dappledumpling

My wife had a problem 10 years ago and the treatment left her with mobility issues. we started with a transfer chair to get her on and off the ship. plus location to location on the ship. Then we progressed to a full wheelchair and handicap cabins. (A good lightweight wheelchair is easier to push and maneuver.) Then I made the best purchase of our lives, I bought a Eagle HD travel wheelchair (electric joystick controlled) and she regained her independence. weighs about 50 pounds which was no problem for me to toss around. The freedom it provided was fantastic... We used on cruises, theme parks.. the mall wherever she wanted to go... Not sure on your wifes illness but if not expecting mobility to return you might consider a travel power wheel chair. We found scooters cumbersome and the 3 wheeled ones not as stable.. Hope this helps, Rick PS I dont mean to make this sound like a commercial but it definitely changed the last 4 years of her life.

I just went on my first solo cruise in January (allure of the seas) Had a great time so I jumped on Independence end of Febuary. Wasnt sure how I would do as I had always sailed with my wife, but she lost her battle to cancer. Miss sharing times with her but love the solitude and solace that comes on the sea. Next solo trip in 21 days mariner of the seas.... I set a goal of 10 sailings this year Plan on doing one a month (taking june and july off) I have 4 cruise ports within 4.5 hours which makes short sailing work well.

Funny after reading this post I went to my RCCL app and lists the event as Singles & Solo Meet up. I have never attended one and I fall into both categories (Widower who still travels).. Who knows maybe I will check out the next one when I am on the ship, they are at 7pm which is when I normally dine.

Both are great ships, just depends on what you priorities are... Sailed Mariner in december and allure in January and had a great time on both.. In fact sail Mariner in April then allure in May... Allure- love the dining (specialty restauarants) japenese steakhouse and brazillian steakhouse -the vibe in boleros -tranquility of central park Mariner-less people.. (Did I mention less people) -the vibe of Schooner bar As you can see I bounce back and forth Rick

You buy a day pass.. No room but you get to use the amenities and all inclusive.

I am port specific..... port canaveral I like 11am as parking can be a challenge. But I like to leave as early as possible from there as I can head into work and utilize minimal PTO. Lauderdale or miami 1230 to 1pm.. gives me a little more drive time and less stress. I will be one of the last off in those ports.... leisure breakfast to prepare for drive..

I personally am doing a 4 night cruise a month (occasionally a 5 night if friends call). I use to sail in only balconies and above but as a solo traveler I dont need the extra space. I understand setting a goal as some of us are goal oriented.. I set 340 as a goal as thats when they reduce the single supplement. Will hit it in march.... then will shoot for 500 cause why not... lol. If you goal is diamond go for it.. hitting goals is great but the trip to get there is even better. Enjoy your travels Rick

For allure the Hibachi or Giovannis,,, Chops on allure is hit or miss, 150 CP is nice but not a place I would want to dine with a large group.

I sail on halloween and luggage tags were available 30 days out

My wife 10 years ago got diagnosed with Peripheral neuropathy post chemotherapy. Like you she is good for a short time on her feet . We started with a transfer chair then progressed to a regular wheelchair and now she has a powerchair. Apparently i like to drink and run into walls when pushing her. The power chair has been a great investment in our lives.. The mall,, seaworld, disney and countless cruises have been tackled with this device. A regular room worked fine until we got the powerchair then an accessible room became needed.. Bonus showers have had seats in the accessible staterooms we have had. Tender ports can be a challenge and we generally stay on board. Folding wheelchairs are much easier on excursions.. Hope that helps a little

We use resort for a day and booked rose hall hilton. Lazy rive,r slides and swim up bar. Lunch and drinks included.. its an allinclusive resort. A little pricy but very nice. There is a beah there as well..

I really appreciate you taking the time to post and show some pics. We are sailing the Muse next year in Alaska (First time with Silverseas) . And your posts and pics are getting us so excited... Once again Thanks

both terminals have a loop to drop off luggage. At that spot he can drop you and the luggage off then drive across the street and park.. Or he can valet park and stay with you. Both very easy Tampa is one of the easiest ports

Welcome to cruise critic.. Tendered ports can be quite challenging with a wheelchair. Ports that dock directly are easy access off. (ports vary on how accessible they are once on land) Let us know ship and ports and we can give you a better idea. Agree with previous poster if you can get an accesible stateroom it will make your life much easier.

I believe skippers grill is accessible.. The snack shack in the thrill area is accessible, but I don't believe the one in chill area is... Could be wrong as I havent been there in a year