Handicap Accessible Cruises

In an article written my David Wilkening called, “Supreme Court: Cruise Ships Must Help Handicapped”, he wrote, “The US Supreme Court ruled that international cruise lines sailing in US waters have to provide better access for wheelchair passengers.

In a 5-4 decision, the nation’s highest court agreed with disabled rights advocates who argued inadequate ship facilities curtailed their right to “participate fully in society.”

Justices ruled that Congress intended the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act to apply to cruise lines.

Wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy:

“The statute is applicable to foreign ships in the United States water to the same extent that it is applicable to American ships in those waters.”

The Associated Press said the ruling is unclear how much the $2.5 billion cruise industry will have to spend to reconfigure their pools and other amenities. But the upgrades obviously carry multi-million dollar price tags.”

Traveling is such a unique and wonderful experience that it really should be available to all people. So if you or a loved one is handicapped, don’t rule out cruise travel so fast. Soon cruise ships will be just as accessible for those in wheelchairs.