Cruise Travel for People with Disabilities
Reviewed February 2010
Many people with disabilities enjoy cruise travel. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped make cruise ships more accessible. It is important to remember, however, that any specific cruise may meet only minimum requirements or an older ship may pre–date accessibility laws. Asking specific questions will help to determine if a cruise ship meets your needs.
Prior to booking, take time to contact the specific cruise line and speak with a customer service representative regarding accessibility of the ship. It is also helpful to visit the web site. Many travelers choose to use a travel agent that specializes in cruises for people with disabilities. Be sure to consider your disability and what personal or medical needs you may have prior to planning a cruise trip.
Listed below are some common questions to ask when thinking about vacationing by cruise:
General Ship Accessibility
• Know the measurements and dimensions of your wheelchair. Will all doorways on the ship be wide enough – not just the one for your room!
• Explore all the amenities available. Are facilities/activities on board accessible or adaptable so that you will be able to use them?
• Does the swimming pool have a lift? Or do the stairs entering the pool have grab bars? Ask about the process for getting these set up.
• What shore excursions are offered? Ask about specific ports and how people in wheelchairs will get on shore. Staff may be unable to guarantee this accessibility, but at least you will have an idea of what to expect. You can also research on your own to learn more.
• Communicate with ship staff about your needs when arriving.
Accommodations
• Where are the accessible guest rooms located and are they usable for you?
• Where is your room located in relation to the other amenities on the ship? Will you be able to get to the recreation room or pool from your room?
• If you utilize an assistive device to walk, are elevators an option, or do the stairways have railings?
• Does the ship have manual wheelchairs available to use for long distances on shore? If you use a power chair or scooter it may help to bring a manual chair along as well.
Bathrooms
• Are the bathrooms accessible in the guest rooms and at other amenities? Is there room to transfer in the bathroom?
• Is there a shower chair and handrail? Many newer ships have cabins with roll in showers.
• Is the sink accessible?
• Are there raised toilet seats and/or grab bars?
• What services are available for passengers who are hearing impaired?
Provided that you are resourceful and plan ahead there is no reason why your trip should not be a success.
For more information, contact Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) http://www.cruising.org, the official trade organization of the cruise industry. Click Vacations, then Ship Features Finder, then Wheelchair Accessibility.
Prior to booking, take time to contact the specific cruise line and speak with a customer service representative regarding accessibility of the ship. It is also helpful to visit the web site. Many travelers choose to use a travel agent that specializes in cruises for people with disabilities. Be sure to consider your disability and what personal or medical needs you may have prior to planning a cruise trip.
Listed below are some common questions to ask when thinking about vacationing by cruise:
General Ship Accessibility
• Know the measurements and dimensions of your wheelchair. Will all doorways on the ship be wide enough – not just the one for your room!
• Explore all the amenities available. Are facilities/activities on board accessible or adaptable so that you will be able to use them?
• Does the swimming pool have a lift? Or do the stairs entering the pool have grab bars? Ask about the process for getting these set up.
• What shore excursions are offered? Ask about specific ports and how people in wheelchairs will get on shore. Staff may be unable to guarantee this accessibility, but at least you will have an idea of what to expect. You can also research on your own to learn more.
• Communicate with ship staff about your needs when arriving.
Accommodations
• Where are the accessible guest rooms located and are they usable for you?
• Where is your room located in relation to the other amenities on the ship? Will you be able to get to the recreation room or pool from your room?
• If you utilize an assistive device to walk, are elevators an option, or do the stairways have railings?
• Does the ship have manual wheelchairs available to use for long distances on shore? If you use a power chair or scooter it may help to bring a manual chair along as well.
Bathrooms
• Are the bathrooms accessible in the guest rooms and at other amenities? Is there room to transfer in the bathroom?
• Is there a shower chair and handrail? Many newer ships have cabins with roll in showers.
• Is the sink accessible?
• Are there raised toilet seats and/or grab bars?
• What services are available for passengers who are hearing impaired?
Provided that you are resourceful and plan ahead there is no reason why your trip should not be a success.
For more information, contact Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) http://www.cruising.org, the official trade organization of the cruise industry. Click Vacations, then Ship Features Finder, then Wheelchair Accessibility.
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