topic Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda in Travel

Need advice regarding a MOBILITY scooter on cruise to Bermuda

Starpolisher — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 06:39:19 GMT

I'm going with my family(sons, dil, dh and granddaughters) on a cruise to Bermuda in April. I haven't traveled in 20 years. I have Arthritis everywhere and bone on bone in my knees. We're going in April instead of August because the hot humid weather makes it worst. It doesn't usually bother me much when it's dry outside. I'm thinking of renting a scooter, from Scoot- around, because I'm afraid all the walking will be too much for me. I've avoided going on vacation since I retired because I never know how I'm going to be feeling. Does anyone have any experience with this? In Bermuda? Will I be able to disembark with the scooter and see the island? Either way, I think I will need it on the ship. Any advice you can give me will be much appreciated! TIA, Starr

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

TheWanderingOne — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:13:07 GMT

@Starpolisher - I would suggest that you ask this question in either the forum for your specific cruise line, or the disabled crusing secton on Cruise Critic. You'll get a lot more info there. I cant post the link but its all one word dot com.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

Toot1920 — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:27:13 GMT

@Starpolisher, I have rented a scooter from Scootaround, as they were the preferred vendor for Norwegian cruise line out of Port Canaveral. The whole process was very easy. I picked it up right in front of the port before we even went to check in inside the terminal. I didn't go to Bermuda butwent to other islands. Now to be perfectly honest, I didn't go too far into any ports but when I did, it was easy. The only reason I didn't do any excursions is that I had visited those ports before and didn't feel a need. I had a regular balcony cabin and it was a tight fit but they told me to call guest services when I was in for the night and someone would cme pick it up and charge it for the night. Then just call guest services in the morning and they would bring it to the cabin. A lot of times it was already right in front of my door. When we disembarked, the drop off was outside of the terminal, so it was very convenient.

I would make sure who the preferred vendor is for the cruise line that you're going on. They will be able to answer your questions regarding any port's excursions. Have a fun time!

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

ahoymate — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:40:02 GMT

I would consult with your MD on this. It's sounds very dangerous for someone with your health condition & age. Even young people I feel it's unsafe. But of course, the young will be young. I don't advise this at all.

Background:

As a very active person, not considered young, and with OA of knee & who lives in a major US city where I see scooters everywhere I drive, I would not consider using a scooter. Never!

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

ScrapHappy — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:44:55 GMT

Each cruise line is different. Has their own rules, guidlelines and vendor. Contact the cruise line directly.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

sandy53 — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:46:32 GMT

I've been on several cruises that looked like floating nursing homes because there were so many scooters. They are very popular. You will not be alone. There is a lot of walking on large cruise ships to get to the different venues onboard, so a scooter will really help you. Don't hesitate to get one.

Contact your cruise line directly to get more information about rentals, etc.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

We rescue cats — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:54:17 GMT

@Starpolisher I owned a travel agency fot 30 years and worked in one for another 10. The cruiseline should have the details that you need to accomplish this, or the travel professional (if you you used one) will be able to help. Whichever of the two you are able to contact please ask them and they can help. Most likely the cruiseline can arrange for the scooter to be delivered to you at the pier when you are boarding and turn it in when you arrive back at pier when you are returning home. If you are looking for a scooter to rent for just the time you are in Bermuda you can reach out to the Bermuda tourism department, they are terrific to work with and are very accommodating.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

ellaphant — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:10:06 GMT

i would be very careful and consider doing this very thoroughly. Please try one out before you go. My friend's uncle had a bad mishap using one. Your condition sounds fragile.

Be careful!

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

shoesnbags — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:32:37 GMT

@ahoymate wrote:
I would consult with your MD on this. It's sounds very dangerous for someone with your health condition & age. Even young people I feel it's unsafe. But of course, the young will be young. I don't advise this at all.

Background:
As a very active person, not considered young, and with OA of knee & who lives in a major US city where I see scooters everywhere I drive, I would not consider using a scooter. Never!

@ahoymate The OP is talking about a MOBILITY scooter, not a motor scooter. I couldn't understand your post until I realized that you must be thinking she wanted to ride a motor scooter lol.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

ahoymate — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:45:18 GMT

@shoesnbags wrote:
@ahoymate wrote:
I would consult with your MD on this. It's sounds very dangerous for someone with your health condition & age. Even young people I feel it's unsafe. But of course, the young will be young. I don't advise this at all.

Background:
As a very active person, not considered young, and with OA of knee & who lives in a major US city where I see scooters everywhere I drive, I would not consider using a scooter. Never!
@ahoymate The OP is talking about a MOBILITY scooter, not a motor scooter. I couldn't understand your post until I realized that you must be thinking she wanted to ride a motor scooter lol.

Yes, I was invisioning a e-scooter. A mobility scooter sounds reasonable.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

Kachina624 — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:55:45 GMT

@Starpolisher. I have the same problems you do. I rented a scooter for an Alaskan cruise some years ago. It made all the difference in my enjoyment of the trip.

I can't remember from whom I rented the scooter but it was brand new and waiting for me in the ship's check in area.

I went everywhere with it; all over the ship, in and out of elevators (back it in), down the gangway, in stores in towns, restaurants.

I have my own scooter at home which easily is disassembled and I can put it in the back of my SUV. I took it on a road trip to Alberta and went everywhere in Banff National Park. I could also take it on an airplane.

If you have trouble walking, perhaps you should consider buying one? I can assemble mine in less than 30 seconds with no help.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

Kachina624 — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 20:03:17 GMT

@ahoymate wrote:
I would consult with your MD on this. It's sounds very dangerous for someone with your health condition & age. Even young people I feel it's unsafe. But of course, the young will be young. I don't advise this at all.

Background:
As a very active person, not considered young, and with OA of knee & who lives in a major US city where I see scooters everywhere I drive, I would not consider using a scooter. Never!

@ahoymate. You are way off base. If operated using common sense, there is nothing unsafe about using a scooter, especially the very stable 4-wheeled ones. I don't use mine on the freeway, for Pete's sake.

Scooter do, in fact, greatly enhance the lives of many who would otherwise be home-bound.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

ahoymate — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 20:15:00 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:

@ahoymate wrote:
I would consult with your MD on this. It's sounds very dangerous for someone with your health condition & age. Even young people I feel it's unsafe. But of course, the young will be young. I don't advise this at all.

Background:
As a very active person, not considered young, and with OA of knee & who lives in a major US city where I see scooters everywhere I drive, I would not consider using a scooter. Never!
@ahoymate. You are way off base. If operated using common sense, there is nothing unsafe about using a scooter, especially the very stable 4-wheeled ones. I don't use mine on the freeway, for Pete's sake.

Scooter do, in fact, greatly enhance the lives of many who would otherwise be home-bound.

I hardly think an e-bike for a senior with trouble walking and other medical issues is common sense. I was corrected and told she was referring to a mobility scooter.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

Kachina624 — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:20:08 GMT

@ahoymate. It would never occur to me that a senior with bad arthritis would be referring to a 2-wheel scooter of any type.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

FancyPhillyshopper — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 02:21:50 GMT

Bermuda uses the term "scooter" to describe mopeds. They are very popular with tourists, but can be dangerous. People who have traveled to Bermuda before could easily be confused by the OP's post title.

The two wheel stand-up vehicles are also called scooters.

The four wheel vehicles are technically called mobility scooters.

I think the more critical issue is that the OP has not traveled in 20 years. There are a lot of other concerns to deal with on a cruise, such as potential seasickness, navigating the cabin, small bathroom, limited medical care on board, etc. Hope it all works out and you have a great family cruise!

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

Carmie — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 02:48:05 GMT

I have never been to Bermuda, but I sorted ambulance and ER claims for services outside of the USA mainland.

I wish I had a dollar for every scooter accident that I sorted that happened in Bermuda; I'd be rich. Those scooters are like motorcycles.

If you go and rent a scooter, make sure you have health insurance that works outside of the US and be careful. They seem to be dangerous. Many people are hurt or killed riding them.

Can you rent an EZ Rider mobility type scooter instead?

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

haddon9 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 02:50:58 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@Starpolisher. I have the same problems you do. I rented a scooter for an Alaskan cruise some years ago. It made all the difference in my enjoyment of the trip.

I can't remember from whom I rented the scooter but it was brand new and waiting for me in the ship's check in area.

I went everywhere with it; all over the ship, in and out of elevators (back it in), down the gangway, in stores in towns, restaurants.

I have my own scooter at home which easily is disassembled and I can put it in the back of my SUV. I took it on a road trip to Alberta and went everywhere in Banff National Park. I could also take it on an airplane.

If you have trouble walking, perhaps you should consider buying one? I can assemble mine in less than 30 seconds with no help.

@Kachina624 This sounds like a great help to you and many others. I'm curious....are they heavy to pick up and place in your car or SUV?

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

Kachina624 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 02:57:49 GMT

@haddon9. The weight of the heaviest piece is an important consideration when buying a scooter. Mine is about 35lbs. It's the base with the wheels. I struggle a bit putting it into the SUV but developed a technique where I sort of roll it up and over the bumper. The other pieces are no problem.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

haddon9 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 03:02:59 GMT

@Kachina624 Thanks!This is good to know since I have contemplated renting one for previous vacations and wondered how I would manage it. I can see the weight of it being important for durability but concerning if I need to pick it up myself to get it into a vehicle.

I can see myself at some point in the future needing something like this because of arthritis which isn't getting better. Right now 35 lbs. would be managable.

Re: Need advice regarding a scooter on cruise to Bermuda

NYCLatinaMe — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 06:05:54 GMT

@Starpolisher If I were you I would contact the companies that I was interested in going on the cruise and specifically ask for accommodations for passengers with your condition. Ask about what activities you will be able to participate or not. They may want a letter from your doctor, not sure about that. I think I would use their scooter, not one I would bring, because I would want to make sure it is compatible with their facilities. Whatever transportation I would use to get to the cruise ship, should be able to hand me off to the accommodation that the cruise provides. If they provide accommodations, you and the people you are traveling with may be able to skip lines and get preferred seating at meals, shows or whatever entertainment they provide. So I would ask for sure to know what they can do for you.