Taking a "scootered" friend on a cruise-Help!

[queenfrostine22]

Can anyone out there with scooter experience give me a few tips on how to navigate Mariner of the Seas with a "scootered friend?"

Where do you put the scooter when you go to the Schooner Bar? Can you leave them at the door so to speak? How about the Dining room?

What about the Casino?  or Windjammer?  or Venues for the shows?

Is there a special place for the Muster? 

Can a scooter fit through our cabin door? I booked us a Grand suite  for November and am now starting to worry about everything!

Will we encounter "the mean" folks in the elevators? 

I have cruised many time but just never noticed where all the scooters go once on the ship.

I am always understanding when people have disabilities but have seen others be less than nice. 

Am I worrying too much?

Appreciate any help you can give😃

 

 

[Cruiser_1977]

When you say scooter are you referring to this (or something very similar)? 

 

Please see this page on the royal website. It will answer some of your questions.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/accessible-cruising/accessible-staterooms

 

Will we encounter "the mean" folks in the elevators? Highly likely. Seems elevators on cruise ships bring out the worst in some folks.

Edited September 18, 2019 by JennyB1977

[charmy98]

I have always rented a scooter for our cruises but this year I am travelling with my own. To answer your questions as best I can. At the Schooner bar you can leave it near the door but make sure it is out of people's way. The casino I would park mine next to the Steel rail near the steps down into the casino, once again just make sure it is out of the way. The windjammer I was able to get a table near the side door entrance and the attendant lifted the rope for me to put the scooter beside me, once again out of anyone else's way. You cannot leave it outside your cabin in the hallway. But if it is a rented one it will fit through a normal cabin door. Elevators well I have come across all types of people, sometimes you can be the first one waiting for an elevator and when one comes all of a sudden people rush in ahead of you and you can't fit in, others have been very considerate and ushered me in first, it's no different than being out in a big city you will come across all types. The main thing is just be considerate as to where you leave it and enjoy and have fun. Oh and if you leave it in the casino make sure to take the key! I had one young fellow take mine for a joy ride once 😂

[island284]

All to often people rush into an elevator with no consideration for those who are on scooters and require more space. Here’s a hint ...if an empty elevator stops where you are and there is space, get on it. Sometimes you have to go up to go down or down to go up. At least you have your space!

[queenfrostine22]

1 hour ago, JennyB1977 said:

When you say scooter are you referring to this (or something very similar)? 

 

Please see this page on the royal website. It will answer some of your questions.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/accessible-cruising/accessible-staterooms

 

Will we encounter "the mean" folks in the elevators? Highly likely. Seems elevators on cruise ships bring out the worst in some folks.

Yes. It is a travel scooter. Thanks for the website!

[queenfrostine22]

52 minutes ago, charmy98 said:

I have always rented a scooter for our cruises but this year I am travelling with my own. To answer your questions as best I can. At the Schooner bar you can leave it near the door but make sure it is out of people's way. The casino I would park mine next to the Steel rail near the steps down into the casino, once again just make sure it is out of the way. The windjammer I was able to get a table near the side door entrance and the attendant lifted the rope for me to put the scooter beside me, once again out of anyone else's way. You cannot leave it outside your cabin in the hallway. But if it is a rented one it will fit through a normal cabin door. Elevators well I have come across all types of people, sometimes you can be the first one waiting for an elevator and when one comes all of a sudden people rush in ahead of you and you can't fit in, others have been very considerate and ushered me in first, it's no different than being out in a big city you will come across all types. The main thing is just be considerate as to where you leave it and enjoy and have fun. Oh and if you leave it in the casino make sure to take the key! I had one young fellow take mine for a joy ride once 😂

Thank you Charmy98 for all info. Glad to hear that in most places she will be able to park and walk a short distance!

and, Eek, never thought someone might take it on a personal joyride!

[queenfrostine22]

7 minutes ago, island284 said:

All to often people rush into an elevator with no consideration for those who are on scooters and require more space. Here’s a hint ...if an empty elevator stops where you are and there is space, get on it. Sometimes you have to go up to go down or down to go up. At least you have your space!

Thank you. will get on whatever elevator shows up with any spce in it!

[ptod]

The staff in the MDR will park the scooter out of the way once you are settle at your table and retrieve it whenever you are ready to leave.  Put the key on a key chain/wristlet and ask for the key to be brought back to you.  The staff once gave my FIL's scooter to a lady and freaked out a little when they realized their mistake.  Took about 10 minutes to get that straighten out.....not like she could have gotten very far during that sea day.... 😁

 

Go check out the theatre when there is nothing going on.  You will then know what floor to enter on and where the seats are that will best work for you and your friend.

 

Your comment about not noticing scooters on your previous cruises means that the staff are pros at hiding them in plain sight.

 

Please don't fret too much about issues with catching an elevator.  There are plenty of guests willing to help scooter users get a ride.  My husband and I blocked a crowd from an empty elevator on the Anthem to allow 2 scooters to finally get on.  We also fell on the sword and rode with them to push the buttons for them.  Tee hee

 

Best advice is to head to your next venue early to miss most of the crowds and have ample time to get settled, then wait a few minutes after a show to allow most of the crowd to disperse.

 

Happy cruising!

[spookwife]

as general rule they fit everywhere.   for MDR,  you can either ask  for a  table close to the front entrance or you just park it outside the doors and walk in

 

Muster can  either be done at the  regular station or at the special needs station( typically the theater)

 

they MUST be parked inside the cabin  when not in use.. even for just a short time.  you need to know up front the dimensions of the scooter( with and without arms) to determine whether it will fit.   GS are a decent size inside so storing it out of the way should be doable without issue.  you can also have  furniture removed to make more room as well.  

 

tender ports  its very possible  that the scooter will not be allowed on board the tenders.  for the  regular ports  the crew  will be able to assist somewhat if the ramps are steep.  

 

I do suggest she practice on carpeting if possible as well as higher thresholds if she isn't already well versed there.  .   for some reason the doorways seem to be problematic to  some getting them up and over.  

[kearney]

If you are renting a scooter from special needs at sea.... their small and scooter for <350lbs will fit in most cabins... but it would be best to pick a cabin where the bed is by the window/slider. Most ships have the bathroom door open towards the entry making it a bit difficult to park your scooter and get into the restroom... if the bed is further back...you have more room to work with.... Yes sometimes people are a bit rude... I tend to lead the way to make room for DH and his scooter. The newer class ships like Oasis have more elevators and they are a bit larger than the ones on older ships.. They will help you get off and on the ship while in port... but here is a hint... check the tide schedule... because it is more difficult to get on in high tide... but crew will help push. The challenge I am still working on is excursions.... DH can walk... just not long distances. next cruise I am going to investigate the possibility of leaving scooter our of the way someplace near the gangway and then see if we can get wheelchair assistance to the buses... or see if I can borrow a wheel chair for a bit...  If you just plan on driving around town..it will depend upon the port as to how accessible it is...  Just don;t let it stress you and roll with it ...so to speakc

[queenfrostine22]

Thank you so much, kearney, spookwife & ptod -all of you have given such great advice. I hope things all work out well. 

Not sure if we will get off the boat for any excursions, even coco cay.  She is much older than I am and I would just love for her to have a wonderful time on her first cruise!

Luckily she does enjoy gambling and a drink here and there!

[Snit13]

1 hour ago, queenfrostine22 said:

Thank you so much, kearney, spookwife & ptod -all of you have given such great advice. I hope things all work out well. 

Not sure if we will get off the boat for any excursions, even coco cay.  She is much older than I am and I would just love for her to have a wonderful time on her first cruise!

Luckily she does enjoy gambling and a drink here and there!

Don't know what age has to do with it.  I am 81 and just had open heart surgery but that will not stop me from scooting around Harmony and enjoying my cruise.  I have rented a scooter on recent cruises and except for a group of teens I found everyone more than helpful when it came to elevators.  Have a GS on Harmony and had GS on last cruise and it was not an issue other than having someone hold the door to the cabin when entering and exiting.  You have been given some excellent suggestions and I am certain all will be fine and you two will have a wonderful cruise.

[queenfrostine22]

31 minutes ago, Snit13 said:

Don't know what age has to do with it.  I am 81 and just had open heart surgery but that will not stop me from scooting around Harmony and enjoying my cruise.  I have rented a scooter on recent cruises and except for a group of teens I found everyone more than helpful when it came to elevators.  Have a GS on Harmony and had GS on last cruise and it was not an issue other than having someone hold the door to the cabin when entering and exiting.  You have been given some excellent suggestions and I am certain all will be fine and you two will have a wonderful cruise.

Thank you Snit 13- I am feeling much more positive with all of the helpful advice.

[ptod]

1 hour ago, Snit13 said:

it was not an issue other than having someone hold the door to the cabin when entering and exiting

Ask your cabin steward if you can borrow a door wedge.  We found it easier to wedge the door open and then get out of the driver's way.  Fewer toes were run over. 😉

[Bloodgem]

8 hours ago, ptod said:

Ask your cabin steward if you can borrow a door wedge.  We found it easier to wedge the door open and then get out of the driver's way.  Fewer toes were run over. 😉

If you ask the cabin steward for a wedge be prepared for a 'no' answer. We were on the Navigator in 2018 and asked for a wedge our request was denied on health and safety grounds. We did take the request further up the chain but we kept getting the same answer. On other cruise we have been allowed a wedge.

 

The only other thing I can add to all the other good advice you have been given is; drive slowly. Your friend is properly use to people suddenly stopping in front of her scooter or even darting out in front of her but it happens more often on cruises.   

[Snit13]

12 hours ago, ptod said:

Ask your cabin steward if you can borrow a door wedge.  We found it easier to wedge the door open and then get out of the driver's way.  Fewer toes were run over. 😉

Wonder if they sell those door wedges at WalMart.  Have to check it out.

[ptod]

1 hour ago, Snit13 said:

Wonder if they sell those door wedges at WalMart.  Have to check it out.

I was going to suggest bringing one along once I saw the above post about not being able to borrow one on some ships.  If you have a choice, buy a heavy duty door stop.  I can understand the concern onboard for safety by crew.  We wedged the cabin door open only as long as necessary. Quick in and out worked for our family.

[queenfrostine22]

Thank you. I will look into purchasing a door wedge. I know from experience that sometimes when you ask the steward for something it never appears. I never take it personally. They are way to busy.

How does disembarking work? Do I need to go to guest services to make arrangements? The scooter will remain on the ship and she will be getting a wheelchair escort back to the terminal. Do they stay til we are through customs, or are we on our own once we get off the ship?

[molsonschooner]

18 hours ago, kearney said:

If you are renting a scooter from special needs at sea.... their small and scooter for <350lbs will fit in most cabins... but it would be best to pick a cabin where the bed is by the window/slider. Most ships have the bathroom door open towards the entry making it a bit difficult to park your scooter and get into the restroom... if the bed is further back...you have more room to work with.... Yes sometimes people are a bit rude... I tend to lead the way to make room for DH and his scooter. The newer class ships like Oasis have more elevators and they are a bit larger than the ones on older ships.. They will help you get off and on the ship while in port... but here is a hint... check the tide schedule... because it is more difficult to get on in high tide... but crew will help push. The challenge I am still working on is excursions.... DH can walk... just not long distances. next cruise I am going to investigate the possibility of leaving scooter our of the way someplace near the gangway and then see if we can get wheelchair assistance to the buses... or see if I can borrow a wheel chair for a bit...  If you just plan on driving around town..it will depend upon the port as to how accessible it is...  Just don;t let it stress you and roll with it ...so to speakc

on our cruise this past March on Harmony DW was not allowed to park her scooter bear the gang way. For us this was not a big deal. DW drove down to the gang way, DS drove the scooter back to our cabin. Then when we got back on board DS retrieved the scooter

[molsonschooner]

49 minutes ago, queenfrostine22 said:

Thank you. I will look into purchasing a door wedge. I know from experience that sometimes when you ask the steward for something it never appears. I never take it personally. They are way to busy.

How does disembarking work? Do I need to go to guest services to make arrangements? The scooter will remain on the ship and she will be getting a wheelchair escort back to the terminal. Do they stay til we are through customs, or are we on our own once we get off the ship?

go to guest services a couple of days before the end of the cruise. They will give you instructions on where to meet and what time. If you have to be off the ship early and are not using the luggage valet program, be sure to ask at Guest Services for a low number luggage tags. Once you get to the meeting place, let the crew know if you are in a hurry. There will be a crew member to get you to exit off the ship then a port worker will take you the rest of the way out, including getting you a porter if needed, going through the check out then outside to transportation

Edited September 19, 2019 by molsonschooner
spelling

[kearney]

3 hours ago, molsonschooner said:

on our cruise this past March on Harmony DW was not allowed to park her scooter bear the gang way. For us this was not a big deal. DW drove down to the gang way, DS drove the scooter back to our cabin. Then when we got back on board DS retrieved the scooter

Thanks for that info... I have had trouble getting solid info from either Celebrity or Royal on how to get to ship sponsored excursion... when you need help getting there..but you can get on the bus... Several have told me that on celebrity they were allowed to park not far from gangway on the ship...it may depend upon the ship and if there is room. Cant see doing that on a large ship like Oasis class... Next cruise I may see if I can park ... say near Customer relations and then catch up with DH. This is one weakness of the cruise lines accessibility efforts. 

[queenfrostine22]

Thank you molsonschooner-I need to make sure I take a pic. with my phone so I can remember all this great information.

If I don't write it down or take a photo I surely won't remember it by  cruise time!

[molsonschooner]

2 hours ago, queenfrostine22 said:

Thank you molsonschooner-I need to make sure I take a pic. with my phone so I can remember all this great information.

If I don't write it down or take a photo I surely won't remember it by  cruise time!

you are welcome, glad to help

[Snit13]

2 hours ago, queenfrostine22 said:

Thank you molsonschooner-I need to make sure I take a pic. with my phone so I can remember all this great information.

If I don't write it down or take a photo I surely won't remember it by  cruise time!

Is your friend picking her rental scooter up in the terminal or having it delivered to the cabin?  I rent from Scootaround and pick my scooter up in the terminal.  I then drive off the ship and return the scooter to the terminal.  Always get a porter and tip extra to have him take my luggage to shuttle back to parking.  Usually am off ship and out to shuttle in about 10 minutes.  I ask room steward for lowest number luggage tag so I can get off as soon as those who self disembark are off.  Very important to get to staging area for wheelchairs/scooters very early to get name on list.  They seem to follow the list and no matter how much you beg will not deviate.  I have tried and failed to get name on list thru Guest Services.

[queenfrostine22]

3 minutes ago, Snit13 said:

Is your friend picking her rental scooter up in the terminal or having it delivered to the cabin?  I rent from Scootaround and pick my scooter up in the terminal.  I then drive off the ship and return the scooter to the terminal.  Always get a porter and tip extra to have him take my luggage to shuttle back to parking.  Usually am off ship and out to shuttle in about 10 minutes.  I ask room steward for lowest number luggage tag so I can get off as soon as those who self disembark are off.  Very important to get to staging area for wheelchairs/scooters very early to get name on list.  They seem to follow the list and no matter how much you beg will not deviate.  I have tried and failed to get name on list thru Guest Services.

She is having the scooter delivered to the cabin. I didn't know that there was any other option. I will ask her about seeing if she can pick it up at the terminal instead. It sounds easier. Plus it gives her a little more practice time before scooting around on the ship.