Smooth Sailing

One of the things learned when making reservations with traveling on a vessel are reservations may still not be a hundred percent perfect for individuals requiring a mobility device such as a wheelchair. An example of this is how one chooses to make their reservation; using a tour agent through a travel agency may only be able to provide a couple of amenities such as a bottle of wine or small coupon "discount" for something, if they have a group a person(s) can tag up with going on the same vessel. Obviously travel agencies receive a commission based on their sales, (how else would they support their business?), and reduced fares are not provided by a travel agency but rather by the cruise line. In reality, nothing is "saved" by the passenger who uses a travel agency, unless the agent is aware of all specific needs of the passenger and can provide "hassle free" arrangements for the traveler. Securing travel directly with the cruise line can probably eliminate a lot of hassle, but may increase the blood pressure because little is absolute in either case.

For example, when using a travel agent or obtaining reservations direct through the cruise line, not all information is always offered at the time the cruise is booked, unless knowing the questions to ask that specifically address special needs and requesting answers. Still, the proverbial response will often be, "Let me check on that and I'll get back to you". In the meantime, the passenger provides a deposit for the cruise selected and often pre-pays the entire dollar amount, depending on the date the cruise is scheduled and still does not have all answers potentially leading to disappointment. Obtaining answers can often be difficult and in truth, only answers provided in written documentation will stand up in water (pun intended); the consequence of what could well make the difference of whether an expensive cruise can turn a satisfied person into a disgruntled passenger heading down the ramp from a vessel.

Prices vary not only according to where the voyage goes, the stateroom (cabin) desired, and the deck selected, but also with the date of sail. Avoiding holidays often reduces the price, but it was interesting to realize changing a sailing date from one week to another for the same cruise could drop a price down quite a bit as well. A travel agent typically asks, "Where and when do you wish to travel?" Then provides pricing after learning a passenger's specific requests for the travel and seldom suggests a date of travel within close range that could drastically reduce the price. Learning through a frequent cruiser who suggested looking on the cruise line web site and comparing prices with a variety of dates, ended up saving several hundred dollars, just by changing a date to a week earlier.

The venture back to the sea is just beginning; while cruise lines are following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as best they can, there appears to be a true lack of education and sometimes an unwillingness to serve persons with disabilities (PWD) or persons using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Few cruise line employees not directly involved with access for passengers who are PWD are able to answer common and simple questions relating to an individual's needs. Access issues discovered for Ports of Call, available land tours and Service Animal admittance can make final arrangements difficult, especially after pre-paying for the cruise and then leaving the passenger rather unhappy. To make matters worse, a cruise booking agent will sometimes strongly recommend a passenger with a disability obtain a companion to complete the travel, to the horror of the soon-to-be passenger intending single occupancy on the cruise. "You would have so much more fun and really be able to enjoy the voyage", the employee chirps.

Breaking it down to each pre-boarding issue would be the best way to obtain information with high hope of resolving potential problems before paying any money or becoming hesitant about going on a cruise. To accomplish clarifying each issue, a person would undoubtedly need to plan on making advanced reservations, several months in advance. In this scenario, a traveler would be wise not to expect an agent to readily have answers because most agents concentrate on selling tickets, not necessarily specifics for passengers with disabilities or land tours, as an example. Another problem is the agent could respond with a satisfying answer, but unless the answer is in writing, it means absolutely nothing.

Being up front with the agent making reservations will help the agent understand specific needs for vessels using American Ports in the USA. For instance, size of accessible staterooms vary and typically depend on the deck level they are located. If desiring a larger room, expect to pay a higher price. All accessible staterooms are expected to comply with the ADA and are compelled to follow the guidelines so long as the stateroom is readily achievable and feasible for modifications. Equipment for special needs is expected to be provided by the passenger; not the cruise line. Additionally, cruise lines are not obligated to provide wheelchairs, with the exception of boarding or disembarking, and this service is typically only provided when requested upon making the initial reservation. Requiring assistance with pre-boarding, disembarking or during stops at Ports of Call, is requested when making the reservation, and clearly stated on the booking confirmation. Remember, nothing has to be granted if not in writing.

Mobility device (wheelchair, etc.) users could well be in for a big surprise if a Port of Call is not accessible or requires a tender to disembark. Unexpected problems with "land tours" not having transportation providing lifts to board the tour bus is another consideration to explore. Obtaining answers before taking the cruise is not always easily accomplished and it could take days or even weeks to receive the answer (in writing) for the information sought, if a person is indeed lucky enough to even obtain an answer. Apparently, on most voyages land tours for PWD are "pot-luck" because in many cases there are no tour buses with lifts depending on where the Ports of Call are located. One of the more interesting things noted is few land tours (if any) displayed on web sites contain the national symbol for disability access. This alone is factual and possibly the key to learning if any land tour is available for PWD using a mobility device.

The bottom line here appears to be enjoying the voyage whether or not a PWD is able to take any tour at a Port of Call. If a tender is not used to disembark the vessel, chances are the PWD will at least be able to visit the Port area and in many cases, there are local shops and interesting people within wheeling distance. Options are using a manual collapsible wheelchair, providing a PWD can transfer (or has assistance to transfer) into a vehicle such as a recommended taxi or local tour guide. A tour such as this could well be the most exciting adventure, just be cautious with selecting the driver and learn the options available before making a final decision. In this case, time will be the important evil to overcome prevention of missing the vessel's departure.

Another problem is not all questions will quickly come to mind in the beginning and "after thoughts" frequently lead to confusion. Simply writing all questions down before placing the initial request may assist in getting all the answers needed, but be prepared for a few surprises when receiving the notorious cruise packet in the mail containing data never mentioned during the time the reservation was made and more enlightenment about "pre-cruise preparation". The cruise packet contains surprises and wonderment and possibly information considered not so pleasant for persons without knowledge beforehand. It is always a very good idea to explore websites of the cruise line, digging deep into various links could well provide answers leading to the final decision of whether to use the cruise line or another one instead.

An excellent example of this happening is with a person traveling with a Service Animal and the agent readily responding with an affirmative answer but failing to explain potential difficulties and added expenses if attempting to visit Ports of Call in countries other than the United States of America. Traveling with a Service Animal onto foreign soil requires numerous and necessary Service Animal documentation to leave the vessel with various rules strictly enforced according to specific governments. Service Animals are allowed on vessels using American Ports of Call in the USA, but unlike "land hotels" or other accommodations, requests are typically required in writing providing the same information of the Service Animal as any other accommodation has the right to do within the USA. Whereas, this is not a violation of the ADA, (the cruise line has avoided the question of asking if the Handler has a disability), but the answer may well be a catch twenty-two if someone is attempting to sneak a pet on board.

Most cruise vessels using American Ports of Call have sufficient accessible rooms and the ability to accommodate a specific number of Service Animal. The major problem encountered will be with how the vessel has specifically arranged for waste or hygiene elimination of the Service Animal. Obtaining answers to questions regarding this important "patrol" are too often difficult to receive. (Is it a box, an outside run or what? And if it is a box, is your Service Animal trained to eliminate in a box?) As with any Service Animal, the Handler will most likely be expected to clean up after their Service Animal, (if able to perform this task), bring sufficient food, and all items normally used or needed for the Service Animal. The problem lies within the cruise line system and ADA coordinators who lack the education to have answers readily available. A clear shot of this is with the ability to travel with a Service Animal - sure, a PWD can have a Service Animal board the vessel, but can the PWD leave the vessel with their Service Animal at a foreign Port of Call and is it same to do so at a foreign port?

Why are more PWD traveling on cruise vessels instead of land tours on American soil? According to surveys taken of our members, cruise vessels are now far more accessible than ever before, taking a cruise eliminates the hassle of meals, fuel stops, entertainment, and offers a one-time all inclusive round trip without the burden of continuous packing chores. Additionally, in most cases a cruise vacation costs less than the average one or two week land vacation, based on double occupancy. The increase of PWD taking cruise vacations has reportedly been a direct result of the 2005 USA Supreme Court decision in behalf of five members of Wheel Me On..., (Spector, et. al VS Norwegian Cruise Line), who sought access through the courts. Still, there remain various problems and the chief complaint appears to be land tours available for PWD on foreign soil. Some vessels have reportedly not been completely accessible and PWD need to understand "readily achievable and feasible" (ruling by the US Supreme Court). It becomes rather apparent it is time to test the water for a smooth sailing and witness new horizons from across the sea...

Despite the fact Service Animals (SA) [meeting or exceeding ADA/USDOJ requirements], must be allowed on all forms of transportation within the USA, cruising SA can end up with a bruising in their derriere if his/her Handler intends to take the SA off the vessel in various international Ports of Call as well as Interstate Ports. Self-reporting being a traveler dependant on a SA when making your reservation for a cruise will not necessarily secure the ability to get off a vessel with an SA. Part of the solution is with asking to speak with the ADA coordinator for PWD, special needs department, or whatever the cruise line offers for PWD traveling.

Fair warning; speaking with a coordinator for special needs may leave a person in a rather perplexing situation. The Internet, otherwise known as the World Wide Web, offers an abundance of information, but unfortunately a person will most likely come across several websites with incomplete or inaccurate information and if someone decides not to search further, could well be heading in the wrong direction. In truth, the best resource for the required information is probably through the Veterinarian used for the SA. Requirements for each Port of Call will most likely differ and it is best to seek individual information for each country intending to visit with a Service Animal. Some countries will not allow canines on land - period. (Despite what one might read on the World Wide Web.)

A Certified Veterinarian in the residential state must complete the proper Veterinary Health Certificate in duplicate in the required time frame of the visit to a Port of Call. The certificates and documentation, (including rabies vaccination verification and any other necessary certification), must be provided to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinarian Services in the same state of residence for endorsement. This endorsement of the Veterinary Health Certificate may only get the working SA on the vessel; the next step is learning whether or not the Embassy of the Country visited is required to accept an endorsement and must give their approval before a SA can leave the vessel to go on land with the Handler. Verifying demands for each Port of Call dictates the appropriate date for the SA health examination and then the date of endorsement for the health certification, which will be required by the Cruise Line within a specific number of days before setting sail.

Any PWD specifically requiring the assistance of a SA on a daily basis will have a lot of work ahead of them with planning out the dates to coincide with requirements if intending to take their SA with them on a voyage. While in many cases, it is factual a Service Animal may be left on Board during stops at Ports of Call, in most cases, a PWD would not want to be gone from his/her SA for a full day. One rule for a "thumbs-up" signal is taking your cruise for the enjoyment of the cruise and not the potential of land tours unless in fact land tours are pre-determined including the SA.

Within the survey conducted over a year ago, Princess Cruises ranked among the very top with passengers belonging to the organization and traveling on the sea. Further research provided the names of two vessels recommended. Carnival also ranked near the top of the list, as did Celebrity and Holland America. Overall, these cruising vessels typically drew persons with children, young couples, the working middle class and retirees', each in separate categories per vessel. (i.e. the Carnival apparently being more popular for families with children and young to middle-aged adults)

As the survey continued, it was interesting to realize passengers happy with one particular cruise line would unexpectedly encounter problems with a third or fourth voyage, and then swear not to use the same cruise line again. The problems encountered were always accessibility, the very thing that drew International attention, after ending up in the United States Supreme Court. The question now pondered, "Where is the failing?" edged recourse into wanting the experience for education in the process of a first-hand learning experience. Were the passengers wrong or the vessels wrong? Worse, how many of the 28 reasons of discrimination against persons with disabilities using mobility devices were still being practiced? Are difficulties caused by poor communication between the passengers, travel agents, or the cruise line?

It is interesting to note the first travel agent called for a reservation months before the intended travel, simply did not return a call after learning my name. Carnival was pleased to work with me, but my concern was the over-enthusiasm. (Incidentally, Carnival owns Princess Cruises as well as a couple of other cruise lines.) During this first go-round, calls were placed to Princess Cruises but never consummated negotiations for my travel. Finally deciding to use another email address, whether that had anything to do with it or not, I was able to book passage for a 10-day cruise to the Panama Canal, round-trip from Florida and nearly immediately paid up front to secure my reservation with the (recommended) Island Princess of Princess Cruises. This travel would be unassisted with the exception of taking a Service Canine and was noted as such within reservations. To my horror, the International Travel Medical Clinic recommended I not take my Service Canine into Ports of Call because of potential attacks from local canines running freely. Additionally, the Veterinarian recommended "seasick" medication be taken for the canine in the event she became ill during the cruise. Fortunately I had already discussed the possibility of leaving the canine on board the vessel, after deciding this would be a "working involvement" hopefully mixed with pleasure.

Note: Specific questions pertaining to a Service Animal may be asked and anyone trying to sneak a pet on board, even with certification, (unless for one-way and permanent transfer to another country), could well find their self in a heap of problems and with their pet in quarantine.

Note: Wheel Me On... does not warrant Google Sponsor ads will be in ADA compliance or support web page content.

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