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The newer, the better: How wheelchair users can travel smoothly

Chris Ricci can walk only short distances at a time, but he has traveled the world on his scooter.

The 57-year-old U.S. Army veteran has limited mobility stemming from a foot injury he sustained in the 1980s and related complications has found cruises an accessible way to explore destinations like Alaska or the Caribbean. Just this month, he, his wife and friends took a week-long Royal Caribbean International cruise to Belize, Honduras and Mexico.

Ricci, who is based in Lakeland, Florida, simply had to drive to Tampa to board the Enchantment of the Seas. “I think it’s pretty easy,” he told USA TODAY. They booked an accessible stateroom for the first time, too.

“It was really big,” said Ricci, who chronicles his cruises and other travels on his YouTube channel, Scootin Around the World.  “I had no problem getting the scooter into the room.”

Cruise ships can offer guests who use mobility devices an accessible, streamlined way to travel. But some extra planning can go a long way toward ensuring the trip goes smoothly. Here’s what to know.

How this adult-only cruise line integrated accessibility into its experiences

Do cruise ships have accessible staterooms for mobility devices?

Cruise lines do offer accessible staterooms, but they’re not all the same. “Make sure that you have the accessible room that's best for you,” said Joy Burns, organization and PR manager at accessible travel booking platform Wheel the World .

For instance, some staterooms may be better suited to motorized wheelchair users, but the setup may not be conducive for passengers who use other kinds of devices, according to her husband, Bert, who has been paralyzed since 1982 and has taken more than 20 cruises.

“If I got a wheelchair-accessible room that's made for a power wheelchair with a Hoyer lift, the bed’s up real high,” he said. “I can’t transfer with a high bed. I use a manual wheelchair, so I’m down low.”

Standard staterooms may also be able to accommodate mobility devices, but guests should familiarize themselves with cruise lines’ requirements.

Passengers booking a standard cabin on Carnival Cruise Line ships must have devices that can fit through a 22-inch-wide doorway, according to its website . The devices must also fold and collapse to allow for safe exit from the room (passengers cannot store mobility devices in corridors or public spaces).

“Guests who bring scooters that are larger than 21" (53.34 cm) wide, or travel with multiple scooters in the same stateroom, must purchase a fully accessible stateroom with a wider doorway (32”, 81.3 cm), or rent a smaller scooter appropriately suited for their stateroom,” the line said on its website. “Guests may be required to have their scooters sized at the time of check-in to ensure it fits in the stateroom.”

Major cruise lines typically have accessibility departments that can help guests navigate the process, according to Sylvia Longmire, an accessible travel writer who runs the blog and travel brand Spin the Globe .

“Talk to the accessibility department to ask the questions and let them know what kind of equipment you're bringing if you're bringing your own stuff,” said Longmire, who has multiple sclerosis and has taken over 30 cruises, most of which have been with a scooter or wheelchair. “Let them know what your ability or disability is, what your level is, what your accessibility requirements are. And that way, they can tell you what kind of cabin you might need, what location, (information) about the ship, and everything before you even call to make the reservation.”

For those booking through a travel agent, she said she “highly” recommends working with someone who has a disability or is an expert in accessible travel.

What cruises are best for guests with mobility devices?

Some destinations may also be better suited to guests with mobility devices than others. 

Once, during a New Zealand cruise, the Burnses’ ship hit some rough water, causing Bert to roll out of the casino and crash into the bar (though no one was hurt). Joy recommended researching the conditions of the seas. ( Click here for USA TODAY’S guide to the best times to cruise by region.)

She added that expedition cruises , which often feature activities that require guests to get on and off Zodiac boats, may not be as accessible.

What cruise ship is best for guests with mobility devices?

New ships tend to have more features that can make a trip easier for guests with mobility devices, said the Burnses and Longmire. Those include automatic sliding doors in public spaces, stateroom locks that allow passengers to wave their key to open the door and pool lifts.

“The newer the ship, the better the accessibility,” said Longmire.

Can I get a mobility device through a cruise line?

Guests can arrange to rent mobility devices through vendors like Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea (Longmire is a contract employee for Scootaround).

Rentals may also be available at the cruise terminal, and some lines have a limited number of scooters and wheelchairs available on the ship, according to Longmire. She estimated rentals can run from roughly $80 to $250 depending on the type of equipment, the length of time guests need it and other factors.

Do cruise lines have accessible excursions?

Yes, but options may be limited. Joy said accessible shore excursions available through cruise lines are “few and far between,” and she and Bert have taken cruises where there were none available through the cruise line at all.

Longmire noted that “cruise lines are entirely dependent on the availability of excursions with whoever they're contracting with.” If a given destination doesn’t have wheelchair taxis, for example, that limits cruise lines’ offerings.

Are there blind scuba divers? Here's the accessible way anyone can explore the ocean

When they are available through the line, Longmire said many of them are what she calls windshield tours – bus tours with a group of other passengers that might include one or two 15-minute stops to take photos. “And the rest of it is just seeing everything out the window,” she said.

However, she added that cruise lines “get a little bit better” each year about offering those.

Joy said passengers can also book accessible shore excursions through companies like Wheel the World. Longmire has had luck booking shuttles and tours directly through providers in various ports as well, though guests should take care to be back in time before the ship leaves.

Are tender ports accessible?

When it comes to accessibility at tender ports – where guests have to take a small vessel from the ship to shore – Longmire said it’s “not very black and white.” Cruise ships may let guests board tenders and some have technology to help passengers with wheelchairs do so, but the port’s capabilities may be different.

“Just because you're able to get from the ship to the tender doesn't mean that you'll be able to get from the tender to the dock,” said Longmire.

Rules may differ as well, with some lines allowing guests in manual wheelchairs to use tenders but prohibiting motorized devices. She recommended checking with the accessibility department about those policies.

The Burnses, for their part, have generally found tender ports to be inaccessible, and Joy suggested travelers review itineraries to see how many they include. 

Overall, Longmire said her experience on cruises has been “really good,” both for their accessibility and convenience (you can visit multiple places but unpack once, for instance). “I always recommend to wheelchair users for their first travel experience, like, if you don't get seasick and you’re okay with cruises, a cruise is the way to go.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Norovirus outbreaks linked to 2 cruise ships with over 150 infected

A total of 161 passengers have reported falling ill during voyages on princess cruises' sapphire princess and royal caribbean international's radiance of the seas.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating two seemingly separate outbreaks of Norovirus linked to U.S. cruise ships.

Cases have been linked to Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess and Royal Caribbean International's Radiance of the Seas.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) is tracking the "very contagious" outbreaks following reports of passengers in distress .

CARNIVAL FREEDOM PASSENGER ONBOARD DURING FIRE RECOUNTS 'DANGEROUS, TERRIFYING' EXPERIENCE

The Radiance of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, is pictured docked at a port in Seward, Alaska. (iStock)

Approximately 67 out of 1,993 passengers on the Radiance of the Seas reported falling ill during its voyage from Tampa to Los Angeles between Apr. 8 and 22. An additional two crew members also reported illness . 

The predominant symptoms reported from those affected by the Norovirus were diarrhea and vomiting.

WORRIED THE CRUISE SHIP WILL LEAVE WITHOUT YOU? KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND

A view of the sign at the Center for Disease Control headquarters is seen in Atlanta, Georgia. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Approximately 94 of 2,532 passengers on the Sapphire Princess reported similar symptoms during its voyage from Los Angeles into the South Pacific that began Apr. 5 and is scheduled to conclude on May 7.

An additional 20 members of the 1,066 crew reported symptoms as well.

Fox Business reached out to both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International for comment on the situation but did not receive a response.

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This photo shows the Sapphire Princess cruise ship, operated by Princess Cruises, docked at the Marina Cruise center in Singapore. (ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

"Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with Norovirus," the CDC states on its website. "Norovirus is sometimes called the 'stomach flu' or 'stomach bug.' However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu, which is caused by influenza virus."

One of the biggest health risks posed by Norovirus infection is dehydration — the CDC recommends those infected drink plenty of liquids to aid recovering.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program requires cruise lines to report and document cases of illness on their ships in order to facilitate coordinated responses in case of emergency.

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TOURISM NUMBERS

Tampa bay tourism records second-highest collection month ever.

Hillsborough County March tourism collections reach more than $7 million for the month

Tampa, FL (May 1, 2024)  – The hospitality industry in Hillsborough County continues to outpace its competitive set, underlined by March TDT collections (February collections) reaching an impressive $7,290,274, a remarkable 7.3% increase from the previous record set for the same month during FY2023. As the second-highest month in the history of the County, the achievement underscores a substantial 21.0% increase over March in fiscal year 2022.

Cumulative collections for the fiscal year reached $32,035,007 at the half-way stage of the fiscal year. At the same time, hotel occupancy for March stayed strong — coming in at 81.5% as Hillsborough County continues to demonstrate consistency. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) reached $193.96 with RevPAR coming in at $158.12.

"The strength of the tourism and hospitality community in Hillsborough County, and its influence on our economy, reinforce March's exceptional collections and substantial hotel revenue," said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “With even more of our remarkable restaurants receiving MICHELIN recognitions, including The Tampa EDITION and Palihouse Hyde Park Village receiving an inaugural MICHELIN Key recognition, our marketing and sales efforts in domestic out-of-state markets continue to secure Tampa Bay’s status as a world-class destination."

Tampa Bay maintained its position as the number two ranked destination in hotel occupancy in both convention and leisure competitive sets, while holding the top three positions in both ADR and RevPAR against meetings destinations. The top origin flight markets for travelers to Tampa Bay for the month were Detroit, New York, Boston, and Chicago, while Atlanta and Orlando continue to hold leadership positions for drive market focuses.

Hotel Taxable Revenue for February, collected in March, reached $121,501,863, reflecting a notable 7.2% increase from the previous record set in February of FY 2023. This remarkable growth also translates to a significant 21.1% increase compared to February in fiscal year 2022, highlighting the sustained upward trend.

As Visit Tampa Bay gears up to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week, shining a light on those who pour their heart into Tampa Bay’s tourism and hospitality community, the county continues to attract visitors and host successful events affirming its status as a leading tourist hotspot, fostering economic growth and prosperity.

ABOUT VISIT TAMPA BAY

The heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast beats in Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventure with a relaxing vibe to create vacation experiences that are authentically Tampa Bay. As a not-for-profit corporation certified by Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), we work with hundreds of partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits. For more information, visit our website .

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Game 5: Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers…

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Florida Panthers right wing Matthew Tkachuk chases after the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky defends the net against Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Mitchell Chaffee during the first period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle pumps up the crowd before the Florida Panthers take on the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Fans show their support before the Florida Panthers take on the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad fights for possession of the puck against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman during the first period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky deflects a shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe moves the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe scores against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe celebrates after scoring against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Fans cheer as the Florida Panthers take on the the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov scores against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers right wing Matthew Tkachuk congratulates center Aleksander Barkov after a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov celebrates after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky stops a shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky celebrates with teammates after beating the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Players from the Florida Panthers celebrate after beating the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky after beating the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Monday, April 29, 2024. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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Norovirus stomach bug spreads in Central Florida

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The virus usually increases during winter and dies down around this time along with a host of other infectious diseases, but this year it looks to be sticking around, said Dr. Timothy Hendrix, medical director of AdventHealth Centra Care, the region’s largest network of urgent care centers.

“Usually, we’ll see some decline in the numbers of people coming in with these intestinal infections as we get into the spring,” Hendrix said. “But it’s sustaining this year.”

Hendrix said Centra Care does not test for the virus specifically but saw a 25% increase this April in symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea compared with the same time last year.

Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‘s NoroSTAT surveillance program shows norovirus outbreaks peaked nationwide in February but have been heading down since then. However, Florida data is not included in that tally.

The virus thrives in environments like cruise ships with shared eating spaces and tight quarters. CDC reports indicate there have been five outbreaks on cruises this year. In one April voyage from Tampa, 67 of 1,993 passengers got ill, as did two crew members.

Hendrix said it’s unclear exactly why cases appear to be so high right now in Central Florida. The virus spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and food, according to the CDC.

The best way to protect yourselves is simple: wash your hands, Hendrix said.

He also recommended isolating from others if you are having symptoms of nausea, diarrhea or stomach upset. Most of the time, the virus will go away on its own.

“The key is to stay hydrated. Most of the time this will pass in a day,” he said.

People unable to keep any liquids down, or who have blood in their stool, fever, abdominal pain or symptoms that last more than several days may have a more serious condition and should seek medical attention, he said.

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