Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Have Wheelchair, Will Travel
By Nancy Norris

At a recent United Way breakfast I attended, I was approached by a wheelchair-bound woman in her mid-forties. Recognizing me from another event we had both attended, she knew that I was a cruise specialist and was very interested in taking a cruise. She had never been on a cruise before and wanted my assistance in planning her vacation. No problem, I would be more than happy to find a cruise that matched her interests and needs. OR, so I thought!

Now, I am not an expert on Accessible Travel, but I have done my homework, spent time inspecting various ships for their “accessibility factor”, personally traveled with people that were confined to a wheelchair and I know that some ships are better designed for accessibility and ease of mobility. Being aware of the unique aspects of the shipboard environment, I know the challenges that are faced by those with a physical disability and which ships do the best job of alleviating those challenges. However, it was not until I began planning my client’s cruise that I discovered many ships do not allow wheelchair passengers to travel unaccompanied. My client was quite independent and looking forward to a solo adventure. So, as I researched her cruise options, I realized that other agents may also be unaware of this restriction. Let’s face it, as the independent minded, free-spirited, “baby boomer” generation ages, it is more than likely that all of us will be serving clients with special needs. In the spirit of sharing my newfound knowledge, I am providing a list of the cruise ships that are presently best suited for these independent travelers.

In addition to the necessary accessible stateroom features, if a client wishes to travel unaccompanied, minimally, the decks should offer access to all passenger areas, public rooms should be accessible by wheelchair and elevators must accept wheelchairs. However, even though many ships provide the necessary design components, the options narrow when the client plans to travel alone. Traveling unaccompanied is permitted by Crystal, Disney, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. Even within the various ships in these cruise lines fleets, there are specific ships better suited to accommodate my client (and yours in the future). Here are my top recommendations:

Within the Royal Caribbean International fleet, the Voyager Class and Radiance Class ships, by design, do the best job of providing access and freedom of mobility.  Hydraulic lifts on a Jacuzzi and pool are welcome additions to those in wheelchairs. Other special services, such as, cruise transfers utilizing a specialized van with lift, accessible blackjack tables in the casino, accessible guest relations desk and an accessible tender system are all added features that make these ships a good choice.

The Grand Class ships of Princess Cruise Lines are the best to consider in this fleet. They are well-designed for mobility, offer special wheelchair-transportation gangways and provide the best shore excursion accessibility for the major destinations in Alaska.

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder: Although these are not on my short list of recommendations for my client, their 8 outside and 6 inside accessible staterooms are well-equipped and the public areas are easily accessible. A particularly nice touch is that they offer wheelchairs specially designed for easy navigation on sandy beaches.

Obviously, the itinerary is another aspect of the cruise that requires special consideration. We all know some ports are much easier to navigate than others (even for the most able-bodied). For my client’s first cruise, we have decided on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary that includes Nassau, St. Martin and St. Thomas. However, looking more closely at the ports which offer the best access for your clients that “have wheelchair, will travel” is the topic for a future article.