If you’d like to take a wheelchair-accessible Trinidad & Tobago beach excursion, then look no further than T&S Transport & Tours. This local operator offers wheelchair-accessible transportation in lift-equipped or ramped vans to favorite beaches, and includes the use of floating beach wheelchairs while you are there. Choices include Maracas Beach, Las Cuevas Beach, Manzanilla Beach, La Brea Beach and Chaguaramas Beach. And although all these beaches are beautiful, Maracas Beach is reported to be the most accessible choice. T&S Transport & Tours also offers wheelchair-accessible airport transfers, and other local excursions. For more information, visit www.wheelchairtransporttt.com/beaches.
Barrier-Free Travel
101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Although scooters provide increased mobility for many people, some have become problematic on cruises. Granted it’s not the mobility devices themselves that are an problem, but a huge issue arises when folks store their scooters in the hallways outside their stateroom doors. Not only does this raise a safety issue in case of a fire or other ship emergency, but it often makes the hallway impassable to folks in wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
So why do passengers store their scooters in the hallways? It’s simply a matter of size – most standard scooters will not fit through regular cabin doorways. They will only fit into accessible cabins, which have wider doorways.
Carnival Scooter Policy
Most cruise lines have rules about scooter storage, and they do not allow passengers to store them in hallways. But in reality, this issue is often overlooked once folks have boarded. Carnival Cruise Lines, on the other hand, has scooter guidelines that require scooter measurement before boarding; and they strictly prohibit scooter storage in hallways. And if your scooter doesn’t pass muster, you could be denied boarding. Here’s a breakdown of the Carnival scooter policy.
All scooters must be stored in staterooms
Mobility devices can never be left unattended.
Guests with more than one scooter must book a fully accessible stateroom
Guests with scooters wider than 21 inches must book an accessible stateroom or rent a smaller scooter.
Scooters will be measured at check-in. Scooters that do not fit in the guest’s reserved stateroom will not be allowed on board.
Should a guest not be able to make alternate arrangements for a smaller rental scooter, boarding will be denied and no compensation will be provided.
Carnival recommends that guests that have scooters larger than the required size, rent a smaller model from Scootaround (their preferred vendor). Scootaround can deliver the rental scooter directly to the ship.
So plan ahead if you travel with a larger scooter and will be sailing on Carnival. I’m also thinking that the other cruise lines will soon follow suit, as “hallway scooters” are a problem on all cruises. Although the storage of scooters in hallways is prohibited on all major cruise lines, the Carnival scooter policy is the strictest at the moment.
Don’t be left at the dock. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Although there’s no shortage of fun diversions in the bustling city of Anchorage, visitors often overlook sights located outside of the city center. Granted, it takes a little planning to take them all in, but it’s well worth the effort. And it’s a great option for a pre- or post-cruise stay. So rent a vehicle, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to visit these sites on a wheelchair-accessible Anchoarage day trip.
Learn About Indigenous People
Dancers at theAlaska Heritage Cultural Center
Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, the Alaska Native Heritage Center (www.alaskanative.net/) tops the must-see list. It’s just a short drive north of downtown Anchorage on the Glenn Highway; however this open-air museum seems a world away from the trappings of city life. Situated on 26 acres of prime forest land, this top-notch cultural attraction offers exhibits and programs about Alaska’s indigenous people.
Access is good at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, with plenty of accessible parking in front, a handy drop-off zone near the door, and level access to the front entrance. There’s a wheelchair available for loan at the front desk, and accessible restrooms near the entrance.
From the information desk a ramp leads down to the Gathering Place, where dances, games and stories are shared throughout the day. There’s also level access over to the Hall of Culture, which offers interactive exhibits about the indigenous cultural groups in Alaska. Films are also screened throughout the day in the adjacent theater, which offers level access with wheelchair and companion seating.
Outside, a level paved pathway circles the lake, where villages representing the indigenous people are located. Each village contains at least one structure, with clothing, weapons, tools and other artifacts of that culture on display. Members of the group — usually youth — are on hand to talk about their culture and to answer questions. And although some buildings have a few steps, it’s still possible to get a feel for each culture from the other interpretive exhibits.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Grizzly Bear at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
If you’d like to get an up-close-and-personal look at some native wildlife, then be sure and stop in at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (alaskawildlife.org/) on your excursion. Technically this attraction is located in Portage, about 48 miles south of Anchorage; however it’s definitely worth the one-hour drive. The compound is easy to find too, as it’s on the Seward Highway, just north of Portage Road.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has a mission of education and conservation. It’s not a zoo, and quite a few of the animals are rescues. There’s ramp access up to the main building, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. Outside, the resident animals are kept in large enclosures surrounded by boardwalks or walkways. Visitors can choose to walk the 1.5-mile level route around the enclosures, or drive their own car and park at the bear boardwalk or the Turnagain Arm boardwalk. Along the way you’ll see moose, reindeer, lynx, elk, caribou and even bison.
The bear enclosure is a must-see, as a boardwalk travels above the exhibit which houses both black bears and grizzlies. And although the Turnagain Arm boardwalk is just outside of the park, it’s definitely worth a stop to see the bald eagles swoop down over the snow-covered mountains, and glide over the mud flats in search of some food. Additionally, there are benches at the end of the boardwalk if you’d like to sit and take a break.
Lynx at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Bring Your Binoculars
Viewing blind on the Potter Marsh Boardwalk
Last but not least, save some time for a little birdwatching on your Anchorage day trip. And the best place view some avian life is at Potter Marsh (www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewinglocations.pottermarsh), one of the most accessible bird viewing boardwalks in Alaska. Located about 10 miles south of town on Highway 1 near Milepost 117, this sanctuary is ironically located across the street from the Rabbit Creek Rifle Range.
Accessible parking is located near the boardwalk, with accessible vault toilets nearby. The level boardwalk extends a half-mile out over the wetlands and offers several viewing blinds and overlooks along its length. And it’s all very wheelchair-friendly with lowered viewing slots in the blinds, accessible scopes, and lowered railings at overlooks for unobstructed wheelchair viewing. And if you’d just like to sit down and enjoy the view, there’s no shortage of benches along the way.
Potter Marsh is a year-round birdwatching venue, with geese, ducks and grebes in residence from April to September; and gulls, terns and shorebirds the rest of the year. Bald eagles are also frequently spotted in the cottonwoods near the base of the bluff, so bring your binoculars for a look at these magnificent birds.
Rabbit Creek — which is located about halfway along the boardwalk — is a good spot to catch a glimpse at spawning chinook, coho or humpback salmon, from May to August. And although Potter Marsh is ground zero for avian life, you can also spot moose there in the early mornings in late spring and early summer. Additionally, there’s no admission charge, so it’s also very easy on the wallet. Don’t miss this wheelchair-accessible birding hotspot on your next Anchorage adventure.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
West bay on Roatan Island, HondurasFounded by Roatan native Victor Bodden, Bodden Tours (boddentours.com/accessible.htm) offers custom wheelchair-accessible Honduras day tours. Transportation is provided in either a 16-passenger lift equipped bus, or a smaller ramped Toyota Sienna van. Participants can choose from a variety of accessible activities on their Roatan tour, including Victor Bodden’s Monkey Business, Sherman Arch’s Iguana Farm, Ixora Spa, Spa Baan Saerle and the Stone Castle Cameo Factory. The guides can also take participants on an accessible scenic drive, arrange a shopping excursion and even suggest lunch and rest stops appropriate for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The company also offers several partially accessible day tours. For more information about these wheelchair-accessible Honduras tours, call or text Victor at +(504) 9910 52017.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
I use a power wheelchair and I’m thinking about taking a cruise with my husband. I’ve never traveled before but a cruise really appeals to me. Are cruise ships wheelchair-accessible? And if so, will they work for my power wheelchair? I’d also appreciate any tips you have for planning a wheelchair-accessible cruise.
Access on the High Seas
The good news is that many cruise ships are wheelchair-accessible. Part of the reason is because they have responded to a growing market, and part of the reason is due to litigation. More specifically, there are two court cases that helped form the access requirements on cruise ships that call on US ports.
First and foremost is Spector v Norwegian Cruise Line. On June 6, 2005 the US Supreme Court decided in favor of the plaintiffs in this case, and ruled that the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to all foreign-flagged cruise ships that call on US ports. This ruling, however, fell short of requiring specific access guidelines for vessels.
Then in 2015 the Justice Department reached a settlement with Carnival Cruise Lines that provided the access standards for ships — even foreign flagged ships — that call on US ports. They must have fully accessible cabins, which are dispersed throughout the various classes of accommodations. These cabins must have 32-inch wide doorways, include accessible pathway access and turning radius, and have an accessible bathroom. And the reservation system must allow passengers with a disability to reserve an accessible cabin, and guarantee that accessible cabin reservation.
Cruise Planning Tips & Tricks
It’s great to have these standards, and to be honest, most cruise ships go above and beyond as far as access is concerned. That said, it does take a little more advance planning to book an accessible cruise.
First and foremost — start early. Even though cruise ships have accessible cabins, they are limited and they go quickly. Keep tabs on your cruise and try and book your cabin as soon as it’s released. It’s the best way to get the accessible cabin you need.
Also, remember to ask a lot of questions about the accessible cabin. They differ from cruise line to cruise line, and even on ships on the same cruise line. Always ask about access details that are important to you, such as bed height, toilet height and grab bar placement. And if you still have questions, ask them to e-mail you some photos. When you inquire about access, you might also want to include the pertinent measurements for your power wheelchair because just saying “wheelchair” can lead to a wide variety of interpretations. The good news is, you will find that many cruise ships can accommodate your power wheelchair.
It’s also a good idea to search for accessible shore excursions first, before you decide on a cruise. Some ports have more accessible options than others. It’s also prudent to book these accessible excursions directly with the provider as early as possible. Many cruise lines use the same providers and if you wait for them to book them, they may already be booked. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Puerto VallartaSuperior Tours Vallarta offers wheelchair-accessible Puerto Vallarta tours and transportation. Their Ford Transit van has a rear lift and tie-downs, and can accommodate one wheelchair-user as well as six additional passengers. Their services include airport and cruise ship transfers, shore excursions, local transportation and customized tours. They can transport passengers to any hotel or destination in Jalisco and Nayarit, and design a custom tour or shore excursion for your party. For more information about their wheelchair-accessible offerings, visit superiortoursvallarta.com/wheel-chair-accesible-transportation.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Whale Tail Breaching at Kenai Fjords National Park
Located at the head of Resurrection Bay, Seward is a popular port for many cruise ships, including Celebrity, Viking, Royal Caribbean and Silversea vessels. It’s also the gateway to rugged Kenai Fjords National Park, and the southern terminus of the Seward Highway. The good news is, it is possible to explore Seward in a wheelchair. In fact, this port city offers visitors a number of wheelchair-accessible tours and attractions. And that’s reason enough to spend at least one day in this Kenai Peninsula community on your next Alaskan cruise or road trip.
Explore Kenai Fjords
Seals viewed on the Kenai Fjords Tours
Although the lion’s share of Kenai Fjords National Park (www.nps.gov/kefj/) is comprised of backcountry trails and inaccessible glaciers, visitors can get a peek at the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of the park on a day cruise.
Conducted by Kenai Fjords Tours (www.alaskacollection.com/day-tours/kenai-fjords-tours/), the Classic Kenai Fjords Park Tour tour departs twice daily from the Seward harbor. There’s level access to the ticket office , with a large drop-off area in front. Accessible parking is available in front of the Kenai Fjords Tours office, and in the remote parking lot, which is a few blocks away. There’s also accessible shuttle service from the remote parking lot to and from the harbor.
There’s level access out to the tour boat, and employees will provide boarding assistance with advance notice. Unfortunately the vessels cannot accommodate scooters. The main deck features good pathway access; and wheelchair users can transfer to a reserved accessible table or stay in their own wheelchair. If you opt for the latter, there’s also a handy fold-down table next to the accessible space. Additionally, there’s a large accessible marine head — reserved for disabled passengers — on the main deck.
Enjoy the Cruise
Boarding the Kenai Fjords Tour Boat
Although there’s only stairway access to the top deck, the main deck has large picture windows, so the view is equally good in both spaces. And the captain provides an excellent interpretation of the wildlife found in the water and along the shore. Sightings include whales, seals and puffins and maybe even bear or moose.
About midway along, the captain stops and turns off the engine so passengers can see and hear the glaciers calve off into the water below. Afterwards the crew retrieves a piece of an iceberg, so everybody can get a closer look. In short, it’s a very scenic, informative and entertaining cruise. Add in a tasty lunch served at your table, and a very accommodating crew, and you have the perfect way to enjoy Seward in a wheelchair.
Alaska Sealife Center
Alaska Sealife Center
A visit to the Alaska Sealife Center (www.alaskasealife.org/) is the ideal companion to a Kenai Fjords Cruise, as it offers a closer look at some of the local marine life. This unique facility, which is a cross between an aquarium and a research center, was partially funded by Exxon after the Valdez oil spill in 1989. Prior to that disaster, researchers had very little knowledge about the delicate ecosystem of Prince William Sound.
The tourism component of the facility allows visitors the chance to get up-close-and-personal with a variety of marine mammals, birds and fish found in the area. Accessible parking is available in the adjacent lot, and there’s level access to the center. There’s barrier-free access throughout the building, elevator access to all floors and a loaner wheelchair at the information desk. Best of all, the wheelchair-height aquariums offer unobstructed views of the marine life.
The first-floor exhibits include interpretive panels about fishing sustainably and wild Alaskan seafood, while the second floor has a nice collection of interactive exhibits. There’s also level access to the seabird aviary on the second floor, where visitors can get a close look at the resident puffins, cormorants and murres. And don’t miss the equally enjoyable antics of the stellar sea lions, harbor seals and ringed seals in the enclosure across the hall. And if you’d like a backstage look at the animal enclosures, a level overlook offers an accessible glimpse of that too. All in all, the Alaska Sealife Center is a fun and educational stop, and a must-see on any Seward itinerary.
Puffin at the Alaska Sealife Center
Visit Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
Finally, a drive out to Kenai Fjords National Park to see Exit Glacier is a must-do on any Seward visit. Not only is it one of Alaska’s walk-up glaciers, but Exit Glacier is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by road. It’s located three miles north of Seward, just off the Seward Highway. Keep a lookout for Herman Leirer Road and follow it for about eight miles, until it dead-ends in the parking lot.
There’s accessible parking near the Exit Glacier Nature Center, with level access over to the small building. Inside there are a few exhibits as well as a staffed ranger desk. There are also a few accessible picnic tables outside, near the accessible restrooms.
The wheelchair-accessible one-mile Glacier View Loop Trail begins on the other side of the nature center. The paved trail leads through a cottonwood forest and transitions into a hard-packed dirt trail topped with stabilized granite. About halfway along the trail there’s a level viewing spot, where you can get an excellent view of Exit Glacier, as it spills down the mountain from the Harding icefield. And if you didn’t bring along binoculars, there’s also a wheelchair-height viewing scope in the viewing area.
And although the view is spectacular, the walk is equally pleasant, as there are interpretive plaques and benches to sit and enjoy the forest along the way. And if you are visiting Seward on a cruise, Exit Glacier makes a great shore excursion. No matter how you get there, Exit Glacier is a must-see for anyone who visits Seward in a wheelchair.
Trail to the Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
Located in Lake Superior, just off the Bayfield Peninsula, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (www.nps.gov/apis/) is composed of 21 islands. Early settlers only found 12 of the islands though, so they named the site for the 12 apostles. The only way to explore the lakeshore is by boat – your own or a tour boat – and although there are a number of choices, Apostle Islands Cruises (www.apostleisland.com) is the best wheelchair-accessible Apostle Islands cruise option.
Anchors Aweigh
Based in Bayfield, Wisconsin, Apostle Islands Cruises offers several tours, including the comprehensive Grand Tour. This 55 mile scenic cruise departs from the Bayfield City Dock, aboard the accessible catamaran, Archipelago.
Accessible parking is available on Front Street near Rittenhouse, in front of the Keeper of the Light Gift Shop. There’s ramp access to the Apostle Islands Cruises ticket office, which is located on the corner of Front and Rittenhouse. From there it’s a short level walk out to the dock; however a loaner wheelchair is available for folks who can’t manage the distance.
There is level access to the Archipelago, and wheelchair-users and slow walkers are preboarded upon request (just ask at the ticket office). There’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the spacious main deck, which is lined with large windows for panoramic views. There’s also a head on the the main deck that may work for some slow walkers. It has a two-inch coaming and a 28-inch wide doorway, and it’s equipped with one grab bar. On the plus side, the cruise is only 2.5 hours long so it’s easy to plan ahead if this setup won’t work for you.
Best bet is to buy your tickets online, as this is a popular summer tour. That said, feel free to call Apostle Islands Cruises if you have any access related questions or concerns (800-323-7619), as the staff is quite helpful.
The Wheelchair-Accessible Apostle Islands Cruise
The wheelchair-accessible Apostle Islands Grand Tour features a good overview of the history and natural features of the area, and includes an on-board guide. From the harbor the cruise heads past Basswood Island, which is know for it’s “sea stack” rock formation on the north shore. After that the cruise continues north past the sandstone carved formations on Hermit Island and then passes the tallest of the Apostle Islands — Oak Island.
Raspberry Island in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Next the captain pulls in to give passengers a close look at the Raspberry Island Lighthouse. Built in 1862 this duplex building features the light tower in the middle with living quarters on both sides. The lighthouse keeper lived in one side, while the assistant lighthouse keeper lived in the other.
Devil’s Island in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
After that the cruise continues north past Bear Island before it circles Devils Island for a look at another lighthouse and the rocky southern shore. Native Americans believed the island was haunted — hence the name — because the waves that crashed against the rocks sounded like a woman screaming. Today the shore is a popular spot for sea kayakers. The highlight of the island — Devils Island Light Tower — dates back to 1898, and it’s still in service today.
Finally, the cruise heads south past the fish camp on Manitou Island, then skirts Stockton Island, before it returns to the Bayfield City Dock. It’s a pleasant and educational cruise, and a nice accessible way for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore this remote national lakeshore.
Fish Camp on Manitou Island in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Located near the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park (www.nps.gov/voya/) was named for the Canadian oarsmen who once navigated the nearby waterways with beaver pelts in tow, on their way to the remote northern trading posts. Largely undeveloped, this secluded national park has a wide variety of natural environments, from hardwood forests and marshes, to rocky outcroppings and pristine lakeshores. The good news is, that even though there are physical obstacles in some areas, it’s still possible to enjoy a wheelchair-accessible Voyageurs National Park getaway.
A Wheelchair-Accessible Voyageurs National Park Cruise
Boarding the cruise boat at Voyageurs National Park, Michigan
Since 40% of the park is composed of water, a good way to see Voyageurs National Park is on a cruise. And although there are several day cruise choices, the Grand Tour, is the best option for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
This cruise departs from Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Accessible parking is available at the visitor center, with ramp access up to the front door. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the ticket counter, ranger information desk, gift shop and interpretive exhibits. There’s also barrier-free access to the theater, where a film about the park is shown. Accessible restrooms are located at the far end of the building, and there’s level access to the back deck, which is outfitted with several standard picnic tables.
The dock is located behind the visitor center, at the end of a short level path. There’s ramp access up to the first deck of the boat, but only stairway access to the top deck. Still you get a great view from below as large picture windows line both sides of the boat. There’s also a large accessible head (restroom) on the lower deck.
The 2.5-hour cruise includes lots of wildlife viewing, as the captain cruises close to the shore near bald eagle nests. There’s also a short stop on Little America Island, where gold was discovered in the 1890s. There’s one step down from the boat, and although most of the quarter-mile crushed gravel trail is wide and level, there is a steep section near the end. That said, if you’d like to sit out the short hike, shaded benches are available near the dock.
The Ethnobotanical Garden Trail at Voyageurs National Park
Another way to enjoy a slice of wheelchair-accessible Voyageurs National park is to take a hike on one of several accessible trails. The Ethnobotanical Garden Trail, which is just a quarter-mile long, is the shortest accessible trail in the park. This hard-packed dirt trail is located between the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and the dock, so it’s a good post-cruise option. This pleasant trail, which is lined with native plants, has a few undulations, but for the most part is fairly level. Best of all, there are several shady nooks along the route, which offer a welcome respite from the midday sun.
The longer Rainy Lake Recreation Trail begins across the street from the visitor center. This 1.7-mile paved multiuse trail parallels County Road 96, and connects to the bicycle trail at the intersection of Highway 11. From there it’s about a 10-mile hike to International Falls. That said, you can get a perfectly lovely view of Rainy Lake from the quarter-mile point, so give it a try even if you can’t do the whole length.
The final accessible trail is located just south of the Ash River Visitor Center on Kabetogama Lake. There’s accessible parking in the small lot, with barrier-free access to the hard-packed dirt trail that leads out to the Kabetogama Lake Overlook. This undulating trail has plenty of level patches, and there are several benches to sit and rest along the way. It’s a beautiful northwoods jaunt along a fern-lined route, and it just a .3-mile round trip hike. You just can’t beat the serene lake view at the overlook; and as an added bonus the drive along County Road 129 out to the trailhead is quite scenic. It’s the perfect way to top off a wheelchair-accessible Voyageurs National Park visit.
View from Kabetogama Lake Overlook at Voyageurs National Park
If you’re thinking about taking a cruise that stops in the Bahamas, then check out these wheelchair-accessible Bahamas tour and transportation providers. Make sure and plan ahead and make your reservations as soon as you book your cruise, because accessible choices are limited and they go fast. Some of the cruise lines use these providers too, so there is little to no availability for last minute bookings.
Bahamas Experience Tours
www.bahamasexperiencetours.com/transportation-services/
Based in Nassau, this local company can provide transfers and transportation in wheelchair-accessible vans. They also provide wheelchair-accessible Bahamas shore excursions for most of the major cruise lines. For more information, call (242) 397-5000 or e-mail info@bahamasexperiencetours.com.
Tavares Wheelchair Transportation
accessiblebahamas.com
Tavares Wheelchair Transportation can provide wheelchair-accessible transportation to any destination on Nassau/Paradise Island. They offer their services to both locals and visitors, and can provide airport transfers, transportation to attractions or local appointments, or personalized transportation services. They can also provide Hoyer life and hospital bed rentals. For more information about their wheelchair-accessible Bahamas options, fill out the contact form on their website.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
