The disABILITY to Cruise Atriumdeck Movies under the stars

Accessiblefolding shower seat

A cruise holiday can be a fantastic way for people with disabilities, and their families, to enjoy a relaxing holiday.

There are a few considerations to be made, but cruise holidays are just as accessible for those with disabilities as they are for the able-bodied.

Firstly transportation to your cruise terminal of choice can be approached in the normal way for the wheelchair user. Just remember that if you intend to leave your car in secure parking, like airports, costs can be quite high.

On arrival at your terminal you go through a similar check-in procedure to that of an airport, handing over your luggage to a stevedore for delivery to your cabin, and making sure the boarding card you’re given is always at hand. This is your access key not only for your cabin but for all the facilities on board, so don’t lose it!

Once on board, your cabin will have different facilities according to type. They range from the simplest type of accommodation, the ‘Inside’ cabin which has no window, to the ‘Suite’ which can border on the palatial, with balconies and ‘duplex’ levels.

Whatever you choose, make sure your cabin has ‘accessible’ features when you book. This will give you essential features such as lowered heights for sinks, toilets seats, light switches and detachable shower head.

Lowered sink & shelves

Depending on the ship, you will have a vast choice of areas to explore. These will include dining areas of various types, entertainment venues, swimming pools and jacuzzis, retail outlets, Purser’s desk and medical facilities should you require them.

As in a land-based hotel 24-hour room service is available for those who wish to dine in their cabin and the menus are usually the same as those in the main restaurants.

Whatever activity you opt for, facilities aboard ship are usually top notch. These can range from retail therapy in the various shops through to therapy in the form of a massage or manicure or pedicure in the onboard spa. Watching a movie on the top deck can be thoroughly enjoyable if your ship has an outdoor screen. Warm blankets and complimentary popcorn are usually provided!

Going ashore at ports of call and exploring the different ports and their surrounding areas is usually the main interest for those on a cruise. People with disabilities normally access the port of call by going ashore on the tender craft. Sometimes, however that port may have difficult access such as steep or narrow steps so it’s important that you do your homework before booking.

Hopefully this information will help you go on and get out there. Book a cruise, see the world, or at least part of it!

Extracted from ‘The disAbility to Cruise’ by Douglas Smith.

www.thedisabilitytocruise.com