Handicap Cabins on Grand?

[guardhouse]

babie, the reality with Princess, unfortunately, is that you will likely never know if you took it from someone who needs it by booking it yourself. Princess doesn't require, let alone ask for, proof of disability that requires a handicapped room.

 

Please be the responsible citizen we all want to be and book the next cabin up for a few $$ more per person, whether on Princess or any other line. A larger balcony cannot be worth the effect to someone not going who needs it.

[crav]

Shame on you for even posing such a question. And then to state that because you will have back surgery you may need a HP room. I have a disability but am able to get around on crutches but still would never book a HP room because I know that a wheelchair bound person cannot use a regular cabin. I always believe what goes around comes around.

[calikak]

FYI, there is a case pending before the Supreme Court this year about whether the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to foreign-flagged ships. In case those of you with disabilities (or with family members or friends with disabilities) aren't already following the suit, you can find more info about it at this website:

http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/~secure/docket/mt/archives/001813.php

Since oral arguments aren't being held until the end of this month, it's likely there won't be a decision until at least May or June. Although the case was brought because of concerns about accessibility of public areas (i.e., restrooms, dining areas), if the Court sides with the plaintiffs, it would probably also affect the requirements for accessible staterooms, including the number of accessible staterooms the cruise lines put on their ships. Since a lot of the ships sailing today, including most of the Princess fleet, was built after January 1992 when the ADA took affect, a decision in favor of the plaintiffs could have a profound impact for disabled cruisers.

 

Also, the US Access Board is currently working on guidelines for accessibility on passenger vessels. Here's some information on the status of the guidelines:

http://www.access-board.gov/pvaac/status.htm

They are currently accepting comments on the draft guidelines, so if you feel strongly about this issue, you might want to review what the Access Board has in mind, and write to them about it. The comment period ends on March 28.

 

It's unfortunate that cruise lines would sell accessible cabins to people who don't need them, while telling disabled passengers that they can't have a cabin because there are no accessible cabins available. People who have experienced this situation might want to contact the Justice Department for more information about the ADA and cruise ships. Here's their website:

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

[guardhouse]

Excellent info!