Congratulations, you have decided to take a cruise.
Whether taking a short cruise for break or a long cruise to tick a dream off your Bucket List, it is important to consider potential difficulties and benefits of travelling with special needs such as mobility or memory issues. People of all ability level enjoy travelling, sometimes it may just need a little more in the preparation phase to make things run smoother on the cruise or holiday. In this article I have put together some ideas to consider when you are going to take a cruise. At the end I have chosen some random articles and cruise line website links for you to have a further look at.
Things to consider when deciding to take a cruise include the needs, the safety and the preferences of the person with a disability. So considering a cruise may be a reasonable holiday solution when considering it proves a high level of comfort with the potential for reduced anxiety. With cruising there is a level of familiarity with the same accommodation over a period of time, regular mealtimes and as much distraction or privacy you choose with limited changes to daily routine you get to visit different locations effortlessly in comfort and style.
Research
When travelling with limitations or disabilities it is important to research destinations as much as possible to assess accessibility. Use the internet or travel books from the library, for example TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet or Foders. Sites like www.independenttraveler.com or www.disabledtravelers.com may give guidance on the interesting destinations for travellers with special needs.
Accommodation
When you book your travel arrangements and accommodation by phone or in person with a travel agent it is important to disclose your disabilities in order to receive disability accommodations and access. If you are booking on the Internet or email it may not always include an option to disclose your disability, so be vigilant.
Doctor
When you are deciding to cruise it may be of benefit to visit your medical officer and get Fit to Fly (or similar) medical clearance letter and invest in a Medic Alert pendant or bracelet. You can discuss you medication, inoculations or other precautions you may need to take when cruising.
Flights
When booking parts of your trip that involve flying, choose flights that best suit, for example not too early in the day or not so late that you are arriving after midnight. If a long haul flight is required, consider taking a break after 12 hours of travel (including ground transport, airline check in, flight etc.). It embraces safety consideration for all involved as tiredness can lead to impaired judgment and preventable accidents.
Cognitive impairment
Additional considerations when travelling with people with early stages of dementia, who may still enjoy travelling. As dementia is a disease progresses, travel may become too overwhelming as the condition progresses. So when you take into account the individual needs, abilities, safety and preferences of the person with dementia, cruising maybe a reasonable solution for a holiday?
Consider the following:
- Go with the option that provides the most comfort and the least anxiety,
- A cruise ship may be a consistent environment that will offer some familiarity,
- Travelling on a cruise ship to unknown destinations could involve a few changes in daily routine as possible,
- It may be easier if the person has cruised before dementia developed as there may be some familiarity with the experience,
- Always be aware that there may come a time during your trip when it may become too stressful and disorienting for a person with cognitive issues or dementia.
Lastly, I have put together a collection of online resources and articles that may be useful.
When you are thinking of traveling it might be worth investigating travel agents that specialize in assisting travellers with a particular disability such as https://wheelchairescapes.com/
Planning A Cruise When You Have A Disability, written by Barbara and Jim Twardowski
Taking a Cruise with an Elderly Person, written by Candace Rotolo
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/cruise-tips-for-elderly-150746.htm
Travelling with a disability written by Elisabeth Baulch
https://www.choice.com.au/travel/on-holidays/advice/articles/travelling-with-a-disability
A Beginner’s Guide to Accessible Cruising
https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles.cfm?ID=9
Royal Caribbean International, Accessibility Onboard
http://www.royalcaribbean.com.au/allaboutcruising/accessibleseas/home.do?wuc=AUS
Example of Royal Caribbean International Special Needs Form
https://secure.royalcaribbean.com.au/allaboutcruising/guestSpecialNeeds.do?wuc=AUS
P&O Australia information page about access with limited mobility
https://www.pocruises.com.au/plan/know-before-you-buy/limited-mobility
P&O Australia information page about cruising with different medical conditions
https://www.pocruises.com.au/plan/know-before-you-go/health-safety/medical-conditions
Norwegian Cruise Line information page about accessible assistance when cruising.
https://www.ncl.com/au/en/about/accessible-cruising
Cruise.com fantastic summary about special needs on Norwegian Cruise Line
https://www.cruise.com/cruise-information/special-needs/norwegian-cruise-line/
Carnival Cruise Lines website facilities and services for guests with disabilities
https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs.aspx
Carnival Cruise Lines form for special requirements
https://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/pdf/SRIFRM_012809.pdf
Celebrity Cruise Lines website pages on special needs.
https://www.celebritycruises.com.au/life-on-board/outstanding-service/special-needs/
Celebrity Cruise Lines Special Needs form
https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/Celebrity-Guest-Special-Needs-Form.pdf
If you have a disability, you have to keep in mind that disabled rights vary from country to country, be aware that some cruise companies or airlines do not allow some disabled passengers to travel without a companion. If you have read over this article and browsed some of the additional links and thought that cruising is for you but you just don’t have anyone to travel with. This is where a service like Jules Cruise Companion comes into its own.
If you are planning a cruise either domestically or internationally hiring the service of a professional cruise companion can help you navigate new environments and help you in case of emergencies may be a solution for you. Especially consider hiring a professional cruise companion with experience to accompany you on your cruise, if you have medical condition that may require some supervision. Pack your bags, it is time to live your cruise dream.
