Cruising with boundaries

Recently, my husband and I returned from a week's vacation on a cruise ship.

While eating breakfast one morning, I noticed a newlywed couple taking their seats next to us. The groom's wheelchair easily coasted between the ample space amongst the dining room, but it did spawn a thought in my mind as to whether or not the rest of the ship was just as accommodating. As I finished my breakfast, I noticed a second level to the dining room, in case the lower level became too crowded. This upper level was only accessable by staircase.

Next, we checked into our 122 sq foot ocean view room that was a mid-sized cabin for the ship. I had difficulty getting myself and my carry-on bag through the door. Yet, alone be successful in finding a spot to store everything. (1 bag- that is all I brought). Immediately, my husband and I had to return to guest services and require an extension cord so that he could use his C-PAP machine at night. It only took 3 separate requests and 6 hours, but eventually, we had power.

Throughout the rest of the trip, I took notice of all of the points on the ship and surveyed as to whether a cruise was really a great trip for all. All being an inclusive term for those without disability or accomodation.

Elevators were only available at the center of the ship, staterooms were extremely difficult to maneuver within unless you paid extra cash for the suite upgrade and transit to your daily destination aboard a tender boat involved steep staircases and bleacher-style metal seats.

I suppose the most frustrating concept of all within my non-chalant investigation of the cruise ship, is the fact that the ship went through "extensive" upgrades 3 years ago. Carpets were replaced, bathroom tile was updated, higher thread count sheets were added, but they forgot the ramp that would allow the newly-wed couple to dine in the upstairs room.