Cruising with your wheelchair
Do you know anyone with limited mobility, or confined to a wheelchair? I had an elderly relative who was mentally just as sharp as a tack, but couldn't get around too well, and my wife and I spent years trying to convince her to join a family cruise. But she was afraid of being a burden to others, and downright refused to consider it. Too modest for her own good, she didn't realize the pleasure that everyone else would gain from her company.
These memories came back when I read an article about a bunch of disabled travelers and their friends from a rehabilitation center who are setting sail on their second cruise next week, and I thought, "Good for them!" I hope this becomes a growing trend. While older cruise ships can be hit-or-miss, most new cruise ships are more accessible than is generally known: accepting of service animals, with specially equipped staterooms and public restrooms, wheelchair seating in showrooms, and even some lifts into pools and jacuzzis.
At the same time, travelers cannot expect full Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance on cruise ships. For one, almost all major-line cruise ships are foreign-flagged which makes their ADA compliance strictly voluntary, although this is a matter of current governmental debate. The only US-flagged vessels are the Hawaiian "Pride" ships of Norwegian Cruise Line--Pride of Aloha, Pride of America, and the upcoming Pride of Hawaii--which do fall under the aegis of the ADA, yet you still can't fully predict their level of accessibility since there are no final ADA rules for cruise ships.
The bottom line? Do consider a cruise vacation to bring together your family, including those with disabilities. Everyone can have a wonderful time together. Yet research and plan carefully to thoroughly understand your chosen cruise line's policies and ship's facilities and limitations. Cruise line Web sites will give general information and a good starting point.
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Wheelchairs packed, they'll cruise to paradise
These memories came back when I read an article about a bunch of disabled travelers and their friends from a rehabilitation center who are setting sail on their second cruise next week, and I thought, "Good for them!" I hope this becomes a growing trend. While older cruise ships can be hit-or-miss, most new cruise ships are more accessible than is generally known: accepting of service animals, with specially equipped staterooms and public restrooms, wheelchair seating in showrooms, and even some lifts into pools and jacuzzis.
At the same time, travelers cannot expect full Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance on cruise ships. For one, almost all major-line cruise ships are foreign-flagged which makes their ADA compliance strictly voluntary, although this is a matter of current governmental debate. The only US-flagged vessels are the Hawaiian "Pride" ships of Norwegian Cruise Line--Pride of Aloha, Pride of America, and the upcoming Pride of Hawaii--which do fall under the aegis of the ADA, yet you still can't fully predict their level of accessibility since there are no final ADA rules for cruise ships.
The bottom line? Do consider a cruise vacation to bring together your family, including those with disabilities. Everyone can have a wonderful time together. Yet research and plan carefully to thoroughly understand your chosen cruise line's policies and ship's facilities and limitations. Cruise line Web sites will give general information and a good starting point.
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Wheelchairs packed, they'll cruise to paradise
Labels: Norwegian Cruise Line
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