Holland America does not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability. Instead, they seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with disabilities. Holland America offers a limited number of staterooms designed to be wheelchair and scooter accessible. For safety reasons, Holland America may limit the number of scooters on the vessel.
Certain ship transfer operations (i.e. during tendering and at the gangways) may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Some guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times while at dock or while tendering due to steep gangways and steps, particularly during low or high tide.
For persons not capable of walking on their own, the use of a wheelchair will be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship. In some situations, mobility assistance will involve carrying guests. Situations may occur in which mobility-impaired guests may not be able to go ashore at the time they desire or are unable to go ashore at all in certain ports. For the safety of all concerned, the Captain shall make the final determination regarding the carrying of mobility-impaired guests and their mobility assistance device (wheelchair, scooter, walker, etc.), taking into account all appropriate matters including, but not limited to, weather conditions, ship's location, weight of the guest, etc. The Captain will try to reasonably accommodate guest needs.
Guests must also be aware that certain third party transfer and shore excursion facilities may not be fully accessible to guests with disabilities. Although they endeavor to make sure those other companies providing transfers and shore excursions comply with legal requirements, Holland America cannot guarantee all of these companies are able to provide facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. For detailed, up-to-date information on accessibility issues involving shore excursions, Holland America strongly recommends visiting the Shore Excursion Office on board.
In limited situations (either on board or ashore), where an individual with a disability would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, Holland America may find it necessary to ask the individual to make alternative travel arrangements. Guests who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. It is essential that we be notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements you may have as soon as possible including whether you intend to bring a scooter with you.
Wheelchairs
Due to a limited number of wheelchairs on board, guests who require the use of a wheelchair should plan to bring their own rather than relying on the availability of Holland America's equipment. Wheelchairs and scooters must be stored inside the cabin. Holland America's wheelchairs are for onboard use only and are not allowed off the ship.
Oxygen
Holland America ships are not equipped to provide passengers with these services other than on an emergency basis in the Ship's Infirmary. For security reasons and also to ensure that outside vendors will properly and promptly service the equipment they provide our passengers, Holland America has selected two companies as the only outside vendors that we will permit to deliver Oxygen supplies to the ship. Either of these companies will be able to meet your on board medical needs.
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Advanced Aeromedical |
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phone: 800-346-3556 |
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Fax: 888-481-2874 |
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info@aeromedic.com |
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www.aeromedic.com |
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CareVacations/CruiseShipAssist |
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phone: 877-478-7827 |
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Fax: 780-986-8332 |
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csa@carevacations.com |
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www.cruiseshipassist.com |
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Oxygen and/or Oxygen equipment deliveries will not be accepted from any other companies.
You are also welcome, however, to bring your own Oxygen and/or Oxygen equipment from your home. Please have your iCruise.com Cruise Specialist contact the Access & Compliance Department prior to sailing if you will require Oxygen while on your cruise.
If you require additional information on the ship's facilities or ability to accommodate your needs, or if you have any further questions, please contact your iCruise.com Cruise Specialist.
Pregnancy
Due to the limited medical facilities onboard, Holland America will not accept reservations for women who will be 24 or more weeks pregnant at the time their travel with Holland America concludes.
Booking a Cruise for Passengers with a Disability
If you do indeed require special assistance on your cruise, please do not book your cruise online. Accessible cabins are not always shown online. Please call and speak to a iCruise.com Cruise Expert and we will do our best to make sure your needs are taken care of before, during and after your cruise.
