A new Disability Awareness Team for visiting cruise passengers looks set to expand after a successful first season.
The team, operating on the Albert Pier and arrival pontoon, underwent hidden disabilities training at the start of the season in order to better assist visitors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, hearing difficulties and other disabilities.
After a successful trial, VisitGuernsey now plans for all of the cruise meet-and-greet team to complete this specialised training prior to the 2020 season. The possibility of additional dementia training is also being explored.
‘Guernsey is recognised as a leading port of call within Europe and is firmly established on cruise itineraries. However, we are not complacent and are continually looking how to improve the welcome Guernsey gives to this important visitor sector,’ VisitGuernsey marketing manager Wendy Pedder said.
The team also assists elderly or distressed passengers, pregnant women and families with young children and, if appropriate, can organise priority boarding.
Isabel de Menezes, Cruise Pier manager, said: ‘This initiative has been a great success story and has been welcomed by cruise lines and passengers alike.’
