According to the ICCL, many of its member lines are currently building new ships that will be extremely accessible, as well as modifying many of the existing ships. Nevertheless, disclaimers in every cruise brochure allow ships to refuse passage to anyone whose disability might endanger others. Most ships require that you travel with an able-bodied companion if you use a wheelchair or have mobility problems.
If you do have a mobility problem, even if you do not use a wheelchair, tell your travel agent. Each cruise line sets its own policies; choose the line that is most accommodating. Also be careful to select a ship that is easy to get around. Ships vary even within the fleet of the same line. Follow up by making sure that the cruise line is fully informed of your disability and any special needs, and ask if the ship has a full-time physician on board. (Virtually all major cruise ships have a doctor on call.) Get written confirmation of any promises that have been made to you about a special cabin or transfers to and from the airport. The line may request a letter from your doctor stating that you need neither a wheelchair nor a companion, or that you will not require special medical attention on board.
If you have any type of chronic health problem that may require medical attention, notify the ship's doctor soon after you board so he or she will be prepared to treat you appropriately, if necessary.
Passengers Using Wheelchairs
Newer cruise ships have been built with accessibility in mind, and many older ships have been modified to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs. The key areas to be concerned about
are public rooms, outer decks, and, of course, your cabin. If you need a specially equipped cabin, book as far in advance as possible and ask specific questions of your travel agent or a cruise-line representative. Specifically, ask how your cabin is configured and equipped. Is the entrance level or ramped? Are all doorways at least 30 inches wide (wider if your wheelchair is not a standard size)? Are pathways to beds, closets, and bathrooms at least 36 inches wide and unobstructed? In the bathroom, is there a 42-inch clear space in front of the toilet and are there grab bars behind and on one side of it and in the bathtub or shower? Ask whether there is a three-prong outlet in the cabin, and whether the bathroom has a handheld showerhead, a bath bench, or roll-in shower or shower stall with fold-down seat, if you need them. Are elevators wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs?The best cruise ship for passengers who use wheelchairs is one that ties up right at the dock at every port, at which time a ramp or even an elevator is always made available. Unfortunately, it's hard to ascertain this in advance, for a ship may tie up at the dock at a particular port on one voyage and, on the next, anchor in the harbor and have passengers transported to shore via tender. Ask your travel agent to find out which ships are scheduled to dock on which cruises. If a tender is used, some ships will have crew members carry the wheelchair and passenger from the ship to the tender. Unfortunately, other ships point-blank refuse to take wheelchairs on tenders, especially if the water is choppy. At some ports, ships always use a tender because docking facilities are unavailable.
Passengers with Vision Impairments
Some ships allow guide dogs to accompany passengers with vision impairments; however, if your cruise is scheduled to visit foreign ports (as most do), you may not be able to take a guide dog ashore, depending on the country. To avoid potential quarantine upon returning to the United States, guide dogs should have their shots updated within seven days of sailing, and owners should carry the dog's valid health and rabies certificates.
Hawaii is especially strict about importing animals. No dog, not even a guide dog, may step ashore without being quarantined for at least 30 days unless it arrives from an area recognized by the state as rabies-free. Guide dogs may remain aboard visiting ships during port calls for up to 48 hours. That period begins upon docking at the first Hawaiian port and includes all time spent in Hawaiian waters.
Pregnant Women
Considering advanced pregnancy a disability, cruise lines may refuse passage to pregnant women. "Advanced" usually refers to the third trimester. If you are pregnant, check on the cruise line's policy before you book passage.
Travel Agencies and Tour Operators for Passengers with Disabilities
Accessible Journeys (35 W. Sellers Ave., Ridley Park, PA 19078, tel. 800/846-4537 or 610/521-0339, fax 610/521-6959, e-mail sales@disabilitytravel.com) designs accessible vacations, arranges escorted trips for travelers with disabilities, and provides licensed health-care professionals to accompany those who require aid. ADA Medical Travel (5184 Majorca Club Dr., Boca Raton, FL 33486, tel. 800/778-7953, fax 561/361-9385, e-mail ada@medicaltravel.org) offers dialysis and oxygen cruises and tours, accessible and escorted cruises, and information about accessible cruise lines. Flying Wheels Travel (143 W. Bridge St., Owatonna, MN 55060, tel. 800/535-6790 or 507/451-5005, TTY/fax 507/451-1685, e-mail thq@ll.net) is a travel agency specializing in accessible cruises and escorted tours for people with limited mobility. In the U.K., try Travelability Ltd. (The Ferns, Framilode, Gloucester, England, U.K. GL2 7LH, tel. 1452/740-820, fax 1452/740-898, e-mail travable@aol.com,), which specializes in accessible cruising from U.K. ports. Access-Able Travel Source (P.O. Box 1796, Wheat Ridge, CO 80034, tel. 303/232-2979, fax 303/239-8486, e-mail access-able@home.com) provides extensive information for mature and disabled travelers, including travel tips and forums, travel agent and tour operator listings, and a database of cruise ships with accessible facilities.
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