| Choosing a Cruise
Ship
Congratulations on your decision to take
a cruise vacation! It's an excellent way to travel in a safe
and comfortable manner. If you have made a good choice in
vessels, you will be able to enjoy much of the same accessibility
and freedom of movement as any other passenger. This article
provides some useful points of consideration when making your
cruise ship choice.
Something Old,
Something New
Your best bet in choosing an accessible cruise ship is to
start with vessels that have been built during the past five
years. These ships are more likely to have cabins that were
built with accessibility in mind. Many of these ships will
even provide accessible rooms in different pricing categories.
That provides a welcome option for budget-conscious travelers.
If you decide to go with an older ship,
you will still have plenty of options since the cruise lines
are making strong efforts to adhere to ADA requirements. Many
older ships have already been retrofitted to ensure that their
staterooms conform to accessible standards.
Size Can be Better
If you drive a 4-wheeled scooter, you are probably aware that
smaller hallways and rooms provide additional challenges.
The general rule of thumb for any mobility device is that
bigger spaces are usually better. If you choose a larger ship,
you will increase your options and have more space to maneuver
-- larger ships tend to offer bigger elevators, wider hallways,
and larger cabin facilities.
Regardless of the ship's size, it is a good
idea to find out exactly which areas are available to you
and your mobility vehicle. Cruise ships may be labeled "accessible"
in some ways but not in others. For example, your ship may
have accessible cabins but not all public areas may be navigable
by scooter/wheelchair (e.g. smaller lounges and observation
areas).
The Ups and Downs
Many of today's modern vessels offer two or even three banks
of elevators -- quite necessary since some ships are as large
as a twelve-story building. Try to choose a cabin that is
situated close to elevators for easier access.
Many ships are also equipped with wheelchair
lifts at the embarkation and debarkation stations. These handy
lifts will make your journey up and down the ramp much easier
(and safer). If your ship does not have elevator or lift service,
you should probably consider choosing a vessel that does.
Removing the Obstacles
Many ships (old and new) have common obstacles that can make
scooter and wheelchair navigating difficult. Many older ships
have lips at each doorway -- lips that may require an additional
effort to traverse. Most new ships have removed these obstacles
-- one more reason to choose a later-model vessel.
Older ships have installed ramps to assist
in these obstructions, but they are sometimes too steep to
be traveled safely unless you have assistance. Newer ships
install ramps that are constructed with more suitable grades
that make navigating safe and easy.
Handicapped Cabins
Most of the newer cruise ships provide cabins that have been
built specifically for mobility challenged passengers. With
features like extra-wide doors (for accommodating scooters
and wheelchair) to roll-in closets and clothes racks at chair
height, your cabin will be much more comfortable after a long
day of cruising.
If your ship does not provide accessible
cabins, you should at least enquire about the size and interior
design of the existing cabins. If you choose a cabin with
enough maneuvering room, you may be able to accept the other
shortcomings.
Ask a lot of Questions
It is refreshing to know that cruise lines are working to
offer suitable mobility options for all passengers. Cruise
lines are very willing to provide any information necessary
for you to make a proper choice of ship and cabin. Travel
planners will also work to ensure that you are not excluded
from the activities and sights that have made a cruise your
choice of vacation. Ask lots of questions and gather as much
information as you can -- your cruise vacation will be worth
it!
Click Here
to read an article on Accessible Cabins
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