DISABLED CRUISING
The Wheelchair Revolution
Carol Wright looks at the ongoing developments to make cruising more accessible to those with disabilities
past 10 years or so. It makes perfect sense, as it is a safe, secure and well-equipped mode of travel. But, while things are changing for the better – particularly in newly-built ships – it has taken pressure groups and law suits to nudge the industry into providing more and improved facilities for the disabled. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 but not applied to foreign flagged ships until 2005. Cunard, Royal Caribbean and MSC lines are now among
C
ruising has not always been the ideal holiday choice for anyone with disabilities, but things have changed dramatically in the
those complying with the ADA regulations. These say that ships carrying passengers to and from US ports must provide features like grab bars, handrails and wheelchair accessible water bathrooms, although ship- ping lines are not required to make major structural alterations, such as widening door- ways and updating lifts, in existing ships. This means older, smaller ships are still likely to have narrow corridors and doorways, with high ‘lips’ making wheelchair access almost impossible. However, they are suitable for the partially disabled who can walk short distances. The massive new liners are pos- sible for those in a wheelchair, with a
companion to push them or for those with powered scooters, but walking long distances from the cabin to restaurant or theatre may be exhausting for those who walk with the aid of a stick. Their best solution is to hire a scooter. When booking, homework needs to be done carefully. Web sites, particularly Royal Caribbean’s – a leading disabled friendly line – have special pages devoted to accessibility, covering everything from wheelchair access to activities, pregnancy and dialysis help. Other lines have Special Needs booklets and Holland America, another leader in providing disabled facilities, also offers a DVD.
Summer 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING
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