Alyson all at Sea

Cruising with a Disability

2010-01-19T06:29:00.000-08:00

There are quite a few cruises for less abled individuals. Cruises are quite popular because they offer the opportunity to visit exotic and exciting new places. Cruises for the less abled individuals would without a doubt be anything but relaxing, if their needs were not considered. Many people take things in life for granted, while others have to work quite hard in order to accomplish what others may consider to be simple. An understanding of this, as well as a few simple accommodations can make an enormous difference.

Many ships have.........

specially designed staterooms with extra wide doors, in order to accommodate people who are in wheelchairs. You will also find wheelchair accessible bathrooms. These bathrooms feature roll in showers, grab bars and wider bathroom doors.

Most cruise lines are also equipped with an alert kit which can make necessary modifications for the hearing impaired. These individuals will have the ability to use flashing lights instead of ringing phones and alarms. On some cruises for disabled people, you will find sign language interpreters as well.
Excursions are a big part of enjoying a cruise for many people. Cruises for disabled people allow just about everyone to have the opportunity to experience these excursions .

Always, when booking your cruise, if you are disabled, or with a disabled person ask the 'TENDER OR PORT' question. Tenders can be an annoying experience at any time, so unless you really want to see that port and are prepared for the journey, book a cruise with port stops.
Special accommodations can be made for people in wheelchairs, those with vision impairments, and with some cruise lines even people who require portable oxygen. There are even wheelchairs which are easy to navigate, available on some cruises for disabled people, but for the excursions you must bring your own, which can the rest of the time be stored away.
Booking a cruise is a two way thing though, always be sure to tell your consultant all your needs so they can inform the cruiselines, who will make do their utmost to make sure that your stay onboard is as pleasurable as possible.Without the full facts your cruise cannot be booked correctly and that can make for a very unhappy sailing!
Unless your chosen cruise is specifically a cruise for disabled individuals, be sure to ask about the accommodations for people with disabilities, when booking your cruise. Please ask us as many questions as you need answered. Do your homework! get as much information as you can before booking.

Some cruise lines are more equipped than others in accommodating a person with a disability. In fact, they all will go out of their way to see that all passengers are happy, comfortable, and have everything that they need.
You will also notice when checking out cruise lines, that the newer the ship , the better equipped ones and will be to deal with any special circumstances. Most of the newer vessels have all of the necessary requirements to make a cruise for disabled passengers the most enjoyable experience that it can be.

The alternative Route into Dover!!

2009-12-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

If all form of transport fails use your feet!

On Saturday as a company we set off for Dover for our Christmas treat to spend a weekend on the Fred Olsen Balmoral;oblivious of all the mayhem that lay in wait one hundred miles ahead!

We reached the other side of Oxford to be told the tail backs on one motorway were 10 to hours hours wait and the m20 was closed. We managed to get onto the A2 then was told it was grid locked into Dover. Now we had a decision did we sit winge and miss our trip or get up and walk.

We, hats scarves, gloves and suitcases started the long walk the Balmoral. On route we were told it was 7 miles..... hey ho we were on our way so no turning back now.

Walking past the stationary lorries coaches and cars was funny. The looks we had ranged from fools! to astonishment. The best ones were the waves and the horns tooting cheering us on.

Fail I did, as the coach pulled alond side I flagged and got back only to start walking again 30 mins later for the last 5 miles!!!

We got there though all 50 odd of us coming in two's and three's like naughty animals returning to the ark!

Laugh, I'm still giggling to myself but I'm one of the lucky ones no sore feet .

Here is the proof all smiles and some more foot sore than others. The one thing this adventure of our did do was make us a closer team of colleagueas and friends

How to do a Transatlantic crossing?

2009-12-15T01:53:00.000-08:00

In Sept 2006 I was lucky enough to be ' sent' to America for a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic crossing. I did it the 'proper' way I flew to New York and sailed home! Arriving in New York was an eye opener, I loved it. My only sadness was that I wasnt going to be spending any time in the city. I, if I was lucky enough to do it again, would fly a couple of days earlier and explore the city as I feel I missed out there.
My only gripe about Cunard was the transfer, the first coach didnt arrive. The second broke down and the next replacement came with a driver who like us, was new to America and didnt know where he was going!! At one point he even asked us for directions!! He took us to an old paddle steamer and said " here you are the Queen Mary2". I howled with laughter and someone at the front kindly told him no it wasnt! He was adamant it was, and happily argued for a while before he agreed maybe this old paddle boat wasnt the grand ocean liner we were to stay on.

Upon arriving at the correct ship I was in awe at her size and beauty. She really is a stunning ship to see. Getting onto her was easy, the staff and security were very efficient and helpful.
I loved this trip and could talk for hours about all there was to do and eat and drink.

My very favourite thing was in the morning and late afternoon sitting on my balcony with a drink and looking out to sea and seeing nothing but water. It was peaceful, no mobiles, as they cant get any signal , no hustle and bustle of daily life. You have no choice but to mentally unwind as the quiet and peace envelopes you. The stars at night are just llike seeing a light show, and to sit there and watch them and hear nothing but the rush of the water is amazing.

When we arrived back home and we saw the port lights it makes you want to shout land ahoy".

Leaving the ship was as easy and pleasant an experience as embarking. The best bit of disembarking for me was that my family were there, smiling and waving hello..... I later found out they had lived on take aways and wanted a home cooked meal. If I had have known this Iwould have turned around and sailed happily back to America.

Maybe one day I can do it again.The only difference being I would stay in New york for a few days and get myself to the ship via yellow cab .Other than that I wouldn't change a thing.

Your chariot awaits....

2009-12-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

I am setting sail on Fred Olsen's Balmoral next week on a mini cruise. I have never been on Fred Olsen ship before and wonder what to expect.

I have cruised before, both on the Queen Mary 2 and the NCL Norwegian Pearl which were two very different cruising experiences. I am sure that Fred Olsen will be a different type style of cruise again. It is very difficult to find fault with the QM2, although it did become a bit tiresome dressing up every night by the end of the cruise. However, the positives far outweighed the negatives. The Pearl had both positives and negatives, and I remember thinking that the 2 compared as Beauty and the Beast.

I am expecting the Balmoral to be somewhere in the middle, with a very British feel to it. However, i have to admit that apart from this, I don't really know what to expect. Watch this space!

How was your first time?

2009-12-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

Taking the plunge and choosing your first cruise is a big decision, but once you have done your first cruise, you will be hooked. As a cruise specialist, we often get asked which is the best cruise line for a first cruise, but the answer is that there is no hard and fast rule. The best cruise for your first time will depend on what type of holiday you like to take, where you want to go, your personality, what you like to do etc.

My first cruise was a transatlantic crossing on the QM2, and I was lucky enough to be upgraded to an A1 balcony stateroom. This isn't what people would think of as a typical 'first-time cruise', but as I said, there is no hard and fast rule. This experience then really wet my appetite for cruising. The downside was that it then spoilt me! My next cruise on NCL's Norwegian Pearl seemed a bit of a let down after the Queen Mary 2, but I guess looking back, it was just a very different ind of experience.

As I said, choosing your first cruise is about finding something that matches your personality. Each different cruise line, and even each ship has its own personality, and it is important to make sure that you both 'gel'. This way you will have a perfect cruise and will be addicted to cruising for life! My only advice therefore is to contact your specialist cruise consultant and chat through what you are looking for. Hopefully you will never look back.

Where there's smoke, there's fire.....

2009-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

The subject of smoking and policies on smoking always sparks fiery debate, so I thought I would throw another one into the mix.

Many of the cruise lines have changed their smoking policies to reflect the general laws on smoking these days. On the majority of cruise lines now, smoking is not permitted even in your cabin. Smoking is only permitted on certain areas of the open deck, and on stateroom balconies. However, on a recent ship visit to see the Independence of the Seas, I was quite surprised to be taken to the Connoisseur Club, a smoking lounge on board the ship.

(The lounge really wasn't as clear as this - you could barely see to the other end of the room)

I have to say it was absolutely disgusting. Smokers and non-smokers alike all agreed the lounge was absolutely vile - the smell of stale smoke lingered, clinging to the plush materials of the furniture and the cushions etc. There was a distinct lack of ventilation. There wasn't anybody in there smoking at the time, as the ship was still in port and was only just starting to board for her next voyage. However, the room might as well have been full of smokers, as it smelt and even tasted disgusting. I doubt this smell, and smokey atmosphere would ever dispel itself.

I wonder if there is a need for such a 'club' when there is a strict no-smoking policy on board. Why bend the rules in this instance?

Pampered Pooches

2009-12-04T07:39:00.001-08:00

FUN FACT: The line's pet-friendly policy dates back to the maiden voyage of the Britannia in 1840, when

three cats were on board.

Since then, circus elephants, canaries, a monkey and even a boa constrictor have traveled on Cunard. The cruise line also has pampered a number of high profile pets. Mr. Ramshaw, the world’s only trained golden eagle, made at least 21 transatlantic crossings on mid 20th-century liners; Rin-Tin-Tin, star of 36 silent films, traveled on the Berengaria; and Tom Mix and Tony, stars of the 1930’s western series “Miracle Rider,” regularly trotted up the gangway. (Tony’s hooves were even fitted with special rubber shoes to prevent the horse from slipping.) In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor brought her pampered puppies on board the original Queen Mary and exercised them regularly on the ship’s sports deck. She even ordered special meals for them from the fish chef. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor also traveled with a beloved pup and, at the Duke’s request, Cunard installed a lamp post beside the kennels.

I was lucky enought to sail an Eastbound Transatlantic cruise on the Qm2 in 2006. The one thing that instantly made me smile was seeing all these little pooches trotting around the top deck in their little coats. I remember when I first started working here and quoted on a pet I was trying hard not to laugh as I thought I was having my leg pulled. I was wrong!!!

What a lovely idea to be able to take your treasured pet on holiday with you but not have the hassle of looking after it. The pets on their are so spoiled its a wonder they want to go home.!

Someone recently asked me did Cunard allow pets around Europe? the answer was no just transatlantic crossings.

Maybe Cunard ought to think about it now as pets can have passports. Maybe this is a thing for future thought.

Size isn't everything!

2009-12-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

So what do you think of the new Rci Oasis of the Seas?

My two bosses had the opportunity to spend a few days on her last week and raved about her. The thought of going on her fills me with dread!

I was lucky enough to spend a week on the Queen Mary2 in 2006 and thought she was too big! but too be fair she was very beautiful. In October 2009 I went on the Independence of the Seas,and spent alot of my time looking at the deck plans to make sure I didnt get lost or left behind.

These large ships have the wow factor I'll give them that, but I would personally prefer small and cosier....

The other thing in the smaller ships favour is the ports, they can nip into the more tastier ports without the hassel of tenders. The new Royal Caribbean Oasis of the seas is so huge she has had to have ports built for her!! If given the choice I would rather have less ship and wonderful itineraries but hey that's just me!
Where does it stop? a floating city ,the sailing world gained recently, so what will be next? mmmm .

Are you a city slicker? #3

2009-12-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

If doing a cruise that takes you to Cairo, be brave enough to get off and have a look. There are few travelers who never heard of Egypt and its history that have roots going back to thousands of years before Christ so It reall is worth far more than a passing glance.

I loved city, the noise the smells even the hustle and bustle of the place. Every corner turned leads to another suprise... not all good, but a suprise! Gisa is very easy to get to as contrary to most pictures taken of the Pyramids Gisa is in Cairo, and not in the middle of the desert.The pyramids are a must, but stay away from the salesmen.

Stay away from public transport apart from the city taxi and always get a price before getting in.The Eygyptian drivers live on the horn and dont be too suprised to see cars held together with rope. It all adds the fun.

Shopping in Cairo is very different from anything that most Europeans have seen at home. In the bazaars, just about EVERYTHING imaginable is for sale – ranging from food to live camels!!! Go in at 50% and work your way down in price. I found that 70% of the price was a fair one

The only thing I would say about eating there is take yourself a picnic and bottled water, unless you want to find a five star hotel and pay their prices that way your tummy stays in tip top condition!

Are you a city slicker? #2

2009-11-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

My number two city is Venice, but a Venice off the beaten path!

My best kept secret for when it is high tourist season is to go out and walk the city at 6am. I know it was hard, I was on holiday and the last thing I wanted to do is wake up early. But it was one the most unforgettable things I did. Why? It is extremely romantic,even if I did take my mom!. It was quiet. It was empty. You saw the locals starting their day. The businesses preparing for the day. Deliveries being made by boat. Then we nipped into cafe and had pizza and coffee for breakfast. It was truly a memorable experience and worth the extra effort.

There is a great deal to be seen in Venice itself. First time visitors, like I was myself, always head straight for St. Marks.Now I know there are many more places of high quality to visit that are not so over-crowded!. There is a great deal to explore in Venice once you get away from the immediate neighbourhood of Piazza San Marco, beautiful though both the Basilica and the Doge's Palace are.

Are you a city slicker? #1

2009-11-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

Over the years, I have been lucky enough to have visited many lovely cities. All have something different to offer and all are special in their own way . Take a look at my top 3 and see if you agree with me... starting with Number One:

Barcelona, to me, is a very vibrant and colourful city that is a good day out from the ship.I love to explore, and this is a great city for doing that. I enjoyed Park Guel but wasnt really impressed with the Sagrada Famila, its just an on going project that gets uglier and uglier. My advise look at it as you are walking past!

The best shopping areas in central Barcelona are Passeig de Gracia and the streets to its southwest, the Barri Gotic streets such as Carrer de la Portaferrissa, Carrer de la Boqueria, and Carrer de Ferran, and around Placa de Sant Josep Oriol.

If shopping isnt your thing then take the Bus Turistic for a day - it is around 20 euros per person per day but it is worth it. You can get on and off as many times as you want and visit all the key sites or walk down Les Rambles and cut into the old city (Barri Gòtic).
Stay away from the Tapas bars on the Rambles they cost a small fortune as each item you pick is charged separately