10 Things to Know (and Do) About Special Needs and Cruising

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10 Things to Know (and Do) About Special Needs and Cruising

Author: Susan Dunn, MA, Personal Life Coach

I speak on cruises and have found them almost amazingly
accommodating to special needs. From disabilities, to medical
needs, to family reunion celebrations or weddings...in many
cases, you need only to ask. Here are some things to consider
beforehand. Don't be like the gentleman traveling with his
8-year-old son, who only discovered on the 3rd day out there was
a daytime play program for children! Ask!

1. Check out your health insurance.

Some policies cover international travel; some do not. If your
policy doesn’t cover travel abroad, check with the cruise line.
Most lines offer an auxiliary policy to cover your needs for a
nominal price. Check to see if your policy covers air
evacuation, which is extremely expensive, unless you relish
emergency surgery in, say, Belize.

2. If you have medical problems, or problems with seasickness,
book on one of the larger ships -- 1,000 or more passengers.

The bigger ships (generally measured by number of guests) have
better health facilities and services, and also better
stabilizers so do better in rough weather. I spoke on a cruise
in the middle of Isabel, and know this to be true!

3. Ships with more than 100 passengers normally have a doctor
and nurse.

Though some have only a nurse. Be aware that medical personnel
on ships charge a fee for the services.

4. If you have medical problems, be sure and discuss them with
your personal physician.

Some conditions require a note from a physician.

5. Be sure and bring all medications you need with you, with an
extra supply in case your travel plans are delayed.

Ship infirmaries carry some medications, but of course not all.
Most ship infirmaries are only equipped to handle minor
emergencies. Find out where the infirmary is and how to get to
it, as well as the location of other important things such as
restrooms and lifts.

6. Service animals can be accommodated but you should contact
the Dept. of Agriculture of your ports of call to determine the
policy of each destination.

They regulate entry of dogs, which will also be subject to
inspection, and may be denied disembarkation at certain ports.

7. Understand that not all conditions can be accommodated on
onshore excursions and investigate ahead of time so as to avoid
disappointment.

Some ports and cruise lines require tendering. The ship anchors
away from the dock, and passengers are taken ashore ("tendered")
in small boats. They may not be able to accommodate wheelchairs.

8. If you are pregnant, consult with the individual cruise line
for their policies.

Most strictly prohibit travel after the 6th month. At times a
physician's medical statement or waiver of liability or both are
required. Once aboard, make sure you have a lifejacket that
fits. Understand that most doctors are reluctant to give
medication to pregnant women, so consult your personal physician
before you go, for such things as seasickness.

9. Most cruise lines restrict infant travel.

Disney, for instance, doesn’t allow babies under 12 weeks of
age, while Princess requires they be six months or older.

10. Many cruise ships are well-equipped for other special needs.
Be sure and check ahead of time.

Electric wheelchairs can be accommodated with recharging
facility. TTY kits (text telephone, bed shaker, smoke alarm,
door knocker and phone amplifier). You can usually bring oxygen
tanks for personal use. Medically-related dining requests can
often be accommodated. Some have hydraulic lifts for hot tubs.
Hydraulic lift transfers may also be available.

Along with availability of these special services, check on any
additional charges.

About the author:
©Susan Dunn, MA, Personal Life Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc .
Susan is the author of “Secrets to Getting to Speak on a Cruise”
available at http://www.webstrategies.cc /acruise.html and speaks
regularly for cruise lines on topics of self-help and personal
development. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc