18 Days of Wheelchair Accessible Travel to Hawaii on Holland America's Koningsdam

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.

Day 1: From Tampa to San Diego with Accessibility Insights

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.

Choosing the Right Mobility Device for Travel

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 Cheryl's powerchair, while I manage the lighter one.

Smooth Sailing with Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check

Thanks to Global Entry, we breezed through TSA Pre-check, a boon for disabled travelers. Despite a small hiccup with my backpack, filled with camera and computer gear, we enjoyed a hassle-free security experience.

Airport Comforts: Admirals Club Access

Our credit card's Admirals Club access provided us with a comfortable waiting area and light meals in both Tampa and Phoenix. These breaks are essential for Cheryl, as prolonged sitting can be challenging.

Arriving in San Diego: Accessible Hotel Choices

Our stay at the Hilton Homewood Suites Bayside in San Diego was a highlight, with its excellent accessible features. We'll share photos and insights about the wheelchair-friendly amenities, including notes on the bed height that might concern some wheelchair users.

Accessible Bathroom

Accessible Bedroom

Accessible Living Room - Dining Room - Kitchen

Accessible Laundry / Gym

Accessible Pool

Embarking on the Next Phase of Our Wheelchair Accessible Journey

After a refreshing breakfast and a photo session at the hotel, we were ready to embark on the next leg of our accessible Hawaiian adventure.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for real-time updates on our journey. Join our Facebook group for more discussions on traveling with disabilities.

Next Article in the Series