Accessibility, on the Open Seas
I just recently returned from a Royal Caribbean cruise on the Explorer of the Sea. Beginning June 5, 2008 the Explorer of the Sea set sail for Bermuda, St. Martin, St. Thomas and San Juan Puerto Rico. This was my 5th cruise, 4th of Royal Caribbean and the first since losing my sight.
Prior to the trip, my wife scheduled a ship orientation that we thought was specifically tailored to blind and visually impaired passengers. Unfortunately, a tour guide was not available until the next morning. The tour guide, John, was friendly and very familiar with the ship, however, the tour was not from a orientation and mobility perspective. The fact that we were unable to tour prior to the next morning meant less opportunity to openly survey the various floors without obstruction from other passengers.
The tour itself was helpful, but a few things would have increased the effectiveness of the tour and subsequently help to increase my ability to independently navigate the ship.
I would love to see Royal Caribbean contract with professional Orientation and Mobility instructor’s from the various agencies for the blind in the state where their ships sail. In my case, Explorer of the Sea left from Bayonne, New Jersey. Two hours with an instructor from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind prior to a majority of the passengers boarding would have fully equipped me with the information needed to independently navigate.
The ship is built for beauty, therefore lacking in the things that aid in navigation such as angles and hard corners. It took a few attempts for me to get used to certain areas of the ship. Some areas such as the 5th floor promenade, which is similar to a mall, were extremely difficult to navigate alone. Often crowded with people sitting at tables or bar stools. I never traveled this area alone.
A main part of navigating on a ship is the use of social skills. Knowing when to ask for assistance and planning both go along way to a smooth trip. One afternoon I decided I would head to the spa for a workout. I was given a brief tour of the weight room a day before and decided I would get in a cardio workout using the treadmill. I left my room and headed up the two flights to the spa. What I didn’t recall is that I was traveling sighted guide the first time I went to the gym. When I reached the 11th floor where the spa was located, I couldn’t find the entrance to the spa. Rather than struggling, I simply asked another passenger for assistance. (For some this probably sounds so simple, but for me I am still getting comfortable with asking for occasional help.) I assumed a spa employee would be at the desk as there was a day earlier, after waiting 15 minutes I realized my error. I could have simplified the situation by calling ahead letting someone know to expect me. Once an attendant showed up he seemed prepared and knew how to adapt the treadmill by using tape to label the various buttons.
In general, preparation is always required when traveling, I sometimes still revert to spontaneity. It’s during these forgetful moments when things tend not to go as smoothly as I would like.
a guide dog would have been a great assistant, but if you read prior posts on this blog you probably no I am waiting for my robot guide. Dogs just don’t fit in my household right now.
Now if I could only orient myself back to reality!
Grace Yooung responds:
Posted: July 27th, 2008 at 11:09 am →
Hi Thomas, Your’re right about preparation when you have a disability. I have postpolio syndrome, use a scooter, and try not to leave any detail to chance. Your cruising article interested me as I’ve cruised a lot with Princess, which was the first cruise line to embrace accessibility, way way back. I know that your challenges are different from mine but I encourage you to try Princess for your next cruise. Please check out “Accessible Cruising” on my blog at http://www.graceryoung.com.