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Ships generally stock
a limited number of wheelchairs but please be aware they must be pre-reserved
at the time of your booking.
Due to S.O.L.A.S. (Safety
of Live At Sea) Regulations, physically challenged passengers must have
partial mobility, and a traveling companion who can assist them, should an
emergency arise.
You'll find that the
newer, larger cruise ships have been built with the goal of full-accessibility.
A new ship will have wider corridors, more spacious cabins, more, and larger,
elevators and ramps where needed. In addition, the designated "accessible"
cabins on newer ships are outfitted with many of the following features that
will make your cruise vacation a more comfortable experience:
* Stateroom and cabin
doorways wide enough for wheelchairs (at least 30")
* Stateroom
dimensions and floor space for maneuverability and bathroom dimensions
adequate for maneuvering
* No "lips" or sills
into bathrooms
* Sink positioned so
wheelchair can roll under it
* Roll-in shower wit
a fold-down stool in shower with detachable showerhead
* Bathroom walls with
handrails
* Raised toilet seat,
at least 17" inches high
* Pull-down clothing
racks
* Light switches at
wheelchair level
* Adjustable mirror
above sink
* Portable telephone
* Blinking lights in
staterooms for the hearing challenged
In some ports, ships
must anchor offshore due to size of the port or because of extreme weather (if
the weather is too extreme they won’t stop at that port at all). They
"tender" guests to shore with small boats that may not be accessible to
guests in wheelchairs. You'll want to check with the shore excursions
department to determine which shore excursions are most suitable for you. In
some destinations, particularly those outside of the United States, you will
not always find accessible transportation and facilities.
Some of the Princess
cruise line ships have hoists by the pool so a physically challenged
passengers can enjoy the pool. Some of Holland American ships have the
ability to tender wheelchairs into ports where they do not dock. Ask your
travel agent to inquire with those lines to find the ship that is suitable
for you.
There is no reason
that anyone who is physically challenged should avoid a cruise vacation.
Just remember when you are looking into cruise travel that you have your
travel agent find the cruise ship that caters to your needs.
Now that you know
that a cruise vacation may be perfect for you, call your travel agent and
start packing.
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © 2006 Mary
Hanna All Rights Reserved.
Mary Hanna
has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software
Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening
and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com,
http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com,
and
http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at
mhanna@cruisepublishing
Article Source:
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