Holland America Offers Top-Rate Disabled Travel Services

One company that excels in its service to disabled passengers is the Holland America Line. Their motto is "committed to serving everyone" and consequently the line has earned the "Access to Freedom" award from the Society For Accessible Travel & Hospitality. If you are interested in more information about the facilities and accommodations that Holland America Line offers to customers, visit their web page at hollandamerica.com. (Explanatory videos and a full brochure are available for download.)

Even in the face of their excellent record, there are some things about which Holland America passengers should be aware. In the case of shore excursions where launches transport passengers from the vessel to the land and the passenger cannot manage the transfer, the decision to lift handicapped individuals into the launch is left to the discretion of the captain. (Some newer vessels have mechanical lifts to accomplish the transfer.) Also, neither the cruise line nor individual captains can guarantee accessibility to third party facilities onshore

Holland America keeps a limited number of onboard wheelchairs that are reserved for embarkation, debarkation and emergency situations. Oxygen equipment is allowed but is the responsibility of the passenger. (The line does require advance notice of the presence of the equipment.)

The line welcomes assistance animals on its ships and guarantees its vessels will, at minimum, have 28 accessible staterooms, a dedicated wheelchair elevator, two wheelchair-equipped tenders or launches, and full access to all public rooms.

Are There Travel Agencies Specialized In Cruise Trips For The Disabled?

Many travel agencies specialize in arranging cruises for disabled travelers. For example, Accessible Journeys, a company created in 1985, uses the motto is "making the world more accessible." Their accessible cruises include a variety of destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, New England, Canada, Scandinavia, Mexico, and Hawaii among others. (See disabilitytravel.com)

Easy Access Travel specializes in wheelchair travel and in other kinds of travel for handicapped clients. The company founder Debra Briscoe, who is handicapped, wanted to improve the level of service offered to physically challenged persons. As members of the Cruise Lines International Association, Easy Access Travel books cruise ship trips to ports of call around the world. (See easyaccesstravel.com)

Use your favorite search engine to look for travel agencies in your area that cater to disabled clients, but if none are available, work with an agency long distance. The benefits of an agent who fully understands the ins and out of handicapped travel will far outweigh any inconvenience or extra expense.

Of all the potential venues of travel open to disabled travel clients, cruise ships offer one of the most flexible and accommodating environments. Don't hesitate to call the Holland America line or a specialty travel agency to find out the options available to you or to your loved one.