Special Needs Cruising

I'm sure some of you are saying, "But I can't possibly go on a cruise. I have a physical condition that won't let me do it." Unless you're dead or hospitalized, there really is no legitimate reason why you couldn't go on a wonderfully exciting cruise!

Most cruise ships are completely accessible to those in wheelchairs or who cannot walk up and down the stairs (which, by the way, are great exercises for those who can walk). The cruise staff are more than happy and willing to help you if you are in a wheelchair or have some other sort of problem that would prevent you from doing things otherwise.

Although not all ships are quite ready to accommodate special needs passengers, the newer ones are often specially designed for them. They even have special stateroom cabins. Make sure your travel agent knows to arrange a handicap-accessible stateroom when he books your cruise.

So there is always someone there with you, most cruise lines require an able-bodied person to accompany a special needs passenger. You have become the responsibility of that other person while you are onboard the ship. Don't worry. I'm sure they'll enjoy the cruise just as much as you will! Of course, if you can't find someone who is able or willing to go with you on the cruise, try calling your local hospital and ask if there are any retired nurses or aides who would be willing to go. I'm sure you'll get more than one offer. Especially is you are paying for their cruise!

Seeing-eye dogs are great to help those who are visually impaired. But they are not always easy to get onboard. If you require a seeing-eye dog, you must get written permission in advance from the cruise line, and to avoid any problems it might be best to also get a note from a doctor as well.

Because there are only limited numbers of wheelchair-accessible staterooms onboard, you will have to book that cruise earlier than normal. Perhaps a year or so ahead of time, actually.

At the beginning of the cruise, and sometimes during it, there will be some very important announcements made over the intercom. If you are hearing-impaired, make sure your traveling companion relays all of that information to you.

Speaking of important announcements, one of them will be about the mandatory muster drill and emergency lifeboat station. Make sure your room attendant and hotel staff know about your disability, so that if an emergency arises, they will arrange to have a special group to accompany you from your room to the appropriate station.

There are all sorts of activities and events in which you can happily participate onboard your cruise. If you want, you can contact the cruise director, who will in turn inform the cruise staff, and they will make sure that you have a wonderful and exciting time onboard your cruise ship.

When the boat is docked, you shouldn't have any problem embarking and debarking. However, when the boat is tendered there might be some slight difficulties. Tendering is when a ship has to anchor off the island port because the harbour waters are too shallow for that massive cruise ship. Passengers go directly from the cruise ship onto a smaller boat which takes them directly to the port. If you have a wheelchair, the information/reception desk staff will gladly arrange for you to preboard the tender boat, or arrange for you to go at a better time.

One more thing, if you are hearing-impaired and you want to take a bus sightseeing tour at a port, be aware that the tour guide will probably be talking about the sights over the bus microphone. Still, don't let that stop you either. Take along someone who can help you understand what is being said, and enjoy what will surely be amazing sights and views and jaw-dropping scenery on that excursion.

For more information about cruising, and lots of exciting shore excursions, go to www.kingarthur.myttn.com today and let's see where your own personal Camelot is!