Arlened236

I just noticed you are on the Emerald Princess. Wonderful shp we took her to Alaska last August. They use both companies. But an accessible cabin is a necessity. There would barely be enough room in a regular cabin.

My husband requires a transport chair to get around the ship. I usually push him with no problems, but I had meniscus surgery two and a half weeks ago and I'm not 100% sure I want to put that stress on my knee when we cruise in three weeks. What company should I use for the best price? I contacted one company and they quoted me a price of $275 for a 7 night cruise - is that about right for a rental that is on the ship when we arrive and we leave on it when we depart? We are sailing out of Houston - Bayport.

First be sure to check with the cruise line , and find out which company they use,

I have used both Carevacations.com And Specialneedsatsea.com

I found that specialneedsatsea. Is usually cheaper. Both deliver to your cabin.

Remember the shp does not loan/rent wheelchairs for shore excursions. They will have them available embarking and debarking.

Hopefully you have an accessible cabin. You can't leave the scooter in the hallway and not all scooters go thru cabin doors. The rental company will ask for his weight and height before the rental. You can ask them for the measurements of the scooter and check with with the cruise line to see if it woul fit.

If your DH has not used a scooter before have him practice before you board.

Good luck with your search, wishing you a great cruise

Arlene

Every cruiser has a story and ours is a sad one. Three out of four of us (I'm the AB) have a terminal neuromuscular wasting disease (myotonic dystrophy --- like a very slow ALS). We discovered cruising in 2007 and have taken 22 cruises on Princess because that's how we could keep the kids safe and watch over them on their scooters, but still give them the independence they crave. We're down one daughter now, and this cruise is "bucket list" for the other one. We are going to do everything in our power to make this happen and be the best-ever cruise because it's probably our last one as a family. I don't need lectures about dumping out a commode because I am indeed rather civilized and do believe I could figure that part out. I'm just trying to make this happen in the easiest way I know how because, believe me, life is not easy for us right now. I'm willing to do what it takes to make this kid happy and that includes 24/7 trips to h/c restrooms onboard, so don't you worry about us. I simply wanted to know if anyone had ever seen one onboard.

Sending hug and blessings for the best cruise ever, sorry if it seemed like we were not sympathetic to you but your original post was not clear. Yes you can rent a commode from http://www.carevacations.com. And they will deliver it to the ship, they have many other items that might be helpful for you also

Wishing you blue skies and smooth seas and a wonderful cruise

Arlene

I just checked http://www.carevacations.com. They have bedside commode chairs to rent and they deliver directly to the ship. As someone that was in a cast for 15 months after being hit by a car several years ago, I know the problems using crutches. It might be difficult on board if there are rough seas. Do you have the use of a wheelchair? . As others have mentioned there is no step into the bathroom, but there is a ramp so that a wheelchair can access the toilet.bathroom easier. A w/c is much easier than crutches. Plus you can use it on the ship/shore. This can also be rented from. Carevacations.com

If you decide to go with the commode, I would bring a disposable toilet brush and bottle of Lysol to clean it. It is not the job of any crew member to help you with this task.

Also, have you considered the problem of showering? The new bath seat attached to the wall in an accessible cabin is very small, and might present a problem for you. If your cast is not waterproof bring a supply of plastic bags to cover it in the shower.

Let us know how it goes if you decide to cruise with your cast

Hope you heal quickly.

Thanks for your live report...Sounds like the porters have their act together and our boarding in Feb will be smooth. Really looking forward to our cruise as the weather in Chicago is frigid and we are wating for snow.

Enjoy your cruise

Arlene

I'm thinking about booking a cruise departing from San Francisco next month. I'm hoping to find a way to get from the Hayward area under $100. BART is a possibility but I'm not sure what station in SF to get off, and then taxi from there to pier. Not easy with luggage and I usually do take more for a cruise than for other trips. Uber apparently doesn't service my town and Super Shuttle which I've used several times apparently only provides transport to and from airports. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

If you can get someone to take you to the Oakland Airport, there is a Super Shuttle Van (shared service). For about $37 that will take you to pier 27. I checked on line for this information. Check http://www.suppershuttle.com

My family lives in the Bay Area and this is a good option when we visit before a cruise.

Unfortunately NO...wish they did. Ft Lauderdale and Seattle do and it is really a plus after a long cruise. SF and LA (San Pedro) do not.

Arlene

I am allergic to garlic and onion to a lesser degree. I tell our waiter the first night and he gets the head waiter who tells me what I can eat that night. He also brings me the menu for the next night and I order for the next day, they can almost always make what I want ( provided it is not a pre made item) usually without sauces, which I prefer anyway. If we plan on eating in a specialty restaurant he gets me their menu so I can also order in advance Princess has one chef that does nothing but special requests.

This method even works if you have anytime dining..you just give the waiter your cabin number and they get your order.

If we eat in the buffet, I ask to speak to the chef and find out what is safe to eat that day. I have never had a problem with food on any princess ship

I have never put this in the personalizer and I have never had a problem

Enjoy your cruise.

It's okay Arlene. We'll be there for you!

 

 

Aloha!

Kimo & Lokelina

"Makani E"

"Fair Winds Duo"

Thanks so much...I will look forward to seeing you on the ship..and taking some of your classes.

Arlene

How does this work? You order and arrive at a pre-determined time?

 

Thanks so much!

 

Janie:)

The night before ask the head waiter/Matre D for the menu for the next night. Give him your order. The next night in AT dining go when you want and give your waiter your cabin number and your special meal will be prepared for you then...you do not have to go at a particular time.

I do this each night as I have food allergies...you can also go to the special restaurants and order the night before if you want (there you have a comfirmed dining time)

Hope this helps

Ducklite, I love your packing list...very helpful. Can you tell us what kind of tan pants you show in the photo and where you got them...they look perfect for a cruise.

Thanks

Arlene

We are booked on a 14 Day Caribbean Adventure in Feb 2016 on the Emerald Princess...we book early for he same reason, I need an accessible cabin and we prefer the Caribe balconys..there are only 4 of them...so if you don't book early you don't get one.

My wife and I are booked for a 10 day eastern caribbean cruise next April. Its was booked direct with Princess through their website in August and at that time there was no offer of an on board credit "sweetener ".

 

Looking at the website last night it seem that they are now offering $150 per head. If I give them a call am a likely to get this offer applied to our booking?

 

Sorry if this is a noobie question, it's our first experience of cruising and we're still learning the ropes.

I would definitely call Princess...this far out they can rebook you at the new offer unless the offer says 'new booking only'...we often get a reduced price and better obc after we book. I check the prices weekly and call my TA if I see a better offer. Unless its after final payment we get the new price.

Good luck

Arlene

On our August northbound Alaskan cruise we were invited with 152 days..made Elite on this cruise. The most traveled had 340 days. We were surprised to be invited.

Deck 10 or Caribe deck is 1/2 covered and 1/2 open. The deck below deck 9 is competly open and you can look right down on them. We always try to book the Caribe deck, it is larger (on the Coral and Island Princess) and it gives you the choice of shade or sun,

Arlene

We would have loved to sail with you again, but then I would have to move all my family to LA. We are staying a week extra so I can visit all of them. Plus the port of LA does not have e-z check. Very important for us.

Being a third generation Californian (born in Oakland) I have lots of family in the Bay Area, so with the new port building and the opportunity to go under the Gate again SF won out.

I'm happy to hear that David Cole will be our CD, I look forward to attending his lectures and classes.

Thanks for the info.

Arlene

I am very sad that Elua will not be on our sailing Feb 27 from SF on the Star.

Does anyone know who will be doing the Hawaiian program and will it include ukulele classes and hula?

Thanks

Arlene

The last time I checked neither San Francisco or LA offer ez-check for your luggage. As I use a wheelchair this service is worth every dollar it costs. We are staying an additional week after our cruise in Feb. on the Star, so it does not matter this time. Otherwise we try to end our cruises in a port that does offer it.

From the Princess web site:

Keeping the comfort of our passengers a priority, and in consideration of consumer studies which show smokers are a small minority of passengers, Princess has implemented the following smoking policy:

Designated Smoking Areas

Clearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available onboard and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, as well as a portion of the open decks. As a safety precaution, passengers are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco, which are never to be thrown overboard as this may be sucked back into the ship and cause fires.

Stateroom Smoking Policy Update

For all voyages departing after January 15th, 2012, Princess Cruises will prohibit smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies. This policy change reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our passengers who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the passenger’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our passengers, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our passengers escape completely.

Electronic Cigarettes

The use of electronic cigarettes is allowed within the confines of the passenger's stateroom (balcony not included) and within designated smoking areas only.

Hope this helps

Arlene

Glacier Bay, words cannot tell you how beautiful it is. Also Tracy Arm is often missed that early in the season.

You will love Alaska either way.

As for when to book...as soon as you can (as long as there is free cancellation )

the prices went up as we got closer to sailing.

We stayed at the Maxwell and really liked the hotel and service...the even have a free shuttle during the day to the local attractions. The have a van that takes you to Pier 91 for $7.00.

The suggestion to buy insurance is a good one. Be sure to get a third party plan that covers pre- existing conditions. Princess' does not. Also third party companies require you to buy insurance fairly close to time of booking ( we had to pay for it within 21 days of booking)

I also need an accessible cabin and as you can see we have booked for 2016 already so we get the cabin we want. Be sure to mark your booking NO UPGRADE, so you keep your accessible cabin. Princess has been known to upgrade people to a non accessible cabin.

Arlene

The menu's will be different ( except for the always available). But the shows will probably be the same. What ship and where is it going

We just booked a b2b as a 14 day cruise, and that is what I expect.

Arlene

You are returning on a Saturday...you would need to be first off the ship, take all your luggage (there is no EZ check for luggage in SFO) with you, get a taxi and get to the airport which is not close...

It is possible but it would be a shame to have all that stress at the end of a nice cruise...

Check what Princess suggests as the earliest time you should book your air...they know their ports. It might be better to spend the night in SF and take the early flight on Sunday.

The last time we were to leave SF on the Grand...the ship was delayed 4 hours and we did not board until dinner time and departed in the dark.

The city was beautiful all lit up, but I was looking forward to going under the Golden Gate in the daylight.

Hope it works out for you. Smooth sailing.

Hi Everyone...well out wonderful TA spent lots of time on the phone with Princess (she talked to 5 different people) some had the response that 'nothing could be done' She finally talked to a man that said this does not make sense...he talked to someone that said that we could indeed book a 14 day cruise using 2 future cruise credits instead of 4...according to him, Princess does not like to book the accessible cabins for 14 day cruises because it is easier to book the 7 day ones, and since there are so few accessible cabins they like to keep them for people that like to book closer to sailing date.

They should know that those of us that need an accessible cabins always book as far out as we can, otherwise we do not get the date we want.

Seems as if we will get outcome we want....thanks for all your input.

Arlene