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Holland America Special Needs Information |
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Guests with Disabilities
Holland America does not discriminate against persons on the
basis of disability. We 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.
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 we endeavor to make sure that other companies providing transfers
and shore excursions comply with legal requirements, we 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, we strongly recommend
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, we 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.
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.
Pets
With the exception of qualified service animals for guests with disabilities,
animals or pets are not allowed on board our ships. If you plan to
bring a service animal, you must call our Access and Compliance Dept.
at 800-426-0327 ext.4514 or 206-304-5306. You will need to provide
health certificate documentation for the animal. Please talk to your
travel agent about this requirement.
Oxygen
Guests who need continuous oxygen for chronic conditions must make
their own arrangements prior to travel. Contact your travel agent
for more information. Also, bring the service company's address and
their local contacts in foreign countries, as applicable. |
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