Aunt Deb Posted July 30, 2013 #1 Share Posted July 30, 2013 I need some advise and I know that I can count on you experienced cruisers out there. I'm traveling by myself (okay did that in the late 90's) but time has taken it's toll and I'm using a cane, for a little self confidence. Some of the questions I have right now are -- How do you handle the luggage - one checked bag, one carry-on and one personal item? The checked bag is not a problem until I hopefully pick it off the the luggage carousel at the end of the trip, but the carry-on and tote while I'm waiting for the announcement that the cabins are ready. I'm sailing on the Celebrity Reflection and from what I've seen, both on the boards, pictures and videos they do not have trays in the buffets. Do they have someone that might be able to help me if I do need a little assistance? To bad you can't rent an extra hand or two when you need them. The Reflection is a LOT larger that the last ship I was on, and it's been so long ago that I can't remember if there are places to set and rest along the way from the forward areas to the aft. (Need to get used to the onboard lingo - port, starboard, head, etc) Also any other tips and tricks that might make this an amazing adventure. I really want to thank you for any assistance that you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxoocruiser Posted July 30, 2013 #2 Share Posted July 30, 2013 I need some advise and I know that I can count on you experienced cruisers out there. I'm traveling by myself (okay did that in the late 90's) but time has taken it's toll and I'm using a cane, for a little self confidence. Some of the questions I have right now are -- How do you handle the luggage - one checked bag, one carry-on and one personal item? The checked bag is not a problem until I hopefully pick it off the the luggage carousel at the end of the trip, but the carry-on and tote while I'm waiting for the announcement that the cabins are ready. I used an 18" wheeled carry-on in which the tote bag could be hung onto the handles back when using only a cane. This way I had one hand to pull the wheeled carry-on/tote and the other for the cane. I'm sailing on the Celebrity Reflection and from what I've seen, both on the boards, pictures and videos they do not have trays in the buffets. Do they have someone that might be able to help me if I do need a little assistance? To bad you can't rent an extra hand or two when you need them. There is always wait staff available to assist. You probably won't have to ask for assistance but in do be afraid to ask if no one offers. The Reflection is a LOT larger that the last ship I was on, and it's been so long ago that I can't remember if there are places to set and rest along the way from the forward areas to the aft. (Need to get used to the onboard lingo - port, starboard, head, etc) You'll always be able to find a place to sit and rest throughout the ship. Also any other tips and tricks that might make this an amazing adventure. I really want to thank you for any assistance that you have. If you are traveling by plane suggest you ask for wheelchair assistance to/from the plane. This will be less tiring for you and will also allow your carryon's to placed on your lap. The attendant will also ask if you want to have the wheelchair left at the gate with you. Would suggest you say yes . This way you the gate agent will than just wheel you down to the plane along with your carryon's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxoocruiser Posted July 30, 2013 #3 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Correction. Guess I didn't proof my reply properly before submitting. Correction noted in red. Quote: Originally Posted by Aunt Deb The checked bag is not a problem until I I'm sailing on the Celebrity Reflection and from what I've seen, both on the boards, pictures and videos they do not have trays in the buffets. Do they have someone that might be able to help me if I do need a little assistance? To bad you can't rent an extra hand or two when you need them. There is always wait staff available to assist. You probably won't have to ask for assistance but don't be afraid to ask if no one offers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayenu Posted July 30, 2013 #4 Share Posted July 30, 2013 You don't have to go to the buffet for every meal. 3 times a day you can have a sit-down breakfast, lunch, dinner with table service. This is included in the price. Also, check the daily schedule that will be left in the cabin at night - there are usually other places to eat, like pizza or burgers. If there is no dollar symbol next to it, it's included. My issue at dinners is that there is nowhere to leave the cane, I want to keep it close to me, no place to "park" it. If you can use folding cane this may be easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celle Posted July 30, 2013 #5 Share Posted July 30, 2013 I recently did a cruise when I had sciatica and had to use a walking stick. My main bag was wheeled, so I could pull it behind me, using the hand that wasn't holding the stick. My carry-on bag was a back pack so, once I had put it on, l I didn't have to worry about holding it. My personal item was a handbag that I wore messenger-style, across my body, so that didn't need to be held, either. As for managing in the cafeteria-style eating places - someone always seemed to magically appear, to carry my plates for me. :) And yes, it's a good idea to ask for wheelchair assistance at airports. Those corridors can be long! I hope you enjoy your cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunky2219 Posted July 31, 2013 #6 Share Posted July 31, 2013 I'm with xxocruiser. Even if you walk okay with a cane it's a good idea to ask for wheelchair assistance to/from the air bridge if flying. It can be a mighty long way to walk and you don't want to start your holiday completely exhausted, or miss the plane completely. Even as a wheelchair user, I always ask for someone to push me - carpets are hard work and crowds don't seem to part for a chair like they do in a shopping mall!. Asking for wheelchair assistance to board is also not a bad idea. It's not always true, but often it means you will get on board a bit quicker. It will certainly help to begin your voyage completely fresh. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Deb Posted July 31, 2013 Author #7 Share Posted July 31, 2013 ;) I want to thank all of you for your suggestions, they are truly appreciated. I have requested wheelchair assistance at the airport and cruise terminal. I concerned about the ports and safety - older woman, alone, cane - easy target. Heck, I'll admit I feel that way around home too. Things aren't what they used to be. Again, thanks for your suggestions and support.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxoocruiser Posted July 31, 2013 #8 Share Posted July 31, 2013 ;) I want to thank all of you for your suggestions, they are truly appreciated. I have requested wheelchair assistance at the airport and cruise terminal. I concerned about the ports and safety - older woman, alone, cane - easy target. Heck, I'll admit I feel that way around home too. Things aren't what they used to be. Again, thanks for your suggestions and support.:) Though safety is always a concern it's no more or no less of a concern than if you're at home. Some Suggestions: Take ship excursions so that you'll always be in a pack If going off on your own remain in the main well trafficked tourist areas of the port. Do not go beyond that. My Father, many Uncles, BIL's and cousins are/were Police officers for a one of the largest USA cities. They are all big proponents of women not carrying purses at all. Especially a woman using a cane or any other walking mobility aid. Reason being the individual is more concerned about keeping their balance than watching their purse and surroundings. Even if it's worn cross body you're most likely to not be watching it so the harm comes about in the unlikely event if a snatch and grab occurs ( which can occur even at home ) when you're thrown off balance and injure yourself falling when the purse is pulled from your body . So if you don't carry a purse or a purse isn't visible you're less of a target and again that's not to say that anything will occur. I did not use a purse when using a cane and I still don't use a purse. Rather I purchased a "ZIP ID CASE" and a matchinglanyard from Vera Bradley that holds my sea pass card, photo ID and enough cash for the time in port. I leave credit cards and most of my money in the safe back in my cabin. I tuck the whole thing under my blouse. Above all follow your instincts as they're generally correct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PennyAgain Posted July 31, 2013 #9 Share Posted July 31, 2013 I had a very serious leg injury but had to keep traveling for work. I used a cane on a daily basis for a very long time. No major issues. When I got to the TSA security lines I made it very clear that I couldn't take a step without my cane. They always had an alternate plan and were always very nice about it. I limited my luggage to one checked bag of less than 35 pounds and 1 carry on bag for medicines, essentials like business papers and valuables including my wallet. I did not carry a separate purse as such. In the evenings when I needed to dress up for dinner I used a small very nice cosmetic case as my hold all in lieu of a purse. Thus I carried only 1 item on to flights. I cut down on using the cane as time passed but still use it for long hard trips as it helps to prevent fatigue. Good luck in your travels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h20cruzer Posted August 1, 2013 #10 Share Posted August 1, 2013 My best friend had the same situation with a cane and the buffet. Someone always rushed to assist her with her plate. Even when they did have trays someone always assisted her. Sometimes it was even too much with more than one person trying to help her. This was true on the Reflection, Millie, Solstice. Some one is always happy to help you, just ask. Norma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted August 1, 2013 #11 Share Posted August 1, 2013 You don't have to go to the buffet for every meal. 3 times a day you can have a sit-down breakfast, lunch, dinner with table service. This is included in the price. Also, check the daily schedule that will be left in the cabin at night - there are usually other places to eat, like pizza or burgers. If there is no dollar symbol next to it, it's included. My issue at dinners is that there is nowhere to leave the cane, I want to keep it close to me, no place to "park" it. If you can use folding cane this may be easier. My fold up travel cane has a loop that can be hung on one of these. A loop can be half-hitched to a regular cane. www.focalprice.com/HJA66X/Folded_Crystal_Handbag_Purse_Hook_Hanger_Holder.html?utm_source=CS&utm_medium=GM_US&utm_campaign=CS_GM_US_HJA66X&gclid=CLPWzZqX3bgCFWfhQgodK1AA2w Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxoocruiser Posted August 1, 2013 #12 Share Posted August 1, 2013 My fold up travel cane has a loop that can be hung on one of these.A loop can be half-hitched to a regular cane. www.focalprice.com/HJA66X/Folded_Crystal_Handbag_Purse_Hook_Hanger_Holder.html?utm_source=CS&utm_medium=GM_US&utm_campaign=CS_GM_US_HJA66X&gclid=CLPWzZqX3bgCFWfhQgodK1AA2w Actually there are Cane Holder that attach directly to the cane for the purpose of resting it on the table edge which would better. I have one it works great !http://www.amazon.com/Ableware-703240000-Cane-Crutch-Holder/dp/B0037LXA38/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1375394381&sr=8-12&keywords=cane+holder+for+cane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaneBP Posted August 2, 2013 #13 Share Posted August 2, 2013 >>"When I got to the TSA security lines I made it very clear that I couldn't take a step without my cane. They always had an alternate plan and were always very nice about it." Usually the TSA screenings have a wooden can for passenger use. If money is not an object, per se, might investigate LuggageForward which means sending off a large suitcase before you leave and finding it in your cabin when you arrive. Can be well worth it if you have complicated travel arrangements and limited patience with dealing with luggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayenu Posted August 2, 2013 #14 Share Posted August 2, 2013 I find those "resting" devices for canes inconvenient as the seating at dinner is usually tight - we always get assigned seating if not on NCL - and even if I put the cane between my husband and myself, it gets in the way. It may be good in the buffet or at dinner table for two. I wonder about canes with 3 suction cups - anyone uses them? Are they any good? How much support they provide if you lean on a cane? https://www.hurrycane.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxoocruiser Posted August 2, 2013 #15 Share Posted August 2, 2013 I find those "resting" devices for canes inconvenient as the seating at dinner is usually tight - we always get assigned seating if not on NCL - and even if I put the cane between my husband and myself, it gets in the way. It may be good in the buffet or at dinner table for two. I wonder about canes with 3 suction cups - anyone uses them? Are they any good? How much support they provide if you lean on a cane? https://www.hurrycane.com/ Those really aren't suction cups on the bottom of the Hurrycane. In fact suctions cups on the bottom of a cane would be a hazard and could cause injury to the user. What you actually are seeing is basically a tripod design rubber cane tip. Similar tip replacements can be purchase on line or at a local retailer such as Walgreens, CVS, Meijer's and similar stores. Purchasing such a replacement is actually more cost effective if cost is a concern. Here a few links to check out : http://www.drleonards.com/Support-Mobility/Canes-Helpers/Tripod-Cane-Tip/19035.cfm http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/abletripod-cane-tip-replacement/ID=prod6071771-product Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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