Expert Shares 10 Tips for Planning an Accessible Cruise
Cruising is often billed as one of the most accessible vacation choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. In fact, according to a 2002 Harris Interactive poll, 12 percent of disabled adults had taken a cruise in the previous five years, compared to 8 percent of the able-bodied population. Still, some cruises are more accessible than others.
“Unfortunately some people think that all cruise ships and itineraries are equally accessible,” says Candy Harrington, author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. “But,” she adds “although there’s certainly a high level of accessibility in the cruise industry, you can still end up on a very inaccessible ship if you don’t do your homework.”
Of course, it helps to know who to contact, what questions to ask and what access-related services are available. With than in mind, here are Harrington’s tips about how to plan an accessible cruise.
- For best access, choose a large ship built within the past three years.
- If you’d prefer to deal direct, contact the special needs desk at the cruise line, as these employees are the experts in all access-related issues.
- Accessible cabins are in short supply so try to book at least 6-9 months in advance to get your first choice of sailing dates. Accessible balcony cabins on Alaska cruises sell out extremely fast, so book those as soon as they become available.
- Don’t assume all accessible cabins are the same. If you need a specific feature, such as a roll-in shower, ask if it’s available.
- When you book your cruise, remember to request a table near the restaurant entrance, but out of the main traffic flow; as this will make for a more pleasant dining experience.
- Don’t forget about airport transfers. If you book your air through the cruise line, you can also purchase transfers from them; however, if you fly in a day early you’ll have to arrange your own transfers. Be sure to specify that you need wheelchair-accessible transfers.
- If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, ask about the electrical supply on the ship. If it’s not compatible with your battery charger, bring a converter. For easier recharging, also pack an extension cord and a power strip.
- If you need any special equipment, such as a commode chair or a shower chair, ask if the cruise line can provide it. Provide a detailed description, and even a photo of the type of equipment you need.
- Ask about tender ports before you choose an itinerary. In some ports, cruise ships anchor offshore and ferry their passengers to the docks in small boats called tenders. In most cases the cruise lines will not tender passengers in power wheelchairs. To avoid being stuck on board, bring along a manual wheelchair for use in tender ports.
- Last but not least, ask a lot of questions about “accessible” shore excursions. In most cases “accessible” means you have to climb the tour bus steps and store your wheelchair or scooter below. Sometimes it’s better to plan your own accessible shore excursions.
101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers is published by Demos Publishing and is available from your favorite bookstore or at www.101AccessibleVacations.com. Visit Candy Harrington’s Barrier Free Travels blog at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com for more helpful access tips, travel news and information for disabled travelers.
