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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.

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In this episode of Wheelie Smooth Sailing, Deanne Moses-Wright interviews David Dew-Veal, the founder of Open Road Access, a company dedicated to providing wheelchair accessible vehicles. David shares his personal journey and motivation behind creating the service, which aims to enhance independence for wheelchair users and their families. The conversation explores the various services offered by Open Road Access, the importance of affordability and accessibility in transport, and the innovative solutions being developed for the cruising community. Additionally, David discusses the role of technology and AI in improving accessibility and shares his vision for the future of the company.

Deanne shares the exclusive discount code ORAWoW for the Wheelie on the Waves community, if they would like to use the services of Open Road Access.

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This conversation explores ways of preparing to see each port along your cruise itinerary. Deanne shares insights on the differences between booking through cruise lines versus independent options, the importance of understanding accessibility features, and the significant cost disparities in accessible excursions. She emphasises the need for thorough research, the use of technology like AI for planning, and the value of community sharing experiences to enhance travel for everyone. Pick up some tips here to save you time and lots and lots of money!

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In this episode, Deanne Moses-Wright discusses the ins and outs of cruising, for all first time cruisers, not just for wheelchair users. She addresses common concerns such as seasickness, the enjoyment of cruising, what to do on sea days, and what to expect during the first hours on board. The conversation also covers the variety of activities available on cruise ships, the different cabin options, and what is typically included in the cruise fare. Deanne emphasises the importance of preparation and understanding the unique needs of each cruiser. Choosing the wrong cruise line or ship could put an end to your cruising journey before it has had the chance to start!

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In this episode of Wheelie Smooth Sailing, host Deanne Moses-Wright speaks to guest Sally, about her love of cruising, particularly focusing on the Celebrity Apex. Sally shares her recent extremely positive experience onboard. 

Deanne also shares her review of the ship after attending a special ship visit last weekend, where she explored the ship and all of it's innovative accessibility features, and emphasises the importance of feedback and collaboration in improving accessibility for all travelers, Deanne also shares how, with thanks to Janna the Business Development Manager at Celebrity Cruises, who conducted the ship visit, she made a very surprising and overwhelming discovery!

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In this episode of Wheelie Smooth Sailing, Deanne Moses-Wright speaks with Sam Peplow, manager of accessibility services at Carnival UK, who implemented the new policies. They discuss everything affecting those passengers who require assistance on board. Including the current accessibility policies for P&O Cruises and Cunard. They discuss the challenges faced by disabled travelers, especially since the updated policies were introduced. We find out the real reasoning behind the update regarding evacuation chairs and powered mobility devices, and the need for pre-booking assistance and completing on board needs questionnaires as soon as possible after booking. The conversation highlights the importance of communication and understanding in navigating these changes, and where the disabled community felt let down. Also discussing elevated pricing of accessible excursions, tender port restrictions, the limited amount of fully accessible cabins, pool hoists, and much more! 

Deanne sets up the interview by explaining the policies and adds her summary at the end. It's a fast paced interview and a full in depth episode, which digs deep into the issues that have been making waves in the world of accessible cruising!