Guests with Disabilities

* Wheelchairs Access

Due to the configuration design of the ship and width of doorways , wheelchairs should be collapsible and not wider than 22 inches, for accessibility to all elevators and public restrooms. Upon request, 22 inch wide wheelchairs can be provided for use on board. Individuals  100% confined to a wheelchair will have limited access to some areas aboard ship.

Wheelchair accessible public restrooms are located throughout our ship.

For those passengers requiring boarding assistance, Discovery will provide Wheelchairs for the embarkation and debarkation of guests arriving at both Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) and Freeport (Bahamas).
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* On Island Transfers

Mini Vans are available to transport passengers from the ship in Grand Bahama. However, should you wish to arrange transportation designed to accommodate wheelchairs, please be advised that such transportation is not readily available on island, and we suggest that you arrange this well prior to arrival by calling Expert Travel at 1-242-351-4004 or experttravel@batelnet.bs. Discovery does not own, control or manage the transportation service in Grand Bahama Island. All transportation and other accommodations are governed by and / or operated under Bahamian Law.
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* Ship Transfer / Shore Excursions

Discovery will make every effort to work with you to help you identify shore excursions to meet your needs. Information on shore options is available onboard on your cruise to Grand Bahama Island. However, please note that transportation by wheelchair accessible van is not available.  Discovery does not own, control or manage any shore excursion or other accommodation in Grand Bahama.  You should know that all shore excursions, tours, transportation, lodging and other accommodations are governed by and / or operated under Bahamian Law.
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* Deaf / Hard of Hearing

Limited number of cabins with emergency alarm available.
Written information available upon boarding.
Closed Captioned TV available in designated area.

Passengers may bring their own ADA certified sign language interpreter. Discovery will provide a complimentary passenger ticket to the ADA certified sign language interpreter. Complimentary passage excludes cabins and other optional amenities and is subject to all Discovery terms and conditions for travel.
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* Blind and Low Vision

Large print literature can be provided with advance arrangements.

Elevators are equipped with an audio deck indicator.
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* Service Animals

Discovery DOES permit passengers to travel on board with specially trained service animal (i.e., seeing eye and hearing–ear dogs). 

Passengers with service animals who wish to disembark in Grand Bahama should contact the nearest Bahamian Consulate  regarding admission of service animals.

* Diabetes/ Medicine storage 

Our infirmary on board will assist in storing medication. You may also bring a small hand held cooler to store medication and we will provide you with ice if necessary.
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* Dietary Needs

Vegetarian passengers will find a variety of foods at our buffet to your advantage. For breakfast we serve hot and cold cereals, fruit and assorted breads and sweet rolls. On our lunch and dinner buffet we serve an assortment of fruit and salads, hot and cold vegetables and pasta dishes.

If you have food allergies, please advise the dining room manager onboard. 
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* Oxygen

Passengers may bring portable oxygen tanks and breathing apparatus on board. Prior notification needs to be made to our reservations department so that arrangements can be made.  PLEASE NOTE: LIQUID OXYGEN IS NOT PERMITTED ON BOARD.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BAHAMAS, AS AN independent NATION, IS NOT REQUIRED TO MEET ADA STANDARDS AND THEREFORE WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT SHORE EXCURSIONS, hotels, restaurants, stores and transportation ON ISLAND WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS

* Discovery will make reasonable efforts to accommodate our passengers with special needs - in order that we may ensure that your trip is a pleasant experience we ask that you call us at least 30 days in advance to notify us of your specific needs.
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* Check-in Travel Tips

• If you require assistance at the seaport, contact Discovery Cruise Line or your travel agent to make arrangements.
   
• If you would like a companion or assistant to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach the gangway, speak with a Discovery Cruise Line representative (Supervisor) about obtaining a gate pass for your companion before proceeding to the security checkpoint.
   
• The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids and/or assistive devices.
   
• Make sure all your carry-on items, equipment, devices, etc., have an identification tag attached.
   
• Mobility aids and assistive devices permitted through the security checkpoint include: wheelchairs, scooters, canes, walkers, crutches, prosthetic devices, body braces, augmentation and communication devices (e.g. Braille note takers, slate and stylus), certified service dogs.
   
• Don’t hesitate to ask a screener for assistance with your mobility aid and carry-on items as you proceed through the security checkpoint.
   
• If you have a hearing disability and the screening process is unclear to you, ask the screener to write the information down or look directly at you and repeat the information slowly.
   
• If you have a visual disability, ask the screener to verbally communicate to you throughout each step of the screening process
   
• Crutches, canes and walkers will need to go through the X-ray machine.
   
• The screener will perform a hand inspection of your equipment if it cannot fit through the X-ray machine.
   
• Once devices have been screened, screeners will hand back your device to you in such a manner that helps you proceed without difficulty.
   
• It is recommended that persons using a dog for assistance carry appropriate identification. Identification may include:
  • Cards or documentation
  • Presence of a harness or markings on the harness
  • tags or other credible assurance of the passenger using the dog for assistance
     
• Advise the screener how you and your dog can go through the metal detector as a team (i.e. whether walking together or with the dog walking in front of or behind you) while you continually maintain control of the dog with the leash and/or harness.
   

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BAHAMAS, AS AN independent NATION, IS NOT REQUIRED TO MEET ADA STANDARDS AND THEREFORE WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT SHORE EXCURSIONS, hotels, restaurants, stores and transportation ON ISLAND WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS

* Discovery will make reasonable efforts to accommodate our passengers with special needs - in order that we may ensure that your trip is a pleasant experience we ask that you call us at least 30 days in advance to notify us of your specific needs.