Cruise Ships & Wheelchairs
| Sep 14, 2005 | Comments 5
I recently had a chance to do some work with some of our org people who are in the process of launching a new program. The program is Able to Travel. It’s a member service of the United Spinal Association that makes travel arrangements for wheelchair users. After giving this travel thing some thought, which I probably shouldn’t have let myself do, I was struck with a bit of a brain twister regarding wheelchairs and cruise ships. Yep, cruise ships. You know, big boat, food, entertainment, food, some booze, more food…
The brain twister is as follows- Since most cruise ships sailing from U.S. ports are registered under foreign flags but do most of their business out of U.S. ports, are they required to comply with ADA standards for wheelchair accessibility???
Filed Under: General
The Supreme Court was asked this same question and they ruled that foreign-flagged cruise lines sailing in U.S. waters must provide better access for passengers with disabilities. The U.S. Access Board has recently developed draft guidelines that specifically address passenger vessels. If you’d like more information, you can contact Linda Volpe of Accessibility Services at lvolpe@unitedspinal.org.
Hey, thanks Linda. It’s cool having people with answers around.
I went on a cruise a few years ago and I didn’t have much problems with my wheelchair. The big problem was actually going to the bathroom in the rooms. There is a step to get in.
However, the bathrooms in the lobby were ok.
Nathasha
http://www.audacitymagazine.com
The disabled magazine for the able mind.
The things I hear from people do indicate that there does seem to be a certain level of awareness as to the needs of people with disabilities on these ships. I guess there are actually more horror stories about the destinations than about the cruise ships. You know, that sun soaked beach with swaying palms, that jaunt through the rain forest or nature preserve, or even that cool dip in the hotel swimming pool that just screams, “Wheelchair users keep out”.
Thanks for the insight on this Nathasha.
I think nowadays cruise ships companies are getting more conscious of wheel chairs travellers. For example, I know of a few cruisers who has enjoy their tour on cruise ships like Carnival Liberty. Prompt assistance are provided and they are not made to feel any worse.
http://www.cruise-ships-vacations-guide.com
“Let your memory be your travel bag.” — Alexander Solzhenitsyn