I hear it all the time.
“I can’t travel because I am in wheelchair.”
“I can’t go on a cruise.”
But the reality is - YOU CAN! You would be amazed at how
accessible cruises and ports are.
Recently, I traveled to the Western Caribbean on the Carnival
Conquest. To be honest, the Conquest was not the most accessible ship, but
my cabin was suitable. It had a roll-in shower that was perfect. However, later while
sitting at the pool, there wasn’t an accessible restroom in sight. There are
several other cruise lines that are very accessible such as Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
During my travels, I was pleasantly surprised that in
Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico, there was accessible transportation either waiting
right next to where the ship docked or had the capability to be there within
minutes. The vans were full-sized and modern ones with lifts in the back at both
places. They don't strap your wheelchair down like they do here, but that
option is available and they are very cautious while driving.
In addition, Carnival had an accessible tender so that I was
able to go off the ship in Grand Cayman. While the ship docked in the other
ports, in Grand Cayman they anchor farther out from shore and use smaller boats
to get to land. This small boat transfer system was very accessible and easy to
use and allowed me to fully experience Grand Cayman.
If you are a wheelchair user and think that traveling isn't
possible, I hope to help you realize that you can! Cruise Companies have made
and are making much progress in accessibility.
Have you taken a cruise or have an experience to share that
involves accessible travel? Please use
the comment box below to share your thoughts and/or experiences.
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