Ahoy there, fellow adventurers! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re interested in going on a cruise but you’re wondering if having a physical disability will stop you from cruising your life away. Well, let me tell you, there’s absolutely no reason to let that hold you back from enjoying all the wonders that a cruise has to offer! With a little bit of planning and a positive attitude, you can have an absolutely amazing time on the high seas.
First things first, it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions when booking your cruise. I spend over an hour on the phone with three different cruise lines AFTER checking out their websites. Sometimes their non ADA cabins are less expensive than the ADA cabins and I want to know what features they have that the others don’t. Don’t assume it’s because ADA cabins are larger. That’s not always the case.
But, most major cruise lines these days have a pretty good handle on accommodating passengers with disabilities. Here are a few key questions to ask when booking your cruise:
- What types of accessible staterooms are available? Many cruise lines offer specially designed staterooms with wider doorways, grab bars, and other accessibility features. Be sure to ask about the options available on your ship. You might not get everything on your wish list, but you be sure you have a cabin that has everything you NEED. Once you are out there, it’s full steam ahead.
- Are there wheelchair-accessible shore excursions available? Many cruise lines offer excursions that are designed with accessibility in mind, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Here’s something else that I found interesting, their excursions are more expensive than if you book them yourself. I found an excellent accessible bus tour when I traveled the Caribbean. The driver was the owner of the company, he knew the local information, and he made sure that I was safely tied down and encouraged me to get off the bus at the stops we made.
- What types of mobility aids are available on board? Some cruise lines offer wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids for rent, but availability can vary. Be sure to ask about what’s available on your ship.
- What types of dietary accommodations are available? If you have dietary restrictions due to your disability, be sure to ask about what types of accommodations are available on board. Most cruise lines are happy to work with passengers to ensure that their dietary needs are met. Funny story. My sister who doesn’t have any health reasons for food restrictions started to ask the server for specific items. We laughed because she was definitely nitpicking. The server returned with clear broth! She laughed too. My point is that the cruise will give you what you want because they want you to enjoy yourself. Just be careful what you ask for because you might not enjoy it as much if you are too picky.
Ahoy there, fellow adventurers! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re interested in going on a cruise but you’re wondering if having a physical disability will stop you from cruising your life away. Well, let me tell you, there’s absolutely no reason to let that hold you back from enjoying all the wonders that a cruise has to offer! With a little bit of planning and a positive attitude, you can have an absolutely amazing time on the high seas.
First things first, it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions when booking your cruise. I spend over an hour on the phone with three different cruise lines AFTER checking out their websites. Sometimes their non ADA cabins are less expensive than the ADA cabins and I want to know what features they have that the others don’t. Don’t assume it’s because ADA cabins are larger. That’s not always the case.
But, most major cruise lines these days have a pretty good handle on accommodating passengers with disabilities. Here are a few key questions to ask when booking your cruise:
- What types of accessible staterooms are available? Many cruise lines offer specially designed staterooms with wider doorways, grab bars, and other accessibility features. Be sure to ask about the options available on your ship. You might not get everything on your wish list, but you be sure you have a cabin that has everything you NEED. Once you are out there, it’s full steam ahead.
- Are there wheelchair-accessible shore excursions available? Many cruise lines offer excursions that are designed with accessibility in mind, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Here’s something else that I found interesting, their excursions are more expensive than if you book them yourself. I found an excellent accessible bus tour when I traveled the Caribbean. The driver was the owner of the company, he knew the local information, and he made sure that I was safely tied down and encouraged me to get off the bus at the stops we made.
- What types of mobility aids are available on board? Some cruise lines offer wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids for rent, but availability can vary. Be sure to ask about what’s available on your ship.
- What types of dietary accommodations are available? If you have dietary restrictions due to your disability, be sure to ask about what types of accommodations are available on board. Most cruise lines are happy to work with passengers to ensure that their dietary needs are met. Funny story. My sister who doesn’t have any health reasons for food restrictions started to ask the server for specific items. We laughed because she was definitely nitpicking. The server returned with clear broth! She laughed too. My point is that the cruise will give you what you want because they want you to enjoy yourself. Just be careful what you ask for because you might not enjoy it as much if you are too picky.
In conclusion, going on a cruise with a physical disability is absolutely possible and can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s my favorite way to go away on vacation. I feel limitless on a cruise. Just be sure to do your research, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With a positive attitude and a sense of adventure, you’ll be sailing the high seas in no time! Bon voyage!
AudacityMagazine.com is your online lifestyle magazine. Because of your support, we’ve been around forever! Please continue to support us, every bit counts. Here’s the link. SUPPORT.