of the cruise that the tour guide even figured out how to connect

my battery in my scooter. The airlines at that time had taken the batteries

out of the scooter and placed them in special boxes for the long flights.

So it never crossed my mind that I couldn't take the scooter out of the country.

But I had used it numerous times for shopping, sightseeing, dinners, etc.

I think the "rule" is one cannot expect insurance to pay for a scooter/power

chair for things like a cruise - shopping, etc. One must need it for daily

activities within your home; definitely a necessity for me. Obviously this

could depend on your own personal insurance. Pretty sure that is the rule

for Medicare.

When I was working, my physician prescribed a scooter for

my mobility situation. It was covered by my health

insurance - as were annual battery replacement. I had

to go to a medical supply place authorized by that health plan.

When I reached the time for Medicare (years later) -

another physician prescribed a power chair to better

meet my needs in my home . I believe the operative term is

"in my home" for Medicare for Medicare approval.

You need to go to a provider that accepts Medicare assignment -

which covers 80%. My supplemental health coverage

covers the remaining 20%. And your doctor must

complete a detailed questionnaire concerning your need

for a power chair (scooter) use in your home.

It's just the added "bonus" once I have the chair I can use

it on a cruise. However, I'm worried about transporting

my chair on the airlines - so I rent a power chair to be delivered

to the ship. I was successful several years ago to

travel via air to a ship with my scooter with no problems.

But I had some mobility with crutches then - if something

were to happen to the scooter. I'm not willing to take

a chance with my power chair on an airline these days.

I read it to mean that she should check in with her health insurance company to see if they would reimburse for the purchase of new batteries.

Yes - that was what I meant ! Thanks...

I'm confused - what will the insurance provider do if NCL only accepts gel batteries and her scooter uses SLA batteries??????????? :confused: Are you saying she can cancel the trip and get her money back? They'll buy her a gel battery? Sorry to be so dense, I just can't figure out the insurance angle.

Thought perhaps the batteries could be changed to the "approved" type.

Suggest you check with your insurance provider.

Batteries for my power chair are covered .

Suggest instead that you look for what is commonly called

a "Rollator". It is a 4-wheel walker with a seat. It is

available for various weights. And it folds for easy transport.

The larger the wheels - the better. Often they have a basket

to carry a few items.

Usually available at a variety of stores such as: Walmart, Costco,

Longs, etc.

Please don't chance checking any medical equipment -

or medication.

We once had what should have been a very short flight

from Denver to San Francisco. Due to fog in San

Francisco all flights were cancelled in Denver - after

we had checked in. It took several hours until

flights were re-scheduled. Of course we missed our

original flight.

When we arrived in San Francisco - our baggage didn't

make the same flight. We waited for a couple

more flights and still no luggage nor my walker w/seat.

It took 2 more days on board for everything to catch

up with us ! Fortunately we had all medication

in our carry ons - but no change of clothes. And

I did have crutches. But the ship didn't even provide

a wheelchair in the interim.

Hope this reaches you, Kitty.

Please see my response re renting a scooter.

Truly feel you will enjoy your cruise experience

renting a power wheelchair !

We were on a longer cruise some time ago (think it was about 21 days Hong Kong to Australia). After a couple of weeks an announcement was made (as well as posted in the daily news notes) that the supply of prune juice and prunes was low !

Recommendation: drink lots of liquids (preferably water). Also, we

have found that eating graham crackers help - so you might want to pack

a box of those !

Support suggestion for disposable diapers at night. Probably a good

idea enroute also.

And about 3 of those small mattress pads for under the sheets would be necessary so as not to soil the mattress in the event there were an accident.

And remember - any medically required items can be in their own suitcase and they do not count in the luggage limitation. Just be sure to indicate that

when you check in the airlines.