Accessible Seas

               Oasis Deemed Among the Most Accessible Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean International's new Oasis of the Seas was deemed among the most accessilble cruise ships by Andrew Garnett, founder of Special Needs Group, Inc.  The vessel offers the largest number of accessible staterooms of any cruise ship: 46.  Wider doorways, roll in showers, grab bars and other assistive features are designed to ensure barrier-free vacations.  The accessible staterooms are distributed throughout the decks, ensuring ample choices for location and category.

Of the 46 accessible staterooms, 33 have balconies, eight with Central Park or Boardwalk views.  Since most persons with disabilties travel with others, RCI designed half of the accessible staterooms to accomodate more than two people.  The ample number of family suites and adjoining staterooms facilitates mutigenerational travel.  Twenty -two percent of all accessible staterooms connect to an adjacent non-accessible stateroom.  Each of the 24 dining venues is designed to accommodate guests in wheelchairs.  Viewing space in lounges and theaters, including the ice rink, are configured for wheelchairs, as are card tables in the casino.  The ship's carousel has a ramp for wheelchairs, and a least one pool and one whirlpool have lifts.

The ship also is outfitted for people who are blind or have low vision.  Menus, daily activity schedules and ship directories are avaiable in Braille and large print.  Braille signage, including stateroom numbers and elevator information is also used.  The ship also provides a four-foot square relief box for service animals.  Advanced technologies for people who are deaf and hard of hearing are available in staterooms and public rooms.  Guests who are traveling with oxygen need only alert the cruise line in advance of the quantity and type, and method of delivery.

For more information contact Eva Desjeunes at 888-201-6626