Cruising
Tips for Water Travel:
- Choose a cruise carefully; not all ships can accommodate the disabled easily.
- This mode of travel is a "no-brainer" for disabled individuals; it's as though it was designed for us!
- Cruising offers a relaxing trip to exotic locations without the tedious driving, and you unpack only once.
- Some cruise lines have specific requirements for wheelchairs. Check with the company first.
- Since the entire ship is available to everyone aboard, it's possible to choose a less-expensive deck and still be assured of a quality vacation.
- Seasickness is a thing of the past.
- Carry with you a list, from your pharmacist, of all your medications. It may be required for entry into some countries.
- Pack clothes for any weather. Remember, dressing for dinner isn't as formal as it once was.
Margie's Personal Experience
Perhaps the most satisfying travel since my accident was a twelve-day cruise. The decision to take a cruise surprised both Kent and me; neither of us had ever before been on a cruise ship. In fact, we'd always felt them to be too expensive to even consider. The accident evidently changed my thinking, however, and this time was different. Cruising was one vacation in which I knew I could participate. I was just a novice but there was absolutely nothing about it I ever thought impossible.
We left the San Francisco port, sailed majestically under the Golden Gate Bridge and, turning south once we were at sea, headed for the Mexican Rivera. The next twelve glorious days were spent in absolute comfort, resting, meeting interesting people, dining on gourmet cuisine, shopping at six Mexican ports-of-call, and then returning to California.
While I especially loved full days at sea, we went ashore every time we had a chance. The unbelievable sailing met every possible expectation and then some. It was, without doubt, the finest vacation ever. Cruising was the most relaxing pastime we'd ever encountered. There were no TVs in the staterooms, and no hint of a telephone. We put our clothes in the closet once and there they remained - no packing necessary for the next leg of the trip. Berths were made and our stateroom cleaned mysteriously while we were out participating in one of the nonstop but always optional activities. The food was wonderful. And no matter where we ate on the ship, all the food was free (well, at least included in the cost of the cruise).
Our stateroom, because it was a handicap room, was quite large and spacious. (This was a real bonus available only to wheelchair travelers.) Two matching bunks were at regular-bed level, there was ample room to move the wheelchair and the bathroom was a chair-bound individual's dream. The entire room was accessible, with plenty of maneuvering room, an adjustable mirror, raised commode, counter space, a shower seat, more than enough handicap rails, and a single well-vented drain in the shower corner.
Our ship had eleven decks and, while our stateroom was on the eighth, the entire ship was available to us. Elevators very near the handicap staterooms allowed easy access to every deck. There is no longer a "steerage class"; everything is offered to everyone.
"Everyone" means even those of us in wheelchairs. Normally, ramps and other accessibility aids were provided. However, when it was awkward or impossible to move with the wheelchair, I was simply picked up by some large, smiling Greek crewman and carried, another crewman following with the chair. In some ports, docking facilities were unavailable and we were ferried ashore on the tender, my chair strapped down atop the wheelhouse.
I was never denied participation in any activity; our only problem was choosing. Kent and I wanted to do everything, however sometimes, we just needed to rest. The entire twelve days couldn't have been more perfect, nonetheless.
By the way, don’t even worry about seasickness. Cruising on such a large ship, with the addition of stabilizing equipment, it is a thing of the past. Rather, cruising was like being cradled on a giant cloud and gently rocked until no tension remained – truly heavenly.
Not every ship on every cruise line is accessible, and regulations for wheelchairs on board ship may vary from line to line. Motorized chairs are sometimes not allowed and, in some instances, a cruise line may require the use of their own chairs while on board. Be sure to check, but don't decide against cruising just because of a chair regulation. Choose another company or another ship.
If at all possible, take a cruise – it’s a guaranteed great vacation. It was the only time I have ever seen Kent truly relax. Maybe for that reason, we loved everything about the cruise. Best of all, while we were busy having fun (or sleeping) someone else did all the driving! What could have been better?
