FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11-25-03
For more information, contact:
Candy Harrington
Phone: (209)599-9409
e-mail: horizons@emerginghorizons.com
Emerging Horizons On-Hand For Mariner of the Seas Christening
Ripon, CA — November 25, 2003 — On November 14, 2003, the most accessible cruise ship in the world was launched from Port Canaveral, Florida. On-hand to witness this historic event were Emerging Horizons’ Editor, Candy Harrington and Creative Director, Charles Pannell.
Says Harrington, “Royal Caribbean has always been very proactive about access issues, so it’s no big surprise that the new Mariner of the Seas is so accessible.” “Plus,” she adds, “The fact that Royal Caribbean chose a wheelchair athlete as the godmother of their new ship, really speaks volumes about their commitment to access.”
Godmother Jean Driscoll officially named the Mariner of the Seas during an elaborate shipboard ceremony on November 14, 2003.
Driscoll’s achievements range from winning the women’s wheelchair division of the Boston Marathon eight times, to victories in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics. Recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of the top 25 female athletes of the 20th century, Jean is now actively involved with organizations for athletes with disabilities.
“I was very impressed with Jean Driscoll,” says Harrington. “She spoke about the importance of independence and pointed out that companies which provide good access (like RCI) help make this independence a reality. Hopefully other companies in the hospitality industry will pick up on this very important (and often overlooked) message.”
The Mariner of the Seas features 26 wheelchair-accessible staterooms with excellent pathway access and spacious bathrooms with roll-in showers. Says Harrington, “The Mariner of the Seas is the most accessible of the Voyager class ships. There are access upgrades to the casino, and the drainage system to the roll-in showers has also been improved.” “Of course,” she adds “The Mariner of the Seas includes all the standard Voyager class access features such as automatic doors to the outside decks and pool and Jacuzzi lifts.”
The Mariner of the Seas will be based in Port Canaveral year round, sailing alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean routes.
“Cruising can be a very accessible vacation choice if you select the right ship and itinerary,” says Harrington. “My job at Emerging Horizons is to try and highlight the most accessible choices. We will continue to cover cruises and give our readers important access information about ships and shore activities. It’s a subject that takes a lot of research, but it’s been very well received by our readers.”
Emerging Horizons is a consumer oriented magazine about accessible travel for people with mobility disabilities — from wheelchair-users to slow walkers. For more information about this quarterly publication visit www.EmergingHorizons.com.
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