HONESTLY....How you feel about scooters on cruise ships.

[calliopecruiser]

... that other able bodied person is also assisting someone and so may be a part of the "equipment".

 

Then you wait for an elevator with enough room for your entire amount of "equipment", whether that equipment is a scooter or a person. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

[Arzeena]

To the judgemental poster from Florida, let's hope YOU are never in a scooter or wheel chair......on a cruise with the same people who you very arrogantly point your finger at! I would like to see how YOU will take a dose of your own bitter medicine!

 

And no need to brag that you did this and that with asthma and post back surgery......you cannot even compare it to a permanent disability like polio or MS.

 

Try to show some compassion for your fellow human beings, that is IF you are capable of it!

[ducklite]

To the judgemental poster from Florida, let's hope YOU are never in a scooter or wheel chair......on a cruise with the same people who you very arrogantly point your finger at! I would like to see how YOU will take a dose of your own bitter medicine!

 

And no need to brag that you did this and that with asthma and post back surgery......you cannot even compare it to a permanent disability like polio or MS.

 

Try to show some compassion for your fellow human beings, that is IF you are capable of it!

 

I'm quite capable of being compassionate. I don't tolerate people with entitlement mentalities, and there are a couple of them on this thread for sure. I would NEVER expect someone to get off an elevator for me. I'd wait my turn!!

[rjackieb]

If you couldn't exercise, wouldn't you reduce your caloric intake so as to not become over weight and add additional health issues?

My bmom has a number of health issues that do leave her unable to exercise. She has reduced her caloric intake considerably since the start of her mobility problems, but since then she's also been prescribed numerous medications that cause weight gain, especially fluid weight. She's already down to 800-1000 calories a day. Would you want her to cut that even more? I honestly don't think that would be a healthy choice for her.

 

Please know I'm not trying to be snarky in any way, but on the internet it's hard to convey the intentions behind words. Even what seems a simple solution to one person is known to be impossible to another.

[ducklite]

My bmom has a number of health issues that do leave her unable to exercise. She has reduced her caloric intake considerably since the start of her mobility problems, but since then she's also been prescribed numerous medications that cause weight gain, especially fluid weight. She's already down to 800-1000 calories a day. Would you want her to cut that even more? I honestly don't think that would be a healthy choice for her.

 

Please know I'm not trying to be snarky in any way, but on the internet it's hard to convey the intentions behind words. Even what seems a simple solution to one person is known to be impossible to another.

 

I agree that there are some medications that cause weight gain, I never said there weren't. I was replying mainly to the person who indicated that it's OK to continue to eat 2000 calories (or more a day) when you are burning 800 simply because you enjoy stuffing your face. That's just not a mentally or physically healthy option.

[rjackieb]

I agree that there are some medications that cause weight gain, I never said there weren't. I was replying mainly to the person who indicated that it's OK to continue to eat 2000 calories (or more a day) when you are burning 800 simply because you enjoy stuffing your face. That's just not a mentally or physically healthy option.

No, it's not, and I completely agree with you on that. Bmom talks about it, how easy it would be to let food become a main part of her entertainment now, since she can't get out to do things she used to do for fun. But then she remembers the rules, "you eat to live, not live to eat." I then remind her if she turns food into fun, she may not be here for the real fun when we take her on cruises. :D

[dsrdsrdsr]

I'm quite capable of being compassionate. I don't tolerate people with entitlement mentalities, and there are a couple of them on this thread for sure. I would NEVER expect someone to get off an elevator for me. I'd wait my turn!!

In many circumstances, NOT getting out of a lift to let a person in a wheelchair get in, is unreasonable behaviour IMO.

 

If you were in a wheelchair on deck 3, wanting to go to the restaurant at deck 2, and all the lifts coming down from deck 12 were full - what then? If some kind lady or gentleman got out of the lift to let you ride down, saying they would walk the last flight, would you think that was a generous and reasonable thing to do? Or that they were mugs for giving up their "turn"?

[dsrdsrdsr]

Great, so when you end up with even more illness due to obesity--yet more that taxpayers or health insurance companies will have to dole out for your care--and pass the costs along to the rest of us.

A person who is disabled, has a very much curtailed list of entertainments and activities. If one of the chief remaining pleasures is eating, then why not cut them some slack and allow them to enjoy that pleasure?

 

As for the cost, don't worry. People who eat too much tend to die younger. That saves you paying their pension, and it means that whatever money you are forced to pay for their treatment will be saved from the moment they die. It's a win-win for you. Every premature death, upsetting though it must be for the family, saves you some money.

[ducklite]

In many circumstances, NOT getting out of a lift to let a person in a wheelchair get in, is unreasonable behaviour IMO.

 

If you were in a wheelchair on deck 3, wanting to go to the restaurant at deck 2, and all the lifts coming down from deck 12 were full - what then? If some kind lady or gentleman got out of the lift to let you ride down, saying they would walk the last flight, would you think that was a generous and reasonable thing to do? Or that they were mugs for giving up their "turn"?

 

I would do one of two things. I would either wait until there was room on an elevator, or I would get in an elevator going in the opposite direction of the traffic, take it up (or down) and the ride back in the other direction. I wouldn't expect someone to get out on my behalf, and would strongly encourage them not to and tell them that I paid attention in kindergarten and know how to wait my turn.

[nydoll31]

I am cruising in two weeks with two disabled women. They will both have scooters. Can they go to GSC? I'm concerned that they will not be able to get on and off the tender. Please advise

[ducklite]

I am cruising in two weeks with two disabled women. They will both have scooters. Can they go to GSC? I'm concerned that they will not be able to get on and off the tender. Please advise

 

This will vary by cruise line, you might want to ask in the forum specific to your cruise.

[BeagleOne]

Food is necessary to maintain life. Alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics are not.

[beachchick]

I woke up this AM and can’t believe how many hits my question has generated. I also can’t believe how negative it went. My simple question has turned into a battle ground, and I sorry for that. I am only, but not quite 62. Because of how I was when I was much younger, a punk (not a punk rocker), a so called hippie, a young stupid married kid (that luckily for me did not last long), then later again a married guy with an attitude, (that I now know I embarrassed my DW on more then one occasion). and for some reason known only to her, still married 33 years later. Now I’m a person trying to be a nice guy with a lot of stupid things to make up for.

 

So I can’t believe these words are coming out of me. “I’m ashamed of most of you”.

 

I asked a simple question and it has become a hate fest about over weight people. People that ride scooters that have NO visible sign of a disability. People that go back to the buffet line more than once, People that take too much space in the elevator. For people that walk with a cane and God forbid two days later may be having a good day and may not need that cane for part of the day. People with a me first attitude, and why should I let you get there first, even though a person with a scooter or even a cane can not get through a crowd as fast as an able-bodied person. We should have all the disabled, heavier people than you, older or young people that walk to slow, people that go back to the buffet line more than once, people that may stop too fast that MAKE you run into them even though you are walking too fast and looking everywhere but where you are walking. We should have all of them walk or drive off the plank.

 

Even though I’m not very old, life was much simpler when I was younger, and people had manners, even the kids had manners. Even I had manners. We (I still do) hold doors for people. Even when walking with my cane I will still give up a seat to women or anyone that may need it more then I do. I hope that all the able-bodied people don’t ever have to see the world as we do.

 

I’m going to borrow a movie line here. “stupid is, stupid does”.

 

Kevin

 

While some of the replies may be a tad harsh, the majority and even the harsh ones gave you exactly what you asked for: Both scooter/wheelchair users and non-users, and their opinions and experiences about scooters/wheelchairs on cruises (and perhaps travel in general?). If you didn't want all sides of the issue across the spectrum, then you might have reconsidered posting on an online forum. I'm surprised that you would respond by calling people stupid (and yes, that's what your last line does) and trying to shame them for responding to your question honestly.

 

There seems to be little disagreement that scooters and wheelchairs are accepted; that most people applaud the effort that can be required to travel (kind of the "You go girl/guy" thing); that some people are discourteous, regardless of situation; and that courtesy on the part of everyone is how things work best.

 

My hubby and I are equal opportunity with our kindnesses. I will happily hold the door open for anyone, man or woman or child and walking or wheeling or with a cane. If we can, we will give up a seat to someone who needs it more, though we won't get off the bus or train or elevator. Now, there are days we won't if one or both of us are having a bad day and we need to sit or need the elevator or what have you. We both feel it's important to do the small things that make life better for everyone when we can. My hubby is a gentleman of the old school in that regard. He will open the door, pull out a chair, help someone who needs help, and will defend someone who needs defending (within his capabilities, of course, he's not a super hero or stupidly brave). But we won't tolerate selfishness or rudeness, regardless of who is being selfish or rude. We've had plenty of health challenges in our lives that have completely disrupted what we envisioned and what we had worked hard for. I'm thankful things aren't worse and am aware that someday they could be, but I don't expect anyone to give me a pass on manners and civility because of it.

 

One of my favorite stories is about a young boy who made a great effort to hold a very heavy door open for me at the post office. He was adorable. I smiled and said, "Thank you so much, young man. How nice of you to help me." His mom had preceded him in the door, so when he came in right behind me, he gave her a big smile and was very proud. She and I, as moms, exchanged looks that said, "Thank you for acknowledging my son's kindness" and "You're raising a real gentleman there."

 

I think you're missing the point... that other able bodied person is also assisting someone and so may be a part of the "equipment". Are you planning on helping me if something happens on the elevator ride up without him? Are you going to help me get off the elevator at my floor and wait until I am safely reunited with him? It's not about another able bodied person, it's about the person that is not able bodied needing further aid than just a scooter might offer. He's the one with my list of medications, treatments and most likely my mediport card and other vital information.

 

And if the passengers already on the elevator are a mother with her young children or an adult with an elderly parent or any number of other situations that you would have no idea about? Should the parent push a couple of her kids off the elevator or leave her kids there and step off herself so that you and your hubby can ride together right now? You aren't the only one who needs assistance and it's not always obvious when someone does. It is not up others to take care of you or to get off the elevator for you. If you need to ride together, you need to wait for an elevator that has room for you both. Now, if the situation is people pushing around you, rushing in front, or ignoring that it's your turn, then that is a different matter. That is wrong, no matter what.

 

beachchick

[sherilyn70]

And if the passengers already on the elevator are a mother with her young children or an adult with an elderly parent or any number of other situations that you would have no idea about? Should the parent push a couple of her kids off the elevator or leave her kids there and step off herself so that you and your hubby can ride together right now? You aren't the only one who needs assistance and it's not always obvious when someone does. It is not up others to take care of you or to get off the elevator for you.

 

As previously stated... it is not expected. I feel that all of those also have a priority. All that was said that if someone sees another struggling to get space that hopefully someone less needy would offer some kindness to get them to where they need to be rather than having them wait cycle after cycle and cycle for another elevelator that might never be empty for a good while. It would seem that some of you here have never experienced elevators at a peak time before.

[kakarp]

While some of the replies may be a tad harsh, the majority and even the harsh ones gave you exactly what you asked for: Both scooter/wheelchair users and non-users, and their opinions and experiences about scooters/wheelchairs on cruises (and perhaps travel in general?). If you didn't want all sides of the issue across the spectrum, then you might have reconsidered posting on an online forum. I'm surprised that you would respond by calling people stupid (and yes, that's what your last line does) and trying to shame them for responding to your question honestly.

 

 

My question maybe could have been worded a little differently but not much. Yes this is the first cruise/vacation that I have taken that will/may require me to need some help getting around so as not to disappoint my kids want to do list. But my question was asked to see how others took to and or tolerated scooters. I know how I was with them and mostly my opinion was how I felt bad for disabled and to give them some room to move. That was for most, there were that few that had or have the attitude of get out of my way you dumb a$$. Those few got no help or leeway from me. I did not want or expect my post to turn into a free for all against disabled or overweight (yes they fall into the disabled category) people. This has turned into a how to eat, how to exercise, have extra buses, segregate the disabled from the non-disabled. Why not make us eat in a separate section of the dining room too. OH OH and have a separate casino area for us too. Many of the responses to questions were “STUPID”. Replies from people that have now idea what others may be going through. How the disabilities came about. Take my case for instance. I need to be on some very harsh anti-rejection meds for the rest of my life. And as someone else mentioned Prednisone is one of many for me too. This is a good/bad drug. It’s a great drug when needed but a horrible drug to be on long term, as I am. So for me it’s the meds that help keep me alive that also over time has caused or at least lead to my disability. For obvious reasons I have become more aware of disabilities and the disabled. Both with and without outwardly seen reasons. You would never know from just looking at me that I am disabled, and I hate being considered disabled. But sometimes life really just bits you in the arse. I don’t think most disabled people are asking for special treatment, just a little consideration as to how much more difficult it is to get around while on something other than there own two feet. I know that’s how I feel.

 

Kevin

[Happy ks]

I prefer not to discuss my health issues here, as it is a public forum and there are so many mean people on public forums.

 

I had the experience of needing a wheelchair, temporarily thank goodness. But that time included a cruise. I was so weak upon embarkation, no way could I have walked the distance from the car to the check in desk. As the days wore on, my strength got better and I was able to walk a short distance. By the end of the week, when we disembarked, I loaded the carry on bags onto the wheelchair and pushed it off myself, I cannot tell you how happy I was to do that.

 

I've often wondered how many people thought I was "faking it" to get special treatment. A lot of people tend to make judgements without knowledge. I also feel it is not my place to educate them.

 

It was a great learning experience for me, to see that people with a disability certainly do not get the special treatment the masses assume they do. How many people look down their noses at you for being in a chair (that was a surprise), how many people will jump in front of a chair. The list goes on and on.

 

Since I work with special needs children and the majority of them are in wheelchairs for life, I'm more aware of their feelings now that I've had the experience. I feel so fortunate that I didn't need a wheelchair except for a very short amount of time.

[kakarp]

Yes I did ask for honesty. But I asked how cruisers felt about scooters on ships. Not about the people that use them. Although it has been an eye opening thread. I for one have learned a few things. I will be using my scooter onboard very little. I’ll use my cane and wear my leg braces most of the time. I’ll be able to use my scooter in some ports but not all. Don’t eat a lot if I am using my scooter. If i’m at the back of the elevator on my scooter and people are in front of me at my stop don’t ask if the people in front would please move so that I could leave (I might just have to go up and down until there are less people in the elevator so that I may get off with out taking away someones right to be an able body person. Look on both sides of me before I move left or right (which I do now when I do have to use my scooter). Try to anticipate when the person in front of me will stop short so I my be ready to stop quickly (and keep myself from falling forward because of my quick stop). Don’t dare ask someone that is standing still and blocking the way if they would please move so that I my continue (I think the rule is I must sit there patiently until said person moves on). And yes even thought at this stage of my life I’m trying to be a nice guy to somewhat make up for being a arse most of my life, I did come across as condescending with some of my replies. SORRY to anyone I may have offended. Well at least I can still laugh after all this. LOL

 

Thanks All

Kevin

[ducklite]

And if the passengers already on the elevator are a mother with her young children or an adult with an elderly parent or any number of other situations that you would have no idea about? Should the parent push a couple of her kids off the elevator or leave her kids there and step off herself so that you and your hubby can ride together right now? You aren't the only one who needs assistance and it's not always obvious when someone does. It is not up others to take care of you or to get off the elevator for you. If you need to ride together, you need to wait for an elevator that has room for you both. Now, if the situation is people pushing around you, rushing in front, or ignoring that it's your turn, then that is a different matter. That is wrong, no matter what.

 

beachchick

 

Exactly! The entitlement mentality is alive and well with certain people on this thread.

[ducklite]

As previously stated... it is not expected. I feel that all of those also have a priority. All that was said that if someone sees another struggling to get space that hopefully someone less needy would offer some kindness to get them to where they need to be rather than having them wait cycle after cycle and cycle for another elevelator that might never be empty for a good while. It would seem that some of you here have never experienced elevators at a peak time before.

 

You say it's not expected, but in the same sentence you call anyone who won't give up their space so you don't have to wait "heartless." I told you how to get around that by riding in the opposite direction first, but you'd rather just expect others to give up the space that they might also have waited a long time for so you don't have to wait. You seem to think it's fine to inconvenience others, but refuse to be inconvenienced by riding a few extra floors yourself.

[ducklite]

Are you a politician? you seem to have VERY strong opinions on how other people should live their lives.

 

I'm a taxpayer that's disgusted.

[ducklite]

Yes I did ask for honesty. But I asked how cruisers felt about scooters on ships. Not about the people that use them. Although it has been an eye opening thread. I for one have learned a few things. I will be using my scooter onboard very little. I’ll use my cane and wear my leg braces most of the time. I’ll be able to use my scooter in some ports but not all. Don’t eat a lot if I am using my scooter. If i’m at the back of the elevator on my scooter and people are in front of me at my stop don’t ask if the people in front would please move so that I could leave (I might just have to go up and down until there are less people in the elevator so that I may get off with out taking away someones right to be an able body person. Look on both sides of me before I move left or right (which I do now when I do have to use my scooter). Try to anticipate when the person in front of me will stop short so I my be ready to stop quickly (and keep myself from falling forward because of my quick stop). Don’t dare ask someone that is standing still and blocking the way if they would please move so that I my continue (I think the rule is I must sit there patiently until said person moves on). And yes even thought at this stage of my life I’m trying to be a nice guy to somewhat make up for being a arse most of my life, I did come across as condescending with some of my replies. SORRY to anyone I may have offended. Well at least I can still laugh after all this. LOL

 

Thanks All

Kevin

 

I never saw anyone say anything about people not leaving an elevator temporarily so someone in the back can get off--whether they are in a scooter or not. That's just good manners. The only elevator discussion was one poster who feels that just because she is using a scooter, people should get off the elevator and stay off so that she and her party can ride without waiting.

[dsrdsrdsr]

Yes I did ask for honesty. But I asked how cruisers felt about scooters on ships. Not about the people that use them.

In that case, I don't have a strong opinion about scooters. They don't do anything, after all. As items of furniture, they're a bit big and not very practical.

 

(It's a bit like asking how people feel about cars - if you want people to go on about inconsiderate drivers, traffic jams, accident potential, convenience, etc., you'd get a long thread. But if you want to talk about cars without drivers, sitting safely in their garages, there wouldn't be much to talk about.)

[kakarp]

Ducklite: your right the elevator thing was just put in for jest. I have to laugh or at the very least giggle.

 

Kevin

[sharpasice]

How do you know the ones who use a scooter for "convenience" and those who don't? I may look perfectly healthy, but my post polio syndrome has taken my legs from me. So, how DO you know by looking at someone if they're just using a scooter for convenience?

 

 

This is soooo true..I look fine and so does my husband..BUT I need 2 knee replacements and am trying to last as long as I can..for some strange reason the surgery required terrifies me, even though my kidney surgery for cancer didn't faze me! My hubby has had multiple back surgeries and has great difficulty walking ..I have to force him to use a scooter, even in Disney..I have tried to price the travel scoot for rental on the ship but the price is quite high..(I need 2 wks since we will be in WDW the week prior to our Oasis cruise) We figured we could share the scooter...depending on which of us is having the most difficulty that day..the price for 2 rentals would be over $1000!!!! Anyway, getting back to how do you know the people who need a scooter vs those who use it for convenience....just this week we returned from a trip to Mississippi (we are from Chicago) going to the gate at the airport, both of us used a wheelchair..it is way too far to walk..but the airport in Gulfport is less than 1/2 the walk at Midway..of course, we heard comments when people saw us walking..although I walked with a cane and my hubby walked very slowly. Same thing on the trip home..no w/c in Gulfport but w/c at Midway ..people can be so cruel.

 

If people would take the time to look closely they'd see that my hubby always walks slowly and sometimes drags his foot and I can often walk quickly but almost always with a limp.

 

Getting back to how do we feel about people with scooters?? I think the majority of people who use them, use them because they need them. There are SOME who use them just because they can..and they are the rude, pushy people who run into you. Those people I cannot stand..I think on some cruise ships they should require a Dr's note..(although if Handicapped placards are so easy to get then the note will be too)..but I think it's a lot of trouble..and those that don't really need the scooters may not go this far..I also think that scooters on a ship or even in WDW for that matter should be issued a license plate of sorts so if they do run into people purposely they can be reported..and be issued a stern warning. Or in some cases a fine.

 

I know I have written a book here but Kevin, do NOT let anyone embarrass you just because you are using a scooter..don't pay any attention to their remarks and comments..after all....you will probably never see these people again, so who cares!!! Enjoy your life and use whatever you need to make your pain and illness manageable enough to have that wonderful cruise and vacation..you deserve it!