*Aruba: There are several hotels and other properties on Aruba that offer facilities that are convenient for those with physical disabilities. Also, the island's Queen Beatrix International Airport meets all the requirements of the ADA and has fully-equipped facilities and trained professionals on staff.

At the Airport
Navigating an international airport can be hectic and more than a little stressful, particularly for those with physical handicaps. To make the process smoother there are a few things that disabled travelers should consider before they arrive at the airport.

*Medical Certificates: Just because a traveler is disabled doesn't mean that the airline will request a medical certificate, but if there is concern whether or not the passenger can complete the flight without extra medical assistance airline officials may ask for medical documentation.

*Airport Accessibility: Some of the smaller airports in the Caribbean may not have the same facilities for physically disabled travelers as in the larger airports in the United States. Vacationers are advised to contact every airport on the itinerary to inquire about the type of facilities that are offered.

*Security Screening: Passengers with disabilities will have to pass through the same security screenings as other passengers, which may be made more difficult by a wheelchair or other mobility aid. Keep in mind that this may slow down the boarding process, so travelers might want to arrive at the airport a little earlier.

*Boarding the plane: Many of the Caribbean airports are small and airplane passengers often have to take stairs to reach the tarmac. Some airplanes are equipped with lifts that lower disabled passengers to the tarmac with the assistance of an airline employee.

Cruises
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many cruise lines are providing more accessible facilities on cruise ships. More and more cruise ships are featuring cabins with wider doorways and flat thresholds, as well as wheel-in showers, on-board ramps, elevators, and activities that are easily accessible for guests with physical handicaps. Also, by taking a cruise instead of flying, travelers with disabilities won't have to worry about the hassle of getting on to and off of the plane. One of the best cruise lines for passengers with disabilities is Princess Cruise Lines, which has been designing ships that have cabins that are wheelchair-friendly since 1984. Carnival, Holland America, and Crystal are other options that have cabins specially for disabled passengers, as well as handicap-accessible public areas. These cruise lines also have ships with facilities like hydraulic lifts to get in and out of the pool and casinos with wheelchair-approachable slot machines.