Alaska Adventure: Do you want a cruise expedition that you will remember for a long time?

Different strokes for different folks. Who says people with special needs or mobility challenges should not go out on a cruise expedition? Some people rather have a vacation that is a combination of nature sightseeing and some fast pace and high energy activity. In other words an active and sporty breakation into natures playground.

Here is an opportunity to go on a cruise trip and engage yourself in kayaking, fishing and wildlife exploration. You get a chance to have close encounter with whale and other sea wild life. This is an expedition cruise with some physically challenging activities and therefore not for everyone.

People with special needs who prefer these challenges will be accomodated. You are welcome to join in the fun.. If you love to see wild life in Alaska, British Columbia and San Juan Islands Sea wolf Adventure have something for you. Their MV Sea Wolf is an expedition style ship which can accomodate 12 passengers and six crew members.

MV Sea Wolf has made modifications with the help of Mike Passo a paraplegic as one of the technical consultant. The ship’s renovation is not fully ADA compliant since the changes made to an old vessel were more visit-ability enhancement. Making the ship fully ADA compliant is almost an impossible in a retro fit. Mike Passo however gives an assurance that “it is very doable for an adventurer” for those with some mobility challenges. You should also take into consideration that this expedition is very different from a cruise ship both in space and the experience.

Three of the ships staterooms have twin beds. Each of these three rooms can accommodate one wheelchair user. The ship offers accessible bathrooms in which you will find a shower with transfer bench, accessible controls and a hand held showerhead. Wheel chair user can roll alongside the shower and transfer to the 19-inch high bench. These accessible baths also have roll under sinks and toilets with enough room for side transfer.

• Side decks are at minimum 32" wide

• Access doors are 32" wide with a straight in or 90° entry from deck.

• Staterooms have T turns as there is not a 5' radius.

• Heads have a shower that a wheelchair can roll to the side of it and transfer onto a fold down 19" high shower bench. Hand controls are within reach and the shower has a remote wand with on/off switch.

• Wheelchairs can roll to the side of the toilet for transfer

• The toilet is 17"-19" high.

• Sink has a knee space to roll under.
• Public areas have room for maneuvering.

• There are lifts for access into the kayaks and skiffs. One of the skiff that has a wheelchair roll off bow for direct beach access for a suitable chair.

• Wheelchair lifts to each deck suitable for chairs without an extended wheel in front. A transfer chair is available if your chair does not fit.

The rest of the ship is accessible with 32 inches wide passage way to all decks and public areas. Hydraulic lifts makes that possible to all three decks. The lift to the lower deck however can not accommodate large wheelchairs. This is not a big problem since this deck has no public area.

For transfer of wheel chair users on to kayaks for the thrilling experience, crew members will assist with the aid of an overhead sling type lift. The Crew provides detail instructions during kayaking expeditions and offers special assistance for those with special needs. They even have double kayaks which is great for beginners and completely open for easier access and paddling.

Getting into the water is part of the fun of it all. Passengers go in two groups each group ofcourse will have guides to accompany them. They explore the river and take in the beautiful scene and sighting of wildlife. Whale and bears are common to see close up from the kayaks.

This ship does provide access to a skiff. The drop down bow makes the transfer to shore very easy for those on wheel chairs. They are equiped with wheel chair tie downs and fishing rod holders aboard the skiff. Anyone can enjoy fishing in this set up.

The crew has extensive experience cruising the shores and are well prepared to help special needs passengers get onshore. Whether it is rocky sandy or marshy they can take you across to shore to enjoy what nature has in store for you. They carry not only special wheel chair that can manage sand, mud or cobble terrain but also a special roll of plastic abroad the skiff. This plastic roll makes the terrain more manageble for a wheel chair to ply trhrough.

Pasenger with special needs can get to shore and witness the beauty and enjoy the fun.adventure. Depending on the level of mobility and strength crew and staff members can render assistance as needed. Whenever a shore excursion is not possible for some passengers the ship do recommend the skiff or kayak as other alternatives.

If you are interested in this adventure you can contact us, or Kimber @ 907-957-1438 with any questions. Mike Passo is also available for consulttion at mpasso@elakah.com.