Cruises
Mobility Challenges? Want to Cruise? "Welcome Aboard," Say Agents
by Susan J. Young
Jun 5, 2017 8:39am
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Mobility challenges should not keep potential guests from booking a fun cruise vacation. Here guest Doris Young of Weston, FL, is shown riding a mobility scooter while awaiting the elevator on Royal Caribbean International's Allure of the Seas. (Susan J Young)
The accessible travel/special needs market spends $13.6 billion a year on vacations and travelers with special needs take 32 million vacations a year, according to Special Needs Group (SNG), which rents medical equipment to clients requiring it on a cruise.
But while cruising is an easy vacation choice for many Americans eager to head off to tropical isles or bucket list destinations, those with mobility challenges or a family with an autistic child may think a cruise simply wouldn’t be doable.
Not so fast, say trade experts who work to assist clients with special needs and suppliers who assist in providing services for these travelers. To them, cruising can be the perfect choice.
Delivering Accessibility
Late last year, Dana Salem-McCarthy, franchise owner, Dream Vacations, Novelty, OH, sailed on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Vista. She made it a point to speak to many physically challenged or disabled guests she met onboard [...]