A Voyage of Challenges and Dreams

Setting Sail 

Ali Stroker and Reeve Carney

This was not just any cruise; it was a dream come true for a theater enthusiast like myself. Despite the initial hurdles with my powered wheelchair, which the airline deemed too large for the journey, I was determined to make the most of the adventure with my trusty manual wheelchair and the loving support of my boyfriend, who promised to assist me throughout the trip. 

After the first day of pushing my manual wheelchair through the thick carpet on the ship, my boyfriend Rick woke in the middle of the night unable to breathe properly.  Fearing an emergency, I resolved to navigate the ship independently, despite not having pushed a wheelchair for nearly two decades. The reality of my physical limitations soon became apparent, thwarting my attempts to explore the ship. I missed most of the performances, classes, and workshops because I just couldn’t get there!

Waves of Disappointment 

The first wave of disappointment crashed over me when a Norwegian steward informed me that I couldn't join an excursion to The Florida Keys on our second day of travel due to stairs on the ship hindering disembarkation. It was a blow to my anticipation, but I resolved to find other ways to enjoy the cruise. Little did I know, more challenges awaited.

Miscommunication at Sea 

It turned out that the steward was misinformed and we could have easily gotten off the boat with no stairs.  In retrospect I should have checked further, but I trusted his knowledge.  

Then, despite assurances from Norwegian accessibility staff prior to departure, I faced another setback at Grand Cayman. Repeatedly told I couldn't disembark due to tender inaccessibility, I discovered later that that tender was indeed wheelchair accessible. The frustration was palpable as I missed out on exploring the beautiful destination.

A Pool of Uncertainty 

Seeking solace in the ship's amenities, I encountered further obstacles. Initially told there was no pool lift, despite what their website indicated, I was relieved to later learn there was one, albeit requiring reservation. Yet, even reaching the pool independently proved daunting, navigating deep carpeting in my manual wheelchair caused too much pain and dashed my hopes of a relaxing swim. I was left unable to enjoy the relaxation I had hoped for.

Curtain Call 

Eagerly anticipating a performance by Norm Lewis at The Stardust theatre, I faced new challenges. Seated in designated wheelchair access seats far from the stage, visibility and hearing were compromised, impacting my enjoyment.

I’ve been a longtime admirer of Norm Lewis, starting with his memorable portrayal of Jake in my favorite show, SIDE SHOW. When he performed in LITTLE MERMAID in Denver, I was thrilled to attend the dress rehearsal as part of PHAMALY. Meeting Norm during this occasion was a highlight, and I took the opportunity to invite him to our production of URINETOWN. After attending our show, he graciously agreed to share his thoughts in a PSA, which meant a lot to our community.

Next was Ali Stroker's performance. I've long admired Ali Stroker, who made history as the first woman who uses a wheelchair to win a Tony Award. I had the pleasure of meeting Ali years ago at the March of Dimes Anniversary event.

After sitting in the back of the theatre for Norm’s show on the ship, where I struggled to hear due to my hearing impairment, I hoped for a better experience at Ali Stroker’s performance. However, my attempts to find a better view were discouraged by Sixthman crew members, who enforced strict seating policies that appeared to prioritize others. They labeled my efforts to see beyond the person in front of me as hazardous, which was deeply disheartening.

Lost at Sea

As the cruise neared its end, a devastating setback occurred: our luggage went missing on debarkation day. This loss left us without essential items such as vacation clothes, chargers, and souvenirs, adding to our disappointment. Despite filing a Lost Luggage Report, the process offered little solace as we returned home empty-handed. Thankfully, nearly two weeks later, our luggage was finally returned to us.

Reflections

Reflecting on my dream vacation turned sour, I can’t help but feel disheartened. As a passionate advocate for accessibility and the arts, I had hoped for a seamless experience celebrating my love for musical theatre. Instead, I encountered numerous barriers that overshadowed what should have been a joyous journey.  

Advocacy and Hope 

Despite the challenges faced, my spirit remains resilient. I write this not just to recount my disappointments but to advocate for change. I hope that sharing my experience will prompt Norwegian Cruise Line and Sixthman to improve accessibility measures, ensuring future cruises are inclusive and accommodating for all passengers. 

Epilogue: The Journey Ahead

This week, I received a response from Sixthman offering a 10% discount on this year’s Broadway Cruise. While appreciative of the gesture, the focus remained largely on what I could have done differently rather than concrete improvements. As I await a response from Norwegian Cruise Line, I maintain hope that my voice, alongside others, will catalyze positive change. I firmly believe that dream vacations should be accessible to all, irrespective of physical challenges. My journey continues not only in seeking fairness for my experience but also in advocating for a future where inclusivity thrives.

In my pursuit of another opportunity to embark on this dream cruise, I am motivated to sell my jewelry. Each piece symbolizes resilience and embodies my hope for a future where inclusivity is paramount. I aim to raise funds to support another chance at realizing my dream.

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