Cruising might be the perfect holiday if you have a disability

Cruise ships today have some of the best facilities possible for people who require Accessible accommodation.

Requirements often vary from one person to another but ships built in the last 15 years or so will almost always offer suitable accommodation and areas around the ship that cater for anyone with a disability.

Senior travellers or those with a disability are frequently put off a cruise because of all the research, preparation and organisation involved. Over the last 35 years, I have helped many older and disabled people find their perfect cruise. It is never an easy task because there are so many things that need be taken into consideration. Here’s just a few of them:

Which destinations?

The first and probably the most important item on my list is to find out from my client where they want to go and which cruise lines operate to their preferred destinations. Once I know which cruise lines I can choose from, then it’s time to begin asking questions of the various cruise lines.

Accessibility on board the cruise ship

Some of the questions I need answered are about the layout of the ship and whether all areas of the ship will be accessible to my client. I will also need some information about cabins and which, (if any) are wheelchair accessible. I also like to find out if the cruise ship has any areas that are designed with my client’s specialist needs in mind. I like to check on any rules the cruise company may have regarding the use of wheelchairs on-board. Some cruise companies allow only manual wheelchairs on-board and this can make things much more difficult & complicated.

Dress on board the cruise ship

I also need to find out whether the cruise company has any rules regarding dress code. As an older or disabled person, there may be certain types of clothing and footwear that my client cannot wear. It is important that the cruise company is willing to accommodate the needs of my client and their other disabled passengers.

Travelling Companions

My next consideration is to determine whom my client will be travelling with. This is vital because my client may be relying on them for help during their time on the cruise. I need to think about the amount of effort they will be able to put into helping my client or if the cruise company provides any kind of on-board support and assistance. In addition, I need to find out if the cruise company will be able to assist my client if he or she chooses to participate in any excursions or time away from the cruise ship.

Over the years, I have dealt with all sorts of requirements for people who have one type of disability or another.

No request has ever caused the least embarrassment to my clients. I am a very sympathetic listener and will go well beyond expectations to ensure that my clients are well taken care of.

At www.Cruise.co.uk we have a fabulous section on our website which is a one stop shop to assist all disabled cruisers. Click on the following link http://www.cruise.co.uk/guides/cruise-information-disabled-facilities/ to get answers to many of those questions you have.

I would strongly recommend that an older or disabled person speak to me first as I have the right contacts in the cruise industry to find out which cruises are likely to be most suitable to their needs.