Advice for Travel with a Canine Companion – Outta Sight Travel
Outta Sight Travel is unique as the only travel agency whose owner is blind and specializes is serving blind travelers. You have an opportunity to do some pioneering work. What are some of the "firsts" or breakthrough projects you have done?
During the inaugural celebration of the Holland America ship, the MS Zuiderdam, we were invited to a reception and ship inspection while it was in Port Everglades. The ship took pride in its accessibility. Every public area and door featured Braille signage. Gary felt his way around the ship -this is the Windjammer, this is the theatre, this is the "WHAT!?"
The Braille sign on the public restroom just happened to be installed upside down.
We checked other signs, and it occurred several times. We brought it to the attention of our sales manager, Angie West, who relayed the message to the appropriate HAL department. We were asked to go on board the Zuiderdam and sail with her to evaluate the ship and make commentaries. Gary jokes that he worked his fingers to the bone as he read every Braille sign on the ship and we made notations of which ones were inverted. We also worked hand in hand with the Maitre'd and proof read and compared the Braille menus to the print versions.
What do you look for in a cruise ship?
We are very fortunate to be based in Florida where we are within hours of four major cruise ports. We have the opportunity to inspect many ships and assess them for their accessibility. We look for things that many people wouldn't even consider. Many blind or visually impaired people like to sit in the front of the theatres. Some ships only have accessible seating at the rear of the venue. There are brand new, mega liners, owned by major companies that cannot be accessed.
When going on an elevator, we listen for dings for directionality. We check for Braille on the buttons and on the landings. Are there audible messages stating what deck the elevator is at?
Your travel agency has three employees, you, your husband Gary Metzler, and his guide dog, Dr. John (Doc). No offense to the humans on the team, but tell us about Doc. He seems like quite the character!
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