Advice Require - Pax with Newly Broken Leg

[Chip and Dale]

I see you are from Georgian Bay, Ontario. If you are flying out of Toronto Pearson Airport, you can rent a wheelchair at very reasonable rates from Baby to Senior, 1035 Queensway East (Queensway and Cawthra Road) in Mississauga. 289-521-5003. I recently broke my ankle and rented crutches and a scooter from them as I recovered. We are cruising in January and I will be renting a wheelchair at that time because I am still wary of making my way through the airports, let alone the cruise ship. My plan is to bring my own rental wheelchair, and request disembarkation assistance from Royal Caribbean. May we both have wonderful cruises even with our injuries!

 

We debated whether or not to bring along a wheelchair, or to order one for the ship. I contacted Air Canada and all we need to do is get to the counter which I can do and they will escort me in a wheelchair/or transport throughout. We will allow plenty of time and have something to eat in the lounge and then the concierge will take us to the gate. There will be a wheelchair for me when we get off of the plane to take me out to get a taxi.

 

I contacted the Renaissance FLL cruise port where we are staying and they will have a wheel chair ready for me when the cab pulls up and have promised a room with a shower that I can easily access.

 

I called Special Needs at Sea to order a wheelchair for the ship and OMG what an amazing company. I spoke with Norma and she simply could not have been more kind nor more efficient. I have paid for the chair rental, it was only $108 for 11 nights (a bargain!!!!!) and the signature forms have already been signed and returned to us officially. Norma told us what to do if anything goes wrong and promised they will take care of anything we need.

 

So far it looks like the only time I will be navigating my way will be getting on the ship. As long as it isn't horribly busy and people are kind, then I shouldn't have trouble. I know the port. We can take the elevator....right now I am terrified of escalators!!!! My hope is that in two weeks, I am even more mobile (fingers crossed!!!) and it will be easier getting off than getting on.

 

I sincerely hope that all goes well for you and that you have everything that you need to enjoy your cruise! Thanks so very much for the info and the well wishes!

Dee

[Chip and Dale]

My sincere condolences on the loss of your sister.

 

It looks like you've gotten some good advice on how to make the trip more manageable if you decide to go forward and take the cruise. No better way to start 2017.

 

Thank you so much for your kindness! The pain in my knee is nothing compared to the pain of our loss. Day by day! :)

 

I have put everything in place that we possibly can for now. Hopefully the force is with us. We are meeting up with a group of very good friends onboard. The packing is getting there and we have until about 2 p.m. Saturday to get everything organized.

Thanks again,

Dee

[lazydayz]

Have a wonderful cruise!

[Grandma Dazzles]

Hope you get everything worked out - enjoy your cruise as much as you can!

[broberts]

...

So far it looks like the only time I will be navigating my way will be getting on the ship. As long as it isn't horribly busy and people are kind, then I shouldn't have trouble. I know the port. We can take the elevator....right now I am terrified of escalators!!!! My hope is that in two weeks, I am even more mobile (fingers crossed!!!) and it will be easier getting off than getting on.

...

 

Sounds like you have worked things out. Royal Caribbean can provide assistance between terminal and ship. Contact Royal Caribbean's special needs department, (866) 592-7225 or special_needs@rccl.com, to request boarding assistance. (http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithHero.do?pagename=getting_on_and_off_the_ship)

[Margy23]

Dee, I'm so glad your plans are coming together.

 

Best wishes for excellent cruises to both Chip and Dale and heartscontent.

 

Margy

Edited December 30, 2016 by Margy23

[vacationlover_mn]

Have a great cruise!

 

 

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[Chip and Dale]

Thanks so much to everyone for the kindness, support and well wishes!!!! It is greatly appreciated.

 

We are packing and hoping everything goes well and will deal with whatever happens that doesn't. Funny how certain things that crop up in one's life changes expectations and reorganizes thoughts on what truly matters.

 

My darling Dennis has been such a tremendous support as have my kids throughout. My little girl is a new Mommy and has spent a great deal of time trying to mother her mommy! My oldest son has done the same. Such good kids!

 

Our friends are very happy that we are going on the cruise. It will be so good to see everyone!

 

I hope that you all have an amazing New Year with excellent health and much prosperity!

God Bless and Thanks again!!!!

Dee :)

[Chip and Dale]

Sounds like you have worked things out. Royal Caribbean can provide assistance between terminal and ship. Contact Royal Caribbean's special needs department, (866) 592-7225 or special_needs@rccl.com, to request boarding assistance. (http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithHero.do?pagename=getting_on_and_off_the_ship)

 

Thanks for the info. I did contact them initially which is what prompted me to start the thread and request information from passengers who had traveled with a similar issue. I wasn't impressed with the Special Needs department to say the least. I may call and request a wheel chair for boarding, but I may just use my crutches and go with the elevator. I will decide today.

 

Every company I have dealt with including: Air Canada, The Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel and Special Needs at Sea have been helpful and very pleasant to deal with. It could simply be the two individuals that I dealt with in specials needs and C and A, I'm not sure, but WOW did they have poor attitudes.

Thanks again for the information. You are very kind!

Dee

[cruisenfever]

Thanks for the info. I did contact them initially which is what prompted me to start the thread and request information from passengers who had traveled with a similar issue. I wasn't impressed with the Special Needs department to say the least. I may call and request a wheel chair for boarding, but I may just use my crutches and go with the elevator. I will decide today.

 

Every company I have dealt with including: Air Canada, The Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel and Special Needs at Sea have been helpful and very pleasant to deal with. It could simply be the two individuals that I dealt with in specials needs and C and A, I'm not sure, but WOW did they have poor attitudes.

Thanks again for the information. You are very kind!

Dee

Dee, sorry about your broken knee cap and glad that you called Special Needs at Sea. We also had to use them as we needed a POC in our cabin. We dealt with Kenya and she was so kind and helpful. The POC was delivered to our cabin at approximately 1:15. They told us by 2PM.

 

Also, when you get to the Port, after you drop off your luggage, as you enter the terminal, to your left will be the wheel chairs that Port Personnel use to get pax through security and then to check in. I am sure that Dennis can go inside and have one brought outside for you.

 

After you are checked in you are turned over to an RCI crew member that will wheel you on board by way of Deck 2. This was our experience on 12/23. The young lady that worked for the Port that helped us was amazing. I hope you experience the same treatment.

 

Cabins were ready at 1PM on our 12/23 cruise, so if you board after 1PM, they will wheel you directly to your cabin.

Edited December 30, 2016 by cruisenfever

[hardinggrad]

I cruised last year following surgery for a broken leg. I had a knee scooter, so that helped me getting around the ship. I wouldn't recommend using crutches to board the ship because the ramps are fairly steep. I would use the wheelchairs they provide to board and disembark the ship.

 

We also rented a wheelchair for my mom who has mobility issues. It was in her stateroom, but she did use RCCL's wheelchairs to get onto the ship.

[Casey2]

I am very surprised to hear that RC does not supply wheelchairs. Several years ago while on the Oasis, I sprained my ankle during a shore excursion . I went to the ship's doctor to have it X rayed to see if it was broken. Since walking was very difficult and painful, he suggested that I use a wheelchair to get around. I went to customer relations and they gave me a wheelchair with no problem. I was allowed to keep the wheelchair until I disembarked.

[nancronin]

I am very surprised to hear that RC does not supply wheelchairs. Several years ago while on the Oasis, I sprained my ankle during a shore excursion . I went to the ship's doctor to have it X rayed to see if it was broken. Since walking was very difficult and painful, he suggested that I use a wheelchair to get around. I went to customer relations and they gave me a wheelchair with no problem. I was allowed to keep the wheelchair until I disembarked.

They have wheelchairs if you get hurt during the cruise but they don't have enough for everyone.

[fred30]

When you rent a scooter or any other piece of equipment what happens if it fails during the cruise?

[Chip and Dale]

Dee, sorry about your broken knee cap and glad that you called Special Needs at Sea. We also had to use them as we needed a POC in our cabin. We dealt with Kenya and she was so kind and helpful. The POC was delivered to our cabin at approximately 1:15. They told us by 2PM.

 

Also, when you get to the Port, after you drop off your luggage, as you enter the terminal, to your left will be the wheel chairs that Port Personnel use to get pax through security and then to check in. I am sure that Dennis can go inside and have one brought outside for you.

 

After you are checked in you are turned over to an RCI crew member that will wheel you on board by way of Deck 2. This was our experience on 12/23. The young lady that worked for the Port that helped us was amazing. I hope you experience the same treatment.

 

Cabins were ready at 1PM on our 12/23 cruise, so if you board after 1PM, they will wheel you directly to your cabin.

 

Bless you Patti! Thanks so much for the information. I told Dennis where you said we could find the wheelchairs.

 

I'm am so incredibly fortunate that I am able to actually walk using the crutches, they are to be with me anytime I am the least bit mobile so that there is something to lean on and against. I will see if what you experienced is the same for us. If not, I will try to use the elevator and walk on. A couple of years ago one of our friends waited for hours to be taken on the ship and it was soooooo busy where they were told to wait for a crew member to escort them.

 

Thank goodness the rest of me is in excellent shape! It takes me a while to get myself ready since I move a little bit slowly so that I don't risk falling. Good advice about the timing. We will give it a shot!

 

Are you on our cruise?

Thanks for the info!!!!

Dee

[Chip and Dale]

When you rent a scooter or any other piece of equipment what happens if it fails during the cruise?

 

I was given explicit instructions to contact Guest Services immediately if I have a problem with the wheel chair or if it is not in my cabin by 2 p.m. Guest Services must contact the company on your behalf. Hopefully Guest Services are aware of this :)

 

Fortunately we have some handy people traveling with us. I think I would be more concerned if it was a scooter than using the wheelchair. More working parts with a scooter, but hopefully they make sure that everything is workable prior to delivery to the ship. Fingers crossed!

Dee

[Chip and Dale]

I cruised last year following surgery for a broken leg. I had a knee scooter, so that helped me getting around the ship. I wouldn't recommend using crutches to board the ship because the ramps are fairly steep. I would use the wheelchairs they provide to board and disembark the ship.

 

We also rented a wheelchair for my mom who has mobility issues. It was in her stateroom, but she did use RCCL's wheelchairs to get onto the ship.

 

I'm actually relatively mobile considering. I can go short distances using the crutches for support, just can't walk a long way. I will see if I can use a wheelchair, if not will try with the crutches for support. I cannot take my brace off until I am situated in the cabin, therefore to sit with people milling around and possibly knocking into me is not such a good thing. Hopefully it all works with the wheelchairs.

 

Thanks so much for the info! Greatly appreciated!

Dee

[cruisenfever]

When you rent a scooter or any other piece of equipment what happens if it fails during the cruise?

In our case, Special Needs at Sea brought on board 2 POC's so that if the one in our cabin fails to work, we just contact Guest Services and they will replace it with the spare on board.

 

Bless you Patti! Thanks so much for the information. I told Dennis where you said we could find the wheelchairs.

 

I'm am so incredibly fortunate that I am able to actually walk using the crutches, they are to be with me anytime I am the least bit mobile so that there is something to lean on and against. I will see if what you experienced is the same for us. If not, I will try to use the elevator and walk on. A couple of years ago one of our friends waited for hours to be taken on the ship and it was soooooo busy where they were told to wait for a crew member to escort them.

 

Thank goodness the rest of me is in excellent shape! It takes me a while to get myself ready since I move a little bit slowly so that I don't risk falling. Good advice about the timing. We will give it a shot!

 

Are you on our cruise?

Thanks for the info!!!!

Dee

Yes, we are currently on board and will be until January 23.

[xxoocruiser]

 

I contacted the Renaissance FLL cruise port where we are staying and they will have a wheel chair ready for me when the cab pulls up and have promised a room with a shower that I can easily access.

 

I sincerely hope that all goes well for you and that you have everything that you need to enjoy your cruise! Thanks so very much for the info and the well wishes!

Dee

 

You also had the option of having SpecialNeedsatSeas deliver the wheelchair to the Hotel. You than would transfer it to the ship yourself and have it for boarding while not having to wait for in que for wheelchair chair from RCCL . The chair would than just be left in the cabin on disembarkation day for pickup. This might be something to consider.

 

Also important to noet that though the rental contract states that the wheelchair will be delivered by 2:00 PM to your cabin it can and often is delayed. Reason being that the ship's supplies take priorty loading on board and the rental mobility equipment is often the last loaded.

Once on board have someone go check the cabin to see if the wheelchair was delivered. If RCCl staff stops the person checking for you just ask them if they would check .

[cruisenfever]

You also had the option of having SpecialNeedsatSeas deliver the wheelchair to the Hotel. You than would transfer it to the ship yourself and have it for boarding while not having to wait for in que for wheelchair chair from RCCL . The chair would than just be left in the cabin on disembarkation day for pickup. This might be something to consider.

 

Also important to noet that though the rental contract states that the wheelchair will be delivered by 2:00 PM to your cabin it can and often is delayed. Reason being that the ship's supplies take priorty loading on board and the rental mobility equipment is often the last loaded.

Once on board have someone go check the cabin to see if the wheelchair was delivered. If RCCl staff stops the person checking for you just ask them if they would check .

We certainly didn't experience any delay on December 23 for our POC. SN@S told us 2PM and at 1:15 we actually meet the rep on Deck 10 with the unit and we all walked to our cabin where he set it up.

 

Just an FYI, but there is a delivery fee when having something delivered to somewhere other than the ship.

[Chip and Dale]

You also had the option of having SpecialNeedsatSeas deliver the wheelchair to the Hotel. You than would transfer it to the ship yourself and have it for boarding while not having to wait for in que for wheelchair chair from RCCL . The chair would than just be left in the cabin on disembarkation day for pickup. This might be something to consider.

 

Also important to noet that though the rental contract states that the wheelchair will be delivered by 2:00 PM to your cabin it can and often is delayed. Reason being that the ship's supplies take priorty loading on board and the rental mobility equipment is often the last loaded.

Once on board have someone go check the cabin to see if the wheelchair was delivered. If RCCl staff stops the person checking for you just ask them if they would check .

 

 

Thanks, we discussed the multitude of options and the simplest was the way that we are doing it. Fortunately I'm not completely incapacitated and can walk short distances using crutches for support. We were warned about the timing and to contact guest services if the chair has not arrived by muster. This would mean that it is RCI's responsibility to either get the chair to me, or supply me with one of their chairs so I can attend the muster drill.

 

After the hell that I have been through during the past few months, whether or not the chair is on time or I need to ask about it is really not a huge concern. If we have any severe problems and it isn't delivered, we can buy one in a port if need be. Food can be delivered to the cabin and my darling husband can get me drinks if need be. Office chairs work well as stand ins for wheel chairs in my case as well :)

 

I'm trying to keep an open mind and be patient with everyone and everything. I have every faith in the world that things will fall into place :)

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Dee

[Chip and Dale]

We certainly didn't experience any delay on December 23 for our POC. SN@S told us 2PM and at 1:15 we actually meet the rep on Deck 10 with the unit and we all walked to our cabin where he set it up.

 

Just an FYI, but there is a delivery fee when having something delivered to somewhere other than the ship.

 

Thanks Patti!

 

My thoughts are that if it is there it is there and if it isn't well we will figure it out. Some of our friends have suggested that I hire 2 pool boys to carry me around :eek::p.

 

There is no ice in the Caribbean and I'm sure that my sister will be smiling down on me so all will be well!

 

The biggest reason for the wheelchair is the fact that we have an aft cabin and the hall is soooooooooo long!

Dee

[boat123]

have you thought about a walker with a seat, it is called a rollater. that way you can sit if you get tired

[Chip and Dale]

We did consider a walker but there is too much distance and it is difficult to propel myself with a walker vs a wheelchair. So far what we have arranged seems like the safest and easiest option. If not then I have lots of books to read on the balcony. Thanks for the suggestion! Very thoughtful!

Dee

 

 

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[Grandma Dazzles]

Another suggestion, Dee. Don't remember what dining plans you have - or if you mentioned. Suggest visiting MDR once you board to see where your table is located, assuming you are using a wheelchair.

 

On the Serenade in April dining room tables were very close together. There was very little room to maneuver a wheelchair. My table was great - large table near the window in a back corner - great new friends. However, one lady was in a wheelchair and after a couple of nights they requested a change. Nothing about the company at the table; just too hard to get to the table. They were moved up to the front closer to the door, which was so much easier for them. Still stopped and said hello each evening!

 

Would suggest checking this out. If you are with a group of friends all at one table it would be easy to change just the table number. If just a few of you, not an entire table, still should be possible, but easier to do when you board.

 

If you have my time dining this would not apply, as you are seated differently each evening.

 

Just a thought! Good luck and enjoy the cruise.