Viking Cruises Won’t Take Scooter-User
I really want to go on a Viking river cruise in Europe, but they said they won’t take me because I use a scooter. Why is this allowed in this day and age? What can I do to force them to accommodate me and my scooter.
Unfortunately there’s not much you can do about this. This cruise line is not covered by US law, and it’s really not obligated to take passengers who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices. They are very explicit about this on their website.
Part of the problem is that they use buses that won’t be able to accommodate scooters, and sometimes just getting to the bus can be a problem. The streets are filled with cobblestones, and curb-cuts are not common in the historic sections that these cruises frequent. A recent passenger also told me that their Viking ship pulled up next to another ship in port many times, and passengers had to climb off their ship and cross the other ship in order to reach the dock.
Additionally many of the Viking ships have decks with steps from one level to another, and no elevators on board.
I understand your disappointment, but Viking cruises are just not accessible, and there’s just nothing you can do to compel them to take you. On the plus side, at least they are up front about their lack of access.