SPECIAL NEEDS AND CRUISING

Perhaps you or someone you know has been held back from cruise travel due to uncertainty regarding accessibility or other special needs requiring mobility, dietary concerns, medicine or other requirements beyond the ordinary. If this applies then it is important for you to know that there are many options for dealing with such matters and your travel concerns, if dealt with from the beginning, can, in most cases, be easily overcome.

In fact, modern cruising, with its allowance for accessibility and other needs, provides a full spectrum of services a that go way beyond most other forms of travel.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Cruise ships carrying passengers to and from U.S. ports are subject to requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as outlined in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s passenger vessel regulations, according to trade group Cruise Lines International Association.

Therefore cruise lines are not permitted to discriminate against cruise passengers who are disabled. Their ships and related facilities must be accessible, CLIA said. That also means the the lines are required to make accommodations for passengers with disabilities..

On member-operated ships, CLIA said accessible cabin features include specially-equipped cabins with wide doors and large bathrooms, roll-in showers and special placement of faucet handles, lavatory fittings and grab rails. They also include wheelchair-friendly counter heights and entertainment seating, Braille text for elevator buttons, room numbers and signage for the visually impaired, Braille menus, and assistance for passengers with hearing impairments.

Yet, in recent years, some cruise lines have run afoul of the ADA.

In July 2015, in a settlement with the U.S. Justice Department, cruise giant Carnival Corp. agreed to pay a $55,000 penalty and $350,000 in damages relating to ADA violations by its Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line brands. The settlement called for accessibility standards and policies to be implemented across the three lines and changes made aboard 62 ships to make them ADA compliant where necessary.

Americans with disabilities spent $17.3 billion on travel in 2015, up from $13.6 billion in 2002, according to a national survey commissioned by Chicago-based nonprofit Open Doors Organization.

Due to their increase in stature amongst travelers, most  cruise lines offer disabled cruisers a web of accessibility options, from fully-accessible staterooms and public spaces to priority embarkation. As with any travel concern, however, you must be assertive about requesting whatever accommodations you need. Clearly and concisely describe your needs to your initial booking representative; remind cruise staff of your needs after boarding the ship.

YOU DESERVE THE BEST

Of course it helps to work with someone who has the experience necessary to know of the type of situations that may arise when it comes to special needs. Having assisted tens of thousands of cruisers over the decades it is not unknown for me to have gone out of my way to personally assist my clients with such matters, even driving guests to the port and personally assembling their scooters for them prior to boarding, you can contact me here for my experience and skills to help in such delicate matters as special needs.

It doesn’t require more than ensuring that I ask a series of questions regarding special needs in regards to dietary, medications, mobility, pregnancy and other concerns: making careful notes. Once it is determined what these needs are it is simply a matter of working out the best solutions to ensure that the vacation is as seamless as possible.

Realize some small ship cruise lines or itineraries may be completely unrealistic for mobility challenged travelers. I’ve had clients requesting such services as  frequent dialysis treatments thereby making their  cruise vacation beyond their reach.

However, I do know how it might be possible to get my client a free upgrade from an inside room where there are no accessible rooms to a balcony where there are, it comes down to having the experience of who and how to talk to the right person. Your best best is always to book what they have and then get on the lines to the special needs department pleading your case.

Remember to inquire about and fill out the needed paperwork promptly. Not doing so can mean that your room can be preempted to someone else more in need!!

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SCOOTERS HAVE BECOME MORE COMMON Although wheelchairs can be used, and are generally available from the cruise lines for embarkation and debarkation, it has now become more common for cruisers to either rent or bring their own scooters for use on and off the ship. Also scooters have become lighter and smaller allowing navigation through the tightest of spaces. Because of this they are now frequently on board as they are easy to navigate even through crowded spaces.

If you are looking to rent a scooter I have found Special Needs At Sea to be a reliable provider of not only scooters but other devices such as Personal Oxygen Generators. They can also be helpful in answering special needs questions and are familiar with the requirements related to each cruise lines and the various port requirements. In fact between the cruise line’s special needs departments and this company, you should be able to determine exactly what is required including  how to get the device  there when needed, including any related costs.

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CONSIDER BUYING A SCOOTER Another viable alternative is to purchase your own scooter. You may look into a model such as the Pride Mobility Go-Go Ultra X. This scooter disassembles into 5 pieces allowing it to fit in the trunk of most vehicles and is easily maneuverable in and around the ship. It also packs enough battery power for short range trips. For longer range travels ask about an upgraded model with a larger battery or purchasing and optional large capacity battery.

In case you didn’t know, you can drive one of these scooters right onto an airplane. Allow extra boarding time to get through security. You may bring it right to the boarding area and the airlines will stow it for you. You need to let the airline know ahead of time, however.

Then when you come off the plane it is there waiting for you. You will find that in many cities and locations these are quite usable, even for public transportation. Be sure to ask the cruise line ahead of time, as they may not be compatible such as on river cruises with no elevators.

You best bet is to work with someone with the know-how and experience to coordinate your trip with the cruise lines, making sure all pertinent questions are asked and complete and detailed information is thereby provided to the cruise lines.

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