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Art lovers will find plenty to admire on cruise ships. Oceania Cruises, for instance, has a collection of 2,000 original works on its Marina and Riviera, including a signed Picasso lithograph. The line recently published a color catalog of its world-class art, joining Celebrity Cruises, which published one last year. The cruise lines take different approaches with their collections. Some commission top artists for site-specific works. Most work with a third-party curator, such as International Corporate Art (ICArt), which buys…

The first ship built exclusively for cruising was the Prinzessin Victoria Luise of Germany, designed by Albert Ballin, general manager of Hamburg-America Line. The ship was completed in 1900 with its inaugural sailing on January 5, 1901.  She was in service until 1906.  Victoria Luise was designed to look more like a private yacht than any of her commercial counterparts. She had a trim hull 52.2 feet wide by 407.5 feet long.  Onboard, she also did not look like other commercial…

Whether it’s your first vacation or a seasoned traveler it’s always a good idea make a checklist of everything you want and need for your trip.  Start the list a month before so that you have plenty of time to get everything ready.  This will allow you enough time to think of everything you will want to take with you.   A Few Months Out Are your travel documents up to date?  Make sure you find out what travel documents…

I discovered Cancun many years ago, just shortly before all the shopping malls, tourist restaurants and bars were opened.  I fell in love with the gorgeous beaches and friendly people.  I've been fortunate enough to return a few more times and I am still in love.  Cancun is a family friendly destination with plenty of things to do and there is always the option to lie on the beach with a nice cocktail in hand and do nothing at all.…

Extending your cruise vacation by a few days is a great way to enjoy wonderful embarkation port cities.  Here are a few of our favorites with our recommendations of a few things not to miss. New York City Many Bermuda cruise vacations start in the city that doesn't sleep, New York City.  This is one city that you can definitely spend some time before AND after you cruise and still not have enough time to take it all in.  There…

  If you are going to be cruising from anywhere other than your hometown why not go a few days early and enjoy a new city?  Many of the most popular cruise embarkation ports are great cities to visit.  Instead of rushing from the airport to the cruise ship spend a few days getting to know the city.  It's also good to have the extra time should there be any weather delays! Seattle and Vancouver If you are going to…

Special Needs Group / Special Needs at Sea aims to make travel both possible and a reality for people with special needs, we believe in accessibility for all! Mobility scooter rentals can make a vacation more enjoyable for a slow walker or someone with limited mobility. Using a motorized wheelchair rental allows you the freedom to get around easily on your own. A client enjoying a mobility scooter rental while sailing in Alaska. Why Should You Reserve a Mobility Scooter…

  Traveling can be a wonderful, fulfilling experience that should be stress free and enjoyable.  For a slow walker, someone with limited mobility or special needs, an electric scooter can make all the difference in the world.   Here are some helpful tips to for a smooth, glitch free journey, and a fun-filled one too.   Book in Advance To be certain that you have everything you need, be sure to book early.  Advance booking will ensure that you have the…

Scuba diving. Nature walks. Beach excursions. What do all of the above have in common? They’re all frequently offered options for shore excursions/activities while cruising or traveling abroad. Did you know that all of these activities can be tailored to accommodate travelers with Special Needs, too?    Joy on the Beach (Beach Wheelchair) at Hollywood Beach   We’ve compiled some of our top tips for planning the hiccup-free excursion:  Key Considerations Firstly, asses what special needs you and your group…

Cruising with an oxygen rental is smooth sailing, once you know the guidelines! SNG is here to help you breathe easy. The first thing to note is that all major cruise lines welcome oxygen concentrators on cruise ships. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each line has specific guidelines/requirements for traveling with oxygen. Some lines may require (or strongly suggest) that passengers traveling with oxygen obtain a medical release form, clearing them for travel, before the sail date.…

Cruising is an ideal option for travelers seeking a mostly inclusive vacation, and a cruise can be a wonderful option for travelers who have Special Needs.   As we covered in our previous post, some of cruising’s biggest perks include the many on-board activities, events and amenities found on most cruise lines.  Below, we’ve outlined a few of the most common, on-board, entertainment options, as well as a few tips on how best to take advantage of them as a traveler with Special Needs: …

Cruise ships are often referred to as floating resorts, and for good reason! Cruising generally offers more benefits, amenities, and services than traditional resorts, plus the chance to see a variety of ports and destinations in one trip, making them a perfect option for travelers looking for the complete vacation package. For travelers with Special Needs, one of the biggest benefits of cruising is that cruise ships offer a variety of entertainment options right onboard. There’s no need to find…

There’s nothing quite like traveling, and today, having a special need or disability does not deter anyone from seeing the world. A famous quote states, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” However, when planning a trip, individuals with special needs or disabilities can benefit greatly from working with a travel agent; even more so with agents who have achieved the Special Needs Group Certified Accessible Travel Advocate™ designation. Image courtesy of bls.gov…

  Fewer things are more exciting to a child than the promise of a family vacation in an exotic, new location. Such experiences offer wonderful opportunities to learn, explore, and see the world at a young age! For families with children with special needs, however, planning a vacation can pose a few challenges. Cruising can be an ideal vacation choice for families with children with special needs. A cruise offers a chance to visit multiple destinations, without the hassle of…

At some point in most individuals’ travels, the question has been asked: should I take it with me or rent it? For travelers with Special Needs, the conversation can get a bit more complicated, as the discussion involves specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, power chairs, supplemental oxygen, walking aides, etc.     To help make the decision a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons of taking your own personal equipment vs. renting. Do you have…

For some, Feb. 14 is the most romantic day of the year, and with it comes feelings of joy, love, and excitement. For others, Valentine’s Day brings the pressure of planning the perfect date for that special someone. However you look at it, there are many wonderful ways to celebrate the holiday, especially for individuals with special needs.        Image courtesy of europeweddingdeals.com If you or your special someone has limited mobility or impaired hearing/vision,  or is a slow…