By Lauren Hermon
When it comes to new ideas, Robert De Pasquale is all for ‘testing the waters’.
The South Australian disability advocate took a plunge with Wheelie Good Cruises, a service he created for holidaymakers with disabilities looking for “accessible adventures” on cruise ships.
“Going on a cruise is a popular choice of holiday; however, people with disabilities don’t even consider the possibility, believing many ships are unable to cater for their specific needs,” says Robert, who lives with spina bifida.
Robert helps holidaymakers with disabilities embark on accessible cruise adventures
With more than 20 years cruising local and international waters, Robert decided to share his cruise experiences with people in similar situations – whether wheelchair-bound or those who are deaf, blind, and even elderly.
He set up Wheelie Good Cruises, which includes a website and Facebook page, to share his adventures at sea and experiences of holidaying on cruise ships while in a wheelchair.
Robert also connects people with cruise consultants in South Australia, as well as nationally, who can talk through different cruise liner options, including the ship’s accessibility features for people with disabilities.
“Cruising is perfect for people with any disability. You unpack once, see beautiful locations, and the cabins are big enough to manoeuvre around if you’re travelling with a wheelchair like I do,” he says.
While giving people the chance to holiday safely and in comfort is Robert’s main mission, he also relates to people just wanting to “relax and have fun”.
Having a ‘wheelie good’ time onboard the Pacific Jewel last year
“Despite your disability, you can participate in almost any onboard activity and be part of the group,” he says.
“This service really gives people a platform to speak about their cruising experiences, the most accessible cruise liners out there and the types of fun activities you can get involved in without any limitations.”
Among Robert’s most memorable cruising moments is the time he spent on the Isle of Pines a few years ago.
“A little boy from the island came up to me and said, ‘push, push!’ He wanted to push my wheelchair,” Robert laughs.
“He ended up taking my friends and I around the island for three hours. When we returned, I offered to give him $20 to show our appreciation for giving us the opportunity to see things we’d only dream of.”
Robert recalls how the little boy responded with ‘no’ while patting his heart.
“It was a heartwarming moment and a reminder that, regardless of the hurdles you face, you always have to see the bigger picture,” he says.
It’s experiences like these that Robert shares with his network of fellow cruising enthusiasts he has developed over the years via social media.
Wheelie Good Cruises proves people with disabilities can holiday without limitations
From Vanuatu to New Zealand, to cruise adventures a little closer to home in Port Lincoln, the 38-year-old has an impressive itinerary.
He has been aboard cruise ships for nearly each year of his life – a total of 34, to be exact.
Add an 11-night cruise to the Pacific Islands at the end of the year and another upcoming 16-night adventure from Adelaide to New Zealand and that brings it to 36!
But, for Robert, it’s not so much about the destination than it is the voyage.
“Being in a wheelchair since the age of 15 hasn’t stopped me from making the most out of my life – and holidays… and it shouldn’t stop anyone else,” he says.