Lisa and Gerry have been enjoying cruises together for more than twenty years now. Their latest adventure lasted 16 days aboard the Carnival Spirit, a journey that began in Seattle, followed the West Coast southward, and included stops in Mexico and Costa Rica. From there, they sailed through the Panama Canal, visited Colombia, and finally docked in New Orleans. Lisa, who has ataxia and relies on a wheelchair, decided to share her experiences and tips about cruising with mobility challenges in this blog. If you'd like to learn more about Lisa's background, you can check out her bio here.
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As we dive into Lisa's story, keep in mind that all the details she provides here are specific to Carnival Cruise Lines and the Carnival Spirit in particular. Every cruise line and ship offers a unique experience, so what works well on one may not apply to another. The Spirit is an older vessel, over 20 years old, and while it has its charm, it doesn't always meet modern accessibility standards. On our upcoming trip, we plan to sail on the Carnival Celebration, a newer ship that's just about two years old. People have told me it's far more ADA-compliant and significantly larger. I’m curious to see how things go when we make that switch.
Lisa's perspective is incredibly valuable because she knows firsthand what it takes to navigate a cruise ship as someone with limited mobility. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, communicating clearly with the cruise staff, and understanding the layout of the ship before boarding. One of her key takeaways is that even if a ship claims to be accessible, certain areas might still pose challenges. For instance, some public spaces on the Carnival Spirit required assistance to access, which wasn’t always easy to arrange on short notice.
Despite these hurdles, Lisa insists that cruising remains one of the best ways to travel for people with disabilities. With proper preparation, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. She recommends booking a cabin near elevators or close to accessible routes, as this makes moving around the ship much easier. Additionally, she suggests reaching out directly to the cruise line before departure to discuss any special needs and ensure everything is set up accordingly.
Looking forward, Lisa is optimistic about her future cruises, especially since the Carnival Celebration promises enhanced accessibility features. However, she also cautions others not to lower their guard just because a ship is new. Accessibility isn’t always guaranteed, even on modern vessels, so staying vigilant and proactive is crucial. Overall, Lisa hopes her insights will help fellow travelers feel more confident about embarking on their own adventures.
If you’re considering a cruise but unsure where to start, Lisa’s tips provide a solid foundation. Whether you’re planning your first trip or simply looking to refine your approach, her experiences highlight both the joys and challenges of accessible cruising. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for our voyage on the Carnival Celebration!
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