Choosing a Cruise Ship

Congratulations on your decision to take a cruise vacation! It's an excellent way to travel in a safe and comfortable manner. If you have made a good choice in vessels, you will be able to enjoy much of the same accessibility and freedom of movement as any other passenger. This article provides some useful points of consideration when making your cruise ship choice.

Something Old, Something New
Your best bet in choosing an accessible cruise ship is to start with vessels that have been built during the past five years. These ships are more likely to have cabins that were built with accessibility in mind. Many of these ships will even provide accessible rooms in different pricing categories. That provides a welcome option for budget-conscious travelers.

If you decide to go with an older ship, you will still have plenty of options since the cruise lines are making strong efforts to adhere to ADA requirements. Many older ships have already been retrofitted to ensure that their staterooms conform to accessible standards.

Size Can be Better
If you drive a 4-wheeled scooter, you are probably aware that smaller hallways and rooms provide additional challenges. The general rule of thumb for any mobility device is that bigger spaces are usually better. If you choose a larger ship, you will increase your options and have more space to maneuver -- larger ships tend to offer bigger elevators, wider hallways, and larger cabin facilities.

Regardless of the ship's size, it is a good idea to find out exactly which areas are available to you and your mobility vehicle. Cruise ships may be labeled "accessible" in some ways but not in others. For example, your ship may have accessible cabins but not all public areas may be navigable by scooter/wheelchair (e.g. smaller lounges and observation areas).

The Ups and Downs
Many of today's modern vessels offer two or even three banks of elevators -- quite necessary since some ships are as large as a twelve-story building. Try to choose a cabin that is situated close to elevators for easier access.

Many ships are also equipped with wheelchair lifts at the embarkation and debarkation stations. These handy lifts will make your journey up and down the ramp much easier (and safer). If your ship does not have elevator or lift service, you should probably consider choosing a vessel that does.

Removing the Obstacles
Many ships (old and new) have common obstacles that can make scooter and wheelchair navigating difficult. Many older ships have lips at each doorway -- lips that may require an additional effort to traverse. Most new ships have removed these obstacles -- one more reason to choose a later-model vessel.

Older ships have installed ramps to assist in these obstructions, but they are sometimes too steep to be traveled safely unless you have assistance. Newer ships install ramps that are constructed with more suitable grades that make navigating safe and easy.

Handicapped Cabins
Most of the newer cruise ships provide cabins that have been built specifically for mobility challenged passengers. With features like extra-wide doors (for accommodating scooters and wheelchair) to roll-in closets and clothes racks at chair height, your cabin will be much more comfortable after a long day of cruising.

If your ship does not provide accessible cabins, you should at least enquire about the size and interior design of the existing cabins. If you choose a cabin with enough maneuvering room, you may be able to accept the other shortcomings.

Ask a lot of Questions
It is refreshing to know that cruise lines are working to offer suitable mobility options for all passengers. Cruise lines are very willing to provide any information necessary for you to make a proper choice of ship and cabin. Travel planners will also work to ensure that you are not excluded from the activities and sights that have made a cruise your choice of vacation. Ask lots of questions and gather as much information as you can -- your cruise vacation will be worth it!

Click Here to read an article on Accessible Cabins