Lady Jane

Thanks for this!  My husband uses a scooter, and it can often be difficult to find accessible tours.  I will definitely check out this one for our visit on the Celebrity Equinox in April.

Dick & Jane

Maine, USA

On 1/6/2022 at 12:38 AM, TXAV8R said:

Hello to all, Joan and I have started cruising again,  being perhaps a little overly optimistic,  that we had seen the worst of COVID-19. But things have definitely changed since our last cruise in 2018. First and foremost we used to get by with minimal use of my wife's wheelchair but on our December 2021 cruise to the western Caribbean we found that she required her manual wheelchair almost continuously. Secondly we discovered (most embarrassingly) that my ability to handle her wheelchair has been severely compromised by 6 major surgeries in 3 years to my right knee which has the most disturbing propensity to fail at the worst possible times (Like going down gangways or on rough uneven terrain.) Soo... we are trying to find a reasonable compromise between a power wheelchair or scooter that is both transportable and capable of going on mild excursion while still being able to fit through an accessible stateroom door.  So, to all of you folks that have gone down this path before us,  we are respectfully asking for any and all advice that will allow us to continue cruising and experiencing ports of call without having to rely on my trick knee. In return I will provide you with my expertise on how to tumble down the last 6 feet of the grand staircase and still stick the landing like Simone Biles.

Patrick and Joanie Spring, Texas

My husband uses a scooter.  He used to rent one for use on the ship, but now he has his own.  It's a Tzora Easy Travel and it folds up rather like a baby stroller.  He uses it in airports and rides it to the plane.  When he gets off, I fold it and gate check it. Works well. 

Jane

On 1/4/2020 at 9:34 AM, sueart46 said:

I'm a full time w/c user and I'm considering an aft cabin on the Constellation.  I've been reading the pros & cons and I'm concerned about motion in the cabin which could affect my balance.  Any information would be much appreciated.  Thanks.

My husband has a prosthetic leg, poor balance, and uses a scooter.  We both love the aft cabins.  We're booked aft on Summit in April for a B2B.  Some people claim they feel more motion, but we don't notice it.  Hubby uses a cane or a walker/rollator in the room, but only has an issue if the seas are choppy, and then he notices it in any room.  The aft staterooms (accessible) are so nice and big, and the balcony is HUGE.  We love them.

Jane & Dick

On 8/4/2019 at 4:56 PM, kokopelli-az said:

Celebrity does.  For both the accessible restrooms and staterooms (you push a button for the restrooms to open the door and use your room key for your own room and the door opens automatically).   At least that's the way it is on the Equinox and Eclipse (for Aqua staterooms).   As a matter of fact, most doors on these ships in the common areas had automatic doors. 

 

You could contact the cruise line(s) you are thinking about and talk to their Access Department about your specific cruise line or ship.  

 

We're on Royal Caribbean Sept 1 so I'll be on the lookout for automatic doors since we haven't been on Royal for a while.

Celebrity S Class ships have automatic doors.  The M Class ships do not, unfortunately.

On 1/6/2020 at 3:34 PM, Mr&MrsBee said:

Finally booked an accessible on the Connie cabin 8176 that is aft.  Where can rental scooter be parked? 

Location of bed?  Any pictures of cabin?  Pros  or cons?  Furniture?  Any helpful hints?   Thanks in advance.

Ship is the Connie  out of Tampa.

P.S. to my post about the room.  When are you sailing?  We're on the Connie out of Tampa on Nov 21.  We've booked an accessible Sky Suite for this cruise.  

Jane

Cabin 8176 is wonderful.  We're staying in it in April on the Summit, but we've been in it before.  It's very big...scooter can easily be ridden right into the room to be stored and charged.  The balcony is HUGE!  I predict you will love this cabin!

Jane & Dick 

If you're docking in the port of Civitavecchia and don't want to travel into Rome, I have a great local shore excursion for you.  It's a Cooking Class at Ristorante Aqua Pizzeria, led by owner/chef Federico Biferali.  Federico will pick you up in the port area and bring you back after the class.  We went in September 2018 with two other couples.  In the restaurant kitchen, we made gnocchi, sauce Bolognese, a chicken dish, eggplant parmegiana, tiramisu...so many wonderful things!  After we finished all the prep and cooking, we ate what we made!  It was accompanied by wine and beer (or something non-alcoholic if you preferred).  At the end, we either went straight back to the port, or you could opt for a 2 hour tour around the area with Federico.  We didn't do the tour, but if we go back, we will do it!  Here is the website:  www.cookingclassincivitavecchia.com.  I highly recommend this!

My husband and I are sailing the western Med in September for our 50th anniversary. He is disabled, and uses a scooter to get around, or a rollator for walking very short distances. We've been to many of the ports before, but Alicante is a new one. Do you have any suggestions for us? How accessible is it? We're trying to book a Celebrity accessible excursion for Florence, but other accessible excursions seem quite limited. His scooter folds, and he can climb onto a bus. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Jane & Dick Israel

Are there any private tour companies for disabled travelers, I use a scooter and am willing to pay.

I highly recommend Anastasia Travel. My husband is now in a scooter, but when we toured St. Petersburg he was walking, but just in short bits and very slowly. We had a private tour (just the 2 of us) with Anastasia Travel. A luxury car, a driver, and a wonderful guide. We saw all the "must see" sights, and even went to a folkloric show the first evening (this was a 2 day tour). The cost was quite reasonable, and they catered to whatever Dick was able to manage. If we return to St. Petersburg, we will definitely use them again and I'm sure they will accommodate his being on a scooter with no problem.

Jane

Maybe, like us, they prefer to have a car waiting for them at the airport and not have to queue for a taxi.

 

My husband has mobility issues and it is much better for him to have a driver waiting for us as we come through arrivals. The driver then takes our bags and, together with my husbands walker, puts them in the waiting car.

 

We don't mind paying a bit extra for this more personal service.

 

Maybe we should do this in September. My husband uses a scooter to get around (one that folds), and we also bring his rolling walker. Because of that, I only bring one large suitcase for the two of us, since I have to carry his walker as well. I'll have to see if he wants to spend the extra money to have someone greeting us at arrivals.

Jane

One needs to read the whole article, not just the headlines my dear....

 

1.) It's not a protest, it's a remembrance rally, it's OUR National Day here in Catalonia, much like your 4th of July.

 

2.) It's not on the 21st... Catalonia's National Day is Sept 11th... to remember the fall of our nation and our liberties on Sept 11th 1714 to the Spanish and French invaders.

 

3.) The whole day is full of activities in different parts of the city: flower offerings to the fallen heroes, folk gatherings (performances of human towers, also sardana dancers...), historical reenactments and a large patriotic rally in the afternoon. Due the complex logistics of organising such massive event, the location of the rally, however, is not announced until a few weeks in advance and it changes from time to time to different parts of the city.

Just saw this...we arrive in Barcelona on Sept 9 and will need transport from our hotel (Arc La Rambla) to the cruise port on Sept 11. Do you think we will have trouble getting a taxi? My husband is mobility challenged, and travels with a folding scooter.

Thanks!

Jane

I been to marseille 3 times on cruises and there’s plenty to do for the DIY people. If it’s just 2 of you, take the ships shuttle $15rt. If there’s 4, a taxi may be the better choice. There’s a port shuttle as well that I’ve seen people take but it’s only convenient if you dock close to the gate. I would just choose something within your comfort zone for a first time visit.

On our first visit we just walk around old port to watch the fish mongers, had a bouillabaisse lunch and did some shopping for French soap,spices, and souvenirs.

On our second visit we skipped the lunch and took the public bus #160 to Notre Dame Della Garde, the cathedral on the hill. You can also take the petite (tourist) train for $9eu.

On our recent unexpected itinerary change visit we went to the fort and museums in the shuttle drop off area.

There’s plenty to do on a budget in marseille without taking a ships excursion.

Thanks for this info. We'll be in Marseille in September, and my husband uses a mobility scooter (that folds). If we can find a ship excursion that will allow his scooter, we'll do it. Otherwise, we may have to stay on ship. Most shuttles won't accommodate a scooter, even one that folds.

Jane

We are also going to be in Barcelona on a cruise in Sept 2018. My husband uses a scooter and a transport chair. The scooter is rented on the ship and the transport chair is his so he will have the transport chair to get around with pre-cruise, with me pushing it. I was very overwhelmed with all the hotels and did extensive research last fall for accessible hotels (not all are right on La Rambla) and although I have no first hand knowledge of these hotels other than the on-line reviews, I came up with a list which might help. I also looked for high (like 100) walk scores (although he will not be walking) because it means there are lots of restaurants, bars, etc, within very close proximity.

 

 

Majestic Hotel, Passeig de Gracia 68-70

Hotel 1898, LaRambla 109

Hotel Indigo, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 629

Hotel Barcelona Universal, Av del Parallel 76-78 (10 minutes from La Rambla)

Hotel Continental Barcelona, La Rambla 138 (all inclusive)

Renaissance Barcelona Hotel, Pau Claris 122

Atrium Palace Grand Via de les Corts 656

Silken Diagonal Barcelona, Avenida Diagonal 205 (just off La Rambla)

Hotel Picasso, Passeig de Picasso 26-30

Hilton Barcelona, Avenida Diagonal 589-591

Le Meridian (next to Hotel 1898; not sure if has steps to front desk)

SEHRS Rivoli Rambla, La Rambla 128

Europark, Arago 325

Hotel Curious, Carrer del Carme 25 (1 block to La Rambla)

H10 Art Gallery, Enric Granados 62-64

Silken Ramblas, Pintor Fortuny 13 (just off La Rambla)

H10 Montcada, Via Laietana 24 (Gothic Q)

El Avenida Palace, Gran Via de les Catalanes 605

Hotel NH Collection Gran Hotel Calderon, Rambla Cataluyna 26

 

Here is another source that has a list of hotels: http://www.barcelona-access.com/

I've been to that site, and have looked at dozens of hotels! Then looked at reviews on Tripadvisor, and also cost. Trying to keep under $200 per night. Now leaning towards Ilunion Autidori. Good location so we can walk/scoot places, and under $200 a night. Good reviews too.

We used to rent scooter on ship and bring his chair, but decided to purchase a scooter a couple of years ago. It folds up to gate check it on flights. Has made getting around much easier.

What cruise are you on? We're on Celebrity Eclipse on Sept 11.

Jane

We lucked out once and found a room at Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza; at a fraction of the normal cost. Very nice hotel at an ideal location. It is located just off Plaza Espanya. We took the city bus right to the port. Also, Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is very close to the hotel. An ideal place to spend an evening. Check schedule on internet.

The local buses are accessible and most of the metro station/lines. Also, the Funicular at Carrer Nou de la Rambla and Paral·lel is accessible. On the top of the hill, you can see the castle and wander through the various gardens plus see other sights going down the hill toward the hotel. It is about two miles (all down hill) to the hotel from the castle.

If you would like to see one of their more ornate buildings, I'd suggest a tour of Palau de la Musica Catalana. Definitely worth a visit.

Now if you are interested in something more casual, we have stayed at HelloBCN a number of times. However their house-keeping went down hill, so we a stayed couple other places after that. To my knowledge, they cleaned up things. A small scooter will easily fit in the elevator and they have very small private rooms. It is a hostel.

I'd suggest that you take the metro or city buses. Go on line and look up their options. Double check the accessible metro stations. I was told all were up-graded, but did not use the metro on our last couple trips.

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

Thanks for all the info!

We will be spending a few days before and after our cruise in September, 2018, in Barcelona. My husband uses a scooter and rollator. Looking for recommendations for a good accessible Barcelona hotel near La Rambla.

Jane

My husband also has a Tzora. Great scooter. Need to go to bike shop for a bell. We do fly, and he drives it up to the plane. He walks on while I fold the scooter to be gate checked. Works fine, and is great on cruise ship.

Having experienced the recently redone Oosterdam which was "Koningsdamized" and the venerable Veendam, I would say that the HAL ships are still more sedate than Celebrity. BB Kings is loud, but the shows and the music in the lounges was not overly so.

We are long time Celebrity cruisers, going on the Kdam in 4 weeks...first time on HAL. Celebrity used to be so quiet....now I think they are trying to appeal to a younger market. Not good. When we sail on the S class ships, we enjoy the music in the Ensemble Lounge...usually a duo or small jazz group or something similar. Easy to listen to and still talk. I hate having overhead music everywhere you go. One thing I really like about Celebrity is the lack of overhead announcements. We hear the Captain once a day, and except for announcing people can go ashore after docking in a port, they don't do announcements. I'm hoping HAL is like that too.

Jane

Traditionally, HAL passengers are an older demographic. It stands to reason since HAL has more longer itineraries than most mass market lines. Most working age travelers can't book those extended cruises. As a result they build an older base of repeat passengers. I haven't been on in March, so I don't know if there's a difference at that time. I can't believe many spring breakers cruise HAL though. I remember someone responding to this type of question before, when asked if an older group cruised HAL. .They said "Older passengers cruise on Celebrity Cruise line. Their parents cruise on HAL". We like HAL, and will be on the Koningsdam in 4 weeks. But, we find the quote not too far off an accurate description.

We have always cruised Celebrity....and this is our first HAL cruise. We sail on Koningsdam in 4 weeks too. Looking forward to it!

Jane

We will be cruising HAL for the first time in October on the Koningsdam. My husband needs a mobility scooter, and we are booked in Vista Suite 6148. Has anyone stayed on the Kdam in an accessible vista suite? Would love to hear how it is, and pictures if you have any. Thanks much.

Jane

We bring 2 batteries and 2 chargers. I know they are expensive but worth it when out on excursions to have a 2nd battery. I agree the horn that came with the scooter is soooo loud and obnoxious that I am trying to get my husband to take it off. We got a chime for the last scooter. It was the kind used on bicycles and that was much quieter but didn't get people to move out of the way.

 

We don't bother to fold the scooter at the gate. It is just too hard for me to do alone and my husband has a problem bending over.

I'm thinking of bringing the front section of the scooter to our local bike shop and see what they have that will fit on it securely. He'd like a headlight too.

I think I would need to fold up the scooter when we fly out of Bangor...it's always a small plane out of Bangor (kind with 2 seats on one side and 1 seat on the other side). The hold is smaller than on a bigger plane. I can fold it up okay...I practice before hand! Dick can't help at all...his balance with his prosthetic leg is not good.

Have any cruises planned? We're going on HAL's Koningsdam on Oct 29 (Caribbean). First time on HAL. We're big Celebrity cruisers. We have two Celebrity cruises booked for next year.

jane

My husband just purchased his 2nd Tzora. I can't believe that more people haven't discovered this really great scooter. Ditto for flying and cruising with it. Seat is one of the most comfortable we have come across AND it has armrests. It is also key operated & has both forward and reverse and has a very comfortable foot platform.

 

We always gate check without any cover and take the batteries onto the plane with us, because one time it came back to the gate in parts and without the battery.

 

We even got the lighter batteries so we can fold it and put it into the back of our hatchback easily.

 

Never had a problem being denied tendering because it is so light yet full size.

We use the lighter lithium-ion battery as well. We just bring the one battery and the charger. Do you bring more than one? I take the battery off at the gate and then fold up the scooter. I've had gate attendants call it "pretty slick"! What he wants now for it is a decent headlight/horn. One we got with it is junk.

Jane

Your pictures are wonderful! Looking forward to your pictures of the ship.

Jane

Jane - I hope that you have a wonderful time. 6148 is on the other side of the ship. even on one side odd on the other.[/quote

 

 

 

 

Of course! Well, if you see the door open, peek in! LOL

Thanks for posting! We will be in 6148 in October. If you meet your neighbors in there, maybe they will let you see it? It's an accessible room, and you never see pics of them. Be our first time on HAL...we usually cruise Celebrity. Enjoy!

Jane

Looking forward to your report. We board Koningsdam on oct 29, our first cruise on HAL although we've cruised Celebrity 30+ times. We will be in an accessible Vista Suite (6148) so if you get a chance to see it and take a picture, that would be great!

Jane