My father has breathing problems. We found out he has COPD. We rented a scooter for him last Christmas on the Horizon. He can't walk far without becoming out of breath. People need to respect persons with disabilities. Its not always visible.
I saw a really cool tee shirt the other day. On the left front it said simply, “be nice”, on the back it said, “the people you meet are fighting a battle you know nothing about”. ❤
@@paulnelson5314 I’m the proud owner of one of those shirts. It was printed as a fundraiser by our local FD for First Responder mental health awareness.
My wife is an amputee that uses a wheel chair. We just finished a 7 day cruise in Carnival Jubilee. We often had to wait four or five elevator cycles to be able to enter an elevator before it was filled with other people that had just walked up and had not waited at all. Several times a day someone would block the elevator and hold the door until I could load her on then let others enter. Random acts of kindness were always appreciated.
My husband is an amputee also, and whether he's using a cane or a wheelchair, we encounter elevator jerks piling in before anyone else. Fortunately, we also encounter kind and gracious people, too.
If you require a walker, scooter or wheel chair your best cruise line to go on is Holland America. You don't have to worry about kids running around, get a lounge chair or compete for food at the over crowed buffet like with Carnival.
Good timing for discussing scooters- it’s Disability Awareness Month! Many folks have invisible disabilities. You can’t tell by looking at me that I can only walk very short distances. There are many invisible disabilities that impact mobility- the most well known: cancer and cancer treatment, MS, ME, Cerebral Palsy, arthritis, muscular Dystrophy, and so many more. My disability is more visible when I’m in my wheelchair, but my personal and private medical info shouldn’t need to be on display to prove I’m worthy of consideration.
Same, I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and can't walk distances. I don't expect people to let me on a full elevator. I am able to walk into a restaurant after parking my scooter outside in an out of the way place. Remember most disabilities are invisible.
As one with invisible disabilities a Dr can simply certify in a form, or letter that yes this person require the use of a mobility scooter. No divulging of disease or disorder. Sadly that will cost the MD visit.
If people are saying that others using mobility aids are faking it to be "lazy," they have obviously never had to use a mobility aid and deal with all the challenges that presents.
I underwent Open Heart surgery back at the end of March. The general anesthesia uses left my legs weak and my balance was way off. When we sailed aboard Celwbrity Eclipse my wife and several of my friends suggested I rent a scooter to make getting around the ship easier. Having a scooter was a Godsend. My disability wasn't evident on first sight, but no one questioned my need. You can't always see the issue.
Tony - I'm a RN and was a Director of a Blood Bank for over 10 years. I taught my staff on how to draw blood. Suggestions - drinks lots of water the morning of your blood draw/sample and ask the phlebotomist (person taking your blood) to use a butterfly needle or a 22 gauge and go into your hand if you have small veins in your anticubital (area in the crevice of your arm). They should have no problem getting blood. On the scooter issue. You can't demand people to show prove of disability. That would be a violation of the Peoples With Disabilities Act. My hubby and I both purchased scooters 4 years ago for our cruises. He has severe los back pain and I'm not able to walk long distances due to arthritis in both knees. We have never had any issues on any Royal Caribbean ship. We are loyal Royals. Keep cruising 🛳️❤️🍹
No one can demand proof of disability, people need to stop discriminating against the disabled, the overweight, and whatever else. Shut up and cruise...
@maytemcconnell8957 I believe a business, as in the case of an employer, can request proof if the person is requesting an accommodation (scooter) if the disability is not obvious. I don't believe that requires specifics of the disability or illness, but rather a statement by physician, government agency, etc.
I also have an invisible disability and have seen (and heard) many people falsely take advantage of assistance they didn't need because they thought it gave them some type of advantage. I would have no issues whatsoever having people with disabilities having to document it to ensure only those who truly need assistance get it
My doctor specializing in Multiple Sclerosis would have no issues drafting up a note that I need a mobility scooter. By the way, I LOOK well, but my balance is horrible and half my body moves like garbage (hence the need for a mobility scooter)
We recently cruised with a friend who requires a scooter and I can tell you she was more inconvienced by it than others were around her. It was such a hassle dealing with it, after the cruise she decided she was done cruising - it's a "younger persons game" to quote her. Then there are times like when my dog raced me to the bottom of the stairs, I tripped over her, broke a bone in my foot, the day before our departure. Ended up with one of those knee scooters. OUCH, that was a tremendous pain (in more ways than one) - So as annoying as these are to others, when you need mobility help, it's not fun, it's not easy and sometimes it's downright embarrassing. Let's give'em a break.
The time restraint is a big part of why I refuse to support getting a doctors note for a scooter. I live in a small town with limited medical support. If someone was injured it could take them months to get in to see a doctor for that note as the emergency rooms don't do paper work like that (they're swamped enough already). Injuries always seem to happen at the worst possible time when you have a trip planned! There are definitely issues with some people being dangerously aggressive while in scooters, and they need to handle people leaving their scooters in the hall, but that really needs to be addressed on a case by case basis.
I need and use my own scooter on my cruising. Without it I would stuck in a cabin if I could get there. People use them because they need them. My complaint is that being on a scooter like being in a wheelchair makes you invisible. People just don't see you.
It is very unlikely someone is going to fool the system by lugging a scooter all the way to a cruise ship. What a hassle for them. People need to get over themselves and their conspiracy theories.
To people complaining about scooter users. They aren't even that convenient on a cruise ship, so very few, if any, people would use them unless they needed them.
I agree. Had a bad car accident in Jan of 2022 which destroyed my ankle, making walking, standing, etc. quite uncomfortable. My wife picked up a scooter-round for me for a 16-day Panama Canal repositioning cruise on the Carnival Spirit and it was great. In fact, I fit in with many other cruisers who also sported the little crafts; people were courteous and it was an overall pleasant experience. However, took a 3-day on the MSC Meraviglia and totally different encounter: people were annoyed with having to share the crowed elevators with me, others would stare at the top of my head, and the overall ship design made mobility on the cart less accessible. After that, I now use a knee scooter, which is fine for small bouts, but hurts my back and knee after a little use. I would rather have the electric scooter, but it's just not worth it.
If someone thinks a scooter user is faking, they clearly don’t understand what a pain in the butt they are to use and how much easier it would be to just walk. In my experience, people who need mobility aids are hesitant to use them, pushing it far beyond where they physically should. We took our daughter on her first cruise this year. She has an invisible disability but 99.9% of the time refuses to use mobility aids. We convinced her to rent a wheelchair on the cruise in the hopes that it would help negate some of the issues we knew she would face while sailing. It made things SO much more complicated and difficult, but it helped her enjoy at least some of the trip before her condition took her down and kept her bedridden the rest of the time. She is 23 and “looks fine”. I’m sure there were plenty of people giving her the side eye, having no idea the challenge that is her life and the measures she has to take just to try to eek out some sort of normality that people take for granted. If you find yourself in a position to assume that scooter people are just lazy or milking some sort of system (you think scooters are free or that they get special accommodation or benefit??), consider yourself fortunate and maybe try to have a smidge of compassion for those who are just trying to live and enjoy life and their vacation the same as you
I don’t see how people can think having a scooter on a cruise could possibly be an advantage. I’m glad they are available for folks that need them, so that they can enjoy the cruise!
I've never cruised and I watch this channel just to get some giggles from that nut, Tony. I'm 74 and can't stand or walk more than just a bit without serious pain. After seeing how FAR you have to walk in most ports to get on/off the ship, the ONLY way I could ever take a cruise is with a scooter. The ADA prohibits companies from requiring proof of disability, so if any of these cruise companies legal staff tries requiring proof of disability, they will be slapped silly by the ADA.
Was watching you video and was distracted at the moment when you ask for Siri and my Siri asked me what I wanted, freak me out at first I didn't know what was happening. Thank you sir for the wake up call. 😂😂
Tony, I have been following you for about a year now, I am a 100% disabled veteran, and I use a small scooter that folds up and takes up very little space. I can walk and stand for a period of time but cannot walk for long distance. Last year we took a cruise with Regent and they were great helping me get on and off the ship, even getting on and off the tender. Around the ship, I walked, using a cain , the crew and passengers were great. Around the time that we traveled for the cruise, there were reports and concerns with the airlines, the people were taking advantage of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), so I went out to the VA website ad printed the condition letter stating my level of disability and with the percentage of each physical disability listed. No body asked for it, however I wanted to be prepared just in case. By the way, I enjoy your show, your information, but most of all your sense of humor. David
I can walk, just not long distances...so for the last several cruises I have used a scooter. I go at the pace everybody is walking...no speeding. But people "don't see" the scooter and will cut in front of me. At elevators, even if we are the first ones there, people will push in front of us to get on first. We solve that problem by going the opposite direction of everyone else and get on pretty fast. And then stop and pick up the people still waiting. At shows, I stay in the scooter and occupy the handicap space. People who come in late have no problem standing in front of the scooter since there's at least a foot of space between the scooter and the rail. And boy do I get attitude when I ask them to move.
I start applying the varying degrees of politeness that Canadians use. First comes, "Excuse me, please," and explain the problem. Some people think that moving a grand distance of an inch or two is enough. Repeated attempts to get them to move may result in a very blunt statement: "I've asked politely several times. I need you to move because you're in my way."
The time I was in a wheelchair at an amusement park, many people would step in front of me at the shows and just stand there. How rude!! My mother sometimes gets that same problem when she uses a scooter on vacation. Some people are selfish and inconsiderate.
As someone who gets her blood drawn every 3 - 4 months from my endocrinologist, I start drinking water the day before and the morning. It's very helpful even though that last time I had to have a needle in me for a stress test she put it in the top of my hand. As far as your deconstructed tool kit (which is ingenious) my nail file I take on cruises is 3 times longer and I never have that taken away, so I think your good. Thanks for sharing!
I was on board the enchanted princess this past Friday during the big pizza party at World record. You had to eat two slices of pizza in 30 minutes. They started at 4 PM Eastern time. All of the ships in the fleet participated. Even the ships in Australia, which should’ve been 2 AM local time. The captain of the enchanted Princess was also helping handing out the pizza. They even brought pizza to the kids club so they could participate.
I was part of the pizza event. We just came from the enchanted princess this past Saturday. The pizza party was on Friday. I even took a picture with the captain serving me pizza. It was awesome.
I don't think these folks have ever tried to rely on a scooter. I had to use them for a while and it absolutely sucked. You're lower, which is especially annoying when you're shopping, and they're awkward. And when the battery dies on you, it's seriously a problem. There are probably very few people who are using them that don't truly need them.
People need to be careful judging others. If you look at my husband, you probably would not think he has any mobility issues, but he suffers from neuropathy. He can walk short distances but standing a long time or walking long distances results in severe pain that can last for days afterward. We don't take a scooter on the cruise ship, but we do use wheelchairs sometimes so he can enjoy life too, and I often have him sit on an available bench while I stand. Some criticize him for that, but I don't have the issues he does. You can't stop people who want to game the system, and inconveniencing legitimate users of scooters .because those gamers upset you isn't a good option.
I am on a scooter and will willingly show you my handicapped parking permit or provide a note from my MD. I do not expect my own elevator as I wish to remain and be regarded as normal as possible. I wait in line just like everyone else. I put my scooter in my room and keep it out of the way while dining, shows or on deck. Just so everyone knows, I am attaching my handicap parking permit to the scooter while on the cruise. Not for any special privilege, just removing any doubt as to my need.
Exactly! I have a placard too. It’s bad enough that I can’t get around like I used to, now people want me to prove I’m disabled. That’s a bunch of malarkey
Thing about it the ADA makes certain rules. As an example I work at a hospital- someone comes in with a service animal- by law I can only ask if they have a disability ( not what it is) and 2) what task does the animal perform to determine if the animal is allowed. Along with that the individual must be able to care for said animal and all its needs ie feeding, toileting and the like
You are an example of someone that uses these scooters for what they are intended for. Unfortunately, there are more and more people that want to play the system and use a "disability" as an excuse to bypass others that play by the rules. The scooters in the hall are a safety issue and cruise lines have to address that.. I don't use one, and I have never seen one of the accessible cabins on a ship, but I suspect they are still kind of cramped and putting the scooter in and out is probably a pain.. That being said, some people thought leaving them in the hall for their convenience should be OK, in spite of the fact that it blocks a part of the already narrow passageway for everyone else and makes the stewards carts harder for them to move around as well. We live in a world full of self centered people and we that are considerate of others pay the price.
@@garybelew7813 Part of the issue with the scooters in the halls is that you don't need an accessible room to need a scooter. A lot of people can walk around their stateroom fine but simply can't handle the distance required to go to the dinning rooms, so they wind up in rooms that don't have space to store a scooter, or they may not even fit through the doors. There aren't enough accessible rooms to give them to everyone that has a scooter. For instance, Icon of the Seas has 2805 cabins, but only 50 are wheelchair accessible cabins. That's less than 2% of cabins that have a wider door. Additionally someone may get injured before their cruise so there's no more accessible rooms left to be moved into. There are some scooters out there that are designed to fit through standard doors, though it's a very tight fit. Instead of trying to but limits on assessing need for a scooter, they really need to find ways to ensure that the scooter is the right size for the room. It sucks that if you have your own scooter that you may have to rent one, but there is no 100% perfect solution.
@@lindseysharon259 I think that's what they are addressing.. Some of the scooters are real large and won't fit into a stateroom.. Leaving them in the hallways is a potential danger to all the other passengers. There is not a good answer, in reality.. Many would say to book real early to insure you get an accessible cabin.. At the very least, you could get a cabin at the end of the hall where it wouldn't be in the way.. Personally, as much as I enjoy cruising, I would give it up in favor of hotel resorts if I have to use a scooter.
I have the same issue since I had a thyroidectomy. I drink lots of water everyday, but I make sure to drink at least a bottle of water prior to arriving at the "vampire's" office.
I get a lot of "judgmental" looks when I have to use wheelchair access on and off the ships, but not on the ship. I can not do ramps because of a lot of metal and neuropathy in my leg. I spent a year in a wheelchair after my surgeries and had to use a scooter on the ship. People can be very kind, and some very rude. I am grateful to have been able to sail and use the scooter when it was needed for sure. Being able to walk on a flat surface is a blessing for sure.
What many non-disabled people don't understand is that level, smooth surfaces are essential for people who need wheeled mobility devices to get around. Ramps need to be at the correct angle and free of mud, ice, and other detritus. I can't use the ramp at the back of the building I live in because the angle is too steep. Wherever I go I'm constantly watching for tripping hazards.
We cruised to Alaska last August, my husband has mobility issues. We rented a scooter. He managed not using it on the ship but boy was it a godsend at ports where a lot of walking was required. Made the trip so much more enjoyable for us.
I’m close to needing a scooter. I’m not exactly sure what system it is that people are supposedly gaming by using a scooter. The only perk I see is mobility.
I think it’s just a lot of whiny crybabies. I used one on my last cruise because after breaking my hip last year, much to my chagrin, I can’t walk long distances no matter how hard I try. People can be so nasty. In the first place it’s none of their business! I’m going to take my son and family to Disney this fall and I’ll definitely need one!
As I said before, I have balance and walking issues. I can stand, and I can walk, but not well or far. I can't think of anyone "playing the system." Using a scooter is wheelchair on a ship. It is really inconvenient to have to use it because of just opening doors even! Often to use the public restroom I have to leave the scooter in the hall, hope no one steals anything, or take everything with me, and then hope I don't lose my balance just because I have to pee! Would you able bodied folks like to have to deal with that? I would much rather be able to take the stairs than deal with the elevator problems.
@@stsfuzzybear4613 🎯 Too right after all an elevator/lift is a mobility aid! if they are fit enough they should use the stairs, the lazy ones are those that don't need to use the elevator for any medical reason.
Blood draw tip: I am also a gentleman of size and blood draws are never easy. I usually suggest they use a smaller “butterfly” and draw from the back of my hand. Works every time.
ADA and HIPPA will prevent Carnival or any cruise line from requiring proof. Additionally. I'd like to see a crackdown on the "assist" pets on board. We've all seen at least one, and KNEW their only purpose "little muffy" had was to be included in the family vacay!
HIPPA does not apply…you simply don’t understand that. Also, HIPPA is a US thing, not a world thing and cruise lines are flagged in foreign ports. The world doesn’t give a hoot about it. I do agree with assist pets…..another scam.
Nurse here- yes to water, place a warm compress on the arm where the blood draw was successful last time. It’s a gamble for me to say to just put the warm compress on the back of your hand, because sometimes we look at the antecubital area of the arm for a vein. What works for me to have a vein pop up, about 3/4 of the time with “hard sticks”, is placing two tourniquets, spaced a few inches away from each other. While you wait in the waiting room with your warm compress on, can you squeeze a squishy stress ball to help out the veins to be visible? And finally- butterfly needle!
As an American with a disabled sister I know for a fact that asking for proof of a disability is against the law here in the US. Chec out Americans with Disabilities Act.
Proof…….not just embarking of a scooter or wheelchair. Unfortunately, my extended family was a perpetrator of this faking for decades, starting in Disney World. Their older, but not disabled mom was plopped into a wheelchair on every trip, cruises etc. the joke was, “time to get to the head of the line”! They laughter at those who didn’t scam like this. The sad part is when she did need a wheelchair, they no longer took her on trips because she was too much to handle. Fakers abound. Needs to be stopped. Recent airline study showed one flight had 17 wheelchair requests to board a flight, only 4 to disembark.
Hey Tony! Good luck with your bloodwork tomorrow! I have issues giving blood as well however I found in the past I fully hydrate the day before as well as the morning of before I go, and I’ve been successful doing that. Hopefully it works! And thanks for always bringing a smile to my face every day! 😊
And in and out of elevators is very hard , I always have to help my husband ,most people try to get in even when there is no more room , they almost sit on his lap .
I use a scooter on board. Was able to use in Cozumel port. All other excursions had to walk. Was difficult. I look fairly healthy but have COPD and had covid twice in 2020 and again in 2021 and 2022. My lungs are screwed. I get short of breath walking 50 yards. Folks were pretty good. I was Very patient though and generally took me about 10 min longer. Not because people were rude but elevators were already crowded with folks and a scooter wouldn't fit. So I would pass 3 or 4 before I got on. It is what it is. Either ride and be patient or walk and be short of breath.
I’m 75 & have COPD & asthma. I cruise solo. I have found that using a walker & keeping a steady pace helps me breathe easier &, in turn, allows me to cover twice the walking distance that I can without a walker. Ignoring problems I have getting on an elevator while cruising …. Using a walker is a big pain in my backside. Cabin doors are impossible to open & push a walker thru, there are the few fellow cruisers that look at you with disgust, it’s hard to keep my place in line at a bar to get a drink cuz people crowd me like I’m invisible, etc. etc. BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY it’s not easy to use a mobility aid on a cruise ship. I am not faking it & in many cases it’s more like work!! If I have troubles using a walker, I can’t even imagine what other folks go thru with their scooters or wheelchairs! That being said, I will also use this moment to say thank you so very much to those few angels who stand at crowded elevators and tell any handicapped person … no … you go first.
Tony, I have a problem with blood being drawn, too. My veins either move or shift . The best thing to do is drink a lot of water 6 hours before and when you see the nurse have them, put a warm towel on your arm 5 minutes before and you should have no problem.
I have stage 4 breast cancer. I have a walker and cane which I use depending on how far I am walking. I have thought about a scooter but resist it. I don’t think people fake a disability, I would much prefer being healthy.
I also use a walker and have two canes in case I need to go somewhere too narrow for the walker to get through or there's an emergency and the elevator gets shut down. I need those canes to do stairs. I was offered a scooter, but the building I live in doesn't have wide enough doorways, and nowhere to put the thing when it's not in use. There will always be obnoxious ableists accusing us of faking it. Just call them out when they're rude like that and remind them that they are one accident or catastrophic illness away from needing mobility aids themselves, and they need to find some compassion.
I have had 5 ankle surgeries. I’m. Using a scooter on NCL as we speak. It’s miserable. I can’t get to and from my cabin with housekeeping carts in the hallways. Most elevators are too full for me to get in. I long to be walking. I can now walk in the boot but it’s too painful for very long. The Encore is too big.
I am also a Stage 4 breast cancer thriver with osteoporosis (multiple falls). I use a cane, walker, and wheelchair depending on day, energy level, and fatigue. I feel ‘judged’ by others on the cruise ship, at times. My husband knows when to step in and we pack our patience. We experience this off the cruise ship as well. It is what it is.
@@melissanicanor2428 I broke my ankle and had 6 pins and a plate, the wound wouldn’t heal after almost6 months I had another surgery to remove the hardware and it took 4 more months to heal, because of my cancer meds.
Ok so as a person who was disabled at the age of 35 my life is difficult enough without “Karen’s” demanding PROOF of my disability. You nailed it disability shows up in different ways. On a good day I can do a fair bit and can be self mobile on a bad day I cannot walk more than a few steps. In a strange environment such as a cruise it is impossible for me to know when I will need mobility assistance and it is smart for me to lean on the safe side and use mobility aids frequently rather than get stuck a long distance from where I need to go and be unable to move without medical help. Scammers will scam EVERY system in place. I believe they are fewer rather than majority and in actual fact many disabled folks such as myself are more likely to turn down assistance as opposed to abuse what is out there. Our society has this strange relationship with disability and what it means to be strong and independent. Int truth I dont think scammers are a huge issue here. The elevator issue…rude people will continue to be rude and kind people will continue to be kind and allow me on the elevator. One thing disability has taught me is patience. Lol
I am glad Carnival isn't trying to be like Disney. When I cruised in May, on the Mardi Gras, trust me, it was a HUGE inconvenience for myself and our party. At reentering at a port, after 2 of us on scooters sat and had people jump in front of us, some kind cruisers, spoke up and got us on elevators. I am not wanting any perks or privileges, but others letting us have a turn would be considerate.
I have a temporary handicap placard. On my last cruise, I took a cane. It was very hard to get around, and I certain it the person I cruised with would have appreciated me using a scooter. I am considering using one on my next cruise.
I’m so grateful that you asked this community about your blood draw. I have relatively low blood pressure and have been poked WAY too many times. Several times having an “expert” brought in. I’m RH negative so really want to donate! I may be able to muster up the courage now that I’ve gotten some good suggestions
Don't forget that we would spend over 120 days without a port call. I did that on the USS Enterprise, back when we got 2 free beers after 120 days at sea. Then there were the month-long workups to the deployment.
After several foot surgeries I had a handicap placard while in college. I had been a dancer but one misstep and I’d be back on crutches or wheelchair. People kept turning me in for abusing the placard. People who actually talked to me I could explain and show my scars. They’d back off. But I certainly didn’t always look “crippled” but man m, it was wonderful to have it when I needed it. You’re going to Utopia! I’ve barely heard that. 😆Safe travels.
Oh, and ask if they can use the vein finder, which they very well MAY have. It's a little device they put over your arm that is like a mini x-ray that SHOWS the veins so they know the EXACT location. Typically used for people who are hard to draw blood from, but they don't volunteer it often. If you ask they may have one and just it on you to make it easier on you.
I'm a scooter user due to arthritis in my hips. I can walk but not for any semblance of a long distance. Even walking down the hallways to the dining room is a problem. I love to cruise but eliminating scooters will eliminate my ability to cruise.
I also have arthritis in my hip which is pretty debilitating, but I've been resistant to using a scooter because I don't want to deal with other peoples self-righteousness.
I have MS most days I can walk short distances but not always long distances. I was afraid to bring a wheelchair or scooter on my recent Japan cruise and we did have to cut some of our sightseeing and had to adjust plans. I hate that looking fairly young means so many people will assume "fake" vs different needs.
I have Parkinson’s people don’t see it when I’m comfortable but get me in heat or stress I can barely walk. People need to take head of their religious training and not judge others. That’s gods job no one else’s.
I too have had shy veins - especially once I started taking blood pressure medicine. I've found that drinking enough water the day before to be "properly hydrated" and then drinking a huge (24 oz) cup of water the morning before my blood draw has dramatically decreased the number of pokes (most of the time it's first attempt these days).
I would just ask that everyone remembers that invisible disabilities are a thing and not to judge based on how a person looks. A healthy fit looking middle aged lady could have a condition that causes dizzy spells and there are conditions with flare-ups where a person’s ability and mobility can vary day to day.
@dorisromanisko2219 doesn't mean they don't HAVE that already. Even if they showed the proof all the bystanders would STILL have their opinions bc it's not being shown to THEM also, and again, too many people judge by LOOKS. There is a whole stigma that if a person in an airport wheelchair gets up and walks at any point that they are faking. None of you are at the DOOR of the plane to see that they walk from the door to their seat, or how MANY times the damn chair is NOT at the door upon arrival, or how it may feel BETTER to walk off the pain and stiffness after a long flight that made things WORSE from the prolonged sitting, so walking, if able HELPS. There is nothing fake about it, but the narrative that public opinion decided to run with after 1 or 2 people gave their opinion, has just gotten out of control.
At no point did I say that the person who uses the scooter has to display a placard. The discussion was whether they should have to show proof to the cruise line. I think there are too many people that "doth protest too much!"
@@dorisromanisko2219none of your darn business if I’m truly disabled. I don’t need to explain to you or anyone else why I need a scooter! If you use a cane am I entitled to see your papers?
I use a scooter primarily to get on and off the ship. I can’t walk long distances but usually have a cabin in the center and can manage most of what I want once on the ship. Scooters make it easy to get around but make so many things more difficult like browsing shops, navigating a buffet or a casino, doing excursions etc. I gladly leave it in the cabin whenever I can. I don’t think people use them by choice, I know I don’t.
Drink lots of water in the morning and have lab tech put a warm towel on your arm. I have same issues. I have them draw from back of hand using a butterfly needle. It’s slower to draw but they hit vein every time.
Last cruise I brought a cane as it helps when walking long distances. I can’t imagine someone using a mobility device that didn’t really need it. Those with mobility issues would much prefer the health and ability to walk without assistance. If one without a disability tries to game the system and use a scooter when it is truly not needed….just be aware that you should be careful what you wish for…. I would not do a 3 day cruise as it seems way too short for me… especially since it takes a day of travel to get to a cruise port. I like to be on a ship for several days with multiple sea days.
Leatherman is a great tool for any trip. I can understand the blade restrictions. I’ve had to do minor repairs on luggage, coat zippers watch bands etc. I was able to get a mini-Leatherman by security a couple of times and have had it confiscated many times. It has a blade about an inch long. For me it’s a valuable tool. I do understand their rules and don’t object when they take it.
On a recent cruise, we sat at dinner with a couple where the husband was in a wheelchair. The told us that they may not cruise much anymore because there were so many scooters that they are not able to get a cabin for wheelchairs because they are all booked
Yeah, I haven’t been able to get a hcp cabin in the last 7 or 8 cruises we’ve gone on, and we book at least a year in advance. I have my own scooter, and it fits thru all cabin doors, thankfully. Elevators are the worst for me. Thankfully, my husband is great and runs interference for me,
Perhaps what you just wrote might tell you something there are not enough rooms to accommodate a scooter. My husband got his in the room every night but it was really hard 6 more inches would have made a huge difference.
These scooter debates have me intimidated to even go cruise next year for my first one. Yes, I’m overweight, yes I’ve lost 151lbs and still going, and yes I have autoimmune disease triggered by Covid along with asthma and multiple other issues after Covid. I used my first scooter on vacation in DC and it was awful. My knees cramped up for a couple of hours made me hurt worse than ever but we wouldn’t have been able to do most of what we did if I didn’t have it. So, seeing this all the time, I feel like my cruise is going to be detrimental to my mental health as no one knows our stories and why we need them.
My mom uses a scooter on all cruises. She's not had any problems except the people waiting in line behind us for elevators passing mom and filling up the elevator. We'd been there longer but some people don't care.
@@ashleyhempel9795I’m from Liverpool. People will end up with a broken foot if they try to pass me if they weren’t ahead of me in the queue. I think I have one of those faces as I’ve not had an issue since switching from my scooter to my wheelchair. No one seems to have manners these days, especially as everyone is just 1 drunk driver away from disability.
@@ruthbutler2215 Thank you. My husband likes to be my bodyguard, I don’t think he will let anyone jump in front of me and I sure wouldn’t want to run anyone over. My first experience driving one had us laughing so hard as it took me a minute to get used to it. 😂😂
Tony you need to drink a lot of fluids and lots of water AM of your test. Get up earlier so you can tank up! Also, wear a long sleeve shirt or sweater to keep your arms warm. This will help your veins to come to the surface. Labs are cold. Good luck 😊 ❤your show on cruuuising!👏👏
I have a small multi tool with a blade thats been on may cruises. It’s usually in my backpack and it’s never been questioned. The blade is only about 2 inches long. It’s come in handy many times to repair things.
I am in a wheelchair full time. On some cruises I rent a scooter. I am always shocked at the number of scooters parked at the front of the restaurants at dinner. I see people drive up, easily get off the scooter and walk to their table. Also at the theater, I always park at the back to stay in my wheelchair; but I see people drive in and walk down the stairs to find a seat. I am so jealous that they can do that. Believe me, it’s not fun being in a wheelchair. But it’s better than staying at home in bed. There are issues that most people don’t think about like not being able to get down the hall to my cabin when the stewards have their carts out. I have to plan my day around that. I get lucky sometimes and am able to get an accessible cabin right off of the elevators, but on many ships they are down the hall. I also have difficulty getting on elevators. I don’t expect privileges but after waiting my turn, often able-bodied people come up and jump in front of me. It gets very frustrating. I also resent people leaning against my wheelchair and holding on to it in elevators. Sheesh! Please keep your hands to yourself! I’m immune compromised and don’t want your germs on my chair. I avoid elevators at peak times, but sometimes I have to use them during busy times. But please folks….. wait your turn. Sometimes I’ll wait for 5 or 6 elevators that are too full for me to get on while others fill in the space (which is okay), but when one that has space finally comes and people who came much later get on, I feel like crying. Sometimes people are very helpful, and I am so grateful for that. Dedicating an elevator to scooters and wheelchairs won’t solve the problem because only one or two would fit on them at a time. And the programmable elevators are a joke. For instance, we’ll program one for deck 7 and it tells us to take Car A. The next 15 people that come up request multiple decks like 7, 10, 12; and it tells everyone to take Car A. There is no way all of us will fit on that one elevator and many times it’s too full when it comes, so we start the process all over again. Ugh! Finally people complain about scooters going too fast. I go quite slowly being super careful. Yet many times I have had people walk into me because they weren’t watching where they were going, even when I have stopped and said to watch out because I had no where to go to avoid them running into me. One guy yelled at me and told me to watch where I was going. Say what? I stopped because he was coming right at me and I had nowhere to go, but he was too busy talking to his companions to watch where HE was going. And I get it. Some handicapped people do act entitled and “drive” dangerously. There is no easy answer. If we could all just be a little more patient and respectful towards each other, things would be better for everyone.
I completely understand and we face many of these same frustrations, but you have it worse bc your scooter need is much more full time than my husband's. He is fortunate enough that he can manage to primarily use his scooter at the ports, which is much easier than on the ship, and STILL people will walk in the way of the scooter. The most frustrating part is for you to have so many naysayers when they don't even understand how DIFFICULT it is to maneuver on the ship because of the PEOPLE, for all the reasons mentioned. I'm sorry you experience such frustrations while cruising, and I'm glad you have such a great attitude and outlook and have not allowed others to discourage you from cruising in the future. I hope you have a wonderful next cruise and that is filled with more helpful, respectful and accommodating fellow passengers.
@@joelee3975 depends on the excursion, especially if NOT using the cruise line and traveling by private car or taxi, like doing a city tour or going to the beach. We were able to take our cousin in her scooter to Costa Maya Beach and surprisingly it rolled on the sand with ease, and her scooter is 3 wheels and unstable (she had fallen on it, like it Puerto Rico bc of terrain), vs my husband's 4 wheel scooter, which is more stable, and his is thinner than hers too. Bought fun Walmart instead of getting the one from the doc that wasn't portable. In Cancun he didn't get off the ship, but they have accessible tender boats and I witnessed, filmed, and even posted on my channel how the water taxis lifted a scooter into the boat, so whomever was able to enjoy the tour of the Arch and go to Medano Beach. I didn't think that was an option with a scooter until I witnessed that. I think the cruise line excursions don't advertise or possibly don't accomodate as well as the smaller, more private excursion vendors. Ensenada had accessible shuttle busses right at the port, Nassau terrain is uneven like Rome and Puerto Rico, which the cigar factory path an area a scooter CANNOT go down, so that part of the tour would need to be skipped. The path is steep and downhill, so would be a challenge trying to walk it bc even if can do it, it's hard on the muscles so might cause pain later on. Those are the ports I can think of off the top of my head where excursions with a scooter are accomodated. Now some of the ports that have enough activities right at the port where no excursion is needed to have a really good time are scooter-friendly too, but sime of those aren't the best places to try to go on any excursions, like you mentioned.
I'm in an electric wchair...yup fed up of the scooter hoppers that hop on and off...no cane...no walker ..yes I know invisible illnesses exist but its crazy to see how many scooters are lined up 😮
I'm a scooter user. Carnival has you fill out a disability form if you require assistance to embark/disembark. I seems if you use a scoot, you would need that. Cunard, it's mandatory you book an accessible cabin if you use a scoot. I book accessible on Carnival to insure the scoot can get in the cabin. Maybe they should go the route of their sister cruise line, and require an accessible cabin for scooter use. As for scooter-folks demanding their own elevator... get over yourselves! Yes, it does suck sometimes, granted. Give yourself extra time to get where you're going if you need to use the elevator. 99% of folks are VERY accommodating to folks in scoots/wheelchairs when it comes to elevators. I've found the ones who aren't are also tools to ambulatory passengers too.
My son in 2005 put a couple of bricks on a Lego tower being build at Legoland California which beat the world record at the time. Legoland had or has the best customer service. I joined the Lego club because it included a free admission for my son but would take 4 to 6 weeks to start ( I didn’t read the fine print) I called them and told them we were flying in 3 days from NC and of course wouldn’t get the tickets in time. They FedEx the tickets to me. My son is 28 now and still loves Lego’s.
I just recently had the small Swiss army confiscated which basically has the same tools as your wallet knife. Surprised they havent yanked it from you yet. Keep up the good work!!
I was on a Carnival cruise a few years ago. There was an older gentleman who used a mobility scooter for the whole cruise. At the end of cruise party he got on the dance floor and did moves that would make Michael Jackson jealous. Some one asked him why he was using a scooter and his reply was, " The cruise line offered it to me so I took advantage of it."
I too have seen this on cruises. They break Jessie Owen’s time running to the buffet, but come embarkation or disembarkation for shore excursions, they are bound to the wheelchair or scooter!
Tony- wish Iistened yesterday about labs- I’m a former phlebotomist ( lab blood tech) and RN- drink lots of water, even day of - fasting for some labs such as blood sugar & cholesterol, still drink water, hot compresses on your veins! Ask for a seasoned tech and have them use a butterfly needle- it’s less painful. Good luck! 🤗
I am using a roller to walk due to extreme back pain. I can only walk limited areas on the roller. I am in no pain when I sit, but I can't stand for a minute without horrible pain. The pressure walking is prohibitive. Lucky to have a pooI! I was a life long cruiser and my husband and I miss it so much. I would not mind providing a doctor's note. Thanks for bringing this issue up. I found drinking water prior to blood draw and they use my hand really works.
Unfortunately I am a scooter user. I had six strokes 11 years ago. I have taken about 7 cruises since the stroke. I recently took a flight for a cruise and about 6 middle aged women were in wheelchairs awaiting the plane. They were getting up to casually walk to the bathroom or food kiosks without difficulty and laughing about having the wheelchair. I think that there should be some checks as to why they require mobility assistance. They may ruin this for those needing a scooter or mobility assistance.
I understand. I badly needed wheelchair assistance in Dallas Fort Worth in September. They put six of us on one of those beeping trucks and took us to an elevator. They then told us to get off and walk into the elevator. Everyone but me hopped off and WALKED into it. Are you kidding? I told them i could not walk even that short distance and needed a wheelchair. It was such a horrible experience. Of course i missed my connection.
My mother’s gets wheelchair assistance in the airport. It is difficult for her to walk long distances due to leg and breathing issues, especially trying to hurry through an airport. But if we are waiting for the flight at the gate, it’s not like she can’t walk from the gate to the restroom. Different needs, don’t assume.
Withholding services unless confidential medical information is presented in a non medical environment, i.e. Dr. office or ER is contrary to the The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Don't try it, don't judge and don't ask. It's none of your business.
People faking disabilities so they can have a scooter which means they are also occupying 1 of the accessible cabins does become my business. Some of these people will book these accessible cabins because they are bigger. When asked about their need, they will lie. My friend who is in a wheelchair, the best our PVP could do for us was a modified cabin. Long story short, some of you have closets bigger than this cabin. She had to get out of her wheelchair so I could fold it up to get it through the door. There was hardly enough room in this cabin for her to maneuver her wheelchair. Therefore, we had to fold it up. So yes, I think this person is right, they should prove their need for said scooter as well as the accessible cabins. Thank goodness she decided to use her wheelchair instead of getting a scooter.
I was on the Iceland Greenland cruise with you. Princess was really helpful with me and my scooter. Normally I use a wheelchair but Iceland Air broke it on the way to London. Carnival isn't so handicap friendly.
Tony I've read that lifting dumbells lifts the veins closer to the skin. The same exercise before the blood draw helps. Drink plenty of water an hour before. Finally a hack I read in multiple places. Place a warm compress on the draw area right before.
Unfortunately, my extended family was a perpetrator of this faking for decades, starting in Disney World. Their older, but not disabled mom was plopped into a wheelchair on every trip, cruises etc. the joke was, “time to get to the head of the line”! They laughted at those who didn’t scam like this. The sad part is when she did need a wheelchair, they no longer took her on trips because she was too much to handle. Fakers abound. Needs to be stopped. Airlines are studying this too….on a recent flight 17 wheelchair requested boardings, only 4 disembarking.
On a SW flight SJU to BWI, I counted 12 wheelchairs embarking in San Juan and only four requesting wheelchairs in Baltimore. The other eight darted to baggage claim.
I have a family member who fake needing a scooter. Show proof or walk. You need proof to park in a handicap spot. No Swiss army knives. Ther is nothing for a person on vacation to repair.
The handicap spots have a placard or plates, which are gotten from the DMV with a note from the doctor. They cannot ask you what your disability is to "prove" you need it. The fact I have a VERY expensive electric wheelchair that has to be manually put into my van because we cannot afford a wheelchair capable van (my almost 70 year old husband has to move 10 ft ramps out, put the chair in, move them back in, rinse and repeat.) should tell you that I'm handicapped. No one in their right mind would spend thousands on a chair/scooter just to be lazy.
@@Marvin-P Unless they want to have a talk with the ADA, I don't have to prove I have a disability. I will openly tell them what it is, I do a lot of discussions about fibromyalgia, MS, and trying to live my life in a chair a lot of the time. I'm not having to pass a bar to be disabled, I am disabled. I can tell you I wouldn't wish either of my conditions on anyone, I take 5 different pain medications, two depression meds (because being stuck inside my house not able to go out on my own sucks) and a host of other medications, and that isn't fun. Having to call the EMTs out to my house to pick me up off the floor isn't fun either. I don't owe anyone a proof of my dilatability any more than I owe them a reason why I book a balcony cabin, chose to do the dining room, or why I don't take advantage of the pools. I have a chair, I have to have an elevator to go places (no stairwell derby for me) and if it disturbs you, well, get proof that you need the elevator when you have 2 good legs and can do the stairs. (yes, I'm a bit ticked off by your insistence that *I* need to justify my needs instead of you saying "hey, glad you can come along, we can both fit into the elevator, hi how are you, glad to meet you." ) Kindness goes a long way.
I use a walker for medical reason I don't need my own elevator I just wait for the rude people to go in first. It's a vacation I'm there to have a good. Hopefully one day soon I can cruise again I miss it so much
Thanks for all your infotainment! Blood draw tip: in addition to drinking 3 quarts of water 2 hrs before, I walk vigorously, in place or around the parking lot, and swing my arms up and down right up until the moment I am in the chair…this seems to make my veins more prominent, and blood flows faster into the tube. Good Luck!
I met a guy on the carnival valor who was whittling with his swiss army knife in the Atrium. It was not the small cheap one. That one was about $75 new on Amazon with all of the tools called the champ. I didn't want to barley bring my cheap one. I also have one with a finger nail clipper I keep on my key chain.
Drinking extra water the day before and the morning of will definitely help most! If consumption of water is difficult, which I have had many patients tell me they hate water,then a large bottle one hour before will suffice. I am a nurse who attempts vein Access for blood work and IV medications throughout my 30 years of nursing and I’ve seen this work well if the reason for the difficulty of accessing a vein is due to dehydration. Some folks just have deeper veins and that makes it hard to find them no matter how hydrated they are.
Tony, I have a clear set like your red one, but mine was called a lady toolkit! Instead of a blade, mine has a file. I travel with it. It does come in handy.
I’ve had issues with blood draw and IV's. I’ve been told to hydrate like crazy the day before and most of the morning if you’re appointment it is in the afternoon. It does work.
Hi Tony . It’s Lisa we meet on the panamal cruise , I am a chemo nurse , drink lots of water hours before , no coffee Or caffeine that morning and get them to use your hand vein , it’s hurts more but they can do it in one pick
Yup. I’m a licensed vampire in CA. Drink lots of water all the time. When I’m hydrated I just feel better. It truly is easier to find a vein when my patient is hydrated. I also recommend letting the vampire know that you’ve been told you’re a “hard stick”.
I just recently returned from a cruise. I cruise frequently but required a scooter this time due to a recent hip replacement and cruise was already paid for. The scooter was a great inconvenience for me! I would much rather be mobile. Seeing things from the other side though I do think that the eateries should make run for the scooters to get through; if they are going to offer handicap access. It was extremely annoying to be asked to park and walk to the chair and have to have a person on each side help you walk. A few places allowed you to dry the chair and then they would park it for you. As far as elevators go it’s every person for themselves. At the same time you can’t look at someone and determine whether they are handicapped.
On Princess we drove the scooter to our table and the staff took it to their parking lot. It was a lot of fun watching them “ low ride “ never parked in a hallway.
I have health problems that make me proud to dehydration and I am a very hard stick for blood and needles. Here’s what I’ve learned. Do you wanna be as hydrated as possible we’re talking water and Gatorade not just water. Gatorade cut 50-50 with water make sure it’s the real stuff not sugar-free. Start drinking the day before and keep it right up until your appointment. Also if you’re cold, it’s harder for them to get your veins, so wear a sweatshirt or a sweater or bring a small blanket with you and keep it over your arms before they draw your blood, if your arms are warmer it’s easier for them to get it. If they tried once or twice and are having trouble ask for someone else ask for the person that they call for hard sticks. Don’t let them poke you a bunch of times if they’re not getting it let them get the person in the office that’s really good at it if you ask nicely they usually do it and there’s usually one person that is the back up plan when they run into issues, you want that person. Hope it helps. My personal record is 17 tries for them to get an IV before I had surgery it was not a good morning zero stars do not recommend, definitely Gatorade and warm arms.😂 oh also if they’re not getting a vein in like your elbow ask them to check your hand or your foot if they can do so depending on what you’re having done. Sometimes the veins in the hands are smaller but easier for them to get.
