Sometimes it is difficult for Bob Bannister to get around. But when he’s on a cruise ship, he can see new parts of the world, meet new people and wheel anywhere he wants to go.
“He goes from morning to night,” Mary Roy, Bannister’s sister and travel companion, said. “He doesn’t stop.”
In 1985, Bannister was involved in a car accident that left him in a wheelchair. Cruising, and planning cruises, allows him to feel free, she said.
“He can just take off and roll over anywhere he wants to go,” Mary said.
Bannister has been on three cruises since February 2007.
At left, Roy (right) and Bannister (centre) meet the ship’s captain, Bill Wright
“I just like to go travelling,” he said. Having tried ground tours without as much success, Bannister has already booked two more cruises through his travel consultant, Janis Quenville from Sears Travel.
“The cruise lines have an accessibility department,” Quenville explained. “If he has questions or concerns, he has access to that information.”
Quenville said there is plenty for Bannister to do on the ships he travels on. Some pools and hot tubs have lifts so he can get in and out, and there are nightly shows. There is no additional cost for him to travel with his wheelchair.
Roy said it’s important to let your travel agent know what kind of disabilities you or your travelling companions have when planning a trip.
Since Quenville has been working with Bannister and Roy for several trips now, she knows what to look for to ensure he has a good vacation. “Janis knows his needs because he’s used her now for such a long time,” Mary said while Bannister agreed. “He trusts her.”
To ensure Bannister has a good time, Quenville said “we try and make sure the ships are modern and up-to-date.
The newer ships tend to be more accessible. We try and make sure there’s an accessible cabin available for Bob. He likes the balconies.”
I just like to go travelling.
Bob Bannister,
traveller
She also requests photos from cruise companies of the boats. Sometimes bathrooms can be difficult for Bannister to negotiate, but having seen pictures beforehand means there are no surprises for Bannister and Roy when they arrive.
While planning flights to and from cruises, Quenville also has to let flight companies know about his situation. From there, they are able to accommodate him better.
Quenville said with every trip Bannister takes, she learns new things and incorporates them to make his next one even better. “There’s a lot of detail in making sure things are the way they’re supposed to be,” she said.
Before leaving for any trip, Bannister makes sure to pack his special 74 pound travel wheelchair. “It’s light, it’s portable, it folds like a lawn chair and its electric,” Mary said.
If you have an interesting travel story you would like to share with Northern Life, e-mail Jenny Jelen at [email protected] or phone 673-5667 ext. 377.
