Wheelie Smooth Sailing! - Cruising Made Accessible

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Deanne shares her review of Royal Caribbean's brand new Icon Class Ship, Legend of the Seas. 

Was it as accessible as the brochure promised? 

Deanne was on board a special four night sailing, which was a Media cruise by invitation only. On board to film with a TV production company for an upcoming programme to air on Channel 4, as well as compiling a full accessibility review, with recommendations for the accessibility team at the Royal Caribbean HQ in Miami, and as part of an accessibility panel set up by Royal Caribbean UK HQ.

Deanne gives her honest opinions, as a first time cruiser with Royal Caribbean, and the first time cruising on a ship of this size. 

From flights with Easyjet and Ryanair, Uber Transfers and a pre cruise stay in a Travelodge in Malaga, to her time on board, she gives an overview of the entire trip and her overall rating for Legend of the Seas, for those with access needs. 

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I had the honour of being invited to be interviewed by Paul C. Thornton on The Joy of Cruising podcast last week, you can listen to the episode here. 

If you love cruising, you may wish to check out the podcast, on which Paul interviews a large number of guests from different parts of the cruising world, from crew members, guests, and those influencing the travel industry. 

Paul is also a published author, Paul's books 'The Joy of Cruising Trilogy', are available on Amazon.  comprised of The Joy of Cruising, Cruising Interrupted, and The Joy of Cruising Again.

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Deanne shares her experience in her wheelchair, regarding accessibility of Holland America's ship, Nieuw Statendam.

The cruise ship will be returning for the 2027 summer season, sailing UK round trip from Dover, and offers another option for those wishing to cruise and travel without flying. 

Deanne was impressed with many aspects of the ship, and found some never before seen additions! There were a few disappointments too, which she also shares.

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Deanne Moses-Wright discusses accessibility challenges in UK travel and cruise industries, sharing personal experiences and advocating for better inclusivity and clearer policies.

key topics

• New all inclusive packages with P&O and Cunard, and the important information that could cost you considerably
• The confusion around whether you can take part in the upgrade bidding process with P&O
• Accessibility in UK travel and tourism
• Cruise industry accessibility policies and experiences
• Advocacy for transparent and inclusive travel policies

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Deanne Moses-Wright shares her detailed experience of a Caribbean cruise on board P&O Arvia in an Accessible Ocean View Cabin, focusing on accessibility, travel tips, and her personal journey navigating the cruise ship and ports with a wheelchair. 

This episode offers valuable insights for travelers with accessibility needs and those planning similar trips.

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In this episode of Wheelie Smooth Sailing, Deanne Moses-Wright shares her experiences on a recent cruise journey, onboard Balmoral with Fred Olsen. She highlights the accessibility features of the ship and ports, her explorations in Rouen and Antwerp, and her travel planning to Paris. She discusses the importance of accessibility in travel, the dining and entertainment options on board, and reflects on her overall experience, emphasizing the joy of travel despite challenges.

takeaways

• The cruise journey included stops in Rouen and Antwerp.
• Accessibility on board was generally good, but there were challenges.
• Travel planning using AI tools can enhance the experience.
• Dining options on the ship were enjoyable.
• Entertainment on board included live performances and shows.
• Exploring Paris was made easy by pre planning and pre booking
• The Christmas markets added charm to the destinations visited.
• Communication with the accessibility department was crucial.
• Overall, the experience was positive despite some accessibility issues.

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In this episode of Wheelie Smooth Sailing, Deanne Moses-Wright interviews Karen Roberts, who shares her recent experience cruising with Virgin Voyages. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of accessible cruising, including the importance of proper booking, the accessibility features of the ship, and the overall experience of traveling as wheelchair users. Karen highlights the positive aspects of the cruise, including the ship's facilities, dining options, and the inclusive atmosphere on board. They also address areas for improvement and the need for better communication from airlines and cruise lines regarding accessibility.

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Summary

In this episode of Wheelie Smooth Sailing, Deanne Moses-Wright discusses essential tips for booking a cruise, focusing on drinks packages, cabin upgrades, and understanding what's included in cruise fares. She emphasises the importance of making informed decisions to avoid unexpected costs and highlights the value of various packages offered by different cruise lines. Deanne also shares personal experiences and insights on navigating the cruise booking process effectively.

Takeaways

• It's crucial to check what is included in your cruise fare.
• Drinks packages can significantly affect your overall cruise cost.
• Evaluate your drinking habits to determine if a drinks package is worth it.
• Consider additional packages that may offer better value than standard drinks packages.
• Gratuities can add up quickly, so factor them into your budget.
• Bidding for upgrades can be risky, especially for those needing accessible cabins.
• Different cabin types offer varying experiences and prices; choose based on your needs.
• Research is key to understanding what's included in your cruise fare.
• Cruising can be a more cost-effective holiday option compared to traditional hotels.
• Always consult with a knowledgeable cruise travel agent (like Deanne!) for the best advice.

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In this episode of Wheelie on the Waves, Deanne Moses-Wright shares insights into her work as a cruise and accessibility specialist. She discusses the intricacies of finding suitable cruises for clients with disabilities, highlights successful client experiences, and emphasises the importance of understanding individual needs. Deanne also shares her personal journey, including challenges faced in the travel industry and as a disability advocate, and her commitment to advocating for fair pricing and accessibility.

She also shares the exciting news that the Wheelie on the Waves Group Cruise is now open for bookings! Special group rates available as we travel together from Southampton, on board the beautiful Celebrity Apex in August 2027, all the way to the arctic circle (and back!)

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In this episode of Wheelie Smooth Sailing, Deanne Moses-Wright shares her recent cruising experiences, focusing on accessibility and the unique offerings of different cruise lines. She discusses her visits to Virgin Voyages brand new ship- Brilliant Lady,  The luxurious Crystal Serenity, and Ambassador Cruise Line's Ambience, highlighting some of the pros and cons of each, particularly from an accessibility standpoint. Deanne emphasises the importance of thorough research for travelers with mobility needs and encourages open dialogue about cruising experiences, especially after her recent cruise with Ambassador, where she and other disabled guests onboard felt extremely let down. 

Full reviews of all of the ship visits along with photo's of each can be viewed on the Wheelie on the Waves Facebook page.