Thread: DOT changes may apply to cruises

ADA Access Rules May Soon Apply to Cruise Ships By Linda Garrison

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued rules concerning nondiscrimination on the basis of disability for almost every mode of passenger transportation, including public transportation (bus, subway, commuter rail), over-the-road buses, intercity rail, and air transportation. The only mode on which the Department has yet to propose rules is transportation by passenger vessels. Earlier this month the Department began the process of filling this remaining gap in their coverage of transportation for individuals with disabilities for both U.S.-flagged ships and foreign-flagged ships embarking or disembarking passengers in the U.S.
The goal of the new proposed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rule is to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of disability by passenger vessels. This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) concerns service and policy issues and was posted in the Federal Register on January 23. Issues concerning physical accessibility standards will be addressed at a later time, in conjunction with proposed passenger vessel accessibility guidelines drafted by the Access Board. Comments on this new notice should be submitted by April 23, 2007. Copy of NPRM -- Transportation of Individuals with Disabilities: Passenger Vessels

Seems to me the handicapped already have access to cruises. I have seen walkers, wheelchairs, motorized carts, etc on ships. There were several on last Princess cruise. I did hear from a friends friend that are only a limited amount of handicapped rooms however.

Maybe that will change Carol, it will be interesting to see what changes are made!!

Unfortunately, some people book a handicap room that do not really need it.

I just hope they do not go overboard with new regulations.

Originally Posted by Blizzard

I just hope they do not go overboard with new regulations.

I was about to make the same remark.

Originally Posted by houch

Seems to me the handicapped already have access to cruises. I have seen walkers, wheelchairs, motorized carts, etc on ships. There were several on last Princess cruise. I did hear from a friends friend that are only a limited amount of handicapped rooms however.

Yeah, that might be, but did you know that we end up having to pay more for those rooms. Inexpensive rooms are not always handicap accessible! I for one encourage any improvments that can be made to the travel ability of those with challenges to face in the daily battle of mobility!!!

I've been on Carnival many times and they have ALWAYS been very helpful with having a wheelchair ready to help me embark and debark. I have always made arrangements ahead of time though. I think it's easier if you don't show up early during the embarkation when they are busiest. Show up a little later when the lines have died down and you zoom right through everything.

I do have to say they put me in a "handicapped" cabin one time that was TERRIBLE. They did move us though after I requested it (luckily the ship wasn't full). It was in the front corner of the ship and we could barely get around in it. We couldn't even put our beds together w/o blocking the door (big safety hazard). It did not meet the type of room we paid for. So I know what you mean about that. Your travel agent should be able to help clarify any of those questions if they are worth anything though!