Cruise liners milking disable passengers

Monday 06th April 2015 16:43 EDT
 

Cruising, once domain of super-rich is now within reach of most people, as ships are like towns with thousands on board! No wonder popularity of cursing is gaining upper hand over traditional holidays, as it has become affordable, one can visit dozen ports, countries on two week cruise.
Unfortunately most cruise liners are making life difficult for disable, less mobile passengers, trying to discourage them for one reason or another. Only year ago, most liners would allow folding wheelchairs in normal cabins, as they do not need extra space or cause any inconvenience to other passengers.   
Now most liners either restrict such facilities to no more than five or completely forbid it unless booked special modified cabins. Not only such cabins are extremely expensive, as we have to book them well in advance paying full price, as they are not available as last minute bargain, mostly at half price. Most disable people prefer last minute booking so as not to cancel it due to health and other commitments like hospital admissions and social engagements which could not be foreseen.
As AV is read widely among so many organizations, including disable welfare guardians, I hope someone will take up this matter with cruise liners, although they will come up with tons of excuses, pretending this is in the best interest of disable people. Persecution of disable is on the rise under guise of being friendly, helpful.
Kumudini Valambia
By email


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