Cruise vacations are not off limits to people with disabilities or medical conditions.
With advance notice, most cruise ships can accommodate medical equipment and a variety of accessibility needs. But the key to smooth sailing is communicating your needs to the cruise line in advance.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line passengers share best cruise pick-me-ups
Cruise lines have guest services staff who do their best to meet accommodations and ensure an enjoyable cruise experience for all passengers. If you have an accessibility-related concern or question as you prepare for an upcoming cruise, all you need to do is reach out and ask your cruise line for help.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald recently reminded passengers that the cruise line’s Guest Access team is here for them after he received a message from a disgruntled passenger with an accessibility concern.
The passenger requires internet access on board the ship for a medical device and expressed disgust that the cruise line would require them to purchase an internet package to meet their medical accessibility needs.
But it seems like the passenger jumped to conclusions about the situation.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Image source: John Heald/Facebook
Carnival’s Heald addresses accessibility concerns
On his popular Facebook page, Heald shared the passenger’s note:
“I have had to have a defibrillator installed before my cruise coming up. MD said it is ok to cruise. This device needs to stay connected to the internet through my phone for monitoring. I think it is disgusting that Carnival is cashing in on those of us who have medical conditions by forcing us to purchase the internet. There should be medical exceptions for the internet on your ships so you do not have to pay to check your health. This is a —- policy. What will Carnival do about this?” the unnamed passenger wrote.
In sharing the message, Heald hoped to clear up confusion about the cruise line’s policies on medical accessibility and assistance.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line warns passengers about an expensive error
“Thank you, and I thought I should share this with anyone who has a medical device, diabetic monitoring device, etc, because please know we are able to help you,” Heald wrote. “And so please, if you have medical proof that you need our help to bypass the internet to check your own health device then please know we have some brilliant people at the Mother Ship to do just that.”
Heald also let passengers know exactly where to submit their requests for medical accommodations.
“Before you cruise, please send them your details and request to them at the following email address: [email protected],” wrote Heald. “They will listen and they will help all they can.”
Loyal passengers jump in to defend Carnival Cruise Line
In the comments on the post, loyal Carnival cruise passengers shared their opinions on the way the accessibility concern was presented.
“Before “spouting off”, the OP should have done the proper research – which one would be expected to do with such an important medical device,” commented Anne Tubbs. “Carnival will provide the necessary WiFi for guests who need it medically.”
Another passenger reminded cruisers to make their requests politely and avoid jumping to conclusions.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line’s new ban surprises passengers
“You get more bees with honey than not. No need to assume Carnival is cashing in with people needing the internet for medical reasons. Make a phone call to Carnival and ask nicely,” wrote Marianne Reid Mitrano. “I know people mean well but if you want the real answers to anything don’t rely on answers from FB make a simple call.”
On Carnival’s website, the cruise line clearly states that passengers with accessibility needs should reach the Guest Access team prior to their cruise and explains how to do so:
“We strongly suggest you communicate any needs to our team before you cruise so that we can do our best to meet any accommodations. If you need general information about accessibility, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext.70025, 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia, or email us at [email protected].”
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.