The Grandest Ocean Liner Ever

by Andy Vladimir

Ever since the Sept. 11 attacks Ive been considering crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth 2. The Cunard Line discouraged me: The QE2 wasnt very accessible, and if Id only wait for the Queen Mary 2, Id be pleasantly surprised.

A therapy pool and the grand lobby are two of the QM2s luxury features.

As a measure of Cunards esteem for Quest readers, I was the only journalist who writes about cruising for people with disabilities invited aboard the Queen Mary 2s inaugural cruise in January.

I was more than pleasantly surprised I was overwhelmed. Cunard says the QM2 is the "largest, longest, tallest, widest and grandest liner ever built."

Its all of those things, and the most accessible, too. With 30 accessible cabins, it has accommodations for more people with disabilities than any ship afloat.

The Lap of Luxury

From the moment you step on board you know youre on a classic ocean liner, yet a very modern one. Rich wood paneling, crystal chandeliers, sweeping staircases and Italian marble surround you. Marvelous original art and sculpture about $5 million worth all told are found in every public room, corridor and elevator. The architectural scale is grand; there was plenty of room to move around and maneuver in my scooter.

Our cabin, a junior suite on deck 9, was the largest Ive had on any ship about 400 square feet. The bathroom, with its roll-in shower, was large enough to host an intimate cocktail party. There was a magnificent balcony furnished with teak lounge chairs and thick cushions.

Every accessible feature you might expect from lowered closet bars and light switches, to emergency buttons and space under beds for a Hoyer lift was in place. We had a large, king-sized bed with fluffy, down pillows and linen sheets, but you can have any configuration you want (including a hospital bed that can be ordered in advance). Accessible cabins on the QM2 are available in all categories and configurations.

Never a Dull Moment

Stepping out of your cabin, you find more things to do and see on this ship than in a small city. Start with 10 restaurants and two world-famous chefs. Chef Daniel Boulard supervised the menu and trained the chefs who work in the Britannia, the ships main dining room, and in the Queens Grill and the Princess Grill, the two dining rooms for guests who occupy the premium cabins and suites. Chef Todd English also has his culinary venue onboard, featuring his signature Mediterranean dishes.

Theres also Lotus, an Asian restaurant; La Piazza, an Italian restaurant; the Chefs Gallery, where chefs prepare gourmet meals right before you; and the Golden Lion, a traditional English pub, among others.

Between meals you might want to head over to the Canyon Ranch Spa and get yourself wrapped in seaweed, have a facial or just soak in the thalassotherapy pool.

Of course, theres a sparkling casino; every cruise ship has one of those.

But every ship doesnt have a planetarium with a show created by the Smithsonian; or Oxford Discovery, a program of educational lectures put together by Oxford University; or workshops, lessons and presentations by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts; or an 8,000-volume library, by far the largest at sea.

Shoppers wont be disappointed either theres a branch of the famed London department store Harrods, as well as Dunhill and Chanel shops.

There are four swimming pools, one with a retractable dome, and a realistic, full-sized golf simulator where you can play more than 60 of the worlds greatest golf courses.

Cunard hasnt forgotten children; there are three club rooms for different ages as well as a kids swimming pool. Moreover, the ship has the first accessible childrens bathroom Ive ever seen at sea. Theres a sign of welcome and accessibility!

I was only on the Queen Mary 2 for a couple of days, during which I hardly had a moment to rest. But this is one fantastic way to take a relaxing six days crossing the pond, or to cruise in the Caribbean.

For more information call Cunard at (800) 7-CUNARD, or visit www.cunard.com.

Cruise Assistance

Should you need a hospital bed, wheelchair, scooter, hoist or oxygen delivered to any ship, airport, or destination call STARS toll free at (877) 478-7827 or see the Web site at www.carevacations.com.

You can also rent scooters to be delivered anywhere from ScootAround at (888) 441-7575 or www.scootaround.com.

Accessible Niagara, Canada

The magnolia walkway near the falls is stunning. Photo by Thies Bogner

The Canadian side of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region have issued a useful accessibility guide for visitors. Theres lots to see in Niagara, and I recommend it as a destination.

Besides some of the same boat rides and access to the falls youll find on the U.S. side, the Canadian side has a highly regarded wine-producing industry with several accessible wineries.

Some of the best have restaurants as well. Youll want to see the ones whose complete tour, including the underground aging cellars, is accessible. These include the Hillbrand Estates Winery, Konzelmann Estate Winery, Peller Estates Winery and the Strewn Winery, in Jordan; and the Vineland Estates Winery in Vineland. In September there are wine festivals and parades in the towns of Niagara and St. Catharines.

There are also lovely botanical gardens and a unique butterfly conservatory where 2,000 butterflies fly free in a tropical rain forest. If you bring the kids, be sure and stop at Marineland, where you can see beluga and killer whales, sea lions, walruses, and even black bears and buffaloes.

For a free printed copy of the Accessible Niagara Guide call (800) 263-2998 or go to www.accessibleniagara.com.

Airline Travel Tip

When you or your travel agent make airline reservations, seven industry special service request (SSR) codes are used to distinguish among wheelchair users needs. The following three are important to ensure that you receive the correct service.

WCHR: This code is for passengers who dont require transfer to/from an aisle chair and who can walk up and down stairs. Use this code if you have limited mobility and may have trouble walking long distances.

WCHC: This is the identifying code if you cant walk. This tells the airline to provide additional personnel and equipment if needed to transfer you to and from the aircraft seat.

WCHS: This code indicates you can walk but cant climb stairs. This one is especially important to regional airlines, which may not have jetways available and may require a lift.

To send feedback or questions about "To Boldly Go," write Andy Vladimir in care of Quest or at andyvlad@bellsouth.net.