Accessibility

Individual respondents highlighted a number of current issues or made specific suggestions for how services could be made more accessible going forward. A number of these related to embarkation and disembarkation, and included having more, bigger and better lifts on vessels, ensuring that the onboard parking for disabled passengers allows for easy access to the lifts and priority boarding for passengers who need to use the lift due to disabilities.

However, respondents were most likely to raise issues relating to the onboard accommodation including that the pods are not suitable for disabled, older or pregnant passengers, and those travelling with children.

Respondents noted the importance of staff being trained on equality and diversity issues, including in relation to all disabilities. There was an associated suggestion that staff should be encouraged to take a proactive approach, offering help rather than waiting to be asked