CurbCut

Us in Rome 2011

“O Rome! my country! city of the soul!”
-Lord Byron

Lord Byron and I agree about Rome. It’s a city which keeps a piece of my soul. Some find the city touristy; others find the hustle and bustle comforting. For us it is beautiful – it is history wrapped in culture and accented by fantastic food. What more could we ask for. Whether Jason and I are wandering around the Coliseum or taking in an art market in Piazza Navona I am bound to have a smile on my face, food in my tummy and my eyes and mind delighted.

Rome’s port, Civitavecchia, offers well paved sidewalks, curb cuts and a scenic boardwalk which is bustling with skateboarders and sales people. Once you take the shuttle bus from your ship to the terminal main gate you’re only a 5-10 minutes stroll from the train station. Jason and I had taken the train from Rome to Civitavecchia before so we knew we enjoyed the ride. Ask for help getting on or off the trains at the stations, the staff are pretty accommodating. Accessible coaches are located at the end of the train and will be clearly marked. We bought our 9€ transit pass just outside the station – you only require one for a wheelchair and attendant – which is good for the train to Rome and the city buses for a day. It’ll take about an hour and a half to get to Termini which is the main transit station and the city center. Once we were at Termini we headed to the underground trains. We did need to call for assistance at stairs twice but the transit centers offer an electronic stair lift with clearly labelled intercom’s to call an attendant quickly to operate the lifts. We caught the underground to the Coliseum’s doorstep.

There was an extensive line for the Coliseum, but we hadn’t been able to see the inside of the massive structure last time we were in Rome. As we got to the front of the line to ask about an accessible entrance we were escorted right in and the entry fee was waved. This is something we’ve noticed, and appreciated, all over Italy. Wheelchair users and attendants are generally admitted into sights free of charge or at half cost. Some of the sights are quite expensive so this really does help with sightseeing costs. I think it’s a neat incentive to encourage those with disabilities to get out and see these historic and fascinating sights.

Rome in 2009

Once inside the Coliseum there were accessible washroom’s, located behind the normal ones, and a lift up to the second story where there is a cool little museum. Jason and I fully enjoyed just wandering around and people watching. Once we were done we caught one of the many accessible busses to Piazza Navona which is one of my favourite spots in Rome. The bus offers a ramp and an area for someone to buckle in their chair with buttons to notify the driver when they wish to disembark the bus. 

Piazza Navona

The cobble stone streets of Rome can be challenging to navigate, but we always manage. I just have to be extra attentive about where and how hard I’m pulling Jason. Instead of the Christmas market we discovered last time we were in this piazza there was a beautiful art market. We ended up buying a few small watercolour pieces we fell in love with and ate lunch with a wonderful piazza view. Honestly, happiness is a margarita pizza on a sunny day in Piazza Navona.

After lunch we made our way back to the Coliseum and then the underground train. We hopped back on the “fast” train to Civitavecchia and grabbed pizza at our favourite place, Grill King, which is on the left hand side of the street by the entrance to the port. It’s a small hole in the wall, but I swear the pizza is AMAZING. It was one of the reasons Jason and I were so excited to go back to Rome and it didn’t disappoint. Although it should be noted it’s not an accessible restaurant so I go and get the pizza.

Rome will remain as one for my top five favourite cities and will always have a place in my heart.  

Caio!

 Those of you who know us well know Jason, my husband, and I had a rough time on the last Holland America Line (HAL) ship we were on. In all fairness we were sailing on an older vessel, in an oceanview stateroom in the very bow of the ship – while the bathroom rails were where they needed to be Jason wasn’t able to roll up to the sink, the shower drainage covers were wide slats that one could easily catch a toe in, the shower chairs were backwards and the room itself was so small Jason couldn’t even get his wheelchair beside the bed. There was no secondary platform for tendering and so Jason had to navigate stairs to get to and from the tender boats. The cruise line did offer to put him onto the tender boat when they let it into the water and then he could re-board the ship when they brought the last tender back up. For us, this was a less than desirable option.  If it weren’t for the wonderful food and overly friendly staff – a shout out to Billy, Raka and a few others who made us smile daily – I wouldn’t have been nearly as excited about our recent trip to the Med.

I made sure this cruise would be on HAL’s newest ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, and I was not disappointed. She is a stunning vessel with great accessibility.

 We decided to spoil ourselves and book a category VH, or a Deluxe Veranda, stateroom. It was spacious and with minimal furniture re-arrangement (a chair and small table) Jason was able to get around the room easily. The floor inclined beautifully to allow him access to the veranda and there was enough room outside for the wheelchair and for us each of us to have a lounger to watch the sea go by. The bathroom was large enough for Jason to turn around in, the roll in shower and its floor drains were much less hazardous, there were handle bars in all of the right places (toilet and showers) and even the shampoo dispenser was in a good location. Jason found the bed to be a little high, but other than that he had nothing but good things to say about the ship.  

All of the public areas had seating for guests with disabilities, and in the buffet staff were always on hand to help with plates. We found the carpet to be standard thickness which can be difficult for Jason to push on, but because we were in the back of the ship where almost all of the dining rooms are located so I didn’t have to assist too much.  

Jason didn’t go into Santorini which was the one tender port we were in, but I did confirm there was a secondary door to the sea level platform – this means tender access would have been MUCH easier.  

I have to admit, I was sceptical, but HAL won my heart. The staff was amazing – 6 of them even recognized us from our last cruise – and they made us feel special. The food was spectacular, the itinerary was incredible and I’m happy to report I will cruise HAL again.

Do you have a favourite cruise line?? Which is it?

Venice I’m adding you to the list of places I love. You delighted and surprised me with the effort you put into being accessible and you were as friendly and welcoming as I could have hoped for. Plus your pizza and gelato were fantastic. I wanted to quickly tell you how Jason, my husband, and I got to our hotel and around the island in general. Here’s the short version of our Venice venture:

Riding at peak times means a full bus, but they're not always packed.

After 19 hours of travel (yay flying on points) Jason and I arrived at Marco Polo airport on the mainland of Venice. We grabbed our luggage and headed through customs to get our 5€ ACTIVO bus tickets to get to Piazza Roma, the main entry point to the island of Venice. After a 15 minute city bus ride we arrived in the Piazza  and turning left towards the canal we found the water bus, or vaporetto, queue. Wheelchair and attendant both travel under one ticket, and at the resident rate of 1.30€ which is really reasonable. At the far end of the piers we found the Number 1 docking bay and although there was a slight gap between the dock and the vaporetto, it was manageable for Jason. The Number 1 is billed as an accessible way of getting around, and she’ll take you almost anywhere you would want to go: Rialto, Saint Marks and Piazza Roma. Easy peasy!

This photo proved VERY helpful - without it I wouldn't have found our hotel.

I’ve mentioned before it took me a long time to find a hotel that was easy on the pocket, but had an “accessible” room on the ground level. We stayed at Hotel Ariel Silva. It wasn’t frilly, but it was clean, spacious, and had only a 3-5 inch door lip to bump up. For Venice the price of 125€ per night was great and for us it was perfect.

We were situated ideally in the Canneregio district, one of a few areas where shops and restaurants stay open into the evening, and only a few turns from the accessible San Marcula vaporetto stop. There was no need for us to navigate any bridges, go up stairs or cross canals; it was all right there for us. Jason and I even went for a stroll through the main strip in the evening and listened as local entertainers croon at outside diners. It was magical.

Jason in St. Marks - He loves Scarlett

Venice’s city council offers turn by turn accessible sightseeing itineraries. They highlight the paths of least resistance, accessible washrooms and transit routes. I had information packed and ready to go, but Jason and I really enjoyed just being in the city and simply experiencing the ambiance.

Would I recommend Venice as an accessible vacation destination, it depends on the client, but would I cruise out of there again – in a heart beat.

 What’s your favourite place to cruise out of?

I recently wrote an article for BC Paraplegic Association’s seasonal magazine – The Spin – It focuses on some of the reasons I think cruising is right for those looking for accessible vacation. Check it out!

The clock is ticking down and we’re just a few sleeps away from our next adventure. Why is it in the few days before vacation life always seems to get VERY busy? Between babies being born, welcome to the world Lily Ganshorn and Baby Harmsen, and weddings – another congratulations to Mr and Ms Veenstra – I haven’t had much time to really focus on our trip. Being the prepared diva I usually am this isn’t sitting to well with me, but I wouldn’t have missed any of these events for the world. In all the madness I’m holding on to one thing…in two weeks, no matter what I forget to get done, I’ll be sitting on my private veranda with room service coffee and cookies watching Venice pass me by.

I’m day dreaming about a fresh cannoli in Sicily, gorging myself on gyros in Greece, walking the old city wall in Dubrovnik, paying my respects to the victims of Mt Vesuvius in Pompeii, standing in front of the Duomo in Florence, and finally getting my photo of the Pantheon in Rome.

You can follow our accessible adventures on Twitter and I’ll be posting pictures as we go (whenever I can find wifi). If you have any questions about anything we might be seeing feel free to leave a note in the comment section below – or tweet at me!

 A più tardi!

I’ve been working with a client who is looking to get some sun, and with the mainly liquid summer we’ve been having here in Vancouver I can’t blame her. While I understand cruising isn’t for everyone, even though it’s my first choice, there are some great accessible options for those among you who are landlubberly sun worshipers. 

My favourite accessible land destination is Hawaii. Even though it’s not part of the contiguous USA it’s till bound by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Which means hotels MUST have a certain number of accessible rooms, and all of the facilities must be accessible. Rooms are required to meet spicific criteria – door width, roll in showers, support bars and sinks a wheelchair user can use. If hotels and venues are found in violation of these rules there are hefty fines to be paid.

Attractions in Honolulu, where Jason and I spent most of our time sight seeing, were relatively easy for us to navigate – Pearl Harbour has been made incredibly accessible and has no barriers for anyone wishing to pay their respects. Paved walkways at major sites mean you’ll encounter minimal gravel or sand to navigate. The only thing we didn’t attempt was the Dole Plantation, if anyone’s been I would love to know how it was!

Honolulu goes the extra mile and offers its wheelchair tourists a complimentary beach wheelchair. The beaches on Honolulu are beautiful, but in my opinion none more so than Hananuma Bay. The pristine waters are stunning and the sandy beach is a perfect place to while away an afternoon.  It’s also perfect because the bay is pretty neatly enclosed and if you decided to take a dip you won’t be completely at the mercy of Hawaii’s magnificent surf.

We easly navigated the sites on the Big Island with our comedic guide Ricki who made sure we could do everything everyone else could do. We had a bit of an adventure getting to the Thurston Lava Tube in Volcano National Park, and looking back it isn’t something I would recommend to many of my disabled clients. But everything else we saw was fantastic and easy.

We basked in the sun at a resort in Maui. Jason lounged by the pool and I snorkeled until I was a wrinkled prune. The surf was strong, but the beach was a dream come true. That evening we went to the Old Lahaina Luau – also accessible – and enjoyed being the “old married couple” at a table full of honeymooners.

Hawaii stole a piece of my heart with its natural beauty, someday I think we’ll go back, but we have so many more things to see before that happens.

What’s your favourite sun soaking vacation spot?

My mother thinks my iPhone should be surgically attached to my body. Apparently I use it a lot. But what’s not to love! Between the apps, the ability to keep my calendar in sync and the built in video camera I’m one happy cruiser. I am a picky app user though. I don’t like to “collect” them and if something sits idle on my main screen for longer than a month I delete it. Through our travels my husband, Jason, and I have found a few apps that stand the test of time. Some of them will help keep you organized, some will inform you and some will entertain you. Here are 6 apps which make our questing much easier.

1. Tripit (http://bit.ly/Xf9Mh) 

I’ve blogged about this app before and I love it. Tripit is a great way to keep your trip information and schedule organized whether you’re online, offline or in airplane mode. Flights, cruises and hotels can all be kept in an easy to read running itinerary. All of your reservation information is password protected, but with the app on your phone it’s easily accessible.

2. CitiRoller (http://bit.ly/pspKOY)  

This is a newer app I’m REALLY excited about. It was developed in partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and it has huge potential. It highlights transit routes, accessible washrooms, cafés, restaurants and even wheelchair repair/supply shops. While it isn’t global yet it can still be used in Boston and New York. Chicago, San Francisco and Washington D.C. are slated to soon follow.

3. Jibbigo  (http://bit.ly/7WkKUx)

If you’re not into blundering through an unknown language using a phrase book you can always take the easy route. Jibbigo was created by the military to make linguistically communicating with anyone on the planet easier – seriously, it’s awesome. Hold down the record button, talk at your phone and it will verbally translate what you’ve said. Then hold down the record button when your conversation partner talks and BAM it’s in English for you. The app will cost you either $4.99 or $13.99 depending on the languages you require, but it’s an investment I think is well worth it. Plus it’s a lot of fun.   

4. Currency converter (http://bit.ly/mj6UX)

I like to shop, but mathematical conversions aren’t my strong suit. In fact, if any of my math teachers ever reads this they’ll probably vote to have that made Understatement of the Decade. Having a way to easily convert my Canadian dollars into Euro, Rupees or French Polynesian Francs is a lifesaver – and a penny saver. 

5. ShipMate (http://bit.ly/nypRFM)

If you’re cruising on Disney, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruise, MSC Cruises, Celebrity or Carnvial you can access “detailed information on you cruise, including tips, daily schedules, expenses and a countdown until your cruise departs” right on your phone. What more could you want from a shipmate?

6. Games 

I could never recommend just one game, but Jason and I enjoy Monopoly, Yatzee and Cribbage. We can easily pass the hours on a long flight, port-to-town transfer or sea day besting each others score – if you ever meet us ask Jason how he feels about Bejewelled.

 With these 6 apps on your phone, tablet or what have you you will be well on your way to being a tech savvy traveller in no time.

Is there an app you love to travel with?

Seriously Google, I do.

My love note to Google Maps goes like this:

Dear Google Maps,

I love you. Because of you I am able to alleviate many terrain “unknowns” when travelling. With a simple click of the map tab, and entering in our destination I’m able to take an in depth look at roadways, sidewalks and photos from other travellers. Please don’t ever change, but if you must -then keep getting better.

Much love – AB

Jason is always wondering what we’re going to have to tackle when we arrive at a destination. My usual response is “we’ll see when we get there.” Surprisingly this is not categorized as a helpful response. When it came time to cross Venice off our bucket list we went into the planning process knowing the destination would be a challenge.Venice is known as the “city of bridges,” and the “city of canals.” Both of these tend to strike terror into the heart of this accessible travel guru.  But thanks to my beloved Google Maps I was able to take a better look at said bridges and canals. I found the path of least resistance to get Jason and I to our hotel and all around the city. I was even able to zoom in and show Jason how easy it will be to get onboard the valparetto (water bus).

The other piece of functionality I love is Google Street View. Europe is a veritable labyrinth of back alleys and side streets. If I am able to get a ground level view of what my hotel looks like, and turn by turn visual directions, I feel that much more secure about finding my way on my own. If we had to rely on my muddled Italian/French/Spanish to get us where we needed to go we wouldn’t ever make it! Google Street View also has the benefit of allowing you to see the texture of the streets you’ll be traversing. Be it gravel, cobblestones or pavement you’ll be a little better prepared when you arrive at your destination.

Google Maps does have limitations – I have peeked around some of the more obscure places I’ve travelled and found the images to be less than helpful, unavailable, or simply out of date. The worlds a big place and we can hardly expect Google to have everything up to date all the time, at least not yet.

What Google function helps make your travel smoother?

Packing - it ain't easy, but it means you're going somewhere!

Your reservations have been made, final payment has been paid and the countdown to your cruise is into the single digits. Now you can’t help but look at your empty suitcase and wonder what to pack. If you’re a first time cruiser or even an expert mariner here are 10 things I never leave home without.

1.  Medical insurance (I know you don’t technically pack it)

I cannot stress how important this is.  For only a few dollars a day, barring a pre-existing medical condition, you can be convered for the myriad of travel mishaps that might leave you in need of a doctor. If you don’t have it and wind up need it a visiti to the hostpital will cost you an arm and a leg, although for your sake I hope that’s more metaphorical than literal.

2. Medical Supplies

Everything from tire replacements, extra batteries for a power chair, a repair kit, any medication you might need and a basic first aid kit are a packing MUST. I recommend keeping your repair kit and tire replacement in your carry on luggage in case you run into any problems on route. Make sure you have all doctor prescribed medication in its original bottle. In your first aid kit consider packing headache/muscle ache medication, Band-Aids, sea sickness stuff (either SeaBands or Gravol), allergy medication, and anything else that tickles your fancy.

3. Pushing gloves & hand sanitizing wipes

Jason prefers to use leather palmed weight lifting gloves, but any way you slice it these are a life saver. You can pick up a pair for $25 at a sports store and not only will they greatly improve your grip, but they’ll save you hands from some of the punishment of pushing on rought terrain.
I know many people carry hand sanitizer when they travel, if you don’t you really want to consider it if you’re helping pull someone in a wheelchair. Remember – their hands touch the wheels that have been on the ground, and now they’re holding your hand. Eww (to the germs, not the hand holding). I personally prefer antibacterial wipes. I like to be able to get the gunk off my hands while I sanitise them, and a flat package of 50 doesn’t take up much more room than a bottle for Purel.

4. Proper ID & travel documents

Whether your travel requires a passport or an enhanced drivers licence you need to double, triple and even quadruple check you have the proper identification. Without it you’ve just taken a really short, expensive, holiday to the airport. Make photo copies of your ID and place them in separate bags. This way should your wallet go “missing” you will still have some form of identification.
Visas & vaccines – PLEASE make sure you know if any of the countries you’re travelling to require any visas or vaccines. I know your travel agent should tell you this, but I’ve seen it go wrong before. You can go to www.voyage.gc.ca for more information on Canadian’s travelling abroad.
Lastly, leave a copy of your itinerary and hotel contact information with loved ones. This way should there be an emergency they’ll know where to find you and vice versa.

5. Comfortable shoes

While this may not be applicable to all of my readers I had to learn this lesson the hard way.  I’ve pushed and pulled my husband Jason all over the Caribbean in flip flops and I by the end of the day I wound up with a sore back, legs and feet. When we cruised to the Mediterranean I finally got smart, sucked it up, and packed running shoes. I know they aren’t the most stylish thing but there’s something to be said for being able to stand by the end of the day.

6. Travel Clock

If you’re in an inside stateroom, one without windows, the darkness can be disorienting. And if you’re anything like me you can go squirrely not knowing what time it is. Small travel clocks are inexpensive and easy to find. Try to get one that either has glow in the dark markings or lights up. If you’re going to be wearing earplugs at night the alarm application on a smart phone will usually light up when it goes off and that may be enough to wake you for that early morning sightseeing tour.

6. Collapsible backpack

There are always a few things you need to take with you when you go into port: your cruise card, cash, a camera, and other small necessities. I’ve tried carting a purse around but when Jason needs my help I find my purse is more of a hindrance than an asset. A small, collapsible, backpack with a zipper pocket will free your hands to help your travelling companion, but also ensure you have everything you need while on the go.

7. Nightlight

Cruise staterooms get dark at night, or if you’re in an inside stateroom then they’re just dark all the time. And it’s not your typical “night time” darkness it’s closer to a pitch black. I’ve tripped over Jason’s wheelchair more than once and I’ve vowed to never leave home without one.  This is a much better alternative to leaving the bathroom light on. When one of you gets up to use the washroom opening the bathroom door floods your dark room with light and undoubtedly will wake your cabin mates up.

9. Camera and extra memory

A reliable camera is SO important, and sometimes you need to bring more than one. On our last trip I brought a small point and shoot, my digital SLR and a waterproof camera. Every situation and day in port will be different. I wound up using all of them and was glad I had brought ample memory. I’ve also been stuck with a  memory card that got wet and stopped working half way through a six week trip. I was so glad I had packed a second card – I popped in the new card and kept right on photographing.

10. Ear plugs

Cruise ships house a lot of people. Some of them like to host parties in their rooms or watch the TV at an unspeakable volume. Calling the front desk can help in these situations but my inner Canadian prefers to just come prepared with a pair of yellow foam earplugs. You can get them at the till at your local drug store while you’re picking up your medication for #2’s medical kit.

So with your plain/train/cruise tickets in hand, these 10 things in your suitcase and this quote from Dr Seuss in your head I say to you – get busy and get travelling!

“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You’ll Go!)

Our CC group on the Sept 2010 sailing of the MS Rotterdam (I hear she's elegant)

I love Cruise Critic (CC). It’s like a big box of fresh cupcakes – delicious, chocked full of goodness but if you just jump in and go crazy you’ll probably wind up with a sugar/information headache. The site is wonderful, despite its overwhelming appearance, so hang in there and you’ll be a regular CC’er in no time.

What is Cruise Critic?

Connecting with fellow cruisers, tackling those FAQ’s and getting feedback about itineraries, ships and cruise lines has never been easier. CC is a one stop shop for all of these things. You could even buy a vacation through them, but we all know how I would feel about that.

The site is divided into the following sections:

Boards

This area is a veritable labyrinth of information. While it’s helpfully categorized it is easy to get lost down a rabbit trail and wind up losing sight of what you were actually looking for in the first place. One of the benefits to becoming a member is you are able to use the “search” function in the top right hand drop down menu of the forums page. This has drastically cut down on the amount of time I spend trolling for information. More than once I have found myself lost in a passionate thread about a vessels ice cream machine when was suppose to be looking up whether there was a paid laundrette onboard or not.

Once I have a cruise booked my first stop is the Roll Call section of the boards. This is a member’s only section where voyages are divided by cruise line, then ship and finally cruise date. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t find a thread started for your cruise – you might be the first CC’er onboard, so why not get one started! Dive in and get the ball rolling, you never know who you’ll meet or where they’ll take you!

Deals

Pretty self explanatory, this list often features the “top 10 best cruise deals” that CC offers.

Reviews

Everyone has an opinion, and this is where they show them. You can sort through the reviews easily by ship or cruise line. When Jason and I are looking at a cruise I always like to get a ships vital statics – when was commissioned, last reno’d and how many people are onboard. All of that information and A LOT more can be found here.

Features

Recently featured was a week long focus on cruise line Tipping. Different bloggers and site members address etiquette, protocol and eventually it culminated into an article called The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Tipping. The nice thing is articles spawn discussions between members. Debates over what’s “right” can quickly become heated, especially when you’re dealing with so many different cultures.

Find a Cruise

I have to be honest; this is a feature I’ve never used. It’s pretty simple though: you fill in what you’re looking for and this CC search engine will aggregate your options.

Luxury

When working with clients who are new to this type of cruising I have drawn extensively on the information here. Luxury cruising is pretty different, and can leave people with a lot of questions about what they’re actually purchasing. If you’re considering a luxury cruise I encourage you to do some sold information gathering here – and then call me.

News

Everything from world political climates, ship scandals and hurricane watches can be found in this section.

Planning

Divided into two sections “first time cruisers” and “cruise basics” you’ll find everything  from you need to tackle the planning necessary to get ready to go.

Ports

Here is where CC starts to get overwhelming. Ports of call, the places your cruise ship is going to be docking, are full of things to do. Before you launch into this murky bog of information take a look at what the cruise line you’re sailing with is offering for port activities. They will always pick the highlights – then go into this section armed with those specific search terms. You’ll be bombarded with a plethora of independent tour companies, reviews about those tour companies and DIY options for those port days.

Styles

Better classified as “special interest,” this section hosts forums for people who are looking for general information in a specific vein. There is information on everything from cruising with a disability, booking a cruise on spring break and even booking a cruise to satisfy your inner foodie. This is another section I tend to get lost in, I love sharing advice about the accessibility of different ships and ports and can often get quick answers for any of my vacation planning accessible questions.

Blog

This section is similar to the news section, except it focuses more on opinion than fact. There are some great polls, tidbits and tips to be found here.

There you have it. A quick overview of Cruise Critic, how I use it and some unsolicited advice on how to avoid that information sugar crash. So go enjoy those cupcakes, but save me one!

Do you use Cruise Critic? If not, where do you get your information from?