Cruise vacations offer wonderful opportunities to travel and relax, the perfect blend of adventure and leisure. That said, cruise ships can be complex listening environments for people with hearing loss. If you have hearing loss and you’re planning a cruise in the near future, let’s discuss some tips to make this trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Request Accommodations Ahead of Time
Set up accommodations and aids at the same time you book your vacation. Ask for your cabin to be equipped with visual alert systems for the door, phone and emergency alarms, and try to book early so you can secure a cabin with these features.
Most cruise lines have a dedicated accessibility department that specializes in coordinating accommodations and answering questions. Book your cruise with a line that has one, and make sure you speak to them before you go.
Packing
In addition to clothes and sunscreen, make sure you bring all the hearing equipment you may need. Bring your hearing aids (of course), and pack extra batteries or an extra charger (and if your cruise will be travelling internationally, bring an adapter to fit the outlets). You’ll also want to bring any assistive listening devices you use, your cleaning kit, a hearing aid case, a dehumidifier, hearing aid sleeves or covers (especially if your ship has a pool or you’ll be doing shore visits), a notebook and pen if you use them to communicate and anything else you can think of that might help you hear well.
Introduce Yourself to the Crew
The ship’s crew will be an invaluable resource during your vacation. Introduce yourself to the cabin steward and guest services and communicate your hearing needs with them. Establish plans for emergency situations, confirm your accommodations and check in on other resources you have at your disposal.
Mealtimes
Dining rooms on cruise ships can get loud. They’re crowded, the waitstaff are running to and fro, and there’s often a performer or music in the background. While this dynamic environment is part of what makes cruises exciting, it can make it very difficult for people with hearing loss to hear. Request a table in a quieter area of the dining room, away from the kitchen and other tables. Booths are often preferable, as they create a small alcove in which the outside noise is dampened, enhancing the conversation of your own party.
Enjoying the On-Ship Entertainment
Cruise ships often feature some exciting entertainment, from singers to comedians to magicians. Check with guest services on what listening accommodations are available for the shows. They may have loop systems available, which will transmit sound directly from the entertainer’s microphone to your hearing aids. This ADA-compliant listening accommodation is installed on many cruise lines.
Planning Off-Ship Visits
Shore excursions are one of the most exciting parts of a cruise, as they allow you to experience new ports, cities and food in a beautiful location. Research where your ship will be docking for on-shore excursions well in advance so you can plan ahead for each port. You may be able to make reservations with hearing-friendly tour guides or check if local museums or tourist attractions have loop systems.
Have Fun!
We at Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center want you to have an incredible trip on your cruise. If you need a hearing aid tune-up or cleaning before you go, make sure to make an appointment. Bon Voyage!