BackPhysical Limitations Don't Stop Today's Cruisers!
Article submitted by Susan Stewart, owner of Stewart Travel Deals specializes in customizing cruises and land tours for Boomers and Seniors. For more information on how they can make your dream vacation a reality, please contact Susan Stewart at 303-972-6688 or visit their website at StewartTravelDeals.com.
Did you know that the Boston Marathon has a category for men and women aged 80 and over? For some, travel includes running marathons. While most of us would not consider running to the mailbox let alone a 26-mile course through the muggy streets of Boston, aging does not have to mean the end of traveling. However, aging does bring a set of challenges that can't be ignored and one of those challenges is accessibility.
Americans expect our public spaces to be accessible to everyone. Although cities in Europe may not be wheelchair friendly - let's face it, it's difficult to retrofit a thirteenth century castle - most cruise lines have made huge strides when it comes to accessibility. Princess Cruise Line's ships, for example, have staterooms that accommodate wheelchairs complete with lowered thresholds and roll-in showers. You will also find lowered closet railings, sinks and handrails, and wrapped pipes under the bathroom sink to prevent burns. Elevators have 36- to 42-inch doorways and designated wheelchair seating in the show lounges, theater and other public areas.
Cruise lines have also made the necessary changes to accommodate those with sight and hearing issues. People with sight difficulties can communicate by TTY text phones. In addition, Braille elevator call buttons, audible arrival sounds and infrared listening assistance systems in the theaters are in place.
Passengers needing assistance with hearing difficulties can request hearing kits to turn auditory messages like a ringing telephone into a flashing light. Telephone amplifiers, visual smoke detectors, door knock sensors and books on tape in the ship's library make cruising possible for those with affected hearing.
Service animals such as seeing-eye dogs and hearing-assistance dogs - and, in the case of Princess, a "helping hands" monkey - are allowed aboard. Ships have appropriate accommodations for service animals, often called the "poop deck." You will need to work with your travel agent to ensure it can come off the ship at each of your ports of call. Some countries, Jamaica for example, will not allow service animals to go ashore.
Making your trip possible may require the services of companies specializing in meeting special needs. You can arrange to have oxygen on board or a wheelchair or scooter on hand so you don't have to transport your own. It's even possible to arrange to have dialysis, and the medical personnel necessary to administer it, sail with you! Your travel agent should be able to work out all of the details for you so you don't have to try to figure it out for yourself.
Working with a travel agent - who is experienced in the needs of older, active adults - to create a customized vacation can decrease the frustration of less-than-marathon levels of ability. Whatever your needs and whatever your dreams, from special anniversaries to family reunions, trips with the grandchildren to revisiting special memories, living with challenges need not stand in your way. Today you can make the shift from "armchair traveler" to cruising the seas!
Stewart Travel Deals specializes in customizing cruises and land tours for Boomers and Seniors. For more information on how they can make your dream vacation a reality, please contact Susan Stewart at 303-972-6688 or visit their website at StewartTravelDeals.com.
Current recommendations? This is the time to cruise! Due to the difficult economy, cruise lines have slashed their fares and are offering incredible deals and upgrades. Don't miss this opportunity!