The Island Princess
Copyright by Wheel Me On... 2009
Ten Day Cruise to the Panama Canal
Julia Hollenbeck, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wheel Me On..., recently returned from travel with her Service Animal aboard the Island Princess for a ten-day cruise to the Panama Canal, providing first-hand awareness for our members and readership about a vessel rating highly in a survey performed by Wheel Me On... during 2007 and 2008. Based on Hollenbeck's report of her experience on this vessel and associated travel, the Board of Directors of the organization have rated performance of her comments and information about the overall voyage. The Island Princess is one of several vessels operated by Princess Cruises offering a variety of cruises and is owned by Carnival Cruise Lines. This article provides Hollenbeck's opinion of her travels solely on the Island Princess.
Photo by Jan Ketonen
Webmaster Note: Retrieval of this web page content, noted on website stats without consent or permission from the organization, created the need to modify and revise the original web page. The Wheel Me On... (WMO) ratings and several photos are moved to the "Members Only" section. Members of the organization may view removed information in the "Members Only" section of this website, however, in all cases, (unless otherwise noted), all content remains under copyrighted protection; permission is not granted for retrieval without authorization. The following article is revised by Julia Hollenbeck and copyrighted as of March 8, 2009:
Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA
January 13 ~ 23, 2009
Reaching Terminal 2 was not a difficult task, but signage lacked for the immediate parking area and arrows pointing directions were confusing. Having cameras and an overnight bag to carry on board the vessel, my Service Animal on a required leash while using a power wheelchair, obviously required a little assistance for parking and entering the terminal. A Porter came up to the vehicle and immediately realized my difficulties, but it took two trips back inside the terminal for the porter to obtain assistance for me.
On the day of my departure, I found pre-boarding interesting NOT to be huddled in the middle of a large room with standing passengers unable to see a person in a wheelchair inside Terminal 2 of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 13, 2009. Sufficient seating and wheelchair space was available for passengers requiring mobility aids and waiting to board the vessel. My boarding process for the Island Princess went smoothly and without incidence.
The return "back to the sea" on a larger vessel was just beginning, but I found myself starring at an interesting introduction about the vessel on television until my Service Animal let out a warning with a low growl, "there were things to do", and the two of us escaped the stateroom, hurrying to Deck 14 and discovering the ship had already left the port! On Deck 14, music was being played by a band while passengers danced and staff members mingled, handing out pink tickets for drawings held intermittently with goodies and souvenirs from the Island Princess. The visit back to the sea had begun and during the next two days, I met with several passengers and enjoyed on-board entertainment or things to do while cruising to the first port of call in Aruba.
During this 10-day voyage, over three dozen persons visited and shared their experiences with me, many using mobility devices and others with obvious or hidden disabilities. All of these passengers were content and pleased with the service and voyage with the exception of just a couple of things not in compliance with the ADA, which actually falls within the scope of "readily achievable and feasible", (n my opinion). Other issues included land tours not being available for PWD, but here was something very interesting that actually protects a PWD and liability with the vessel:
Land tours were available at each of the five Ports of Call for PWD, however, depending on the berth or docking area providing sufficient room for a long ramp or one requiring steps with a shorter length, dictated whether or not weight restrictions would apply to a passenger with a disability dependant on using a mobility device when steps were deployed. There is no land tour marked as "accessible" with the National Symbol of Access in any literature or on the website of Princess Cruises; which actually left me rather perplexed, leading to requesting a meeting at each and every port for continued education.
Although this particular voyage did not require a tender to transport passengers to Ports of Call, the same thing holds true regarding safety and liability. The problem is most cruise tour agents will not mention or disclose a tender being used and a tender will most likely dictate passengers using wheelchairs or mobility devices not be allowed on the tender because it is a safety issue. As an example, transferring from a large vessel to a small craft can be dangerous for persons with limited strength or unable to swim, if for some reason, one should fall in the water. Whereas, I am still able to swim nearly as well as a fish, this rule is appropriate to strictly enforce unless in an emergency; it does not mean I have to like it, but it does mean I have to abide by it and agents should certainly inform passengers of this rule if a Tender is used for a passenger's itinerary.
Detailing Deployment of PWD Using Wheelchairs
by Julia Hollenbeck
Getting back to land tours at various Ports of Call that may demand "stepping down or up" several times on a fairly long ramp deployed to the dock could be impossible for someone using a mobility device. On the other hand, an experienced personal attendant transporting an individual in a manual wheelchair could certainly make this maneuver if the attendant is accustomed to the person's needs and care and knew it would not harm the PWD. (A PWD being moved down or up a long flight of stairs in a manual wheelchair by an experienced attendant is not an uncommon practice in some circumstances - but let's remember; Crew Hands are not the same as a personal attendant, but they were extremely conscientious on the Island Princess. Furthermore, depending on weight, it is much easier for a personal attendant to carry a person down or up a flight of stairs to a waiting wheelchair, rather than bounce a wheelchair down a flight of stairs.) Weight restrictions were strongly enforced on the Island Princess for moving passengers requiring mobility devices down a ramp with steps, and there was a very good reason for this restriction.
While the stairs were evenly distributed and certainly appearing within the Access-Board (a Federal Agency) suggestions and ADA requirements, the manual wheelchair used to deploy passengers is affixed to tractor-like rollers which in fact makes this specialized wheelchair very heavy. The wheelchair tilts back for comfort and safety of the passenger and has an adjustable headrest. At least two crew members manipulate the tractor wheelchair up and down the ramp for PWD who fall within the weight limitations. Weight limitations are extremely important because of the weight of this specialized tractor wheelchair and no passenger should be transported who does not fall within the weight requirements for the safety of the passenger and that of the crew. Remember, the traction for this transport does not stop the wheelchair; it merely helps glide it up or down the stairs with two strong men holding onto it.
It is additionally difficult for the Crew to manipulate a power wheelchair or mobility scooter down this staircase and quite possible, motorized scooters may not be allowed due to their lowered frame. Wheelchairs are typically moved down the ramp before the passenger is moved down using the tractor wheelchair; the opposite is usually performed when a PWD returns to the vessel. Any time a passenger requests assistance, the passenger should be aware of the weight of their mobility device and any apparatuses affixed to the wheelchair that could impede the handling of it, such as a bolt for an E-Z lock. Personal manual wheelchairs are best to use for land travel if a PWD has a personal attendant or is able to manipulate a manual wheelchair. (Note: Cruise vessels are not obligated to "loan" manual wheelchairs to passengers, but many vessels do as a courtesy.)
Island Princess Crew Members & Staff
Bobs Ferro, Senior Assistant Purser oversaw the safe transport of me at each of the five ports of call during the 10-day voyage on the Island Princess throughout her travel. Mister Bobs, (as most people refer to him), made it a point to contact me as soon as he learned my associates had arrived at the dock, and then made it a point to politely introduce dignitaries, tour guides, drivers and other personnel affiliated with each country for continued education and support of tourism for persons with disabilities, which would ultimately help enhance awareness through education. Mister Bobs' expertise provided an opportunity for me to experience first-hand, the five ports of call and surrounding areas, several land tours with knowledgeable guides and drivers pre-arranged for this travel. (Webmaster Note - Photo on left: Bobs Ferro with Hollenbeck inside the terminal at Oranjested, Aruba.)
After the vessel deployed a ramp with steps at a terminal, crew members safely disembarked me with their specialized wheelchair. Having sufficient capabilities and being a lightweight, avoided potential liability issues with being transferred, despite the fact I was traveling without a companion. In most cases, transferring is expected to be performed by individuals or their attendants. Remember, I was traveling only with my Service Animal and used my personal manual wheelchair with assistance for touring the island of Aruba and while in Colombia. In Panama, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, I used a power wheelchair weighing over 200-pounds. Many factors, such as bolts on the bottom of wheelchairs for lock-in apparatus' in vehicles or low-framed scooters can restrict the ability to deploy a mobility device down or up a ramp deployed with steps, making the task very difficult if not impossible for crew members.
While Crew Members transferred me to and from the specialized wheelchair and then to my power wheelchair or manual wheelchair, Bobs Ferro and as many as four Crew Members stood by paying close attention. The transition always smooth, I had absolutely no reason for any complaint and found nothing less than expertise handling the transition for my safety. Additionally, I quickly learned all staff and crew members were kind and considerate to persons with or without disabilities within the lobby area on Deck 5 and other decks providing various amenities, entertainment or programs. The only difficulty infrequently encountered was obtaining assistance for the buffet, which appeared to be due to insufficient waiters on one of the pool decks and lack of education for Service Animals. In the later case, there were three times I had to wait for assistance while someone contacted senior staff to assure it was all right for me to enter the premises with my canine. (On a separate voyage not connected with Princess Cruises, I experienced having immediate service.) I used several of the facilities on board the Island Princess and over-all commend the performance of the entire staff and crew.
Island Princess Accessible Stateroom
Surprises in some of the other staterooms contained folded towels shaped into animals with special treats left by their Stewards. The accessible stateroom with a roll-in shower used by me during this voyage was not photographed. The stateroom was fully accessible and appeared to be in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, after asking my steward about changing the queen sized bed into two separate beds, I learned through him it would increase the room size and he quickly offered the change. Upon my return to the stateroom, I was afforded with increased maneuverability inside the stateroom in behalf of a great steward. Some of the closet shelves were not accessible because they were out of reach, however, I had more than sufficient room because I was not traveling with a companion, though I readily admit, the Service Canine also had her "luggage", which the steward stowed below a counter for easy access. Had I been traveling with a companion, there would have been sufficient room. On the other hand, if the companion required a mobility device, the quarters would have probably been rather tight. (Webmaster Note: Hollenbeck used an Interior Room.)
Elmer Mendoza was assigned to my stateroom during the full 10-day voyage and I experienced having quality service throughout the voyage, having found his help over and beyond the call of duty and will never forget his kindness. Elmer Mendoza additionally served my Service Canine and was immediately available for me - it was as simple as picking up the telephone.
Elmer made certain there was never anything blocking travel in the corridor, even on the last evening of sailing while luggage had to be placed in the corridor. I found it pretty amazing, not to have to sit in the corridor for any length of time - he just sort of popped out of nowhere to assist me! The only dreaded occurrence was not thinking to take his picture with my canine, which in fact, het took care of during times I was on tour and they interacted very perfectly. There was never a time I returned to the stateroom without finding trash emptied, fresh linens, and the stateroom looking sharp. With a Steward like Elmer, I did not need a companion.
Another example of his fine stewardship occurred during the cruise through the Panama Canal, when he came out to Deck Seven to "check on me", asking if I needed anything or if the canine required her "patrol". While attempting to get over my surprise of seeing him, I asked to take his photo, but in the rush of the moment the exposure and direct lighting did not do justice for this nice young man.
Jan Ketonen also traveled solo and had a balcony room affording her views of the ocean with all the amenities this stateroom provided to her. Ketonen provided the photography of the uniquely folded towels found in her stateroom for this web page.
Island Princess Programs & Activities
The Island Princess offered an array of programs and entertainment, including a small casino, several accessible lodges and various dinning facilities. Many of the staff and crew members served in several capacities including their normal schedules and entertaining guests in the evening. This dual function surely created split shifts, but undoubtedly made their work fun and the guests feeling more relaxed with familiar faces.
Island Princess Access
There were 16 Decks on this vessel, 15 of them were accessible to me, with the exception of entering some of the forward upper level balconies which contained a step at the end of a hall. I did not have time to use all facilities such as the swimming pool or attend various programs due to my schedule and commitments to members and/or socializing with passengers on the vessel.
Elevators frequently caused me minor problems with doors closing too quickly. I did not see the ADA accessible counter on Deck 5 (lobby area; front desk) until its location was provided to me by another passenger; the counter lacked signage and visibility, depending on how an individual using a mobility device entered the area. Access to all exterior doors was difficult for me and many other passengers, or anyone with limited strength. The doors were very heavy and difficult to hold open with minimal use of one hand/arm while attempting to clear the narrow doorway without being able to open the second door. My opinion of these doors is that they should be provided with automatic door openers for the safety of all passengers which would not interfere with strong gusts of wind. To my advantage, most often passengers or crew members were available to assist me, but this did not correct the problem or provide acceptable access all of the time.
Summary: The 10-day cruise aboard the Island Princess to the Panama Canal proved there were accessible tours available for PWD at each and every Port of Call, dependant on qualifications of the vessel for deployment to shore and the requirements of the tour company. The Island Princess is a vessel recommended for PWD by this organization but advices our readership there are certain items on board the vessel that may not be easily manipulated or maneuvered by persons with limited strength or other physical difficulties. With the exception of items reported to staff and in writing to the cruise line for the benefit of safety and hopeful quick resolution to eliminate any injury or potential liability, the voyage aboard the Island Princess was obviously enjoyable with entertainment, a full itinerary, wonderful food, great staff and crew members willing to assist, all of which should definitely encourage another smooth sailing!
Post Cruise Island Princess
On January 23, 2009, the Island Princess returned to Terminal 2 at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bobs Ferro once again oversaw my departure go smoothly and made certain Bob Birkenmeir, (Shore Staff Support for Princess Cruises), accompanied me through the terminal to retrieve my luggage and safely depart the area. I was swiftly escorted by Bob Birkenmeir to Security where paperwork was completed for me to re-enter the USA and a Porter was asked to help retrieve my luggage, which was not difficult to locate given the correct color code to find all pieces. Mister Birkenmeir then assisted me to the elevator and the correct floor where I had left my vehicle parked, while the Porter took my luggage to the same level on a separate elevator. The only problem encountered was not remembering exactly which aisle I had left the vehicle parked, which resulted with three people looking for the minivan with an eagle, until the Porter wisely suggested Mister Birkemeir and I wait while she checked another area.
It was during the short time Mister Birkemeir and I waited that I saw the Island Princess docked at Terminal 2 from the third level of the parking garage and asked Mister Birkemeir if he would mind having his picture taken as a lasting memory of my experience. (Web Master Note: It is unknown exactly which experience - that of the cruise or of losing her vehicle.) Mister Birkenmeir obliged me, but the lighting was imperfect. Within moments after taking the photo(s), the Porter returned grinning from ear to ear, "I found it; I found it!" She exclaimed to Princess Shore Support and me and then the three of us obviously went to the vehicle. The Porter expertly stacked the luggage back inside the cargo area, secured the manual wheelchair next to the rear seat inside the vehicle and bid me safe travel. I asked Bob Birkenmeir to wait by the vehicle, while I entered the minivan and then started the engine. (Note: Hollenbeck's concern was legitimate; she had left the vehicle with at least two security alarms engaged and had experienced batteries going dead in the past.) To my relief, the engine started without difficulties and this post cruise happening certainly made up for help needing assistance and getting my vehicle parked for pre-boarding!
Julia Hollenbeck
Copyright 2009
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