| Cruising is often billed as one of the most accessible | | | | · If you requested any special equipment, such |
| vacation choices for wheelchair-users and slow | | | | as a commode chair or a shower bench, contact your |
| walkers. In fact, according to a 2002 Harris Interactive | | | | cabin steward if it's not in your cabin when you arrive. |
| poll, 12 percent of disabled adults had taken a cruise in | | | | If you feel there's a language problem and you don't |
| the previous five years, compared to 8 percent of the | | | | think the cabin steward understands your question, |
| able-bodied population. So chances are, even if you | | | | then go to the purser's office and ask to speak to the |
| don't specialize in accessible cruises, you're still likely to | | | | Chief Purser or the Head Housekeeper about the |
| have at least a few disabled cruise clients. | | | | matter. |
| These days wheelchair-users and slow walkers turn | | | | · After you get settled in, head down to the |
| to travel agents for far more than just a cruise | | | | dining room and check on the location and height of |
| reservation; they also look to them for their expertise in | | | | your table. If it's not manageable for you, talk to the |
| handling logistical issues relating to their disability. With | | | | Maitre d' about a change. |
| that in mind, here are a few nuts-and-bolts tips to | | | | · Make sure and locate the accessible seating |
| share with your disabled cruise clients. | | | | in the showrooms before show time, as sometimes it's |
| · If you're traveling with extra equipment, such | | | | difficult to find when it's crowded. |
| as an additional wheelchair or a hoyer lift, try and take | | | | · Arrive about 15 minutes early for the life boat |
| it aboard yourself instead of leaving it with the rest of | | | | drill. That way you will beat the crowds and still be able |
| your luggage, to be brought to your room later. That's | | | | to take the elevator. If you have any concerns about |
| the best way to insure all of your equipment makes it | | | | emergency evacuation procedures, don't hesitate to |
| on the ship. | | | | ask your life boat captain. |
| · If you take along a manual wheelchair, mark it | | | | · Take a tour of the ship on the first day and |
| clearly with your name or personalize it in some way, | | | | locate the accessible restrooms on each deck. Make |
| so it won't be mistaken for one of the ship's | | | | note of the locations for future use. |
| wheelchairs. | | | | · Last but not least, if you use a power |
| · If you are traveling with a scooter or a power | | | | wheelchair or scooter, bring along a manual wheelchair |
| wheelchair, take an extension cord and a power strip. | | | | for use in port. This is especially helpful in Caribbean |
| Outlets are limited in staterooms and sometimes they | | | | ports, where it's difficult to find lift-equipped |
| are not located in the most convenient places. | | | | transportation. In the long run, it will help make your |
| Additionally, don't forget to pack a converter if you | | | | cruise more enjoyable. |
| need one. | | | | |