Discover why cruising stands out as the ultimate travel choice, offering unparalleled convenience, exceptional economic value, and enriching experiences that cater to all.
Summary:
Cruising delivers unmatched convenience and a variety of experiences. The ease of exploring multiple destinations without the need for constant repacking sets cruising apart from...
In the realm of travel, especially when it comes to accessible journeys, the expertise and support of a travel agent can be a game-changer. For those of us passionate about exploring the world, irrespective of mobility challenges, travel agents offer a bridge to more seamless and enjoyable experiences. Let’s dive into why turning to a travel agent could be one of the best travel decisions you make.
Quick Insights:
Travel agents bring to the table a wealth of knowledge that’s particularly beneficial for accessible travel. They are adept at navigating the complexities of planning trips that are not just enjoyable but also comfortably accessible....
From Hilton to Holland America Koningsdam As the sun began to paint the sky on a beautiful morning, Cheryl and I peered out from our breakfast spot at the Hilton Homewood Suites Bayside, the Holland America Koningsdam ship in sight, seemingly inviting us for an adventure. Inspired by the serene setting, we decided to walk to the port, embracing the journey ahead.
The hotel clerk estimated our walk to be a brief ten minutes. However, we were not in any rush, choosing instead to soak in the picturesque San Diego waterfront. Our path from the hotel to the port was not only accessible but also an opportunity to capture the essence of our surroundings on camera.
With Cheryl navigating her Whill Model F scooter, equipped with an action camera, and me managing our luggage, we embarked on our mini-adventure. Our stroll was a blend of calm waters, gentle sailboats, and the bustling docks, each...
Join us on an 18-day journey to Hawaii, showcasing wheelchair-friendly travel experiences aboard the Holland America Koningsdam. In this blog series, we're dedicated to highlighting accessible travel options, sharing the effectiveness of our decisions each day.
Our journey began with a drive to Tampa Airport, where we took advantage of Florida's accessible vehicle parking privileges. Our car, equipped with a mobility device lift, allows for free parking—a huge plus for travelers with disabilities.
For this Hawaiian adventure, we're using the Whill Model F. It's akin to Cheryl's regular Whill Ci2 but boasts a lighter frame and foldability, crucial for tender ports. Our luggage includes two backpacks and two large roller bags for our 19-night trip. We've cleverly arranged one backpack to ride on...
The Norwegian Viva is the sister ship to the Norwegian Prima. The accessibility onboard is very similar. We had the privilege of touring the public areas in the haven, but did not get to see the accessible room there.
We boarded early as visitors to film cabin tours while the ship was basically empty. Once we finished filming we got checked in and filmed some of the public areas.
Hudson’s Restaurant is one of the main dining rooms on board, and it was open for lunch on embarkation day. Most people don’t know a restaurant is open for lunch that day and they dash to the buffet, which becomes overcrowded and inconvenient, especially with any kind of mobility device.
On NCL, we always find the open dining room and get our trip started with a very relaxing and enjoyable sit-down meal. In Hudson’s we were seated immediately as the restaurant was mostly empty and were given...
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Expresss on SE 17th street. It is only about 15 minutes from the cruise port. We left the hotel about 10 minutes till 11:00 and then went to the port, we dropped our bags, parked the car and went back to the terminal.
Our first view of the Celebrity Ascent
Check in was a breeze, we had completed all our paperwork in advance. After passing through security, we had our photo taken by an agent with a tablet, and were told we could proceed to the ship. They scanned us on as we left the terminal area and we went up the ramp to the ship. We dropped our backpacks in the room which was not ready and were in the Oceanview Café by 12:00.
Welcome cake in Ocean View Cafe
Port Everglades from the Ocean View cafe
We were booked into an accessible concierge class cabin and didn’t know that we could have had lunch in the Tuscan dining room. We did find all we wanted to eat in the Oceanview...
In the sprawling landscape of the travel and leisure sector, two demographics emerge with a promise of untapped potential - Baby Boomers and disabled travelers. With a combined annual spending of over $178 billion on leisure travel alone, these segments present a significant market opportunity waiting to be explored.
Values in $Billions
Recent data underscores a promising growth trajectory in both markets. The Baby Boomer cohort, comprising individuals aged 60 and over, is expected to more than double globally from 841 million in 2013 to over 2 billion by 2050. Their penchant for luxury travel accounts for a whopping 80% of the market share, translating to over $120 billion in annual expenditure.
On the flip side, the disabled travelers market is gaining traction rapidly. The economic impact of this demographic continues to burgeon, with adults dedicating $58.7...
Cruising is one of the most luxurious and relaxing ways to see the world. But what happens when unexpected events turn your dream vacation into a nightmare? The importance of cruising with a valid passport and comprehensive travel insurance cannot be overstated. Let's dive into why.
Imagine arriving at the port, bags packed, ready for your cruise adventure, only to be denied boarding. This nightmare became a reality for a woman in 2017, when she was denied boarding on a Carnival Cruise from Miami because she lacked proper identification. The result? She missed the entire cruise.
During a recent incident with a cruise ship needing repairs, the cruise line chartered flight for the passengers to fly home. The passengers on the ship that did not fly home were denied permission to leave the ship for the airport in the Dominican Republic ...
When it comes to accessible travel, Virgin Voyages is making waves in the industry. Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Alex Zeitz, the director of crew and sailor experience at Virgin Voyages. Our conversation delved deep into their commitment to accessibility, upcoming itineraries, and the overall sailor experience. Here's a peek into our enlightening discussion.
Right from the start, Alex's passion for Virgin Voyages shone through. Residing in New York City, he shared insights about how Virgin Voyages operates, emphasizing the flexibility offered to him to stay connected with the ships and their many journeys.
Virgin Voyages is not just about luxury and exotic destinations; they are deeply committed to inclusivity. One of the most pressing questions I had was about the accessibility efforts Virgin Voyages has made. Alex provided a comprehensive overview, detailing the design and amenities onboard. From...
Have you ever wondered about the accessibility features of the Majestic Colonial Resort? Cheryl and I had the pleasure of staying in Room 4107, and we were thoroughly impressed. For wheelchair travelers, this room might be a game-changer.
Ease of Entry
Navigating to our room was a breeze with a broad sidewalk that accommodated both scooters and wheelchairs. The unique wrist band unlocked the door, which opened inwards effortlessly. With a width of 34”, it's safe to say that the majority of mobility devices could pass through with ease.
The Exceptional Bathroom
Divided into two functional areas, the bathroom offers both style and accessibility. While the garden tub may require a lift and isn't readily accessible, the vanity boasts ample space underneath for wheelchair users. The sink controls are not just within easy reach, but also designed as a user-friendly lever.
The real gem? A spacious wet room. Beside the toilet, you'll find ample space for transfers and a handy drop-down...
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