Taking a Deaf Cruise
Deaf and hearing impaired individuals are no different from anyone else except they cannot hear or hear well. Because the deaf culture consists of mainly deaf people who hang around each other simply because of communication, finding a cruise that caters to the deaf is a true blessing. A deaf cruise provides deaf people with an opportunity to enjoy the same things as a hearing person but in an environment where they feel comfortable and safe. Many times, you will discover deaf people appearing shy when in fact they are merely protective over themselves and other deaf people. Because a deaf cruise is designed specifically for deaf people, there is a sense of security.
With a deaf cruise, many things are modified to accommodate. For example, there are certified interpreters onboard who can guide the passengers through the cruise, answering questions and just being there to provide service. In addition, the ships are equipped with TDDs or TTYs (telephone/computer systems used by the deaf), flashing doorbells and wakeup alarms, and so on.
The one thing deaf people agree on is that these types of cruises provide a wonderful opportunity to meet other deaf friends from around the country, if not world. The staff is very helpful and goes out of their way to make the cruise a pleasant experience. With such demand for deaf cruises, you now find many of the top cruise lines meeting this demand head on.
For example, a wonderful cruise to Alaska can be booked through Hibiscus Travel. The Princess Cruise Line has some amazing opportunities for the deaf, providing ASL interpreters to make every passenger's experience top notch. In addition, this deaf cruise is affordable, costing around $1,400 for 10 full nights, which includes fabulous meals, entertainment, the interpreter service, and fees and taxes.
Another incredible deaf cruise is through Carnival Cruise Lines where every fall, a special cruise sails to the Western Caribbean islands. This five-day cruise also includes interpreter services and all the fantastic amenities you would expect from a top cruise line. Royal Caribbean also has an incredible four-night/five-day cruise that takes off from Miami. This cruise is a little more affordable, starting around $300. In addition, Royal Caribbean has the largest cruise ship in the world called the "Freedom of the Seas." This ship is used for the Deaf Freedom Cruise whereby people come to have an incredible time. For this cruise, not only does the price include all the meals but also entertainers and performers who are themselves deaf.
Southern Caribbean Deaf Group Cruise is a deaf cruise enjoyed by hundreds of people. For around $800, you can enjoy seven full days traveling the Caribbean islands. Finally, the Carnival Spirit, which is operated by Sunset Cruise Agency has a wonderful deaf cruise called "The Deaf Awareness Cruise."
The great thing about deaf cruises is that they are not limited to destinations. Therefore, if you are deaf and want to enjoy taking a deaf cruise, you will discover that you have a multitude of choices such as Tahiti, London, Copenhagen, eastern Mediterranean, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Panama Canal, and more. If you have avoided taking a cruise simply because you did not feel comfortable, know that these unique cruises are geared toward your lifestyle and special needs. You will not feel like an outcast but as just another passenger having the time of your life while visiting amazing places.
Jake Kelly is a writer for MyCruiseTips.com. For an extensive informational resource for everything about Cruises and an Articles/Tips Forum, please visit us at http://www.MyCruiseTips.com