I've been working in the cruise industry my entire adult life... nearly 16 years now... and I think it's safe to say, I don't ever remember the industry being as exciting and progressive as it is today.
When I started working with CareVacations a number of years ago, I was asked to develop a program that would be offered to our cruise line partners for sign language interpreter services for Deaf cruise passengers. What seemed like a daunting task at the time turned out to be one of the best learning experiences of my life.
I've always said, I'm not an interpreter, and I don't pretend to have the knowledge of an interpreter. But now, well... I'm still not an interpreter, but I know a whole lot more about the trade, and I've met some of the most amazing and incredible people along the way.
So for the past few days I've spent some time reviewing all the interpreter assignments CareVacations has had the honor and privilege of fulfilling for our cruise line partners and cruise passengers who are Deaf. In 2007, CareVacations serviced 21 individual sailings, 3 Alaskan cruise tours, and two sales meetings; we worked with 42 interpreters, and excitedly began scheduling our 2008 assignments. WOW! What an amazing 2007! Oh, wait... we still had 2008 to look forward to!
In 2008, CareVacations fulfilled 29 sailings, 6 Alaskan cruise tours, we worked with 56 interpreters, and three of the cruise assignments were weddings! These were such special experiences and privileges for everyone involved.
And finally, in 2009, CareVacations fulfilled 37 sailings! Our interpreters worked cruise tours, they worked weddings, they worked with kids, they worked with service dogs, they celebrated holidays on board... they did it all... and it was AWESOME!
Now 2010 is here, we're booking our interpreters out like crazy; we've already scheduled 13 sailings including a wedding and a large group to the South Pacific!
It's been a great ride... it's only getting better, and CareVacations wants to thank everyone for making it happen. Thanks to our cruise line partners, thanks to the passengers, and a special BIG THANK YOU to all our awesome interpreters! It's the interpreters who make the difference!
Why am I telling this story? Because it demonstrates commitment and the evolution of the granting access to cruises for people who are Deaf. The cruise lines have made the commitment to accommodating the needs of Deaf passengers, the interpreters are committed to the quality of life on board, and CareVacations is committed to facilitating the possibilities.
If you're someone who needs an interpreter for your cruise, or you know someone who needs an interpreter, call your cruise line for their specific policies. You can also call us to learn more about where our interpreters will be and how we can help you.
Stay tuned to our blog and watch for our weekly interpreter profile highlights. Get to know CareVacations and get to know the interpreters we love!
Happy Weekend, Y'all!
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