Cruising with a Disability (Part 1 ...the Anticipation)

Cruising with a Disability (Part 1 ...the Anticipation)

I am not even sure where to begin this page but I am very excited to get started.  So, I will just blurt everything out without worrying about what order to put it in!  

I have a new friend in my condo association who is disabled.  She has been disabled for a few years due to complications with a surgery that was "little to no risk" so-to-say. She has her "Jazzy" electric wheelchair and has limited mobility without it.  She also has no functionality with her left hand and arm, she is single and had to learn to do everything all over or in a different way.  This took over a year. Yet, she is positive and outgoing and has booked a cruise within a group I have going in December.

I sat down with her today to discuss cruising with her electric wheelchair and her concerns.  I have seen a lot of comments on social media about cruisers with electric wheelchairs and other handicap disabilities.  I have read rude remarks from both sides so I had concerns. She was excited about my blog, not because she wants to complain, but because she wants to help others!

So we, the unchallenged, actually have a different challenge we are faced with.  It is our challenge to understand and show mutual respect.  In today's world we are used to getting things our way and the lazy way at the same time.  We take things for granted and we don't like the words "can't or don't".  This causes things that are not ordinary to rattle us and we don't always know how to handle this. She understands that everyone onboard is on vacation and wants nothing in their way of having fun. Please remember, she is not there to be in the way.  She is not inferior, she is very intelligent and in her everyday life people who know her, know this.  When she is away from home strangers react to her differently.

A physically challenged person has no less desires then you or me.  They want to cruise and experience the same relaxing and fun vacation that we do. Stop and think about the following for a minute:

1. They also deserve to be able to sit near a window seat with their friends or family for dining.
2. They would love to be able to access all the levels on a ship and play putt-putt.
3. The buffet would be great if they could reach, hold their plates and pick out their food at the same time without difficulties.  Heck, this is sometimes even hard for me!
4. The electric scooter makes them sit higher in the lounges and this is out of their control. Why should they have to sit in the back of the room all the time?
5. An electric scooter is slower than unattended children running through the ship
6. They do not have the choice of taking the stairs. When elevators are full they cannot take another route.  They must wait until someone will let them in.
7. and the list goes on and on....

I was surprised to hear that the Port Authority has told her getting to the parking lot at 9:30am is mandatory to assure a handicap parking space with room on the side. She cannot do without one of these due to the ramp on her vehicle.  She must be able to get out the side of her car. Luckily she lives close to the port, but when driving to Miami or others, she has to drive down the night before to avoid having to leave at 3:00am.  Most ports waive the parking fees so at least she will break even in costs.

It is impossible for us to totally realize all the issues she is faced with.  Even getting a cabin is tough!  There are only so many handicap accessible cabins on a ship, especially on the ships built before the ADA.  Please...PLEASE...do not reserve a modified cabin unless you need one or it is close to sailing and that is all that is left!  I have heard many times about traveller's getting bumped from a modified cabin and they are upset.  Please understand if this happens to you...after all you are warned when booking.

She doesn't mind it when people offer to help her either.  This was something I often wondered. For my friend, even cutting meat is an issue.  Carrying a glass and maneuvering through the ship at the same time is not a possibility. Sitting at the bar cannot happen. If there is something you can do to help others enjoy their vacation, do you offer? The world would be a better place if we realize we are all after the same thing...a wonderful cruise!

She was very amazed to learn what to expect and she wanted to share this with you!