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Touring the Americas by Cruise Vessel Using Wheels
By Julia Hollenbeck At first one might think, "No way; not with my wheels", but a second glance, more digging for information, and the possibility of a combined cruise and land tour package could very well be readily available, achievable and feasible - without being left "stuck on the ship" so long as you meet the cruise line standards for your own welfare and safety. Moreover, if you are lucky enough to have an attendant, the possibility is even greater, but if you desire independent travel, there is no reason to dismiss the idea as long as you are willing to pay the price of double occupancy (not including taxes for a second person who does not exist - a standard criteria for most any cruise line). This being stated lets start wheeling across the ocean by cruise vessel to a few countries within the Americas by alphabetical order and not necessarily by itinerary, just to add a little salt to pique your dreams that will float your boat!
Aruba
Aruba is one of the safest places to visit and enjoy an island with tropical flavor and all the delights of a relaxing atmosphere or wheeling to the spin of excitement. Aruba Cruise Tourism recommended Aruba De Palm Tours for an exciting venture taking me by jeep to many places of interest and attractions. The Wrangler Jeep provided a smooth ride and being a "light weight" did not pose a problem for my tour guide and narrator, Raymond Winterdal, to transfer me while on the island and having Geraldine Keyter-Bisslik, (the Shore Excursions and Cruise Services Executive from De Palm Tours), along for the ride made for a perfect day. The Jeep easily accommodates four persons with a collapsible wheelchair stowed in the rear and if you desire photography of exciting scenes, your tour guide may be as nice as Raymond Winterdal, and quickly take several photos for you. Remember, when traveling by cruise vessel, time is often limited during stops at ports of call. Tour buses with lifts were not available at the time of my visit to Aruba, but may well be in the not too distant future because Aruba is working toward that goal. If all fails, keep in mind that many things are within one mile of the docking terminal and the biggest question will be whether you are allowed to deploy from the vessel due to type of mobility device and the welfare and safety of yourself and crewmembers.
Colombia The venture, an extraordinary experience, took me through areas of Cartagena to the top of the highest hill where one could see La Popa Monastery from nearly any point of the cities below. (Cities? Yes, there were actually two.) Traveling to the Monastery was interesting in itself while the narrator continued a fluent English dialogue about his country, sharing historical information, population, industries and secrets about their people which otherwise would have never been learned. Winding roads led us up the mountain to the Monastery, but I saw no access while riding past the building to park next to a wall built with large rocks and declined the invitation to leave the vehicle. This decision is the only regret on my part as a traveler and one that I will probably never make again. Sadly, I still do not know whether wheelchair access to the Monastery is available.
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One of my most cherished experiences was meeting a jewelry storeowner who provided free learning skills to persons with disabilities by teaching them trades of craft and jewelry making, eventually selling as a means of income by them and being involved in society. One of my most cherished purchases was a necklace purchased from a vendor earlier in the day. After returning to the cruise ship, I wondered if a person with a disability made the necklace while watching the Monastery on top of the mountain fade from sight as the vessel sailed away to the open sea.
Costa Rica I was off to visit the Veragua Rainforest Research and Adventure Park, several miles away and eventually along a narrow mountain road leading to an extraordinary venture in Limon, Costa Rica. During the drive, I learned more about Costa Rica then ever imagined, laughed at the antics of our narrator with other passengers, and certainly did not feel "singled out" because I was sitting in a power wheelchair. To make it even better, I had one of the largest windows to look through at the scenery along the way.
Abundant with an assortment of fences made either of wood or tree branches bordering property lines, the most fascinating was seeing tree branches with many that ultimately began growth of new branches. Wire stretched from one "post" to another to herd their stock away from the road or just simply border their property. The slightly more than a single lane dirt road climbing deeper into the forest loaned sights of many tropical trees, hills and valleys of green, and several animals. It was a sight most anyone would enjoy and even more so if a nature enthusiast. The large bus slowly came to a stop in front of a building resembling a pavilion where passengers got off and entered the Veragua Rainforest Research and Adventure Park.
Tour groups were separated into two or more groups; one group for people who could not walk or climb stairs with a head count periodically made of everyone. In fact, I doubt a person is allowed on any path without a guide leading a person throughout the forest. One of our first stops in the depth of the forest was watching Daniel Arias point out two tiger paw prints. The highlight of my "adventure" was riding a gondola down into a valley, but there were many numerous sights, all very fascinating, interesting and quite enjoyable. To tell more than what I have would be a disservice to persons contemplating visiting this terrific facility. It is fair to state the journey to and from Limon and taking the full tour at the Veragua Rainforest Research and Adventure Park is something I would be very interested in doing again. The fact is, both tour guides narrating the venture were extremely good and the humor added by passengers intermixed with the guides made it a wonderful day.
Jamaica "Jango" George Wilson served as both driver and narrator and for the next several hours, he took me to two places of interest and added several stops along the way. Jango is known as the "singing driver"; when all is quiet, he will start singing his favorite Jamaica songs while driving throughout the valleys and mountains. Maxi Taxi Association has at least ten vehicles; the one I traveled in contained a rear lift for direct forward movement in the rear of the van. There was sufficient room for additional passengers and a standard seat next to where the wheelchair locked in place. His first goal to take me to Coyaba Gardens was only fifteen minutes away from the James Bond Pier. During this drive, I asked about "Jack in the Bush" who once sat on the beach in Ocho Rios covered in branches with leaves. Jack made his living by surprising tourists when he suddenly moved and began to dance, people would eagerly take his photograph and drop a dollar in his basket, and then giggle as they walked away. I had the pleasure of meeting Jack and wondered if he was still there surprising the tourists.
The changes were many with added attractions made completely accessible and other people dependant on using mobility devices could now easily tour the island. One would think my tour was over, but as the vehicle wound itself down the mountain, to my surprise Jango pulled to a stop alongside the road and I suddenly spotted "Jill in the Bush" who took over the legacy of "Jack in the Bush". She was dressed in ferns from head to foot with fresh flowers neatly laid within the ferns. She sang along with her mother and danced to her words while I listened intently. This young maiden carrying a Jamaica tradition obviously knew the importance of pleasing a tourist, but few tourists get to see her unless they have a tour guide such as Jango. There is only one "Jill in the Bush" on the island.
Approaching the James Bond Pier from the opposite side, another surprise unfolded as we reached the Ocho Rios Fort and I spotted historic canons dating back to 1795, from the highway. Years ago, I spent over a week in Jamaica, but only one tour in a day was provided due to the length of time. I managed to have sufficient time to see many things on most of the island as well as bake myself in the sun, swim in the wonderful ocean, and shop in small villages near hotels. This one-day tour allowed me far more then any one full day from years past and was worth every moment.
Panama While in Gatun Lake, the vessel lazily floated while passengers boarded tenders to be zipped away to another point, probably traveling through the Pacific side of the Panama. The thought of having lunch while stopped in Gatun Lake appealing, led me to a dinning area before the cruise ship began its journey back through Gatun Locks and on to Cristobal. Approaching the dock In Cristobal was an interesting experience while first hearing the sounds of drums and music and then seeing Panama natives waving and dancing to the thrill of the passengers on the vessel; truly, a grand welcoming committee! Arranged through the cruise booking, Adventura 2000 Tour Services provided my land tour, accompanied by Jeronimo Welch who narrated the tour and Eduardo Pousada who drove the accessible van with a wheelchair lift to points of interest.
The Panama Canal was indeed the highlight of this travel, but it goes without saying, all ports of call in this travel provided extraordinary tours for persons with disabilities requiring the use of wheels, so long as the person with the disability met the criteria to leave the vessel safely. Fortunately, even though I was traveling with only my service canine, (who did not go on any of the land tours for her own welfare and safety), I met the necessary criteria and so did my wheels for all ports of call.
Epilog One of the things I decided to do many years ago was always travel with a collapsible manual wheelchair for emergency purposes. This decision ultimately allowed me to go to many places of interest that the heavier power wheelchair would not allow for a variety of reasons, including the bolt located beneath the chassis that locks into a restraint in my vehicle to keep the wheelchair in place. This bolt is close to the ground and consequently can easily become hung up on levels protruding above a path or sidewalk. As a traveler and eager explorer, it would be impossible for me to recall the many times I resorted to using the manual wheelchair in order to complete a travel but there are a couple of instant reminders that come to mind. While traveling on a large ferry between Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke Island in North Carolina, crewmembers made certain my vehicle was parked and aligned immediately next to a breezeway, allowing me to use my lift and descend to the vessel. Nevertheless, once outside the vehicle and taken to the upper level, there was no way for my power wheelchair to clear the lip in the doorway to go outside on the deck. A return to my van offered the use of the manual wheelchair, which ultimately allowed me to go on the top deck. On another travel, I managed to get the bolt stuck on a small slab of cement atop a ridge overlooking a fort in Louisiana. Had it not been for an individual with me, I could have been stuck there forever. Without sufficient arm strength, I am unable to manipulate a manual wheelchair and must depend on someone to push me. This is a small inconvenience compared to traveling without the manual wheelchair and I have yet to be refused the assistance needed. To me, it makes good sense to take a manual collapsible wheelchair when traveling any place, including on cruise vessels. Having my personal manual wheelchair instead of a "borrowed" wheelchair allows me correct seating and the comfort needed with the ability to use the same seat cushion for either mobility device. Cruise vessels typically have no baggage or weight limits. (Just remember to place sufficient luggage tags on your manual wheelchair and fill the tires with the maximum amount of air.) Now that the United States of America requires all cruise vessels to comply with the ADA who use USA Ports of Call, passengers with disabilities requiring wheels are wheeling full force across the ocean. Persons with disabilities prefer cruise travel because of the over-all convenience. What once lacked were tours in the Americas, but now there are tours found that are accessible and tour companies willing to accommodate or provide an accessible land tour. From here, it can only improve with more requests by persons using wheels instead of legs for land tours at specific ports of call, providing the passenger can meet strict requirements or have someone transfer the person with a disability. Actually, when thinking about it seriously, the requirements are not as strict as one might imagine; it is a matter of safety and welfare for the passenger with the disability and that of the staff and crewmembers assisting. Cruise ships with voyages to ports of call at distant lands vary with docking time and length of stay. The best bet while on a voyage is to pre-arrange land tours if you are seeking more than just the flavor of a terminal dock with shops and goodies to buy. Self-reporting your disability, body weight, and weight, type of wheelchair or mobility device, is the first step to provide the knowledge beforehand and learn whether you will be able to deploy from the vessel and re-board later. Some ports of call may not allow deploying a full-length ramp; a shorter version with steps will demand using another type of mobility device provided by the vessel and herein is potentially the first problem with a transfer. Going on a land tour with a tour guide is always my preferred choice, especially if entering a port for the first time. Bon Voyage! Webmaster Note: Julia Hollenbeck was the second Plaintiff/Petitioner requiring a mobility device in the US Supreme Court Case, "Spector, et al VS Norwegian Cruise Line" (February 2005). The US Supreme Court Justices announced their ruling on June 6, 2005, in favor of the ADA with a 6-9 vote; cruise vessels using USA Ports of Call are required to comply with the ADA so long as the vessel is readily achievable and feasible. This US Supreme Court Case composed of five members of Wheel Me On… was a victory for millions of Americans using mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Ms Hollenbeck is the founder and chief executive officer of the non-profit organization of Wheel Me On... and an advocate for persons with disabilities, their associates, and greater access in America for unity in society. Her voyage to the countries described in this article took place in January 2009 aboard the Island Princess and she is scheduled to cruise on the Ruby Princess in October 2009. For more information, visit: Wheel Me On... |
Imagine a small island just slightly over nineteen and a half miles long and six miles wide perched above the sea close-in to Venezuela, but far enough away to be one of its own with a tropical breeze traditionally blowing in only one direction. Imagine less than a mile to wheel from cruise dock to the hub of the city and capital of this land, allowing one to delight in a variety of sightseeing, shopping, and exploring. Imagine a beach where glistening white sand appear to stretch for miles and the ocean is so clearly blue, it captures your inner thoughts while branches of palm trees shade your body. If you can imagine this, you have reached your destination of "One Happy Island", best known as Aruba.
Wondering if this historical building built in 1776; changing from Fort to government housing, the police department and a prison during a span of a hundred years, with the tower added in 1868 providing the first public clock and actually serving as a lighthouse with a spire and petrol lamp, is accessible by wheels. Inside, there is a museum; fretting over time while gazing at the canons seemingly strategically placed for tourists or enemies, plants of cactus strike as being in a peculiar setting surrounded by other green foliage. The journey is about to begin while wheeling through Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba, and seeing two very different worlds of culture with the old on the left offering unique Dutch Colonial architecture and that of present times on the right next to the coastline. Distant sounds of music become louder while approaching shops, seemingly calling out and inviting one inside, but with wheels in motion, passing the yacht harbor and eventually turning left the music fades and brief silent moments aside of intermittent passing vehicles bring thoughts of history after finding Fort Zoutman and the King Willem III Tower.
The cactus is an important industry on this small tropical and sunny island, offering products with Aloe, such as skin lotions and other healing ointments. A "must-buy" item; it is made from the heart of Aruba and known throughout the Americas as a healing aid. The shops, stores, and boutiques call out, but there is another turn on the path pulling the wheels to capture other sights such as the Town Hall, a library and the building of the Cabinet of the Governor of Aruba. If traveling with a tour guide or escort, you could even have the opportunity to see the California Lighthouse perched atop a hill, named after a ship wrecked below the cliff, and probably visit the famous Keepers Quarters now existing as a restaurant. Historic properties are many, including a small Catholic Church open to the public.
Cartagena in itself is extremely interesting even with just driving through many communities within the two cities; the "Old City" and the "New City". Within narrow streets, tall buildings continuously block the heat of the sun, switching from one sidewalk to the other in the course of the day, allowing a gentle breeze flowing to pedestrians. Architecture of Colonial times reach out with flowers decorating balconies made of mahogany while Columbians sell their wares from sidewalks below. Seven miles of wall surround the "Old City" built during times to ward off attacks and invasion by pirates. A woman dressed in her authentic clothing carries a large metal bowl filled with fruit on her head as she proudly twirls in the street while holding the sides of her skirt for all to see its beauty. A man selling food from a cart with wheels parked on a corner, waves as we pass with the camera aimed at him.
Traffic is congested, but my driver knows the roads well and has obviously made this same travel many times over the years. The tour guide keeps speaking and sharing information; I keep listening, he is answering most all questions without my asking. Traveling along the road next to the seven-mile wall takes my breath away when spying the openings in the wall, once no doubt carrying cannons from years gone past. Too soon, the excursion merges back into the "New City" and heads to the docking terminal but what I saw and learned will last forever. Would I, as a single woman make this travel into Cartagena by myself? No, I would obtain a tour guide and do the same while hoping to see additional things that were surely missed in this large land.
The scenery and landscapes of farming Costa Ricans was more than interesting. It was an educational experience narrated in full by the Swiss Travel Service tour guide with many interesting sights along the way including a short stop to see a Sloth moving ever so slowly in a tree while raindrops began pelting the large window next to me. Disappointment set in as passengers scrambled to get a good view and a few others got off the bus to take a photo, but Daniel Arias, the tour guide and narrator, came to my rescue and took one of my cameras to get a photograph for me while disappointment turned into appreciation with a digital photo that will last forever.
"Do not touch or take anything" were words heard several times from the tour guide and narrator, Andres Chavez, at the rain forest and with good reason: This is a true forest with natural habitat, completely accessible by wheelchair, (including restrooms, restaurant, and helpful attendants in the gift shop). The forest and research center sports both an amphibian and butterfly museum as well as several walking trails with guides. The so-called "walking trails" are made of asphalt or wood; the boardwalk trails are smooth, all contain guardrails and the constant verbal reminder, "Do not touch anything".
Twenty-eight years ago, I made a trip to Jamaica; this time, I would not be walking and would be dependant on using wheels as well as a tour guide. Through the cruise line used, World Tours & Cruises 2004 Limited located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, suggested Maxi Taxi Association for the Physically Challenged for my land tour. The cruise ship docked at the old "James Bond Pier" where "Doctor No blew everything up" in the James Bond television series. Later I realized the newer pier still existed but learned it was only capable of holding two cruise vessels. Of course, my preference would have been the newer pier, but the unfolding of my tour later brought both piers into view from a telltale spot on a mountain.
Coyaba Gardens is completely accessible by wheelchair and contains hundreds of tropical plants and trees. Within this same area, there is Mohoe Falls exploding below a wooden walkway among dense tropical foliage. Descending on the boardwalk was a great experience in itself and once at the bottom, calmness took me by surprise, while listening to the sound of rainwater flowing into a pool. Later, Jango took me to Ysassis Lookout Point, (formally Bird's Nest Lookout), where one could see the ocean and both cruise ship docks. On our return to the Maxi Taxi, Jango showed me many more sights within Coyaba Gardens, of these there were three favorites and I wondered how many other people from the vessel witnessed all of what I did. Touring with Jango turned into a private adventure while he paid extra attention to showing me his island I had not been to in 28-years.
Jango made several more stops and then we arrived at Dunn's River Falls & Park (formally Dunn's River) which was now accessible with a paved road and platforms made of wood for tourists to watch people climbing the slippery rocks to the falls. While sitting on the platform, I quietly reminisced and then Jango asked my thoughts. To me, it was an amazing site while remembering very well my own climb to the falls so many years ago. The object being not to slip and fall, I could not help but notice most tourists wearing rubber soled shoes to avoid slipping from the rocks and laughed in spite of the scene, which was not any different than what it was 28-years ago. Gone was the dirt road leading to the falls; replaced with an asphalt road and brightly painted accessible buildings along the opposite side of the road from the falls. I sat there for several minutes just taking in the atmosphere and remembering the day I climbed the falls and then Jango told me it was time to head back to the cruise vessel.
Again I experienced a fast-paced tour with an extended drive throughout the vessel docking areas and Colon 2000 where the vehicle swung by several monuments and places of interest. A favorite is a metal statue strategically placed in front of the Caribbean Sea representing hundreds of workers who built the Panama Canal. Jeronimo Welch described or explained all places of interest during the tour, but apparently there was not sufficient time to leave the vehicle during stops made at points of interest. I arrived back at the terminal in sufficient time to explore interesting stalls laden with unique treasures made by local vendors. I purchased several handmade molas - a unique embroidered or hand-stitched fabric of designs made within a quilt type fabric and most likely the most treasured keepsake for anyone traveling to Panama.
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