Along with blindness comes fear. And it’s not just fear of actually being blind. It’s fear of tripping over something, stumbling into danger and tackling an unfamiliar environment.
While guide dogs, white canes and supportive friends, family and even strangers are helpful, taking the big step into a completely new environment is daunting. As a blind person, I know my way around my home and office without any assistance and am completely comfortable. But anxiety ramps up in a new environment.
Before suddenly becoming blind in 2002 at age 31, I loved exploring the world by taking cruises. I appreciated that impressive cruise ships offered an all-inclusive experience with every amenity in one place. In one day, I could take a swim, head to the spa, enjoy fine dining, go to the theater and have a nightcap listening to live music. As a person newly blind, however, my world stopped, including the prospect of enjoying an annual cruise. Fortunately, over time I learned how to be independent, thanks to the services of the Lighthouse of Broward. My eyes were opened, figuratively, to the prospect of cruising again.
In 2008, I gave it a try with my lovely new wife Carla for our honeymoon aboard Holland America’s Westerdam. I was pleasantly surprised. I discovered that the majority of cruise lines are completely accessible to those who are blind. What does that mean to a person like me?
My recent cruise aboard Holland America’s Rotterdam is a case in point. When I purchased the cruise online, I ticked the box that I have special needs, filled out the special requirements information form and contacted the Guest Accessibility Department. Going through this all-important process activated a comprehensive accessibility program, which helped me to navigate this new, massive space.
I was met by a guest relations representative on the dock prior to boarding the ship. I received a warm welcome and was assigned a representative who I could rely upon for the whole journey to assist me in any way. This person checked in with me regularly throughout the cruise to make sure everything was going smoothly and immediately took care of any hiccup that arose. My wife, daughter and I also were treated to a familiarization tour of the vessel upon arrival.
As technology is critical for a blind person to thrive in a sighted world, I downloaded the extremely accessible, easy-to-use Navigator app. I was able to plan daily activities, hear about restaurant menus and spa treatments, make dining reservations, and check my account statement without assistance. Using the app, I even was able to chat with my family while on board.
In addition to Holland America, many other cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, offer similar assistance. In fact, I am honored to serve on the Advisory Board on Disabilities for Royal Caribbean where I offer a firsthand perspective on cruising as a blind person. At Royal Caribbean, the staff works hard to make the cruising experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible for guests who are blind or have low vision.
Visual features and accommodations aboard Royal Caribbean ships include: large-print menus and Cruise Compass newsletters; service animals welcomed with a relief area provided; Braille/tactile signage; Braille elevator buttons/audio call signals; orientation tours and Qualified Readers, who read menus and other printed materials to blind or visually impaired guests.
All of these services transform an unknown environment into one that’s more controlled and familiar. It’s not just about conforming with the Americans with Disabilities Act — it’s about creating a top-notch experience for those who are blind and visually impaired. I’m excited to continue to cruise, and have trips booked aboard Disney Dream in December and an Alaska cruise on the Koningsdam next spring.
I share this story because I know the fear that comes with being blind. I want other people who are blind or visually impaired to know that their disability should not keep them from hopping on a ship. Since 2008, I’ve taken 15 cruises, and have loved every one of them. I encourage other blind people to take the plunge and get cruising.
Jose Lopez Masso, vice president of Strategic Initiatives and Development at Lighthouse of Broward, went blind at age 31 due to complications of multiple surgeries after being diagnosed with glaucoma.
