Cruises

Cruise holidays are now a genuine option for all. Today's cruise ships are virtually barrier-free in terms of being able to get from your accessible room to restaurants, bars, swimming pools, theatres, nightclubs..the list goes on! How many holiday environments can provide this?

Choosing The Right Cruise

This could be one of the most memorable experiences of your life, so choosing the right cruise is essential. The first and, perhaps, most important step, is to talk with a cruise agent who is able to understand your needs, and knows which cruise ships are genuinely accessible.

Access

Today's new superliners have 'accessibility' built-in, - many include staterooms with wheel-in showers and balconies, some offer accessible suites. Access onto and around the ships decks is also an important consideration, as is the ability to make shore-visits. And don't forget the transfer to and from the ship and pre/post cruise accommodation.

Cruising for sensory impaired passengers

New ships will often provide aids and equipment to assist the visually impaired whilst on board. Services include Braille, large print and service dog provision. Hearing impaired facilities include close caption tv and video, audio-visual alert systems, amplified telephones and sign interpreters on request on certain cruises. You should check which services are available before booking your cruise. Specialist cruise agents will answer any questions you may have regarding your special needs.

Getting on and off the cruise ships

An obvious area of concern for those yet to experience the delights of cruising. Don't worry, embarking and disembarking is a well praticed procedure for ship's crews dedicated to your safety and comfort. The ship either 'docks' in each port of call or weighs anchor offshore.

Docking

This is where the ship ties up at the quayside and disembarkation will be down a gangway. The angle of the gangway will be determined by tide levels and will change through the course of the day. If the angle is too steep, crew may carry those in manual wheelchairs down the gangway. Electric powered wheelchair users may be transferred to a manual chair for the carry on and off. Many ships carry special equipment to aid embarkation and disembarkation.

Tender

The ship may 'weigh anchor' off-shore. In this case, transfer to and from port will be by the ships tender (launch). The procedures for tender transfers differ from ship to ship and are also influenced be prevailing weather conditions. The ship Captain always has the ultimate sanction as to whether transfers by tender go ahead. Sea conditions, tidal flows and mechanical problems may prohibit passengers from disembarking the ship by tender.

Ship 'Culture'

You will probably want to sail with 'like-minded' souls, so choose your neighbours carefully. Some ships are strictly 'formal', some not-so-formal, and others 'party-time!'

And the kids?

Kids love cruising. Hardly surprising, with a morning till night programme, jam-packed with accessible fun and activity. Night nurseries and cabin monitors too. And cruise ships with their dawn till dusk activity programmes for kids of all abilities are the ideal choice when you want your precious things included and not excluded from the holiday fun!

Where and when to cruise?

The Caribbean (October - April)

Accessible sailing's are available to all parts of the Caribbean. Sample the delights of tropical paradise as you sail from one exotic island to another. The Bahamas, Jamaica, Cayman? Or maybe sail south to Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and Martinique.

The Mediterranean (April - October)

A sea of treasures. What other area of our planet is bordered by such diversity of lands and peoples? Accessible cruises sailing from Southampton, Dover, and Barcelona. We have all the details.

Scandinavia, Baltic and Arctic Circle

Summer schedules (of course). But what exciting destinations! Visit the land of the midnight sun. Explore the classical cities of northern Europe.

Panama Canal (Jan - May and October)

A truly unique experience. Visit the tropical rain forests of Costa Rica and step back to the Mayan civilisations and then sail north to San Francisco!

Alaska (May - September)

Sail the Inside Passage north from Vancouver to natures most spectacular showcase. This is the land of glaciers, fjords and the Whale. Of towering peaks and soaring eagles. All this and luxury too!

Round the World

Whilst most of us battle to see through our New Year resolutions, the very fortunate are steaming off into the blue yonder in the lap of luxury. World Cruises normally leave our shores in the January gloom, soon to pick up the warmer climes as they head towards their first ports of call in places exotic. Wonderful.

Have we whetted your appetite for cruising?

We hope so… find and book your accessible cruise now with Richard Thompson, our Travel Counsellors accessible cruise specialist.