Disabled Travel. PART 10

Making the most of your cruise vacation:

Onboard:

Check with your medical insurance provider to see if visits to the ship’s infirmary are covered. If it is not covered by your current policy, take out a travel insurance policy that does reimburse.

If you have special medical needs (defibrillators, dialysis, etc.), make sure the infirmary is equipped to help you. If you require dialysis, ensure that the ship is equipped with such facilities because if for some reason the ship is delayed, you risk missing being dialyzed and that can lead to severe and life threatening complications.

Get the lay of the land when you come onboard. If you need a guide, don’t be afraid to ask at the front desk and definitely make sure you have a ship’s map with you at all times. In particular, make sure you know exactly where the infirmary is located and feel free to introduce yourself to the doctor-on-duty.

In Cabin:

If you need special equipment, like shower benches or raised toilet seats, request them from your steward. Also request ramps where needed if they are not already in place.

Independent port explorations:

remember that some ports, particularly foreign ones may not be disabled-friendly so ask for advice on disable traveler friendly itineraries to avoid missing out on the fun.

Disabled Travel. PART 09

Making the most of your cruise vacation:

Cruise vacations are fast becoming an easier vacation option choice for disabled travelers. Cruise lines are proactively making changes. Some, like Holland America, have dedicated managers who oversee accessibility issues and requirements of guests with special needs. While Princess, works closely with special-needs travel groups.

Pre Trip:

Be honest with your travel agent or, if booking direct, the cruise line’s reservation agent about the true nature of your disability and don’t be afraid to ask for advice about which ship or line might be better suited for you. Some cruise lines have rules stating that certain disabled travelers must be accompanied by a companion, so to avoid being turned away, find out all you need to know and be prepared.

Request for a cabin designated for those with disabilities; they are roomier than standard cabins, to accommodate wheelchairs. Once you’ve booked your cruise, read your cruise documents carefully to ensure that, indeed, you were assigned an appropriate, accessible cabin.

Do your own homework when choosing a ship or cruise line. For the most part, the newer the cruise ship the more disability-friendly it is as cruise lines are increasingly courting this previously neglected market.

Ensure that cabin bathrooms have ramps, balcony suites have ramps onto the verandah, there is easy accessibility to outside decks, onboard elevators should be wide enough for to accommodate a wheelchair, does the ship have sufficient elevators and are they wheel chair friendly with buttons at a lower levels. These and more are factors that should not be forgotten or ignored.

Most importantly, make allowances for doctor-prescribed medications. Insurance plans will usually approve “vacation prescriptions” about a week before you are scheduled to leave. This is crucial because many countries won’t honor a written prescription from a U.S. doctor (one notable example is that pharmacies in St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, are prohibited by law from filling mainland-issued prescriptions).

Disabled Travel. PART 08

TIP 12: Tips from the experts: Many of your seasoned disabled travelers may find these tips obvious and not as helpful as they could be. For those of you who need more information before your next trip, try reading a copy of Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers by Candy Harrington. This book has received much praise and commendation from other disabled travelers.

The book will provide you with helpful tips that can make your travel much easier. For example, if you are using a wheel chair and are concerned about taking a cruise, you no longer have to worry as you can request a wheelchair friendly cabin from your travel agent. And in the US hotels that provide free airport transport to their guests, also have to provide an accessible option with no added cost.

This book also contains useful information about how to find and book a wheelchair accessible room, how to work with and more importantly locate a suitable travel agent, cruises, ground transportation, overseas travel, advocacy, disability law and rights, air travel, protecting your wheelchair when you travel, and resources around the world which I believe is exactly what most disabled travelers require.

Disabled Travel. PART 07

TIP 12: Know your rights: Before going through airport security, be aware of the TSA’s rules (Transportation Security Administration) for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Currently the following disability related items are permitted through security check points:

Wheelchairs, Scooters, Crutches, Canes, Walkers, Prosthetic devices, Casts, Support braces, Support appliances, Service animals, Baby apnea monitors, Orthopedic shoes, Exterior medical devices, Assistive/adaptive equipment, Augmentation devices, Ostomy supplies, CPAP machines & respirators, Hearing aids, Cochlear implants, Tools for wheelchair disassembly/reassembly, Personal supplemental oxygen, CO2 personal oxygen concentrators, Tools for prosthetic devices, Medications and associated supplies, Braille note takers, Slate and stylus, All diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies and any other disability-related equipment and associated supplies.

If you have not traveled in a while, you may not be familiar with the liquid restriction, so bear in mind that no liquid including make up, more than 100 ml can be taken on board in your hand luggage or hand bag. If you are unsure of what you can or can’t take aboard your flight, contact either your travel agent or airline for advice and assistance.

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Disabled Travel. PART 06

TIP 10: Settle your transport: Don’t forget about transportation to and from the airport. If you have a wheelchair, make arrangements in advance to have a wheelchair accessible vehicle pick you up in your destination city. It is better to make such arrangements before your flight in order to avoid being stranded when you reach your destination.

TIP 11: Be prepared for breakdowns and repairs: Remember to pack some spare parts and tools. Wheelchairs can take tremendous abuse when traveling, and to have to find someone who can repair your  wheel chair in a foreign country can be quite a hassle. Therefore be prepared and assemble a small kit of spare parts and tools for emergency repairs. You may also be required to dismantle a wheelchair for certain flights or activities, so make sure you and your traveling companions know how to do this.

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