Princess Cruises memorializes access advocate Jan Tuck

Tuck was compassionate yet determined as manager, access compliance, easing the way for thousands of travelers with disabilities to vacation aboard the Love Boats.

Profound impact

According to an internal tribute provided by Princess, 'Jan had a profound impact on our guests and on us all, serving as a role model and mentor to countless teammates both aboard and ashore. She was the one and only, and will be greatly missed.'

Besides making 'invaluable contributions to our company and to our guests,' her efforts reached far beyond Princess.

As an Access Board member Jan Tuck, third from left, met with President George W. Bush, left, in the White House Oval Office in July 2005 for the signing of a presidential proclamation to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Also on hand were former President George H.W. Bush, fourth from left, along with representatives of other disability-advocacy organizations

Tuck was appointed by President George W. Bush to the US Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (aka the Access Board) in 2002, serving as chair twice during her four-year term. She also represented the cruise industry on the Passenger Vessels Access Advisory Committee, helping draft ground-breaking guidelines for ship design, construction and alterations.

Tuck shared her expertise and experience as a member of the architectural barriers working group of the International Council of Cruise Lines (now merged with Cruise Lines International Association) and the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality’s board for the World Congress for Persons with Disabilities. In addition, she served on the American Society of Travel Advisors Committee for Travelers With Disabilities.

Princess Cruises President’s Award

For these and other accomplishments, Tuck received the Princess Cruises President’s Award in 2018.

Former Holland America Group President Jan Swartz, now EVP strategic operations for Carnival Corp. & plc, worked with Tuck on a variety of access-related initiatives.

'Jan Tuck served our guests at Princess Cruises for decades with extraordinary care. She also provided invaluable input and advice on accessibility in everything from ship to shore excursion design. She will long be remembered and appreciated for her countless important contributions,' Swartz said.

Natural influencer

Longtime colleague Karen Reich, VP risk management for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn, considered Tuck an advocate for inclusive cruising and a natural influencer who helped her teammates adapt their thinking to include an awareness of how ship design and activities could work for everyone.

'She had a great passion to ensure that all people could enjoy a cruise experience, regardless of physical or mental challenges,' Reich said. 'She found ways to work with the ships and with shoreside departments so we could say "yes" to a guest with special needs, ensuring they and their families could enjoy a cruise vacation.'