CR15-17 jan9 5/1/09 13:26 Page 62
knowledge cruise
ttglive.com
extra-wide doors to allow wheelchair access,
grab bars and shower stools in the bathrooms,
raised beds, plus adjustable hanging rods in
closets, sinks and toilets.
Some staterooms also feature alarm and
communication systems for those passengers
with hearing and visual disabilities, such as
vibrating alarms and closed-captioned TVs.
Other lines, including Princess Cruises
and Holland America Line, offer a range of
facilities for people in wheelchairs as well
as those with sight or hearing impediments.
Smaller ships obviously offer fewer
adapted cabins – Silversea and Seabourn
only feature a few of these cabins on their
ships while some explorer-type vessels have
none and are not suitable for those requiring
wheelchairs. Fred Olsen has several modified
cabins on all its ships.
Onboard life
y Cruises
Technology has made the public areas of C
elebrit
modern cruise ships more accessible than Lines offer a range of cabins tailored for people with disabilities. Below: NCL offers hoists for people with wheelchairs to access pools
many hotels and onshore attractions.
Ramps and electronically-controlled doors Mark Pilkington, head of sales for Complete
means that wheelchair users can access the Cruise Solution, says: “We may be able to
lounges, bars, restaurants and casinos with provide adapted shore excursions for some
ease while special allocated areas in show ports of call and it is always worth enquiring
lounges and theatres means they do not miss about this to allow passengers to choose an
the entertainment. itinerary which suits them best.”
Many ships also feature braille signs, lift Again, this is an area that lines are always
buttons and restaurant menus to help those seeking to improve – Costa has recently
with visual impairments. allowed disabled passengers to reserve front
Some of the newer ships, such as NCL’s seats on buses used for shore excursions.
latest vessels, also have electrical hoists to
help passengers to use the pools and hot- Advice for agents
tubs. Technology also makes getting on and Get in contact quickly is the advice from
off the ship much easier these days – Royal cruise lines for agents who have customers
Caribbean uses a specialised van with a lift with disabilities.
for its cruise transfers. Lift access is another important factor,
Passengers are often allowed to use with Peter Deilmann Cruises recommending
motorised wheelchairs and scooters onboard disabled customers book on its river cruise
but this can vary between ships so needs to vessels with dining and accommodation on
be checked during the early stages of the the same deck.
booking. Guide dogs may also be permitted It’s also best to pick up the phone to the
onboard. company as most online booking engines
Cruise lines are always looking to improve NCL will not allow you to book disabled cabins
their services for disabled passengers so it is directly. Many major lines have dedicated
worth checking what they offer and which staff to deal with bookings from passengers
ships they are available on. “Today, access for with disabilities and it gives agents the
mobility and sensory-
chance to discuss any special requirements.
Excursions Edwina Lonsdale, managing director of
A major selling point for cruises is the impaired passengers Mundy Cruising, advises: “If the line has
number and diversity of the ports and
is designed into every
problems responding to your questions, it is
destinations visited during the voyage. probably because they don’t have any policy
Obviously it is easier for passengers to facet of the cruise or expertise in the area. If they are respon-
disembark from a quayside rather than
offering”
sive and proactive, they are likely to have
having to board a small tender boat to go passed on a ‘can do’ attitude to their staff
ashore, so it’s vital to check how accessible Richard Thompson, which can make all the difference between a
each destination is on the chosen itinerary. Travel Counsellors great experience and a terrible experience.”
62 09.01.2009
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