As a frequent traveler (over 30 cruises to date), I have found the lack
of assistance for hearing impaired persons to be frustrating and
discriminatory. While I pay the same fare as everyone else, I am limited
as to which events I can enjoy due to lack of hearing access. This is a
detriment not only on ship board, but also on the shore excursions. The
show lounges, theaters and other meeting places are not equipped to
handle this disability - captioned movies are never an option.
The only line that has even tried to be helpful is Holland America and
that was a result of a personal letter to the President who at that time
was a person with a hearing loss. Although the ship lacked the necessary
equipment in general, they put together a temporary set up for me to use
in the show lounge.
I cannot make a strong enough plea for something to be done to eliminate
this problem. I am fully supportive of the position of the National
Hearing loss association in this regard.
Thank you for your consideration,
Winifred H. Morrison