| If you have a disability, are disabled in any way or | | | | ADA (American Disabilities Association) compliant |
| have some special needs or a special handicap you | | | | rooms on their cruise ships. If you're deaf or hearing |
| can still enjoy a great cruise experience and learn all | | | | impaired, you can request special accommodations, for |
| about disable travel. The first step in planning a cruise | | | | example tele-typewriters (TTY) or telecommunication |
| ship adventure is to consult with a travel agent who | | | | devices for the deaf (TDD). Some of the cabins may |
| specializes in cruise travel for people with disabilities to | | | | have the ADA approved kits. These kits include visual |
| make sure you have an accessible trip. | | | | smoke alarms and alarms that vibrate and door |
| Because the cruise lines are all different you need to | | | | sensors so you know when someone is at the door. |
| compare the cruise lines and all they have to offer; this | | | | For blind travelers who bring along their guide dogs or |
| requires a little research on your part. However travel | | | | other service animals, they'll have a difficult time finding |
| agents who specialize in cruise travel can really | | | | the best cruise. Each of the ports of call has different |
| shorten your work and prevent a lot of problems and | | | | rules and regulations regarding guide dogs and service |
| help you gain the best access. I encourage you to | | | | animals. Service animals may not be allowed to leave |
| seek out their help and not try to go it alone. | | | | the cruise ship. |
| There are many differences in the cruise lines. Some | | | | It's important to work with a travel agent who |
| cannot accommodate wheelchairs easily. Most cabins | | | | specializes in disability travel who knows how to do |
| are small and you'll need to get the dimensions of the | | | | this and may be familiar with your chosen cruise |
| cabin to know if your wheelchair will fit. | | | | already. |
| Some of the larger cruise lines have cabins that have | | | | Special diets are usually easily accommodated on |
| wider doorways. These cabins have bathrooms that | | | | most of the cruise lines. Vegans and vegetarians have |
| will fit wheelchairs that can roll around inside. The | | | | fresh fruit and vegetable options and special diets are |
| closets are usually built so you can reach them from a | | | | available for those passengers who need a low fat, |
| lower vantage point. But make sure to double-check | | | | low salt or low cholesterol diets. People with celiac |
| that the cruise line you've picked has these special | | | | disease may need to discus this with the cruise lines to |
| accommodations. This is another reason a special | | | | see if their chefs are familiar with how to prepare |
| needs travel agent or travel specialist can help. | | | | gluten-free foods. Cruise passengers with lung |
| Most of the cruise lines have elevators that have | | | | impairments who will need oxygen can cruise but |
| control panels within easy reach from a wheelchair. | | | | make sure you arrange to have plenty of oxygen on |
| The cruise lines have collapsible wheelchairs available | | | | board. |
| but I would consider taking my own. It may be a | | | | Make sure that you're not traveling alone and have |
| concern if it is going to be uncomfortable in any way. | | | | someone travel with you who knows your specific |
| Also there is a remote possibility that they might run | | | | needs. Don't take anything for granted. Check |
| out of them. If you bring a motorized or power | | | | everything out and double check with your travel |
| wheelchair make sure to bring your charger along - | | | | agent. You may want to call the cruise line yourself |
| one that is adaptable to 110 volts. | | | | too. Make sure your travel agent is experienced and |
| Make sure to discuss with your travel agent how your | | | | ask for references from someone they have |
| visit to the various harbors or ports of call on the | | | | arranged travel for with similar needs. |
| cruise, will be handled. This can make or break your | | | | Don't forget to check with your travel agent about any |
| trip. Small boats, which are called tenders, are used to | | | | discounts, free add-ons, or good deals on cruise travel |
| take travelers and disabled travelers from the cruise | | | | too. The cruise lines want your business whether you |
| ship to the port of call. These tenders are not always | | | | are disabled or not. |
| accessible or even safe for people with disabilities, so | | | | As soon as your travel agent books your cruise, make |
| make sure you travel agent has had experience with | | | | sure the cruise line is notified of your special needs and |
| these tenders before you book any cruise travel. And | | | | know of your disability. With help from your travel |
| it is just as important make sure to find out if once you | | | | agent for the disabled or cruise line specialist you |
| reach the shore, that they'll be able to handle your | | | | should be able to have a worry-free and carefree |
| specific special needs. | | | | holiday, vacation or adventure and make you an |
| In general some of the larger cruise lines will have | | | | expert on disabled travel. |