ASL Interpreters for Carnival's Shore Excursions

[blondietink]

The way I see it, this discussion is really all about "which accommodations are reasonable, and which aren't".

 

In my opinion, it's reasonable to have ramps, and accessible cabins, etc. It's also reasonable for the cruise line to provide on-board sign language interpreters, braille materials, and the like, when requested.

 

What I do *not* think is reasonable is for the cruise line (or anyone else) to provide any accommodations free of charge off the ship. They shouldn't pay for interpreters to go on excursions. They shouldn't pay for rental scooters or wheelchairs. They shouldn't pay for personal care attendants (aides, etc) or medical equipment or supplies.

 

We have lots of differing opinions being expressed in this thread, and I find it interesting to see each person's point of view. I would like to commend us all for sticking to the point of the discussion, and not taking it to the level of personal attacks. This is a topic that raises lots of emotion but we're doing a good job of keeping this civil. Yeah Us! :D

 

I agree 100%! Reasonable accommodations, yes. Excessive and expensive accommodations, no.

 

And yes, I can get emotional when it comes to both of my children and their disabilities. I have tried to keep a lid on it, I hope.

[jennan76]

Please allow me to see if I can add clarification to the Carnival interpreter policy.

 

Firstly, Carnival provides interpreters for approximately 250+ cruises EVERY YEAR, so they are very well versed in accommodating people who are Deaf and need interpreters. Like with any cruise line, policies (of all subject matters) are subject to change from time to time, in an effort to improve upon a process and/or service that is provided which works in the best interest of the majority of passengers going through the process and/or using the service.

 

For passengers requiring interpreters, they need to make their request DIRECTLY to the Carnival Special Needs Department. Ask your Special Needs Specialist if your sailing is eligible to have an interpreter TEAM (not all sailings are eligible, but MOST departing from/returning to the US/Canada are).

 

Also, give CCL plenty of time to make the arrangements; the more time you give them, the more likely you are to have an interpreter team. If you call only a few days before departure, then it may be difficult to accommodate. CCL may have a specific policy on the timeline, so again, check with the Special Needs Department. If a request is made for an interpreter on an ELIGIBLE sailing approx. 60+ days in advance, you're probably in pretty good shape and don't need to worry.

 

Now... what do the interpreters do for shore excursions?

 

Interpreter TEAMS are hired specifically for on board activities (i.e., shows, demonstrations, games, auctions, etc.).

 

If passengers would like the interpreters to accompany them on shore excursions, the PASSENGERS must meet with the shore excursion office on board. The shore excursion staff will work with the TOUR OPERATORS and try to secure complimentary tickets for the interpreters to accompany the passengers. Whether or not complimentary tickets are provided is at the discretion of the tour operators, not CCL.

 

If the tour is narrated, there is RARELY an issue of comp tickets not being available. The tougher tours to acquire comp tickets for are the LIMITED AVAILABILITY tours like ziplining, swimming w/ dolphins, flight tours, etc. That being said, these tour operators in the various INTERNATIONAL ports are getting more and more familiar with interpreters and the importance of having them available, so there are infrequent times when comp tickets are not available.

 

In the RARE occasions when comp tickets are not available, then the passengers have the OPTION of purchasing tickets for the interpreters. Passengers can also elect NOT to purchase the tickets for the interpreters, but then they won't have interpreting. Carnival is spectacular at working with passengers on the options that are available.

 

It's important to point out that this is TYPICALLY only an issue because the ports of calls are INTERNATIONAL. I have yet to experience a lack of effective communication in a U.S. port of call.

 

I would also like to point out... using the dolphin excursion as an example... if the necessary comp tickets are not available for the interpreters, the passenger may also ask the shore excursion staff to work with the tour operator to let the interpreter go, but not participate in the tour itself. For example, the interpreters will accompany the passengers on the tour and be available to interpret the safety instructions, etc., but the interpreter does not participate in actually swimming with the dolphins. This is a common (although not 100%) solution that does work for everyone.

 

So if anyone has any questions about the interpreter policy for CCL... or for any other cruise line for that matter... you should speak SPECIFICALLY to the cruise line's Special Needs/Access Departments. All cruise lines are different and they are the one's that will give you the most accurate and detailed info on their specific policies, who they hire for their interpreter services, etc.

[Three Rings]

Please allow me to see if I can add clarification to the Carnival interpreter policy.

 

Thank you for your very informative post. :)

[Deaf Dude]

I am not a hypocritic. No we DO NOT book handicapped cabins on our cruises. We have been asked on both occassions when we have booked a cruise if we want a handicapped cabin and we have declined in both instances. We also DO NOT book handicapped rooms in any hotels or resorts.

 

You can think what you want regarding any and all handicapped accommodations. There are many definitions of "handicapped". Some need more accommodations than others to enjoy their vacation experience. Those accommmodations could require a wheelchair accessible room, sign language interpreter, braille signage, or an aide, among others.

 

 

I am Sorry if I was out of line. I was just curious as to your situation I hope that someday your children will be able to get the help they need when traveling. I appologize if I have offended you in any way.

[Deaf Dude]

Please allow me to see if I can add clarification to the Carnival interpreter policy.

.

 

Thanks for the informative info. I have used interpreters many times on CCL and they have always been accommodating to my requests. They have provided interpreters for tours on a few occasion, but most of the time I opt to pay for the interpreter to join us on the cruise as a thank you for their help. I don't ask them to interpret everything that is said but Appreciate it when they give me info. Usually we chat with each other the whole time. I have been on 18 Cruises and I have always been the ONLY deaf person on the whole ship except on a deaf group cruise. Most cruisers who would walk up to a person in a wheelchair and chat with them for an hour will usually walk away from me when I say I am deaf. even though I read lips very well and also speak perfectly. So having an interpreter to chat with is a blessing.

I find it disconcerting when coming here and seeing different groups of handicapped people deriding the needs of others. we are all in this together. each little victory from one group only helps to raise awareness of our needs and might lead to more accommodations for others. I usually Cruise with my Girlfriend and a group of her friends. They usually have to choose a tour that would be easy for me even though they might want to do something else. If a Cruise line sends an interpreter with me and our group on a tour with a comp ticket, then that tour operator would get 8 paying customers he normally wouldn't have. This would make them more agreeable to providing comp tickets in the future for interpreters or for aides of people with other disabilities.

I am sorry if the cruise lines do not provide accommodations that many of you here need. I am thankful to Carnival and RCCL (the only 2 lines that consistently provide interpreters) for all the accommodations they do provide for the deaf. In my personal situation they have always been very helpful and respectful of my needs. The ability to participate more deeply in the cruise experience like participating in trivia games and enjoying the shows one of the reasons I cruise so often. To tell you the truth after my first 2 cruises without interpreters I was considering never cruising again.

The info that Jennab76 posted are in line with Carnivals Official Policy on Interpreters. I am cruising July 4th and was required to sign a form from Carnival that sets forth the policy and states that i understand the policy and accept it.

Here is their official policy

Dear Guest,

Carnival Cruise Lines is dedicated to offering a quality cruising experience for our guests with disabilities and special requirements. Our ships provide excellent service and a variety of accessibility features to make your voyage an exciting, relaxing and a memorable one.

 

Our records indicate you have requested an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for your upcoming cruise. Accordingly, we want to make you aware of some important information and kindly ask that you read this letter in its entirety and ask that you return it to us signed as confirmation that you have received this letter and are aware of the terms and conditions.

 

Carnival Cruise Lines requests a 90-day advance notice; however, we will attempt to accommodate requests inside of this time frame, subject to interpreter availability. Carnival hires only local (home-port) interpreters who are independent contractors. If we are unable to secure a local interpreter, we will provide you with written documentation of important safety activities and other events so that you are kept informed while on board.

 

Please know that Interpreters are only available for activities and/or events occurring on board the vessel and are not to exceed eight working hours per day, including meals and breaks. If the interpreter agrees to exceed eight hours on a particular day, they may deduct these additional hours from the remainder of their assignment. Also, if the interpreter has been hired for a child participating in any of our children’s camp programs, the interpreter is not available for our fee-based babysitting services or after 10:00 PM.

 

All shore excursions/tours are operated by independent contractors and as such, Carnival cannot guarantee space on purchased shores tours for sign language interpreters. We will notify the contractor of any request for accommodations. Shore tours operated within the United States and its territories are responsible to provide you with effective communication. Tours operating in foreign ports may not provide auxiliary aids and services, depending on local law and availability. For guided narrated tours where the tour operator is not providing interpreters, and the interpreter provided by Carnival Cruise Lines elects to participate in shore tours; we will make every attempt to assist by arranging for a complementary tour ticket for the interpreter(s). However if we are unable to do so, you may purchase the tour for the interpreter (s) or forgo interpreters services for the tour.

 

If you have purchased a pre or post package with Carnival Cruise Lines, please know that these packages are operated by independent contracts. These contractors are responsible to provide effective communication and appropriate auxiliary aids and services. We will however, communicate any request for accommodations to the contractors.

 

Carnival Cruise Lines will also provide you with a Cabin Alert System, which will be placed in your stateroom, and includes visual notifications, doorknocker, bed shaker, smoke alarm and a phone amplifier (for hard of hearing guests).

 

Should your cruise plans change, we ask that you kindly contact Guest Access Services to cancel or reschedule the interpreter.

 

We look forward to welcoming onboard for a fun and memorable cruise.

 

Signed Acknowledgement: __________________________

Print Name: __________________________Date:_________

Ship: __ _______Sail Date: _________Booking#__________

Please return to: Email: mailto:specialneeds@carnival.com or Fax: 1.800.532.9225

 

[blondietink]

I am Sorry if I was out of line. I was just curious as to your situation I hope that someday your children will be able to get the help they need when traveling. I appologize if I have offended you in any way.

 

No, I don't think you were out of line, and you did not offend me. Apology accepted. Like I have said before, we don't mind helping our children and there will come a day and time when we will have to pay for someone to help us when traveling. Our kids are actually nice and fun to be with. But, as we get older, some things are not as easy to do as when I was younger. ;)

 

Actually I enjoy watching the sign language interpreters, as does my one DS who can read some sign, when we see them in different venues. We were really impressed with the one at Epcot's Candelight Processional during the Christmas season. She was so expressive during the musical numbers, it was wonderful!

 

Anyway, I hope everyone can get the accommodations they need, whatever they are, when vacationing. Have a great 4th of July, and remember that diversity, and acceptance of other people's differences, is what makes this country great. :)

[whiterose]

Very interesting topic and I agree that we need to speak out in support of all passengers with disabilities. I can relate to Deafdude even though I do not know enough sign language to benefite from an interpreter. I am late deafened and miss out on so much that happens on a cruise. It can be very lonely watching other people going to the different activities and entertainments and not being able to participate. Some days virtually the only person I talk to is my husband and our waiter. However I love being on a ship and have learned to enjoy my solitary walks and long hours reading.

 

In our 20 years of cruising I have talked to every Purser and Cruise Director asking for more access - movies with closed captions, listening systems, flashing light alarms etc. with very little success although many ships do now have listening systems even though they do not advertise their availability. On every cruise I see lots of people wearing hearing aids and how I wish they would speak up and ask for access too - it would really make a difference.

[Deaf Dude]

Very interesting topic and I agree that we need to speak out in support of all passengers with disabilities. I can relate to Deafdude even though I do not know enough sign language to benefite from an interpreter. I am late deafened and miss out on so much that happens on a cruise. It can be very lonely watching other people going to the different activities and entertainments and not being able to participate. Some days virtually the only person I talk to is my husband and our waiter. However I love being on a ship and have learned to enjoy my solitary walks and long hours reading.

 

I am late deafened also. Lost my hearing when I was 14 years old in the 70's. I did go to the deaf school for 2 years and was also in a program for deaf people in college and that's where I learned to sign. I am kind of stuck between both worlds because although I sign, I sign exactly the way I am writing here. People who are deaf from birth use American sign language which is more of a descriptive language than straight English. I sometimes have trouble understanding what they say and vice versa. and although I do read lips pretty well and speak perfectly it is still hard to lip read a person you have never met. It's very hard to lip read crew members because they all come from so many different countries and have accents.

 

Carnival does do a great job with the interpreters. they have a crew member (usually in the entertainment staff) that handles any requests we have. Tomorrow on our cruise they will also have a private muster drill for our group in the Library and then a meeting with the interpreters so we can plan out the day's activities, etc.

 

Whiterose, even though you do not need an interpreter, you should inform carnival that you are deaf and they can try to accommodate you in some ways. they will provide you with flashing lights for your cabin for the smoke detectors and phone. they also flashing or vibrating alarm clocks and flashing doorbells. Some of these may be of use to you.

[whiterose]

I am late deafened also. Lost my hearing when I was 14 years old in the 70's. I did go to the deaf school for 2 years and was also in a program for deaf people in college and that's where I learned to sign. I am kind of stuck between both worlds because although I sign, I sign exactly the way I am writing here. People who are deaf from birth use American sign language which is more of a descriptive language than straight English. I sometimes have trouble understanding what they say and vice versa. and although I do read lips pretty well and speak perfectly it is still hard to lip read a person you have never met. It's very hard to lip read crew members because they all come from so many different countries and have accents.

 

Carnival does do a great job with the interpreters. they have a crew member (usually in the entertainment staff) that handles any requests we have. Tomorrow on our cruise they will also have a private muster drill for our group in the Library and then a meeting with the interpreters so we can plan out the day's activities, etc.

 

Whiterose, even though you do not need an interpreter, you should inform carnival that you are deaf and they can try to accommodate you in some ways. they will provide you with flashing lights for your cabin for the smoke detectors and phone. they also flashing or vibrating alarm clocks and flashing doorbells. Some of these may be of use to you.

 

Thanks for the information. Princess has provided some equipment but I guess what I really want is something noone can provide - easy communication with other passengers. You are right when you say some people avoid deaf people but I think it's from fear - fear that they (the hearing person) will not be able to communicate effectively. My cochlear implant helps a great deal but it's not like normal hearing. I know some of the other passengers think I'm rude or unfriendly when actually I simply did not hear what they said.

 

But I love being on a ship and will keep on cruising as long as I can :o)

[Deaf Dude]

Thanks for the information. Princess has provided some equipment but I guess what I really want is something noone can provide - easy communication with other passengers. You are right when you say some people avoid deaf people but I think it's from fear - fear that they (the hearing person) will not be able to communicate effectively. My cochlear implant helps a great deal but it's not like normal hearing. I know some of the other passengers think I'm rude or unfriendly when actually I simply did not hear what they said.

 

But I love being on a ship and will keep on cruising as long as I can :o)

 

I have the implant also but it is not much help. They supposedly work better when implanted soon after losing your hearing, but the first one didn't come out until 20 years after I lost mine. I received mine in 2000 which was 27 years after I lost my hearing. I do "hear" with it but can not understand people when they talk. If you have seen any of the Charlie brown cartoon on tv none of the adults talk. they just go wawaaawaaa. that's why I hear when people speak. Funny thing is Music sounds pretty good although I can't understand t he lyrics. This works out great on Carnival ships that have the "ticket ti ride" show in the lounge. this s a Beatles shows so I remember most of the songs from before I lost my hearing. I can actually follow along on most of them.

[blondietink]

My son uses a phonic ear while in school ... it helps to hear voices and cuts out the background noise. It's also not very expensive. I know if someone asked me to wear the amplifier, I would be glad to just to be able to talk with somebody who is hearing impaired and make them feel part of the activity. Do the cruise lines have phonic ears that they can give to the entertainers?

[whiterose]

My son uses a phonic ear while in school ... it helps to hear voices and cuts out the background noise. It's also not very expensive. I know if someone asked me to wear the amplifier, I would be glad to just to be able to talk with somebody who is hearing impaired and make them feel part of the activity. Do the cruise lines have phonic ears that they can give to the entertainers?

 

Yes Princess and Holland American have listening systems in the show lounges and you can borrow a headset or, in my case, a receiver that patches into my cochlear implant. I always request this in advance and it really upsets me that they do not advertise these systems or even have signs telling hard of hearing passengers that they are available. I've decided they would prefer not to have the bother of handing them out and helping people use them. Sometimes they are very staticky but when they work properly they are wonderful and enable me to enjoy the shows.

[bdstrom]

I just met a guy last night that went on a cruise with CCL last year. He went to Key West and CCL refused to provide an interpreter. So he went without an interpreter and was frustrated with safety procedure he had to go through. He could not understand a thing.

 

Then he went back to the ship and explained the situation, and then CCL actually.... agreed to provided an interpreter for his shore excursion in Cozumel!

 

That is close to an excellent customer service! Very understanding and accommodating. The folks on our cruise, the Inspiration, was just plain rude and ignorant and I am hoping this was just one-time thing.

 

Whiterose said it all really well in one of her posts... Interpreters are NOT a personal aide. They are equivalent to ramps that provides access to building.

[spookwife]

I just met a guy last night that went on a cruise with CCL last year. He went to Key West and CCL refused to provide an interpreter. So he went without an interpreter and was frustrated with safety procedure he had to go through. He could not understand a thing.

 

 

what about those who take a tour that is NOT in their Native tongue? not everybody speaks American or the Queen's English fluently enough to properly understand everything that is beings aid sometimes, especially WRT safety precautions or technical details. and that doesn't even factor in the accent of those non native speakers who are narrating/giving instruction in English.

 

fer instance, when we lived in Japan we went to Tokyo Disney. the Castle is a walk through 'show' conducted entirely in Japanese. if I had wanted to understand what was being said, it was my responsibility to rent one of the translation devices that Disney provides.

 

ASL is a different language as far as I am concerned. as such, if you want to enjoy a tour off the ship, be prepared to endure the cost involved to provide a translator.

[blondietink]

Yes, many colleges now have sign language as a foreign language course that you can get credit for.

[whiterose]

spookwife - A sign language interpreter is not the same as a foreign language interpreter. Deaf people cannot learn how to hear no matter how hard we try. It's like telling someone who is paralysed that they should just try harder to walk. Taking a tour conducted in a foreign language is your choice. You could take lessons in Japanese if you wanted to understand the tour guide. Deaf people don't get to choose - we are deaf no matter what - we can't take lessons in how to hear. We have a serious disability.

[whiterose]

spookwife - I calmed down and read your post again. If interpreters cost the same as renting a translation of the tour guide's talk then it might be an option. They would also have to be "sitting on the shelf" ready for rental at a moment's notice. But that's not how it works.

 

Why do you think it's wrong for the cruise company to provide interpreters?

[spookwife]

because it is not the cruise line's responsibility to provide assistance for something they themselves do not run/handle. making sure one is available for on board entertainment? absolutely.

 

but for shore excursions? nope, why should they eat the cost of the ticket necessary that the interpreter is taking up. like I said if you want to understand what's going on, then provide your own resource.

 

you can't hear. i can't walk. if I want to partake in something off the ship, then it is MY responsibility to obtain the necessary equipment required and to not assume nor expect or demand that anyone else do so free of charge.

[bdstrom]

Ok, I am the OP of this thread.

 

We received an excellent service on the Legend last November. The folks on the Legend was very understanding and even became our advocate when handling shore excursion issues.

 

Completely opposite from what we went through when we sailed on the Inspiration.

 

Case closed.