Cruising is like a bug that is fast spreading. Most jetsetters have gone cruising. Whether you are one or not, you can’t miss the opportunity of seeing the world from a deck of a luxurious cruise ship.
“Luxurious” is the right word to describe the opulence of the experiences you are bound to have when you board on a modern day cruise ship. These are like floating hotels that have amenities comparable to a 5-star hotel, sometimes even better. No wonder that year after year cruise companies continue to add more ships on their fleet while continuing to refurbish and update older ones. The “war” among cruise companies is working to the passengers’ benefits as ships are outfitted with the most fascinating features and structures to make it a coveted travel experience.
For people with a little difficulty travelling, know that cruising is also among the most popular modes of travel now for the elderly, the differently-abled, and families with young wards in tow. If you are on the verge of planning a trip in the near future, find out what makes a cruise great for you and your family or ward with a handicap. Debbie Fogle outlined “10 Good Reasons to Choose a Cruise.” This is posted in Access-able Travel Source.
… to keep you cruise from becoming a voyage on a slave galley do your homework. Let’s explore some of the reasons why.
One: You really get a pretty good value for your dollar. The cost varies considerably between categories but you can travel quite comfortably for about $150 per day … some shore excursions and off ship activities will come out of your pocket, but … it is easy to budget for a cruise vacation because almost all of your expenses are included the total price that you pay up front.
Two: Getting to the cruise ships is easier than ever. Today there are numerous ports to disembark from making it possible for people from a rather large geographic area to drive to a cruise ship. This can be very important for some people with disabilities who are unable to fly for one reason or another…
Three: As a testament to the popularity of cruising, new ships are being introduced every year offering the public the latest and greatest in luxury cruising…
Four: Access has steadily been improving as new ships come on the market and individual companies realize that they are hard pressed to meet the high demand for accessible staterooms…
Five: You get to visit many places and only have to unpack your bags once! Let’s face it, what could be better than bringing tons of exotic locations right to your doorstep!
More reasons to go cruising…
- Is disability a concern so that transportation is a necessary consideration? Most accessible cruise ships thoughtfully take out the hassle through in making ground transfers. It is important to notify the reservation/booking officer or your travel agent in advance and inform them of your other needs to have avail of extra services for a more comfortable journey.
- Most cruises can be customized to better suit your needs and wants or style and taste. You can decide on the entertainment and amenities you would like to have from a wide array of options. Weddings and reunions can be held on board without much difficulty; all you need to do is pre-arrange the celebration so you can have a great time cruising and celebrating with your travel party.
- Travel operators and agents specializing in cruises for people with special needs can better serve your needs. They have personal experiences and expertise to ensure you’ll be comfortable while in the high seas and from port to port. Some can even put together a special cruise for you built around accessibility.
Planning a cruise a year before is not too early, especially when travelling with kids, elderly or a ward with special needs. Early travel planning is good as it gives you time to do your research with so many options. Once you have firmed up your decision, you can look forward to a relaxing and entertaining sailing experience. Choose your shore excursions (Link to How to Best Enjoy Shore Expeditions Safely) well and have a great time visiting multiple destinations along the way.
