Summer Cruising
Cue the April showers, May flowers! It’s official: summertime is just around the corner. Summer is one of the most popular times of year for cruising, and a quick weekend sail-away, a week-long, or longer cruise/land extension may be the perfect, hassle-free way of spending a family vacation.
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| Photo courtesy of sunsafetybarbie.blogspot.com |
A summer cruise is a great solution for the entire family, and, as we have mentioned in previous blog entries, has a number of benefits for special needs travelers. While there are cruise lines that focus on the adult (18 and over) traveler, there are a number of cruise lines that are well-suited for kids, with a variety of programs and special, kid-friendly amenities. Similarly, some cruise lines offer a greater number of special needs amenities (accessible staterooms, etc.) than others. Be sure to research your cruise line ahead of time to determine which cruises may be the most family-friendly or accommodating.
The most obvious reason for summertime cruise popularity is, of course, the weather! Below, we’ve compiled some of the top summer cruise destinations to help kick start your plans:
Alaska:
When you think warm weather and summer vacations, Alaska may not be the first destination that jumps to mind, but summertime in Alaska is typically beautiful, with temperatures in the 50’s-70’s and generally sunny skies. Warmer water temperatures also mean that cruisers are more likely to catch sight of marine life: summer is peak whale watching season in Alaska!
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| Photo courtesy of alaskancruises.biz |
The Caribbean:
If you’re looking for the scenic beaches, palm trees and strawberry daiquiris sort of getaway, then the Caribbean is an ideal (and hugely popular) destination. Cruises offer a variety of packages to many different islands, so there are countless options available.
The Mediterranean:
A Mediterranean cruise can be a great choice for anyone seeking cultural exploration in a variety of different countries. Keep in mind that summertime in the Mediterranean tends to be hot and very crowded, so pack accordingly and make sure to bring along the SPF 80!
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| Photo courtesy of mscruisesusa.com |
Northern Europe:
Cruises to Northern Europe including the Baltic, Scandinavia, the Norwegian fjords, the British Isles and northern Atlantic islands are becoming increasingly popular. For cruisers seeking milder temperatures for their summertime travels, Northern Europe may be the answer.
Keep in mind that if you prefer less crowded travel situations, you may want to consider booking a cruise to these destinations in the off season (fall or spring, outside of the holiday season) or to a destination where summer is not peak season, such as Canada or New England (September and October are peak months for these destinations due to the fall foliage). Booking in the off-season may help save on cost, as well.
For special needs cruisers, be sure to call well in advance if you are planning a cruise this summer. Booking early is the best way to ensure an accessible stateroom and/or accommodations that fit your particular needs! As always, if you’re looking to rent special needs equipment for your summertime cruises, please contact us at 1.800.513.4515 or visit us online at www.specialneedsatsea.com!
Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea is the leading global provider of wheelchair rentals, scooter rentals, oxygen rentals and other special needs equipment rentals. It also offers a broad range of special needs equipment for purchase. Recommended by the world’s major cruise lines for superior service and value, Special Needs Group also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, theme parks and convention centers. Special Needs Group is the only mobility and oxygen equipment supplier that is approved to deliver to all major cruise lines. Special Needs Group is the industry’s only total special needs travel solution. They are located at 302 NW 1st Street, Dania Beach, FL 33004. For more information, visit www.specialneedsgroup.com or call 1-800-513-4515.
“A vacation is having nothing to do, and all day to do it in.” –Robert Orben
May 2, 2012