If there's one sentence that all experienced disabled travellers will quote, it is 'Check,Check and Check Again!" A very recent experience has highlighted the need for attention to detail and absolute vigilance when making a booking for any type of 'accessible' accommodation. Seasoned cruisers will know that , with modern design, the wheelchair traveller can be catered for in most if not all areas of a cruise ship. The choice of 'accessible' cabins can be a frustration if the traveller doesn't book early enough though.

So - 'Accessible cabin? - No problem!' - or is it?  The travellers in this article believed that their agent knew the family well enough to know that a roll-in accessible cabin was an absolute must - one family member is a permanent wheelchair user and needs space to accommodate a mobile hoist and a host of other medical equipment.

The reservation, made months ago for a trip on Holland America's 'Westerdam' was confirmed as a 'FULLY ACCESSIBLE CABIN' - but HOLD ON! Take a good look at the description (an extract from the official deck plan):

Click Here For Full Deck Plan of Westerdam

This 'Accessibility Stateroom Symbol Legend' is an extract from Deck 8 of the 'Westerdam'. The family booked 'SY8068' in which the text clearly states 'separate transfer shower' - not suitable. The term 'Fully Accessible - Single Side Approach ' is clear enough but the agent and/or customer has to appreciate the exact wording here.. The text above relating to 'Fully Accessible' with the wheelchair icon is a bit clearer but it still mentions 'transfer shower'.

The family are grateful that they spotted this well before their travel date - it could have been a disastrous trip otherwise. Holland America were able to accommodate the family in a more suitable 'Accessible' cabin - with a roll-in shower.