As a wheelchair user, it may seem like planning a vacation on your own is easier than booking a cruise because you get to customize each piece of your trip. However, cruises are actually very wheelchair accessible. From the accessibility to the entertainment and how easy it is to plan, there are so many reasons why a wheelchair user should consider going on a cruise for a vacation. I know firsthand how accessible and enjoyable cruising can be. Here's why you should seriously consider cruising for your next trip:
Cruising is one of the most accessible ways to travel
Let me be the first to tell you that cruising is one of the most accessible ways to travel, especially for wheelchair users. The best thing about taking a cruise is that once you're on board, everything is accessible. You don't have to find accessible transportation if you want to go to a show, dinner, or the casino... you just go. Honestly, the all-inclusive setup of a cruise is what makes it so accessible and wheelchair-friendly. Everything is a short distance away from your stateroom: the dining rooms, activity centers, the pool, excursions, and much more.
Staterooms are one of the most accessible features of newer cruise ships because they are designed to offer you space to move around and be comfortable throughout your stay. Many modern options are included in accessible staterooms, like roll-in showers and a functional layout. The accessible staterooms have all the necessities, but are also a great place to host guests or relax between events. You won't have to worry about choosing between hanging out with friends and family or having a room that accommodates your needs – these staterooms do both wonderfully.
On-site entertainment is wheelchair accessible not only because it's within the cruise ship (eliminating the need to organize transportation), but also because the showrooms offer space to move around and function well for everyone. Entertainment such as shows, the casino, bars, restaurants, and even on-deck activities are welcoming to all guests and are designed to allow everyone to join in on the fun. Some ships even have pool lifts for another amazing opportunity to relax and enjoy.
Companion care restrooms are another great feature of the newer cruise ships because they were designed with families and caregivers in mind. These restrooms have plenty of space and supplies to offer you a useful and comfortable room for whenever you need a break.
Cruising is a great way to travel internationally
If you're looking to get a few more stamps in your passport or want the opportunity to travel internationally for the first time, taking a cruise is a great option. Cruise lines visit all sorts of international destinations and because everything is so well contained and organized, this makes getting to see new places that much easier. You can fit several destinations into one trip, get a taste of the location, and experience life beyond your daily routine.
Planning getaways are easier with cruising
When you're planning a traditional vacation you need to book the flights, arrange the hotel accommodations, plan the activities, and more. But when you take a cruise, all you need to plan is getting to the ship! The rest is set up when you make your reservations. Booking a cruise is as simple as visiting the cruise line's website and working through the prompts, or calling the customer service line and speaking with a representative. Your reservation fulfills your needs in your stateroom, dining options, and excursion options.
Planning a cruise is also easy because the ship has accommodations in place to cater to your specific needs, such as accessible staterooms, pools with lifts, and dietary accommodations if needed. Plus, when it comes time to book, you'll speak with just one representative about your needs, saving you some valuable time. And because most websites are very informative and easy to use, you may find you won't have to pick up the phone at all!
The research is worth it
As someone who uses a wheelchair, I know the time commitment required to research a new destination and plan a trip or vacation. That said, the time you spend researching destinations and specific cruise lines is worth it! All of the information available online will help you find specific destinations and excursions that you're interested in and that are accessible.
Remember, keep an eye out for newer ships when making your reservations. They will be more likely to have pools with accessible lifts as well as spacious, accessible staterooms. Older cruise ships may still be wheelchair-friendly, but the newer ships will have more advanced technology, modern room layouts, and options like roll-in showers for a better overall experience.
Another area where research is definitely worth it is when you're booking excursions, the activities you do at each destination off-ship. There is a wide variety of excursions offered at each stop, but some extra research into the activity itself and how accessible it is will save you time and stress later. The best way to start your research here is to look into each specific ship and what it offers, from the accessibility on the ship to the destinations and each excursion.
If you've been on the fence about taking a cruise because of the accessibility factor, take my word for it and start your research now! There are so many opportunities to enjoy, from the comfortable accommodations to the inclusivity and the accessible excursions. Cruising is a great opportunity for wheelchair users. The more time you put into the research and navigating the details before you board the ship, the more fun and relaxing your trip will be.
About the Author
After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the U.S. when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned 15. Since then, Cory has traveled to 21 countries across six continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not-so-accessible travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet, and many others. His blog won the 2017 Best Travel Blog Gold Lowell Thomas Award. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.
Cory Lee's ride is a Quickie QM-710.
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