When it comes to travel, cruises have become an increasingly popular option. Volker and Iris Westermann are very passionate about this type of travel. Even though it’s possible to book cruises via travel agencies or special providers like Runa Reisen, the Westermanns prefer to take the direct route and contact the cruise line. Volker says, "in general, I recommend visiting the website and checking out your options. AIDA Cruises also has a so-called barrier-free team (accessibility team). Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) also has a German office that answers all of your questions about your cruise vacation. One time we were interested in traveling with them and their service was amazing." Jenny Bießmann is likewise an avid cruise traveler, who books directly with the cruise line. "I usually spot a cruise in one of the travel brochures and I love the countries. That’s when I grab the phone and ask the cruise line if they offer an accessible cabin. If that’s the case, I book it through them directly – after first consulting my care team of course." For safety reasons, cruise lines generally recommend that people with disabilities should travel with a personal care assistant. Having said that, the majority of travelers tend to not vacation alone, but holiday with their partner, family or friends.
The AIDA team strives to support the self-determination of a person with disabilities during their voyage and offers separate check-in points, accessible public areas, as well as accessible cabins, audio induction loop systems and orientation signage in high-contrast tactile letters and Braille. Under certain conditions, travelers can even bring "certified leader dogs for the blind onboard that replace the personal care assistant," explains Uta Thiele from the AIDA Cruises Communication Team.
Since 2009, TUI Cruises has been offering premium cruise experiences thanks to its Mein Schiff fleet. To be able to perfectly accommodate guests with disabilities, the cruise line asks travelers to fill out a questionnaire and specify all their special needs including specific auxiliary means and resources. As one might expect, all public areas are also accessible in this case. Cruise ships 1 through 6 each have ten accessible cabins - four balcony, four outside and two inside cabins – and seven cabins on the Herz vessel. When asked about the equipment and setup, Godja Sönnichsen, Director of Communications at TUI Cruises says, "the accessible cabins of the Mein Schiff fleet feature extra space, wider doorways and bathroom doors, special hand rails, and emergency phones. Plus, they are always located near our elevators."