Travelling is an activity that many enjoy, but for people with reduced mobility, it can present additional challenges that require careful planning and confidence that their special needs will be catered for. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as Nico, a fellow IODA Tenerife club member, recently experienced during his crossing from Tenerife to Cadiz.
Nico, who relies on a manual wheelchair, booked his trip with the assurance that he would have an accessible cabin that could accommodate both his disability and his pet. He even had to delay his trip by more than three weeks to ensure these conditions. To make sure everything was in order, he called the company the day before boarding. In that call, he was assured that he would not have to worry about the accessible cabin and that he could take his pet with him. However, when he arrived at the port, the reality was very different from what was promised.
When he asked for his cabin key, he was informed that there was only one pet cabin reserved for him, and he would not be able to access the bathroom with his wheelchair. To his surprise, the accessible cabins were all occupied, according to the crew. Apparently, one of the passengers travelling the next day had to cancel his trip so that Nico could access an accessible cabin. Only as an exception was he allowed to take his pet into this cabin.
However, the cabin he was assigned was far from functional. Not only was the bathroom dirty, but the toilet was broken, resulting in water leaks. In addition, the adapted shower was poorly designed, making the use of the tap uncomfortable and dangerous.
Nico endured these conditions for 54 hours of travel, an experience that no person, let alone one with reduced mobility, should have to face. Despite having made multiple complaints, both by telephone and email, to the company Naviera Armas – Trasmediterránea, he has so far not received an adequate response.
The only positive thing about this experience was the behaviour of the crew, who did their best to accommodate Nico despite the adverse circumstances.
It is essential that companies take accessibility needs seriously and strive to ensure that all passengers have a safe and comfortable journey. This experience has been a bitter lesson, but also a call to action: people with disabilities deserve equal respect and consideration in all areas of life, including their travel experiences.
