Royal Caribbean is reaching out to travelers with special needs

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Ron Pettit, Access Manager at Royal Caribbean. In his prior position at Northwest Airlines, Ron was responsible for improving the air travel experience for over 3.3 million customers with disabilities. Now Ron's role is to ensure that passengers with disabilities receive the accommodations and services they need on Royal Caribbean.

Ron is hard of hearing and finds his job particularly rewarding as he works to increase accessibility for all Royal Caribbean guests.

Below, Ron talks about the state of accessibility in the cruise industry and describes how Royal Caribbean is reaching out to travelers with special needs.

Can you give some examples of how Royal Caribbean makes cruises more accessible for passengers with limited mobility?

Sure. All Royal Caribbean ships have wheelchair accessible cabins with widened stateroom and bathroom doors, roll-in showers, shower benches, and toilet and shower grab bars. All ships also feature lowered guest-relations counters, lowered blackjack tables, lowered or ramped thresholds, and pool and whirlpool lifts.

Are there any new amenities or features on the most recently launched Royal Caribbean ships for passengers who have limited mobility?

Yes. Our Freedom-class ships contain several new amenities, including the H20 Zone, a water park for children where we have plastic wheelchairs for our guests to navigate this wonderful play area. At the OnAir Club, a dedicated space for karaoke events, we have a ramp to the stage to allow guests in wheelchairs and scooters to participate. And, we have an accessible Junior Suite that accommodates up to six guests.

Which itineraries are most attractive for first-time cruisers with limited mobility?

Alaska cruises are popular options as there is excellent accessibility in port as well as on shore excursions. In the Caribbean, the Eastern Caribbean may be preferable because many of the ports are "docked," versus Western Caribbean cruises where many of the ports require tendering to shore. I'd also recommend itineraries in Hawaii and Canada and New England.

Can you name some specific Royal Caribbean ships that would be ideal for first-time cruisers with limited mobility?

Sure. The Freedom-class ships and Voyager-class ships, because they are our newest new-builds and have a lot of accessible staterooms -- 32 on Freedom-class ships and 26 on Voyager-class vessels. And the Radiance-class ships, because accessible staterooms have automatic door openers, which makes it very easy for guests in wheelchairs and scooters to get in and out.

What features does Royal Caribbean offer for passengers who are deaf or blind?

Royal Caribbean welcomes service animals onboard for people who are blind and/or deaf, in addition to the following.

For passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing, we offer:

For passengers who are blind or have low vision, we offer: