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The Complete Guide to Cruising With a Disability

If you have a disability, then it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the experience of vacationing on a cruise ship. In fact, cruising is a great way to get out and see the world, especially since the cruise lines are extremely conscious about making the accommodations needed for passengers with disabilities.

In fact, given the control that cruise lines have over the building of and the services offered on their ships, it’s hard to beat a cruise when it comes to accessibility. Unlike a resort that could have been built decades ago — before accessibility was a major consideration — cruise ships are relatively modern. That means they can offer ease and comfort not often seen in other venues.

However, we know that having a disability means you have to consider how you’ll perform day-to-day activities that most people take for granted — especially when going into an unfamiliar place like a cruise ship. To help you out, we’ve researched the major cruise lines to bring you everything we can about accessibility issues.

Fortunately, cruising is among the most accommodating ways to travel. Even so, there are some things you should know.

Keep in mind that the information below is general. If you have specific questions not answered, it’s best to contact the cruise line directly. We’ve included contact information at the end of the article.

In This Article...

Getting Around the Ship

As we mentioned above, cruise lines have come a long way in making their ships accessible. Whether it be modified elevators to lowered Guest Services desks, there has been a lot of effort put into making the ships more friendly for passengers with disabilities.

In general, guests in wheelchairs or scooters should have no problem getting nearly everywhere on the ship.

You’ll find that many cruise liners have automatic doorways when accessing public decks — especially in the high-traffic corridors. Ships are also equipped with banks of elevators to get you from deck to deck.

If mobility issues are extremely important to you, then you’ll appreciate Carnival’s page on the topic . This page includes different deck plans that identify all of the accessible routes through each ship, along with cabins and restrooms that are accessible. It also shows how serious cruise lines take accessibility. 

Keep in mind that public areas are also made to accommodate those with disabilities. For example, Royal Caribbean offers lifts for at least one pool and one hot tub on board each ship in its fleet. The cruise line also offers lowered playing tables and slot machines in the casino. Carnival offers pool lifts on a handful of its newest ships. 

Of course, even on the biggest cruise ships space can sometimes be tight. However, in general ships (especially newer ones) are made with mobility issues in mind.

Wheelchairs and Scooters on a Cruise Ship

If you have trouble walking long distances, you may want a wheelchair. The major cruise lines are happy to provide you a chair during boarding and debarking, however, you must bring your own chair or scooter if you’d like one during your entire cruise.

Note: If you’d like a chair or scooter during the cruise but don’t already own one, you can rent one from the following companies:

Scootaround Phone 1-888-441-7575 E-mail: [email protected]

Special Needs at Sea Phone: 800-513-4515 E-mail: [email protected]

One important rule about chairs and scooters is that they should ideally be (or fold) to less than 21″ wide. That limit is so that they can fit within your cabin. Cruise lines don’t allow the devices to be stored in hallways as they impede the walkway, creating a danger in case of emergency. If your device is larger, don’t panic, it’s still allowed. It’s just better if they can be stowed in a smaller space.

Accessible Cabins

Accessible cabins onboard cruise ships are significantly larger than most standard rooms, and filled with features to make getting around easier. For instance, while most cabin doorways are around 23″ wide, accessible rooms have doors that are 32″ wide.

The cruise lines have designed these cabins to be accessible, even in a small space. For example, here are all the features on Royal Caribbean’s ships in its accessible staterooms:

• Available on all ships in a variety of categories • Stateroom and bathroom door width: at least 32 inches • Automatic stateroom doors on Radiance/Quantum-class ships • No stateroom doorway threshold • Lowered closet rods and safes • Lowered sink and vanity • Ramped bathroom doorway thresholds • Roll-in showers with grab bars • Fold-down shower seat and hand-held shower head • Raised toilet seats – most are between 17 to 19 inches high • 5-foot turning radius in sleeping, sitting and bathroom areas • Accessible balconies • Most located near elevators

One thing to keep in mind that the accessible staterooms are limited. For reference, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas (one of its largest ships) has roughly 35 handicapped-accessible cabins. Therefore, if you know you’ll need one of these rooms and aren’t flexible with dates, be sure to book your cruise early for the best selection.

See the video below for a quick video tour of an example accessible cabin.

Ports of Call

It’s likely that your cruise ship can cover just about any special need you might have for any disability. However, ports of call are a different story.

In general, you’ll likely find that most ports of call have at least some difficulties for those with handicaps. From uneven streets to few facilities for those with a disability, many ports of call just aren’t well setup for people with special needs. That’s not to say you can’t go enjoy yourself. It’s just simply more of a challenge than life on the ship.

That’s not the case everywhere, however. Many ports like Cozumel or Costa Maya have large port areas that are designed specifically to cater to cruise ship passengers. In these modern areas, many of the accommodations (e.g. sloped areas for wheelchairs, accessible bathrooms) are available. Once outside of the port area, however, the story is different.

If your cruise is stopping at a cruise line’s private island, then you’re in luck. Think of these islands as extensions of the ship. They are designed with accessibility in mind. This includes everything from beach wheelchairs to smooth pathways to transportation services to get those with mobility issues around the island, as well as accessible facilities. In short, if you have a disability, then booking an excursion with a private island included is a good idea.

Piers/Tender Boats One other thing to consider is how you’ll actually get into a port. Most ports have piers. The ship docks alongside and passengers simply get out and head into port. But a handful of stops like Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay and Belize City use tenders to get to port.

When using a tender, passengers head from the ship onto a small boat to head into port. For those with mobility issues or wheelchairs, this can be more of a challenge, especially if the water is choppy. 

Part of the fun of going on a cruise is getting off the ship in port and going on excursions. Of course, not every excursion is going to be able to cater to disabled guests, but the wide mix of activities mean there is something for everyone.

When looking for excursions, all the cruise lines will have descriptions of the tour and some notes about how strenuous it is for guests. Often they will include a handicap symbol if an excursion is accessible. If not, don’t simply take that to mean it isn’t appropriate for someone in a wheelchair. We’d suggest going to talk with the excursion booking staff once on the ship. They will know firsthand what is available, depending on your mobility.

Service Animals on a Cruise

In most cases, passengers can bring service animals on board the ship, but keep in mind there are a number of restrictions.

First and foremost, a service animal is defined as an animal that is specially trained to help with a disability-related need. The cruise lines go out of their way to clarify that service animals are not pets, nor are they “therapy animals” or even service dogs in training.

Service animals must have proof of all current vaccinations for the cruise line, but that’s not all. In addition, passengers must find out on their own which vaccinations for animals are required for each port country. If they fail to have proof of these shots, then it’s likely the animal won’t be allowed to disembark.

For more details on traveling abroad with a service dog, you can check the USDA’s page on the topic: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

You’ll want to contact your specific cruise line for full details and any particular questions you might have about access to areas of the ship with a service animal. In general, the cruise lines refuse to supply food or provide care to the animal. So if you want to go ashore without the animal, don’t expect them to walk or toilet them in your absence.

If you are traveling with a service dog, you’ll want to get in touch with the cruise line well in advance to alert them of the need. They can walk you through any special requirement or specific questions you might have. Most lines can even offer a “relief area” for the animal to use the restroom on the ship.

Prescriptions on a Cruise

Nothing can make a person feel more uncomfortable than bringing loads of medication through a security checkpoint. There is just something about carrying pills that feels like you are asking for trouble. The good news is that cruise lines, which often cater to older crowds, are used to seeing people bringing medications in large quantities.

The best idea is to bring your prescriptions in their original bottles. That way there is no trouble identifying pills, and your pharmacy contact information is right on the bottle should anyone question the prescription. In practice, medication rarely causes a problem.

It is smart to always carry your medication in your carry-on luggage. If you need access, your prescription will always be right by your side.

Diet Needs & Food Allergies

One of the biggest perks of cruising is the food. Of course, if you have special diet needs, it might also be an area that causes some worry. It shouldn’t.

Today’s cruise lines can be extremely accommodative for your diet needs. For example, Carnival boasts that they can “can provide our guests with the following special dietary needs: vegetarian, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-carbohydrates, low-sugar and gluten free.”

For most diet needs, you don’t even need to alert the cruise line ahead of time. The best thing to do is go to the dining room and let your main dining room waiter know of your needs. They can help answer questions and offer suggestions for meals based on your restrictions. For meals outside of the main dining room, you will have to be vigilant and let the staff know of your needs.

If you have a restrictive diet, it’s a good idea to let the cruise line know at least two weeks before you sail so they can prepare. The good news is that modern cruising can cover just about any restriction you have.

One other thing to note is that you are allowed to bring pre-packaged foods and snacks with you onto the ship. They can’t be homemade and they must be sealed in their original package. 

Hearing Impairment

Cruise lines are especially knowledgeable about helping passengers with hearing difficulties. Most cruise lines offer room kits that include visual/tactile alerts for telephones, alarm clocks and door knocking. In addition, a TTY can be placed within your stateroom that connects with the front desk in order to communicate with guest relations.

Other features for those with hearing issues include:

• Amplified telephones around the ship
• Assistive hearing headsets for use in ship theaters
• Closed-captioned televisions across fleets
• Sign language interpreting services in places like theaters, presentations, and major events. Guests should contact the cruise line well in advance (90+ days in some cases) to ask for this service if required.

Vision Impairment

Today’s modern cruise ships all come equipped with braille signage throughout the ship. This includes elevators and stateroom signs. As well, many cruise lines will offer orientation tours of the ship and large-form menus. If you have a service dog to help you with vision impairment, be sure to see our section above on service animals.

Cruising with Children with Disabilities

If you have a child with disabilities, cruises are a great vacation choice. Not only are there plenty of opportunities to have fun as a family, but there are also opportunities for respite while on your trip.

Major cruise lines have youth programs where children of all abilities are welcome. The cruise lines usually separate the kids by age (since 5-year-olds want to different things than 14-year-olds), however, if a child has special needs, they will group a child by their ability level.

The rule of thumb is that staff can’t provide specialized attention. That means they can’t help a child take medication, feed them, nor can they offer one-on-one supervision under most circumstances. If this is the case, either the parent or helper can stay with a child.

Cruise lines will give parents pagers/phones to give them piece of mind. If a parent is needed, the pager will alert them aboard the ship.

Tips for Cruising with a Disability

Obviously, there’s a lot to consider when cruising with a disability, but the good news is that cruise lines are extremely accommodating. If you want some of our top tips for making your vacation better, consider the following.

Sail Newer Ships All cruise ships will have accommodations designed for those with disabilities. That said, we’d suggest sticking with the newest ships you can. Newer ships will have the latest features (including things like automatic door openers for accessible cabins on some ships), but most of all, new ships can offer more space. Newer ships are built larger than their predecessors, providing more ease of movement throughout.

Book Your Cruise Early While cruise lines go out of their way to offer accessible features, they are limited in the number of accessible cabins on the ship. And once they are gone, they are gone. For that reason, it’s a good idea to book your cruise as early as possible if you need an accessible cabin. This will give you the most options possible for your schedule.

Contact The Cruise Line Soon If you are sailing and have special needs, then it’s a smart idea to call the cruise line as soon as possible to discuss any accommodations you might need. For instance, those needing a sign language interpreter (which are available) need to give 60-90 days notice before they sail. It’s also a good chance to get any questions you might have answered well before you head to the port.

Contacting the Cruise Lines

If you have special needs or a disability that you think requires special consideration, the best thing to do is contact the cruise line well in advance of your sail date. By contacting them, not only can they answer any questions, but they can also prepare accommodations to make your cruise more comfortable.

Depending on which cruise line you sail, we recommend the contacts below.

• Royal Caribbean: [email protected] | 866-592-7225 | Special Needs Form
• Carnival: [email protected] | 800-438-6744, ext. 70025
• Norwegian Cruise Lines:  866-584-9756
• Disney: [email protected] | 407-566-3602
• Celebrity: [email protected] | 954-628-9708
• Princess: 800-774-6237

The following websites can offer more details about the accommodations for specific cruise lines:

Royal Caribbean https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/accessible-cruising

Carnival https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs.aspx

Disney https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/

Norwegian Cruise Lines https://www.ncl.com/about/accessible-cruising

Celebrity https://www.celebritycruises.com/special-needs

Princess https://www.princess.com/learn/faq_answer/pre_cruise/prepare.jsp#Passengers_Special_Needs

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Im an adult who’s disabled.i want to go on a cruise ship for the 1st time I hear the ship has activities that the disabled can do. What are the activities, what us the Ed layout of the room etc. Any advice we’re all ears

It’s actually difficult to list everything here. During the day there are dozens of things that go on — contests, dancing, shows, eating, etc. Apart from a few of the more active items (such as rock-climbing or something similar) just about everything can be enjoyed by anyone.

Holland America on some vessels have scooters or wheelchairs you can rent onboard for uour cruise. I rented on the Noordam this past September. Made excursions into port so much better.

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  ACCESSIBLE STATEROOMS

Our accessible staterooms are designed for guests with mobility disabilities and other disabilities that require the use of the features associated with accessible staterooms. Accessible staterooms range from 159 square feet to 298 square feet, offer a five-foot turning radius in sleeping areas, bathrooms and sitting areas for easy maneuverability. Accessible staterooms are held for people with disabilities until all other non-accessible staterooms in that category are reserved. Upon reserving an accessible stateroom, we require our guests acknowledge the need for the accessible stateroom by completing a Guest Special Needs Form. If a guest is booked in an accessible stateroom and they do not have a mobility disability or other disability that requires the use of the features that are provided in the accessible stateroom, they may be moved at any time to another non-accessible stateroom in order to accommodate a guest with a disability. Please note we investigate and take action on potential misuse of accessible staterooms where there is good cause to believe that such staterooms have been booked fraudulently.

ACCESSIBLE STATEROOMS

Our accessible staterooms are designed for guests with mobility disabilities and other disabilities that require the use of the features associated with accessible staterooms. Accessible staterooms range from 159 square feet to 298 square feet, offer a five-foot turning radius in sleeping areas, bathrooms and sitting areas for easy maneuverability. Accessible staterooms are held for people with disabilities until all other non-accessible staterooms in that category are reserved. Upon reserving an accessible stateroom, we require our guests acknowledge the need for the accessible stateroom by completing a Guest Special Needs Form. . If a guest is booked in an accessible stateroom and they do not have a mobility disability or other disability that requires the use of the features that are provided in the accessible stateroom, they may be moved at any time to another non-accessible stateroom in order to accommodate a guest with a disability. Please note we investigate and take action on potential misuse of accessible staterooms where there is good cause to believe that such staterooms have been booked fraudulently.

We encourage you notify us of your needs at the time of booking, to guarantee availability of specific equipment or services.

• - 60 days for sign language interpreting
• - 30 days for special needs equipment or services
• - 72 hours if traveling with a group of passengers with disability

LIST OF EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES REQUIRING ADVANCE NOTICE

ACCESSIBLE STATEROOM FEATURES:

• Stateroom door width: 32"-34" (vessel-dependent)

• Bathroom door width: 32"-34" (vessel-dependent)

• No doorsill to get into the stateroom

• Ramped bathroom thresholds

• Bathroom grab bars

• Lowered sink and stateroom vanity

• Roll-in shower bench

• Fold-down shower bench

• Hand-held showerheads

• Lowered closet rods

• Refrigerator in stateroom (upon request)

• Raised toilet seats (most are between 17 to 19 inches high; commode chairs available – please request prior to sailing)

• Accessible balconies (selected staterooms)

• Lowered safes for easy access (not including Majesty of the Seas, where safes are located at Guest Relations)

Please note: Accessible suites have roll-in showers, not bathtubs except on Quantum of the Seas.

RELATED LINKS 

Accessible Shore Excursions Additional Assistance: Shipboard & Offshore Autism & Developmental Disabilites Mobility Disabilites Visual & Hearing Disabilites Service Animals

MORE INFORMATION

Call our Access Department at (866) 592-7225,  or  send an e-mail to [email protected], or have your local travel agent or International Representative contact us. Our fax number is (954) 628-9622.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE

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Guests With Disabilities

• Mobility Disabilities

FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES

At Carnival, we're dedicated to offering a fun and memorable cruise experience to all our guests. Our team of trained crew members provides attentive service and our ships have a variety of accessible features to ensure our guests with disabilities have a relaxing and enjoyable cruise. We are working on additional modifications to our ships and services to further enhance the guest experience. Look for updates to this page periodically for more details.

While we provide attentive service, we do not provide one-on-one personal care assistance, and all guests must be able to provide such care for themselves (e.g., performing personal tasks such as eating, dressing, toileting, bathing, and getting around the ship). Once on board, our crew will not provide any assistance with such personal tasks.

General Access

We've made substantial modifications to our ships, to help make them easier to navigate. Our ships feature accessible elevators at each elevator bank, equipped with both tactile controls within reach of guests who use wheelchairs and audible signals for guests who are blind or have limited vision.

Accessible routes are available throughout most areas of the ship and signs are posted to assist you in locating these pathways. Accessible tables are available in the dining venues of each ship. In addition to the main dining rooms, each ship offers a variety of accessible dining options within Lido Deck casual dining areas and other restaurant venues. 24-hour room service is also available for all our guests. Pool lifts are available on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Pride, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Vista, and Mardi Gras, all of which have a 300 pound weight limit.

For each ship, diagrams of accessible routes, accessible staterooms*, and accessible public restrooms are available below. Use our accessible PDF deck plans to locate accessible rooms, while the interactive deck plans allow you to easily get more details about a particular room, including dimensions, when you search by room number.

* Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, Mardi Gras – Not all staterooms can accommodate scooters. If you are traveling with a scooter on one of these ships, please review your ship’s PDF accessible deck plan and confirm the stateroom you have selected accommodates your needs.

If you need general information about accessibility before you cruise, or have an ADA complaint, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext.70025, or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You can also email us at [email protected] . All post-cruise ADA concerns will be responded to within 30 days. Carnival's designated ADA Responsibility Officer is Clarisa Stollenwerck, Vice President, Guest Operations.

ACCESSIBLE STATEROOMS

Our ships have specially designed staterooms for guests using wheelchairs, or those who have mobility limitations and could benefit from the features of an accessible stateroom. We request our guests to acknowledge the need for the accessible stateroom by completing this Mobility Questionnaire , or one will be sent to you once the reservation has been secured and you have notified Carnival that you, or the person you are securing the stateroom for, requires the accessibility features of the stateroom.

If an accessible stateroom is booked by a guest who does not need the accessibility features in the stateroom, they may at any time be moved to a non-accessible stateroom in order to accommodate a guest with a disability.

We have four classifications of staterooms:

Fully Accessible Cabins (FAC) : These staterooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited mobility or no mobility, who require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive devices. FAC contain accessible elements including turning space, accessible routes throughout the stateroom and an accessible bathroom. Additionally, the bathrooms contain grab bars and shower seats † .

Fully Accessible Cabins – Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA) : These staterooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited or no mobility, who require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive devices. FAC–SSA are a type of FAC that provide an accessible route and clear floor space on only one side of the bed, in staterooms configured to provide only one bed. In a stateroom configured to provide two beds, the clear floor space will be between the beds, with one side of each bed getting an accessible route. Additionally, these staterooms have an accessible bathroom that contains grab bars and shower seats † .

Ambulatory Accessible Cabins (AAC) †† : These staterooms are designed for use by guests with mobility limitations, who do not require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices. For example, AAC are ideal for guests who only use an assistive device (like a cane or a walker) for traversing longer distances, and who may benefit from certain accessible features like grab bars, to assist with balance. Please keep in mind this type of stateroom has a step going into the bathroom and balcony (if applicable).

Standard Cabins †† : These staterooms have an entry doorway measuring approximately 22" (55.9 cm), an 8" (20.3 cm) lip into the cabin bathroom, a 4" (10.2 cm) lip into the shower stall and a 7" (17.8 cm) lip to the balcony (if applicable). If an accessible stateroom is booked by a guest who does not need the accessibility features in the stateroom, they may at any time be moved to a non-accessible stateroom in order to accommodate a guest with a disability.

As with all Carnival reservations, staterooms within each category are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is advisable to reserve the appropriate stateroom in advance. If an accessible stateroom is booked by a guest who does not need the accessibility features in the stateroom, they may at any time be moved to a non-accessible stateroom in order to accommodate a guest with a disability.

† For cabins on Carnival Liberty and Carnival Glory that do not have a shower seat, a shower stool is available on request.

†† Carnival Celebration ® , Carnival Jubilee ™ , Mardi Gras ® – Not all staterooms can accommodate scooters. If you are traveling with a scooter on one of these ships, please review your ship’s PDF accessible deck plan and confirm the stateroom you have selected accommodates your needs.

PERSONAL MOBILITY DEVICES (WHEELCHAIRS/SCOOTERS/SEGWAYS)

We strongly encourage guests to inform us if they are traveling with wheelchairs/scooters at the time of booking, or as soon as the need is known, to ensure they have a stateroom that best accommodates their needs.

Due to safety considerations, mobility devices cannot be stored in corridors or public areas. In order to purchase a standard stateroom † , mobility devices must be able to fit through its 22" (55.9 cm) wide entry doorway, and must fold and collapse so when stored, allows for safe exit from the stateroom. Guests who bring scooters that are larger than 21" (53.34 cm) wide, or travel with multiple scooters in the same stateroom, must purchase a fully accessible stateroom with a wider doorway (32”, 81.3 cm), or rent a smaller scooter appropriately suited for their stateroom. Guests may be required to have their scooters sized at the time of check-in to ensure it fits in the stateroom. Scooters that do not fit in the stateroom will not be allowed on board. Should a guest be unable to make alternate arrangements to rent a smaller scooter or travel without it, he/she will be denied boarding and no compensation will be provided.

If bringing a scooter, please bring one that can collapse or fold so that it may be stored in the closet or underneath the vanity area. Once on board, guests may contact their room steward for assistance.

Only mobility devices operated with gel, dry cell, absorbed glass mat, or lithium-ion batteries will be allowed on board. Batteries must be charged in the guest's stateroom and for this reason, we recommend guests travel with a scooter that has removable batteries.

Guests must drive at a safe speed to ensure their own safety and the safety of others on board. Raised door thresholds are present throughout the ship, which need to be traversed with care. Careful attention must be paid when backing in and out of elevators as they are often in close proximity to the staircase and may be narrow and difficult to navigate.

Mobility devices cannot be left unattended in any venue area unless the guest is temporarily away attending an event and, the device is parked in an area that allows all guests safe exit from the venue. When in public areas, guests must maintain their device clear of any exits or fire doors and ensure it does not obstruct any fire or safety equipment.

Guests bringing a Segway must store it in their stateroom for use at ports of call only.

RENTAL SERVICES

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

North America Departures: For transportation from the airport to the cruise port, a hydraulic lift transfer is available for guests with mobility limitations. This service must be requested in advance. Hydraulic lifts have a maximum weight limit of 500 pounds (226 kg), including wheelchair/scooter and guest. Standard airport transfer charges apply; there is no additional cost for the lift. If you require this service, please let us know no later than 14 days prior to sailing. After booking your cruise, you can reserve your hydraulic lift transfer online, by accessing the Manage My Cruise page or by calling the Guest Services Contact Center at 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025 or 1800-072-670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia.

• Barcelona: +34 606-289-559
• Lisbon (Portugal): +351 917 630 855
• London (Dover): +44 798-988-1258
• Rome (Civitavecchia): +39 064-202-0498

WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE

Each terminal has a limited supply of wheelchairs used to transport guests on and off the ship, so we are unable to loan you our wheelchairs for the duration of the cruise. If you need wheelchair assistance for boarding the ship, please contact one of our representatives once you arrive at the cruise terminal. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For assistance with debarkation, instructions on where to meet will be provided the last evening of your cruise.

Please note, all wheelchairs have a maximum guest weight limit of 325 pounds. For safety reasons, we are unable to provide wheelchair assistance to those who exceed the maximum weight limit and we reserve the right to deny assistance if the weight presents operational or safety concerns.

GOING ASHORE

Carnival is committed to accommodating its guests with disabilities so they can fully, yet safely, enjoy the ports of call. Guests wishing to disembark the vessel on their mobility device must be able to safely navigate the angle of the gangway while the ship is docked in port.

At certain ports of call, water shuttles are required to transport guests between the ship and shore. Whether guests with mobility limitations can board a water shuttle is subject to numerous factors, including weather and tidal conditions, which may affect the transfer from one moving vessel to another. Also, facilities in ports vary and, therefore, certain water shuttles may not be accessible to individuals using wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. While the sea and wind conditions may be acceptable to safely board the water shuttle, fluctuations in the weather may make re-boarding to return to the ship dangerous. The final determination of whether any guest may board a water shuttle is made by the captain. Safety restrictions prohibit crew from carrying individuals on or off water shuttles.

In the event you are unable to go ashore, our shipboard team will have activities and entertainment for you to enjoy.

Ports Requiring Water Shuttles

* Limited availability of accessible water shuttles

** No accessible water shuttles available

*** Water shuttles sometimes required; varies by sailing. Based on local availability, accessible water shuttles may not be available.

If you require additional information or need assistance to ensure you have the best accommodations for your needs, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext.70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You can also email us at [email protected] . All post-cruise ADA concerns will be responded to within 30 days. Carnival's designated ADA Responsibility Officer is Clarisa Stollenwerck, Vice President, Guest Operations.

Carnival makes available to all guests who require them a visual-tactile, cabin alert system that notifies room occupants of a door knock, a telephone call, the alarm clock, or a smoke-detection event. A TTY (teletypewriter) is also available to communicate with Guest Services, 24 hours a day.

A safety briefing video with open captions is televised in all staterooms throughout the cruise. Carnival-created TV content has closed captions. Additionally, when available through our service provider, closed captions are offered for certain in-stateroom TV programs and movies. Should you require closed captioning for our outdoor movies, please contact our Guest Services team once on board. Other important information can be found in the Fun Times (our daily newsletter).

Assistive listening headsets are available to amplify the sounds of live, onboard performances in our main show room. You may request them at Guest Services once on board.

Deaf or hard of hearing guests who use sign language as their primary means of communication may request a sign language interpreter. Sign language interpreters can be requested, on a shared basis, for cruises departing from and returning to a U.S port for the purpose of interpreting our main production shows, port and shopping presentations, and other major organized activities.

Please inform the Guest Access Department at the time of booking, or at your earliest possible convenience, if you need a sign language interpreter. A form will be sent to you, which must be completed and returned to us for the request to be processed. We will always make reasonable efforts to obtain a sign language interpreter at the time of the request. Since interpreters are subject to availability, a 60-day notice is strongly encouraged whenever possible. We are unable to take requests for a specific interpreter.

If you need general information about accessibility before you cruise, or have an ADA complaint, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext.70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You can also email us at [email protected] . All post-cruise ADA concerns will be responded to within 30 days. Carnival's designated ADA Responsibility Officer is Clarisa Stollenwerck, Vice President, Guest Operations.

Braille signage, indicating stateroom numbers and public room names, is available on board our ships. The only Braille format document available, absent advance request, is our in-cabin 'Good to Know' Information Sheet.

Large print format is available for our daily newsletter (the Carnival Fun Times), dining room menus, and shore excursion information. We ask that you request large-print items prior to sailing, so we can have them ready for you upon arrival. Please send your request to [email protected] or you may call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. We also provide an audible format of our Carnival Fun Times. Additional requests for large print information or alternate formats may be made at the Guest Services desk, once on board; however, there may be a delay if not requested prior to sailing.

Dining rooms menus can be provided in an electronic PDF file, readable via screen-reading software. Our dining team will also be happy to review the menu with you in detail. You can also access information directly on your phone via the Carnival HubApp.

If you need assistance with the safety briefing or require an orientation of the ship’s layout, please contact Guest Services once on board. While we provide attentive service, we do not provide sighted guide services throughout your cruise.

Service dogs are welcome on board. For specific details and requirements, please click on the Service Dogs tab.

If you need general information about accessibility before you cruise, or have an ADA complaint, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You can also email us at [email protected] . All post-cruise ADA concerns will be responded to within 30 days. Carnival's designated ADA Responsibility Officer is Clarisa Stollenwerck, Vice President, Guest Operations.

Carnival works with parents or guardians to include children within the designated age ranges in the available youth programs. Each child's needs are assessed, on a case-by-case basis, to determine how she or he can be accommodated and integrated in the program to have a fully and equally enjoyable experience. Youth Programs rules and regulations still apply to all children, in terms of age policy, illness, hours of operation and acceptable conduct (unruly behavior) while in the program.

In order to participate in Carnival Youth Program activities, the parent/guardian will need to register their child for the program. When registering the child, the staff will work with the parents to determine what special assistance will help aid the Youth Staff in how to best serve the child while participating in the activities. Parents/guardians may choose to have their child move down one age group as an accommodation. No child who is 18 years or older can participate in Youth Programs. Carnival does not provide one-on-one attention, but the parent or assigned helper may stay and participate in the activities with the child.

Staff members are not to change diapers of children who are older than 5 years old and/or exceeding the diaper weight requirement due to the diaper changing table procedure and safety of child. Due to safety concerns, staff, and crew, cannot lift or carry guests.

Medical care consent is required to participate in youth programs. In the event your child requires regular medication while attending a Youth Programs activity, a parent/guardian must return to administer that medication. The Youth Staff will not administer any medication and/or needles to child participating in a Youth Programs activity, with the exception of epi-pens. Only epi-pens, self-using inhalers, self-administered diabetic testing equipment, self-administered insulin and glucose tablets are permitted in Youth Programs.

Supervised lunch with Youth Staff is scheduled for children ages 2-11, during port days only. Supervised dinner with Youth Staff is scheduled nightly (except embarkation night) for children ages 2-11. Since the Youth Staff is not able to provide one-on-one assistance, children will need to be able to feed themselves. In the event a child needs to be fed, the adult responsible for the child may remain with him/her during dinner or bring the child to activities following the dinner service. Special diets cannot be accommodated for meals served in Youth Programs. Kid’s menus are subject to change based on availability.

Carnival is the first cruise line to be certified “sensory inclusive” by KultureCity ® , a leading nonprofit for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities (such as Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, PTSD, etc.). If a child with a sensory or cognitive need is cruising, you can meet with Guest Services to discuss any special accommodations. Youth Staff have different resources on hand to help soothe, calm and entertain children participating in our Youth Programs, such as weighted vests, conversation cards, sensory games and other aids.

“WE DEDICATE THIS TO ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE.”

KULTURECITY AWARDED CARNIVAL

THE 2022 HUMAN HIGHLIGHT AWARD

FIND OUT MORE

Carnival is the first cruise line to be certified "sensory inclusive" by KultureCity , a leading nonprofit dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities.

All of Carnival’s guest-facing crew have been trained to understand and help guests with sensory/cognitive needs. The Guest Services and Youth Staff are ready to assist adults, youth and children with sensory-related questions or issues relating to conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, PTSD, etc. KultureCity Sensory Bags can be checked out for the duration of the cruise (on a complimentary and first-come, first-served basis) by visiting Guest Services or one of our Youth programs. Each bag contains items to help calm, relax and manage sensory overload, and include comfortable noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, a visual feeling thermometer, and a KultureCity VIP lanyard, to help the staff easily identify a guest.

These measures have been proven to be helpful to guests in a variety of venues including stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, and now Carnival ships!

Informational videos designed to create greater awareness among all guests, and featuring actor Christopher Gorham, a member of the KultureCity board of directors, are playing in our in-stateroom televisions.

If a guest with a sensory or cognitive need is cruising, the family should meet with Guest Services once they are on board to discuss any special accommodations, including a private safety briefing.

Youth staff has different resources on-hand to help soothe, calm and entertain children participating in our youth programs: such as weighted vests, conversation cards, sensory games, and other aids.

Carnival Cruise Line and KultureCity share a heartfelt commitment to acceptance and inclusivity. Working together, all guests can be the truest versions of themselves onboard a Carnival cruise ship.

MEDICAL CARE

In the event a guest requires medical attention while on board, our ships have medical facilities and staff to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  In case of a serious medical emergency, where more comprehensive facilities are required, guests are referred to shoreside medical facilities. Our Medical Center cannot supply or refill prescriptions.

We strongly encourage guests to carry a copy of their medical records (e.g., a list of medical conditions, allergies, names, and medication dosages as well as the name and contact information of their physician).

For guests who are traveling with injectable medication and need a Sharps disposal container, please contact the Medical Center or the onboard Housekeeping staff. Some ships have staterooms equipped with mini-bars designed to maintain the temperature of beverages. Mini-bars are not to be used to store medications that have specific temperature requirements. Portable medi-coolers are available in limited quantities, and on a first-come, first-served basis with a refundable rental deposit required. If a cooler is not available, our Medical Center can assist guests with refrigeration needs (accessible during operating hours of the Medical Center only) or you may bring your own personal-size cooler for this purpose. Ships equipped with mini-bars are:

There are significant risks associated with undergoing dialysis during a cruise. Guests should be aware that our ships do not have kidney specialists or dialysis equipment and supplies available on board and our medical staff are not trained to perform dialysis.

We highly recommend that guests have been stable on their home dialysis treatments for a period of at least 12 months prior to sailing.

Considerations prior to cruising

Guests requiring peritoneal or hemodialysis, travel on our ships at their own risk. Guests traveling while on dialysis should consult with their nephrologist and provide them a copy of our risk acknowledgement letter prior to making any travel arrangements.

The ship does not carry a nephrologist onboard and timely availability of this specialty may be severely limited during the port visits. Any necessary medical care required by a specialist nephrologist will not be available while the ship is at sea.

Ships do not have back-up battery support for dialysis related equipment. In the event of a power outage on board, dialysis equipment requiring electricity may not be functional.

The risks to the guest who misses a scheduled dialysis treatment are very serious. The guest assumes additional risks when a ship is unable to make a scheduled port of call for operational reasons.

Among the many recognized risks dialysis patients may experience include pericarditis, cardiac tamponade, congestive heart failure, anemia, hemorrhage and death. Risks associated with peritoneal dialysis include infection, obstruction of the catheter, hemoperitoneum and metabolic complications. Recognized risks associated with hemodialysis include low blood pressure, bleeding, infection, clotting of the vascular access, and seizures.

Guests should be aware that charges apply for treatment in the ship’s medical center, which must be paid before disembarkation. An itemized bill will be provided which can be submitted to the guest’s travel or health insurance. Typically, standard trip travel interruption insurance does not cover medical costs.

We strongly suggest that guests contact their own health insurance to determine their benefits for medical providers outside of the United States, as well as available air-ambulance and repatriation benefits. Travelers are advised to purchase travel health insurance with defined out-of-country treatment and repatriation benefits, even if this coverage might be redundant.

Arrangements

Guests are expected to make all arrangements regarding dialysis, whether self-administered on board or at a shore side facility, and therefore take full responsibility for their arrangements, equipment and supplies.

For security reasons, the Guest Access Department must be advised of the type of supplies the guest is taking to the ship, the quantities of each, and the name of the medical/vendor supply company the guest will be using to transport supplies, no later than two weeks prior to sailing, in order for the ship’s security access systems to be updated. If a guest will be bringing their own supplies, it is important that they be hand-carried. Guests should not pack these supplies with their checked-in luggage.

The electrical outlets on all the ships are compatible with U.S. household standards: 110 volts/60 cycles, while our Australia-based ships offer one 230 volt/50 cycle powerpoint per cabin. If there are specific requirements for machinery (such as water intake), these must be communicated to the Guest Access Department as soon as possible. Medical waste receptacles can be provided for disposal of bio-hazardous waste.

Prior to the ship sailing, the guest must verify that all supplies and equipment are on board the ship and any equipment is fully functional in the stateroom. Failure to do so will prevent the guest from sailing. In the case of certain medical complications that cannot be treated onboard, you may be required to be disembarked to a medical facility ashore. The patient will be responsible for all medical expenses both on board and ashore.

If, after considering this information, a guest plans to sail with us while undergoing dialysis, they must send a fit to sail clearance letter from their nephrologist and a signed risk acknowledgement letter by e-mail to [email protected] . Failure to submit this form, along with the fit to sail letter from their nephrologist, 5 weeks prior to sailing will result in full cancellation with penalties.

The Medical Center is equipped with oxygen for emergency use ONLY. If you require the use of oxygen during your cruise, you must arrange for an adequate supply to be delivered to the ship on your sailing date. Please contact Guest Services once on board for proper storage of your oxygen. Guests are responsible for the pickup and delivery of their own oxygen. Please have your medical supply company contact us, otherwise port clearance may not be granted.

If you choose to bring your own personal supply of oxygen, you must hand carry it with you. Packing oxygen cylinders and/or tanks in your checked luggage is strictly prohibited, as is putting them through security x-ray machines. Please hand-carry your oxygen machines (BiPAP, CPAP, Concentrator, Nebulizer, etc.) and not place them in your checked luggage.

* Guests who use oxygen or depend on hemodialysis are welcome to cruise if sailing on itineraries of 15 nights or less.

Carnival can provide our guests with meals suited to the following special dietary needs: vegetarian, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-carbohydrate, low-sugar, and gluten-free. Our chefs will make every effort to fulfill your requests, and will gladly prepare freshly-made options that meet your dietary needs. Once on board, we ask you speak with the headwaiter or dining room host in advance, so they can assist in planning your daily meals in the dining room. This will allow us the necessary time to prepare foods, as requested, in a timely manner.

Gluten-free pizza dough, pasta, bread for deli sandwiches, and hamburgers buns, as well as cake are available upon request. Plus, our frozen desserts and yogurt are gluten-free. All items are freshly prepared and may take a little longer than regular menu items. Gluten-free alcoholic beverages are available for your enjoyment on our U.S.-based ships.

Guests who require a different dining time than they chose when booking can change once on board the ship. Guests will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Food Allergies

Our ships are equipped with Menu Mate™ food ingredient program fleetwide to accommodate guests with food allergies. Easily operated on touch-screen tablets at food venues, the Menu Mate food ingredient program is powered by award-winning CertiStar software to mitigate the risks of allergic reactions. The new program is the first of its kind among major cruise lines. Our staff will ask guests about food allergies and enter any restrictions into the program. The software will then sort through all available options and display which items are allergen-free, which options can be modified to exclude the specified allergen and which selections should be avoided. If preferred, guests can also use the Menu Mate designated tablet themselves to enter in their own allergy/dietary information and then order from the options curated to meet their needs. Guests will also be able to find a Menu Mate tablet on display near the Lido buffet stations as well.

* Currently not available on Carnival Splendor ®

Other Dietary Needs

Although we do not have dietitians on board, we can offer assistance with simple requests such as the method of preparation of menu items. Diet requirements need to be arranged with the head waiter on the first night of the cruise. If dining in the Lido Restaurant, the guest should discuss requirements with senior dining staff.

If you need general information about accessibility before you cruise, or have an ADA complaint, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025 , or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You can also email us at [email protected] . All post-cruise ADA concerns will be responded to within 30 days. Carnival's designated ADA Responsibility Officer is Clarisa Stollenwerck, Vice President, Guest Operations.

The only dogs Carnival permits aboard our ships are working service dogs, which are legally defined and individually trained to meet disability-related needs by performing tasks like guiding a blind person, alerting a deaf person, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks. Working service dogs are not pets.

Pets, or service dogs in training, are not allowed aboard. Emotional support dogs, which are not recognized by the US Department of Justice, are also not permitted on Carnival ships.

If you are traveling with a working service dog that meets the requirements described above, please review the following policies and procedures:

• Carnival is not responsible for limitations imposed on working service dogs by entities or shore excursion providers in foreign ports of call.
• Note that many of the ports you may visit will only accept annual rabies vaccinations and do not recognize three-year rabies vaccination.
• Mexican ports require service dogs to have received an ecto-parasite and endo-parasite treatment no more than 15 days prior to arrival to port and this information should be included in the dog’s health certificate. If you have any questions, please consult with your veterinarian.
• If your itinerary includes a visit to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands requires service dogs to travel with the necessary documentation (including an import license) regardless of whether or not the service dog will disembark in Grand Turk. Grand Turk also has breed restrictions as per their Dogs Control Ordinance 2014. No import license shall be issued for the restricted breeds. Any restricted breed service dog, or any service dog without all the proper documentation, will not be able to board the ship at embarkation.
• You must hand-carry (not packed in your baggage) all required documents, along with your working service dog’s current vaccination records. You will be asked to submit these records once aboard.

So that we may provide you with the additional information you will need in order to sail with your working service dog, please email our Guest Access Department at [email protected] , or call 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia.

Facilities, services and accessibility across ports of call vary significantly and accessibility may not be available for shore excursions or in certain ports of call due to limited infrastructure and other factors. We want our guests with mobility limitations to be able to enjoy their time ashore, and where possible, we will do our best to secure accessible tours, but options may be limited or non-existent altogether. Facilities, services and transportation equipment outside the United States may not be required to be ADA compliant. Carnival is not responsible for accessibility in foreign ports of call or for restrictions imposed by shore excursion providers that are not owned by Carnival. Additionally, numerous factors including weather, tidal conditions, and other safety concerns can impact the ability for an accessible tour to be safely operated. In the event an accessible tour is deemed unsafe to operate in full or for an individual guest, a full refund for the tour will be extended.  

Detailed information is provided in the shore excursions section of carnival.com and carnival.com .au indicating the approximate amount of physical activity anticipated for the excursion, as well as which tours are wheelchair accessible. Carnival has a wide variety of onboard activities during every port stop, should guests decide not to disembark.

ACTIVITY LEVEL FOR SHORE EXCURSIONS

Guests can select the shore excursions best suited to their abilities, and we have added descriptions that provide a general idea of the level of activity to expect on each tour:

• Easy – May include relaxing or walking short distances over relatively level terrain. Comfortable shoes may be recommended.
• Moderate – May involve varying amounts of activity (long walks, rough terrain, basic water play). May not be recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
• Difficult – Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; can involve swimming and/or rough, uneven or steep terrain.
• Extreme – Involves intense physical exertion for an extended period of time.

We strongly recommend accessible shore excursions be pre-arranged prior to your cruise. However, if you need assistance once on board, please visit our Shore Excursions Desk and specify your accommodations needed. Accessible tours are available in certain destinations only, and our shore excursion staff can provide you with suggestions. Motor coaches and other forms of transportation may require you to climb 2 to 3 steps. Most, but not all motor coaches, can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs. Where available, we require a minimum of 24-hour notice for accessible transportation to be arranged. Vehicles, ramps and lifts may vary depending upon the port and availability. For safety reasons, staff is not able to lift guests into or out of vehicles. Specific dietary requirements cannot be guaranteed on shore excursions.

Shore excursion providers operating within the U.S. and its territories are responsible for providing effective communication. Tours operating in foreign ports may not provide auxiliary aids and services, depending on local law and availability. In non-U.S. ports where guided narrated tours are available but the operator does not provide an interpreter, and the interpreter provided by Carnival Cruise Line elects to participate in the excursion, we will make every attempt to secure a complimentary tour ticket for the interpreter. However, if we are unable to do so, you may purchase the tour for the interpreter or forgo interpreter’s services. Please notify us in advance so we can coordinate the necessary accommodation.

Carnival is not responsible for limitations imposed on working service dogs by independent entities or shore excursion providers in foreign ports of call.

If you have additional questions specifically regarding an accessible tour that is offered, you may email our shore excursion team at [email protected] .

Hello everyone! You're welcome here.

We are proud to welcome guests with disabilities aboard our ships and have worked hard to make sure carnival.com works well for visitors of all levels of ability. This means that however you access the Internet (whether using assistive technologies like screen readers, screen magnifiers or keyboard navigation, etc.), you can expect our website to give you the best experience possible, following best practices and stringent WCAG 2.0 AA standards as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

If you have any issues accessing carnival.com using assistive technologies, we'd like to hear about it! You can contact us via email at [email protected] . When writing to us about your issue, please include pertinent information that will help us replicate the issue, including the device, web browser, and accessibility software you're using, plus the specific address (URL) of page(s) on carnival.com that aren't working as expected for you.

Do you have accessible routes on your ships?

Accessible routes are available throughout most areas of the ship and signs are posted to assist you in locating these pathways. Accessible tables are available in the dining venues of each ship. In addition to the main dining rooms, each ship offers a variety of accessible dining options within Lido Deck casual dining areas and other restaurant venues. 24-hour room service is also available for all of our guests.

For each ship, diagrams of accessible routes, accessible staterooms, and accessible public restrooms are available.

Please see our Accessibility Aboard section for more details and deck plans.

Do you have accessible staterooms on your ships?

We have three classifications of accessible staterooms. In order to determine which type of accessible stateroom meets your needs, please review the features of each type listed below.

Fully Accessible Cabins (FAC): These staterooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited mobility, who require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive device. Fully Accessible Cabins contain accessible elements including turning space, accessible routes throughout the stateroom and an accessible bathroom. Additionally, the bathrooms contain grab bars and shower seats.

Fully Accessible Cabins – Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA): These staterooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited or no mobility, who require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive device. Fully Accessible Cabins – Single Side Approach are a type of FAC that provide an accessible route and clear floor space on only one side of the bed, in staterooms configured to provide only one bed. In a stateroom configured to provide two beds, the clear floor space will be between the beds, with one side of each bed getting an accessible route. Additionally, these staterooms have an accessible bathroom that contains grab bars and shower seats.

Ambulatory Accessible Cabins (AAC): These staterooms are designed for use by guests with mobility limitations, who do not require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive device. For example, Ambulatory Accessible Cabins are ideal for guests who only use an assistive device (like a cane or a walker) for traversing longer distances, and who may benefit from certain accessible features, like grab bars, to assist with balance. This type of stateroom has a step in the bathroom and balcony (if applicable).

If you require additional information or need assistance to ensure you have the best accommodations for your needs, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744, ext. 70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You may also email us at [email protected] .

How do I know if I'm reserving the correct type of accessible cabin (FAC, FAC-SSA, or AAC)?

Selecting the best type of accessible cabin is based on the guest's level of mobility.

Guests with highly limited or no mobility, who require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive device would benefit from the features of either a Fully Accessible Cabin (FAC) or a Fully Accessible Cabin – Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA) .

Guests with mobility limitations who do not require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive device would benefit from the features of an Ambulatory Accessible Cabin , which include grab bars. This type of stateroom has a step into the bathroom and balcony (if applicable).

If you require additional information or need assistance to ensure you have the best accommodations for your needs, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia. You may also email us at [email protected] .

How can I be sure to receive an accessible stateroom?

As with all Carnival reservations, staterooms are based on availability within each category and are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore, it is advisable to reserve an accessible stateroom in advance. Please review all the information that is sent to you to ensure the stateroom you selected meets your needs.

What assistance do you provide guests with mobility limitations getting on and off the ship?

Wheelchair assistance is available at home ports for getting on and off the ship.

Do you rent wheelchairs or scooters for use on board?

Guests who require the regular use of a wheelchair/scooter or other mobility device are encouraged to bring their own or rent from our preferred vendor, Scootaround, if they are sailing from a US port.

Wheelchairs on board are for emergency use only and are limited in size and quantity.

Do you provide accessible transfers from the airport to the cruise port?

For guests with mobility limitations who wish to purchase our transfer services to and from the airport, a hydraulic lift transfer service is available and needs to be requested no later than 14 days prior to sailing.

Hydraulic lifts have a maximum weight limit of 500 pounds (226 kg), including wheelchair/scooter and guest. Standard airport transfer charges apply; there is no additional cost for the lift.

After booking your cruise, you can reserve your hydraulic lift transfer online, by accessing the Manage My Cruise page or by calling the Guest Services Contact Center at 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia.

What are the requirements for bringing a personal mobility device on board?

Due to safety considerations, devices cannot be stored in corridors or public areas. In order to purchase a standard stateroom, devices must be able to fit in its 22" (55.9 cm) wide entry doorway, and when stored, must allow for safe exit from the stateroom.

Guests, who bring scooters that are larger than 21"  (53.3 cm) wide, or travel with multiple scooters in the same stateroom, must purchase a fully accessible stateroom with a wider doorway (32" or 82.3 cm), or rent a smaller scooter appropriately suited for their stateroom.

Guests may be required to have their scooters sized at the time of check-in to ensure it fits in the stateroom. Scooters that do not fit in the stateroom will not be allowed on board. Should a guest be unable to make alternate arrangements to rent a smaller scooter or travel without it, he/she will be denied boarding and no compensation will be provided.

Guests must be prepared to collapse their device so it can be safely stored in a way that allows for safe exit from their stateroom. If bringing a scooter, please bring one that can collapse or fold so that it may be stored in the closet or underneath the vanity area. Once on board, guests may contact their room steward for assistance.

Guests wishing to disembark the vessel on their device must also be able to safely navigate the angle of the gangway while the ship is docked in port. Additionally, if the ship is calling on a water shuttle port, the captain will make a determination as to whether guests may disembark with their device, given prevailing maritime conditions and water shuttle limitations.

Mobility devices cannot be left unattended in any venue area unless the guest is temporarily away attending an event, and the device is parked in an area that allows all guests safe exit from the venue. When in public areas, guests must maintain their device clear of any exits or fire doors and ensure it does not obstruct any fire or safety equipment.

Where can I store my personal mobility device?

Due to safety considerations, devices can only be stored inside their stateroom. Devices cannot be stored in corridors or public areas.

In order to purchase a standard stateroom, devices must be able to fit in its 22" (5.3 cm) wide entry doorway, and when stored, must allow for safe exit from the stateroom. Guests who bring scooters that are larger than 21" wide, or travel with multiple scooters in the same stateroom, must purchase a fully accessible stateroom with a wider doorway (32" or 81.3 cm) or rent a smaller scooter appropriately suited for their stateroom.

Guests must be prepared to collapse their device so it can be safely stored in a way that allows for safe exit from their stateroom. If bringing a scooter, please bring one that can collapse or fold so that it may be stored in the closet or underneath the vanity area.

What if my personal mobility device does not fit through my stateroom door?

What are the requirements for guests traveling alone with disabilities.

We do not require that a guest with a disability travel with another person as a condition for traveling on our ships. However, we do not provide one-on-one personal care assistance, and all guests must be able to provide such care for themselves (e.g., performing personal tasks such as eating, dressing, toileting, bathing, and getting around the ship). Once on board, our crew will not provide any assistance with such personal tasks.

Do you provide wheelchair push assistance onboard?

Personal wheelchair push assistance service is not provided while on board or in ports of call.

Are personal mobility devices allowed to go ashore in ports of call?

Guests wishing to disembark the vessel on their device must be able to safely navigate the angle of the gangway while the ship is docked in port. Additionally, if the ship is calling on a water shuttle port, the captain will make a determination as to whether guests may disembark with their device, given prevailing maritime conditions and water shuttle limitations.

Are the ports of call accessible for those with mobility limitations?

Facilities across ports of call vary significantly and accessibility may not be available in certain ports of call due to limited infrastructure and other factors. Facilities, services and transportation equipment in non-U.S. ports may not be required to be ADA compliant. In the event you are unable to disembark, Carnival has a wide variety of onboard activities during every port stop should guests decide not to disembark.

Are accessible shore excursions available?

We want our guests with mobility limitations to be able to enjoy their time ashore, and where possible, we will do our best to secure accessible tours, but options may be limited or non-existent altogether.

Detailed information is provided in the shore excursions section of carnival.com, indicating the approximate amount of physical activity anticipated for the excursion, as well as which tours are wheelchair accessible.

Are service dogs allowed on board?

Carnival is happy to welcome working service dogs on board. Service dogs are legally defined and individually trained to meet disability-related needs by performing tasks like guiding a blind person, alerting a deaf person, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks. Service dogs are not pets.

Please see our Service Animal section for more details about our service animal policies.

What are the requirements for traveling with a working service dog?

What type of relief area will my service dog have on board.

A relief area in a non-guest traffic area of the ship using Second Nature Dog Litter will be set up on board by our team.

Should you prefer another material, we ask that you bring it along and provide the Guest Access Department with this information, pre-cruise.

What happens if my service dog is not allowed to disembark at a port of call?

Are emotional support dogs allowed on board.

Emotional support dogs, which are not recognized by the US Department of Justice, are not permitted on Carnival ships. Pets, or service dogs in training, are also not allowed aboard. We do, however, welcome working service dogs, which are legally defined and individually trained to meet disability-related needs by performing tasks like guiding a blind person, alerting a deaf person, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks.

Do you provide Braille formatted material on board?

Do you provide large print formatted material on board.

Large print format is available for our daily newsletter (the Carnival Fun Times), dining room menus, and shore excursion information.

We ask that you request large print items prior to sailing so we can have them ready for you upon arrival. Please send your request to [email protected] or you may call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744, ext. 70025 or 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia.

Additional requests for large print information or alternate formats may be made at the Guest Services desk, once on board; however, there may be a delay if not requested prior to sailing.

Dining rooms menus can be provided in an electronic PDF file readable via screen reading software. Our dining team will also be happy to review the menu with you in detail.

You can also access information directly on your phone via the Carnival HubApp.

Do you provide alert systems for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing?

Carnival makes available to all guests who require them a visual-tactile, cabin alert system that notifies room occupants of a door knock, a telephone call, the alarm clock, or a smoke-detection event. A TTY (teletypewriter) is also available to communicate with Guest Services, 24 hours a day. Please notify us in advance should you need an alert system for your stateroom.

Do you have closed captions?

A safety briefing video with open captions is televised in all staterooms throughout the cruise.

Carnival-created TV content has closed captions. Additionally, when available through our service provider, closed captions are offered for certain in- stateroom TV programs and movies. Should you require closed captioning for our outdoor movies, please contact our Guest Services team once on board.

Do you offer assisted audio devices in the Main Lounge?

Do you offer sign language interpreter services.

Guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, who use sign language as their primary means of communication may request a sign language interpreter. Sign language interpreters can be requested, on a shared basis, for cruises departing from and returning to a U.S port for the purpose of interpreting our main production shows, port and shopping presentations, and other major organized activities.

Do you accommodate food allergies?

We ask that you please inform the Maître d' directly as well as your dining team of any food allergies and special preparation you may require to accommodate your allergy. Please discuss this the first evening of your cruise.

Although there are a number of options at our various restaurants, special dietary and food requests can be accommodated in our main dining rooms only.

Can I bring my own pre-packaged food or drinks in order to accommodate a food allergy or specific dietary need?

Due to concerns for food safety and contamination prevention, any food items brought on board must be pre-packaged and unopened. Homemade items or pre-cooked foods are not allowed. We are unable to provide food preparation, refrigeration or storage for personal food or beverage items.

Due to medical needs, guests may bring pre-packaged, frozen meals and certain beverages (Ensure, etc.). However, we need to know in advance to coordinate boarding of the pre-approved items. If pre-approval is not provided, prohibited items will be confiscated on embarkation day.

Please contact our Guest Access department so we can discuss your plans in advance. The Guest Access team can be reached by phone at 1-800-438-6744, ext. 70025, 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia or via email at [email protected] .

Can I bring a blender to make my own food to accommodate a food allergy or specific dietary need?

Please contact our Guest Access team in advance of your cruise to discuss an accommodation. We do not allow professional industrial grade blenders due to the high voltage. However, we can permit (with approval) items such as a NutriBullet and Magic Bullet. If pre-approval is not provided, prohibited items will be confiscated on embarkation day.

Do you offer gluten-free food and drink options?

Can children with disabilities participate in youth program activities.

Carnival works with parents or guardians to include all children within the designated age ranges in the available youth programs.

Each child's needs are assessed, on a case-by-case basis, to determine how she or he can be accommodated and integrated in the program to have a fully and equally enjoyable experience.

In order to participate in Carnival youth program activities, the parent or guardian will need to register their child for the program. When registering the child, the staff will work with the parents to determine what special assistance will help aid the youth staff in how to best serve the child while participating in the activities. Parents may choose to have their child move down one age group as an accommodation to a disability. No child who is 18 years can participate in youth programs.

Youth programs rules and regulations still apply to all children, in terms of age policy, illness, hours of operation and acceptable conduct (unruly behavior) while in the program.

Does Carnival provide one-on-one attention for children with disabilities?

Carnival does not provide one-on-one attention, but the parent or assigned helper may stay and participate in the activities with the child. Due to safety concerns, staff and crew cannot lift or carry guests. Parents of children who are unable to feed themselves should remain with the child during meal times. Special diets cannot be accommodated for meals served in Carnival youth programs. Kids' menus are subject to change based on availability.

What do you offer for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities?

All of Carnival's guest-facing crew have been trained to understand and help guests with sensory/cognitive needs. The Guest Services and Youth Staff are ready to assist adults, youth and children with sensory-related questions or issues relating to conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, PTSD, etc. KultureCity Sensory Bags can be checked out for the duration of the cruise (on a complimentary and first-come, first-served basis) by visiting Guest Services or one of our Youth programs. Each bag contains items to help calm, relax and manage sensory overload, and include comfortable noise- canceling headphones, fidget tools, a visual feeling thermometer, and a KultureCity VIP lanyard, to help the staff easily identify a guest.

Do you offer oxygen for purchase?

If you require the use of oxygen during your cruise, you must arrange for an adequate supply to be delivered to the ship on your sailing date. The Medical Center is equipped with oxygen for emergency use ONLY.

Please contact Guest Services once on board for proper storage of your oxygen. Guests are responsible for the pickup and delivery of their own oxygen. Please have your medical supply company contact us, otherwise port clearance may not be granted.

If you choose to bring your own personal supply of oxygen, you must hand- carry it with you. Packing oxygen cylinders and/or tanks in your checked luggage is strictly prohibited, as is putting them through security x-ray machines. Please hand-carry your oxygen machines (BiPAP, CPAP, Concentrator, Nebulizer, etc.) and not place them in your checked luggage.

Do you offer CPAP machine for rental?

You must bring your own equipment on board for personal use. Please hand- carry these items and do not place them in your checked luggage.

Do you offer distilled water?

Carnival carries distilled water which can be purchased either pre-cruise if you are sailing from a US port, or once on board. For pre-purchase, please contact our Fun Shops department at 1-800-522-7648 ext. 70039, Monday-Sunday from 9:00am-9:00pm ET. For purchase on board, please contact Room Service. Should you wish to bring your own distilled water with you, it must be hand-carried along with your CPAP machine.

Do you offer extension cords?

It is recommended that you bring your own extension cord to accommodate your equipment comfortably.

There is one electrical outlet in each stateroom located in the area of the desk/vanity. The outlet is equipped with a 3-prong 110 volt (North America Grounded) and a 220 volt (Europe/German-Style). Our Australia-based sips offer one Australian powerpoint in each stateroom.

Do you offer sharps disposal containers?

For guests who are traveling with injectable medication and need a sharps disposal container, please contact the Medical Center or the onboard Housekeeping staff.

Do you offer storage for medication?

A small, personal-sized cooler no larger than 12" x 12" x 12" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) for the purpose of housing medications is permitted as carry-on luggage.

Portable medi-coolers are available in limited quantities, and on a first come, first serve basis with a refundable rental deposit required. If a cooler is not available, our Medical Center can assist guests with refrigeration needs (accessible during operating hours of the Medical Center only).

Some ships have staterooms equipped with mini-bars designed to maintain the temperature of beverages only. Mini-bars are not to be used to store medications that have specific temperature requirements.

Who can I contact for accessibility related concerns or questions?

We strongly suggest you communicate any needs to our team before you cruise so that we can do our best to meet any accommodations. If you need general information about accessibility, please call our Guest Access team at 1-800-438-6744 ext.70025, 1800 072 670 ext. 70025 if calling from Australia, or email us at [email protected] .

Once on board, you can request to speak to the Guest Services Manager.

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Services for Guests with Disabilities

Request Special Services Accessible Staterooms Communication Staterooms on the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure Wheelchairs and Other Personal Mobility Equipment American Sign Language Interpreters Children with Disabilities Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) and Medical Devices Additional Accessibility Information

Request Special Services

• Notate dietary requirements
• Arrange for wheelchair access and/or ground transportation lift
• Specify if a wheelchair-accessible stateroom is required
• Indicate your need for communication features for Guests with hearing disabilities. (For the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, you will need to book a Communication Stateroom, which will have built-in communication features. For all other ships, portable communication kits are available)
• Indicate if you will be traveling with a service animal
• Provide notification of medical equipment arrangements
• Indicate if you will be traveling with oxygen

Accessible Staterooms

• 32" (minimum) doorways
• Ramped bathroom thresholds
• Open bed frames
• Toilet and shower grab bars
• Fold-down shower seats
• Adjustable-height shower heads
• Lowered towel and closet bars
• Emergency call buttons
• Portable toilet
• Raised toilet seat
• Shower stool
• Transfer bench
• Stateroom Communication Kits containing door knock and phone alerts, bed shaker notification, and a strobe light smoke detector.
• A stateroom text typewriter (TTY)

Communication Staterooms on the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure

• Smoke detector with visual indication
• Indicating panel with light signals for doorbell, telephone calls, general alarm and fire alarm
• Vibrating bed shaker under the mattress for doorbell, telephone calls, general alarm and fire alarm

Wheelchairs and Other Personal Mobility Equipment

• You must provide your own wheelchair or other mobility aid and arrange for the rental, delivery and pickup of that device to and from the ship on your own.
• Certain activities, like accessing a pool or using a tender boat to visit a port of call, require Guests to transfer out of their wheelchairs. We strongly recommend that Guests using wheelchairs sail with someone who can physically assist them when necessary.
• Due to safety regulations, wheelchairs, scooters, strollers and other personal belongings may not be stored in public passageways and must be stored inside staterooms or in a designated public storage area.

American Sign Language Interpreters

• June 17 through June 24, 2024: 7-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia
• July 24 through August 5 , 2024: 12-Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland Cruise from Southampton
• August 5 through August 12, 2024: 7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Southampton
• September 8 through September 15, 2024: 7-Night British Isles Cruise from Southampton
• May 17 through May 24, 2025: 7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona
• June 30 through July 12, 2025: 12-Night Mediterranean with Greek Isles Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) ending in Barcelona
• July 24 through July 31, 2025: 7-Night Western Europe Cruise from Barcelona ending in Southampton
• August 10 through August 18, 2025: 8-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Southampton
• September 8 through September 15, 2025: 7-Night British Isles Cruise from Southampton

Children with Disabilities

Our Youth Activity programs are available to children who are fully toilet trained, able to individually participate within our counselor-to-child ratio groups and interact socially and comfortably with peers of their own age and physical size. We are unable to provide one-on-one counselor care, a counselor with specialty training or counselor-assisted medical attention.

Epinephrine injector medication must be in the original container with the expiration date and labeled with the child’s name, instructions for use and name of the child’s physician. If the epinephrine injector is not in the original container, a hard copy of the prescription with the child's name, instructions for use and the name of the child's physician can be accepted as a replacement.

Additional participation guidelines and restrictions may apply and are established to provide a safe and secure youth entertainment environment. Open House hours are also available so the entire family can join the fun and participate together.

For an additional fee, group childcare is available for children ages 3 and younger; we do not provide childcare in Guest staterooms.

Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) and Medical Devices

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of internet packages—including family and pay-as-you-go plans. Package costs are based on data usage. Please note that due to satellite connectivity and the technology involved, onboard wireless internet service will be noticeably slower than what you may be accustomed to and may at times be interrupted or unavailable. Guests who monitor/maintain a medical condition wirelessly should be prepared to utilize alternate means to manage their medical condition throughout the sailing.

Additional Accessibility Information

Learn more about the onboard services and facilities available to Guests with disabilities. Information for Guests with Disabilities or Medical Conditions Guest Special Services Information Form Complaints Resolution Officials Information Information for Guests with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Holland America Line: Commited To Serving Everyone

Holland America Line is committed to providing safe, easy, and accessible accommodations for all persons with disabilities, to the extent that is feasible. Holland America Line is dedicated to offering the finest cruising experience to our guests, including those with disabilities. Our ships provide a quality of service and a variety of accessible features to make your voyage a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Holland America Line does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability. We seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with disabilities. However, some needs require adequate time to prepare for a guest's arrival. It is recommended that guests make every effort to contact our Guest Accessibility Department and to submit a   Special Requirements Information (SRI) Form  well in advance of the departure of their cruise and/or cruisetour. We recommend submitting an SRI upon booking or a minimum of 45 days prior to departure. Guests who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating, moving from wheelchair to seating and/or from seating to wheelchair or standing and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. The medical staff on board is not available for daily care unless an individual is hospitalized in the ship's Medical Center. In limited situations (either on board or ashore), we may find it necessary to ask the individual to make alternative travel arrangements, such as if an individual with a disability is unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services.

Do You Have Accessible Staterooms?

Yes, our vessels have specially designed staterooms for guests who require mobility assistive features. If you have not booked one of these accessible staterooms but instead will be using a standard stateroom, you need to know about some limitations that adversely impact maneuverability, especially ingress and egress into bathrooms. For example, bathroom dimensions, doorsills, and the height of bathtubs in standard staterooms are often difficult to negotiate for guests who have mobility limitations. Additionally, standard stateroom doors and hallways may be too narrow for a wheelchair or scooter to maneuver into and out of the stateroom. Note: For safety reasons, these mobility devices must be stored and charged in the guests' staterooms. There are three types of accessible staterooms on our vessels.

Fully Accessible  rooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited or no mobility who require regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices and provide accessible elements including turning space, accessible routes throughout the cabin, and accessible bathrooms are designed for use by guests with highly limited or no mobility who require regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices and provide accessible elements including turning space, accessible routes throughout the stateroom, and accessible bathrooms. Fully Accessible   – Single Side Approach  rooms are also designed for use by guests with highly limited or no mobility who require regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices. These rooms provide accessible bathrooms along with an accessible route and clear floor space on only one side of the bed in a stateroom configured to provide one bed and between the beds in a stateroom configured to provide two beds. Ambulatory Accessible  rooms are designed for use by guests with mobility disabilities who do not require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter, or other similar assistive devices. These rooms provide some accessible features. Fully Accessible and Fully Accessible Single Side Approach bathrooms in guest staterooms will provide one of three types of bathing facilities: roll-in shower, transfer shower, or accessible bathtub.

Roll-in Showers  provide the turning space necessary for a wheelchair to maneuver within the showering area. Transfer Showers  provide the maneuvering clearance alongside a shower stall to allow for transferring to the shower bench from a wheelchair. Accessible Bathtubs  provide the maneuvering clearance alongside a bathtub to allow for transferring to a seat in the bathtub from a wheelchair. Details regarding accessible rooms on each ship are listed below and can be found on each ship’s Deck Plan.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms I-8033, VB6002, VB6001, J1074, K1012, K1011 are fully accessible. Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Suites SA7057 and SY5002 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed. Suites SA7058 and SY5001 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed. Ambulatory Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms VA8119, VA8116, VA8026, VA8025, V6052, V6049, V5140, V5135, V5054, V5051, VA4134, VA4131, H4092, H4089, VA4052, VA4051, D1100, D1099, C1082, C1081 are ambulatory accessible.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Suites SA7094, A6150, A6148 and staterooms VA8147, VA8145, VA8134, VA8132, I-7108, I-7101, I-6131, I-6116, V5171, V5152, I-5129, I-5112, V5057, V5055, V5054, V5052, V4167, V4146, V4107, V4096, C1134, C1125, C1123, C1121 are fully accessible.

Ambulatory Accessible These rooms provide a shower with grab bars, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. There is step up into bathroom, threshold into the shower, and standard interior and exterior door sizes. Suites B8101, SA7092 and staterooms K11049, VB11038, CQ10033, VE8142, VD7049, K6185, VC6158, V5051, V5048, FB1172, E1165 are ambulatory accessible.

Nieuw Amsterdam

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and an accessible shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Suites SA7058 & SA7057 and staterooms J1074, J1069, K1012, K1011 have a roll-in shower.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Suites SY5001 and stateroom VB6001 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed. The queen bed can be converted upon request to two twin beds if full compliance is not needed.

Suites SY5002 and stateroom VB6002 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed. The queen bed can be converted upon request to two twin beds if full compliance is not needed.

Stateroom I8033 has wheelchair access to twin beds on the left and right side. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed.

Ambulatory Accessible Unless noted otherwise, these rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Staterooms VA8119, VA8116, VA8026, VA8025, V6052, V6049, V5140, V5135, V5054, V5051, VA4134, VA4131, H4092, H4089, VA4052, VA4051, D1100, D1099, C1082, C1081 are ambulatory accessible.

Stateroom J1063 is ambulatory accessible with narrow doors, a step up into the bathroom and a low threshold into the shower.

Nieuw Statendam

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and an accessible shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Suites SA7094, A6150, A6148 and staterooms VA8147, VA8145, V5055, V5054, V5052, VH4107, VH4096 are fully accessible with a roll-in shower.

Staterooms VA8134, VA8132, I7108, I6116, I5112, V5057, C1134, C1123, C1121 are fully accessible with a transfer shower.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and an accessible shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms I7099, I6131, I5133 have wheelchair access on the left side of a queen bed when facing the bed and a transfer shower. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

Staterooms V5175, V5152, VH4146, VH4167 have wheelchair access between two twin beds and a transfer shower. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed.

Stateroom C1125 roll-in have wheelchair access between two twin beds and a roll-in shower. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed.

Ambulatory Accessible These rooms provide a shower with grab bars, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. There is step up into bathroom, threshold into the shower, and standard interior and exterior door sizes. Suites SA7085, B8101 and staterooms K11049, VB11038, VQ10033, VE8142, VD7049, K6185, VC6158, V5048, V5051, FB1172, E1175 are ambulatory accessible.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. These rooms have 2 twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed unless otherwise noted below. Accessible bathtub only: Suites SC6175 & SC6164

These suites have a king-size bed convertible to 2 twin beds.

Bathtub with separate accessible transfer shower: Suite SS6108, SY5002 & SY5001

SY5002 & SY5001 are set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

Roll-in Shower: Staterooms J1074, K1011 & K1012

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. Bathtub with separate accessible transfer shower: Suite SY8068 This suite is set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed. Bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

Roll-in Shower: Staterooms VB6003, VB6004, C1082, C1081, D1100, I-8037

VB6003 is set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

VB6004 is set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

C1082, C1081, D1100, I-8037 are set up with 2 twin beds only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access between the beds. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed.

Ambulatory Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head.

Staterooms VA8032, VA8031, VA6049, VA5140, VA5137, VA5054, VA5051, VA4132, VA4131, H4090, H4089, VA4052, VA4051 are ambulatory accessible.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. These rooms have 2 twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed unless otherwise noted below. Roll-in Shower and bathtub: Suites SC6175, SC6164, SS6108, SY5002 and SY5001. Roll-in Shower: Staterooms VB6004, VB6003, J1074, K1012, K1011

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. Bathtub with separate roll-in shower: SY 8068 has wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed. Roll-in Shower:C1082, C1081, D1100, I-8037

C1082, C1081, D1100, I-8037 are set up with 2 twin beds only to meet compliance spacing with wheelchair access between the beds. The beds can be converted upon request to a queen-size bed if full compliance is not needed

Ambulatory Accessible Staterooms VA8032, VA8031, VA6049, VA5140, VA5137, VA5054, VA5051, VA4132, VA4131, H4090, H4089, VA4052 provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Staterooms J1067 and J1063 have a step up into bathroom, threshold into the shower, and standard interior and exterior door sizes.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and an accessible shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Transfer Shower: Suite A6150 and staterooms VA8149, VA8147, VA8134, I-7099, I-6131, V5175, V5152, I-5133, V5055, V5054, VH4165, VH4144, VH4105, C1134, C1123, C1121

Roll-in Shower: Suites SA7094 & A6148, and staterooms VA8132, I-7108, I-6116, I-5112, V5057, V5052, VH4094, C1125

Ambulatory Accessible These rooms provide a shower with grab bars, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. There is step up into bathroom, threshold into the shower, and standard interior and exterior door sizes. Suites SA7085, B8103 and staterooms K11049, VB11040, VQ10033, VE8142, VD7049, K6185, VC6158, V5048, V5051, FB1172, E1175 are ambulatory accessible.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Suites B7088, B7087, B6228, B6225 and stateroom EE3429 are fully accessible.

Fully Accessible – Single Side Approach These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to one side of the bed, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Staterooms C6104 and H1805 have wheelchair access on the right side when facing the bed.

Suite SA7034 and stateroom H1804 have wheelchair access on the left side when facing the bed.

Ambulatory Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Staterooms EE3396, EE3391, HH3431, HH3430, E2702, L2700, J2555, J2554, G2500, FF1964, FF1955, G1807, G1806 are ambulatory accessible.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. These rooms have 2 twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed unless otherwise noted below. Roll-in Shower and bathtub: Suites SC6175 & SC6164. These suites have a king-size bed convertible to 2 twin beds.

Bathtub with separate accessible transfer shower: Suite SS6108, SY5002 & SY5001.

SY5002 & SY 5001 are set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

Ambulatory Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, a shower with no threshold, grab bars, shower seat, accessible shower controls, and hand held shower head. Staterooms VA8032, VA8031, VA6049, VA5140, VA5137, VA5054, VA5051, VA4132, VA4131, H4090, H4089, VA4052, VA4051 are ambulatory accessible.

Fully Accessible These rooms provide wide interior & exterior doors, wheelchair access to both sides of the bed and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, accessible seat, accessible controls and hand held shower head. These rooms have 2 twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed unless otherwise noted below. Roll-in Shower and bathtub: Suites SC6175 & SC6164 These suites have a king-size bed convertible to 2 twin beds. Bathtub with separate accessible transfer shower: Suite SS6108, SY5002 & SY5001 SY5002 & SY 5001 are set up with queen bed only to meet compliance spacing. The bed can be converted upon request to 2 twins if full compliance is not needed.

How will I get on and off the ship with mobility equipment?

For individuals with limited mobility, the use of a wheelchair will be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship. Certain ship transfer operations (i.e. during tendering and at the gangways) may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Some guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times while tendering or while docked due to steep gangways and steps, particularly during low or high tide. Also, please note staff are not allowed to transfer scooters and wheelchairs which are more than 100 lbs. without the from the ship to tender and/or from tender to shore. Tender ports are noted in the itinerary detail of each voyage in the Plan A Cruise section of our website as well as the itinerary detail on your Booking Confirmation. As to tenders, with the exception of the  Volendam  and  Zaandam , Holland America Line vessels have elevators to the tender level that allow guests to roll directly on and off the ship’s tender platform. However, please be advised that adverse weather conditions such as wind, swells, or extreme tide levels may prohibit the ability to transfer from the platform to the tender. Additionally, some port facilities may not be accessible due to stairs or steep ramps. If you have questions regarding tendering procedures while on board, please speak with the Guest Services Manager. Situations may occur in which guests with limited mobility may not be able to go ashore at the time they desire or are unable to go ashore at all in certain ports. For the safety of all concerned, the Captain shall make the final determination regarding whether or not it is advisable to provide assistance to guests with mobility limitations, or to carry their mobility assistance device (wheelchair, scooter, walker, etc.), taking into account all appropriate matters including, but not limited to, weather conditions, ship's location, weight of the guest or their mobility device, etc.

Are Service Animals Permitted On Board?

Holland America Line only permits service animals on board, defined as those animals that are individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. We do not permit our guests to bring pets, therapy/companion animals, and other animals that do not meet the definition of service animals. If you have any questions about whether the animal you wish to bring on board is, in fact, a service animal, you may contact our Guest Accessibility Department.

Your itinerary may include ports of call that have very specific and strict requirements that need to be met prior to your service animal being allowed off of the ship. Please be sure you understand the requirements for a service animal to disembark in each port of call. The best places to obtain specific information on required documentation and immunizations for your service animal are the  U.S. Department of Agriculture's website , local customs offices in the specific ports, and from your service animal's veterinarian. All documentation and immunization requirements are established by government authorities and not by Holland America Line. Should you need assistance in locating this information, please contact our Guest Accessibility Department.

To board the ship, your service animal must have current vaccinations. Records confirming the vaccination status should be provided to our Guest Accessibility Department prior to your departure. We also recommend that you carry the immunization records with you in case they are required at any port of call. If you do not have the proper documentation and proof of vaccinations for your service animal required at a port of call, or if there are local quarantine requirements, your service animal will be denied the right to leave the ship. If your service animal is denied the right to leave the ship in a specific port of call, the staff and crew will work with you to determine what actions may be possible to allow you to visit the port without your service animal. Please note that in your absence, you will need to provide for the care and supervision of your service animal. Except in those circumstances where your service animal has been denied disembarkation, you may not leave your service animal unattended on the vessel or in your stateroom at any time.

Important Information for Service Animals on Australian Cruises The Australian quarantine authorities have changed their approach regarding service dogs on-board cruise ships. Unfortunately, their new approach makes it practically impossible for us to accept service animals on domestic or roundtrip cruises from Australia. The Department of Agriculture now considers these cruises to be akin to an international voyage and therefore under ‘biosecurity control’. As a company, we are incredibly disappointed with the Department’s new approach, and we have written to the Federal Minister to ask for a return to their previous way of doing things. At this time guests will not be able to travel with service animals on voyages that end in Australia or call upon a port in Australia after visiting a foreign country. Guests sailing on voyages that begin in Australia will be able to sail with their service animal provided the voyage does not return to Australia after visiting a foreign port. Should you have further questions please contact our Guest Accessibility Department via email at  [email protected] .

What Options Are Available For Guests Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing?

To help maximize the cruise experience for our guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, Holland America Line has made the following items available:

• Stateroom kits that include a visual and tactile alert for someone knocking at the door, the phone ringing, or an alarm.
• Stateroom televisions capable of showing closed captioning (some satellite feeds do not transmit with captioning, so this feature is available only when the signal the ship receives has captioning).
• Telephones with amplified sound or an amplification attachment for telephones in staterooms.
• Assistive Listening Systems with portable receivers in the show lounges to assist guests who are hard of hearing to hear the shows.
• Written safety information and a copy of the lifeboat drill safety speech.

What If I Have Food Allergies?

For guests with food intolerances or allergies that are not life-threatening, please contact our Ship Services Department at (800) 541-1576. For guests with life-threatening food allergies, we ask that guests provide detailed information to our Guest Accessibility Department by completing a  Special Requirements Information (SRI)  Form. Guests should indicate on this form which foods may potentially cause a severe reaction.

Guests with a variety of severe food allergies sail with Holland America Line regularly. Our galley staff on board is accustomed to and experienced in dealing with these types of needs. The galley itself has many different areas of food preparation, which can help reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. It is important to note, however, that meals are prepared in mass quantities on board, thus there is always the possibility of some cross-contamination. As such, Holland America Line cannot guarantee that a guest will not come in contact with those items. Although our Guest Accessibility Department will provide the ship with an advance notice of all food allergies detailed on an SRI submitted to them, it is recommended that guests also contact the Dining Room Manager upon boarding to review the details of these special dietary needs.

What About Cruising For Children With Special Needs?

At Holland America Line we do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability. We seek to the extent feasible to accommodate the needs of all individuals with disabilities, including children. However, due to the sensitivity of caring for any child, with or without a disability, we must first determine what the child's specific needs are so we may properly evaluate and determine the best and safest way to meet the child's needs. We encourage families to contact our Guest Accessibility Department prior to their cruise, to evaluate and determine what the child's specific needs will be and how best to accommodate those needs.  Kids Club is unable to accommodate children requiring one-on-one care into programming.  Special needs participants who meet eligibility requirements and require one-on-one care must have a parent or guardian present.

Who Do I Contact For More Information Regarding Accessible Cruising?

For additional information on the ship's facilities or ability to accommodate guests’ needs that may not be covered in this section, please feel free to contact the Guest Accessibility Department at:

For post sailing questions or concerns please contact our Guest Relations Department at:

For information regarding the Transportation Security Administration’s Screening Tips for Persons with Disabilities, please visit the Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions section of their  website .

The ADA Responsibility Officer for Holland America Line is Paul McClelland, Chief Ethics Officer & General Counsel.

Can I Use My Personal Mobility Equipment On Board?

For the safety of all our guests and crew and to enhance accessibility, Holland America Line strongly recommends that all personal electric mobility equipment meets the following criteria:

We recognize that for some people, a larger scooter may be essential. If you believe you need a larger scooter, please contact our Guest Accessibility Department so that we can discuss your requirements.

For the safety of all guests and crew:

Scooters and other mobility equipment need to be securely stored and charged in the guest's stateroom; not in hallways or elevator lobbies. Scooters left in hallways and elevator lobbies could restrict people needing to travel through these areas in an emergency, particularly other guests using mobility aids, since they would have no way of getting by a scooter left in a hallway.

Holland America Line is no longer able to provide complimentary wheelchair assistance for any purpose other than embarkation, disembarkation, and emergency situations. Holland America Line wheelchairs are not available for shore excursions or for use on board. If you will require regular use of a wheelchair, we recommend that you bring your own wheelchair with you. You may also make advance rental arrangements prior to your sailing and have a wheelchair delivered directly to the ship for use on board and in ports of call.

Special Needs at Sea and Scootaround are vendors we recommend for delivery of mobility devices. Please contact these vendors directly for pricing and availability. Their contact information is listed below for your information.

Scooter Tips and Reminders (PDF)

Special Needs at Sea

Scootaround

Please be advised that all pre-arranged mobility equipment rentals must be made by the guest and the third party provider. Consequently, you assume the entire risk of utilizing these third party services subject only to whatever terms or arrangements are made by you or on your behalf with the service provider. Refund issues must be dealt with solely between you and the service provider. We recommend contacting one of these companies to confirm your arrangements as soon as possible in order to ensure the availability of your specific requests.

Is Wheelchair Assistance Available Shoreside?

Airports and/or Train Stations

Wheelchair assistance that is requested for airports or train stations must be done directly through the airline or rail station. Holland America Line is not able to arrange for wheelchair assistance at airports or train stations.

Land Tours and/or Shore Excursions

Because facilities in ports around the world vary significantly, wheelchair accommodations may not be available for some land tours and/or shore excursions. Furthermore, many transportation vehicles around the world do not have wheelchair lifts. Thus, it may be necessary for Holland America Line to make alternate transportation arrangements such as a sedan vehicle. This requires that a guest who uses a wheelchair be able to transfer from his/her wheelchair to the front or back seat of a sedan. Additionally, when lift equipped vehicles are available, many do not have the facilities for the safe transport of mobility scooters in the passenger compartment. Therefore if you are using a mobility scooter you may be asked to disembark your scooter and enter the coach by the front steps and ride safely in a regular coach seat, transfer to a provided boarding chair and take the lift onto the coach and transfer to a regular coach seat, or ride the lift on your scooter and then transfer to a regular coach seat. In some cases, it may be possible for your scooter to be stowed in the luggage compartment for use in the ports of call. If your scooter must be stored in the luggage compartment of a motorcoach it may be necessary for someone traveling in your party to load the scooter into the luggage compartment; the policy as to whether or not the coach drivers are able or allowed to provide assistance is that of the Tour Operator and not Holland America Line. The ability to provide assistance may depend on certain factors such as the weight or dimensions of the scooter. If you are unable to transfer from your mobility scooter and alternative arrangements are required, please advise Holland America Line at the time of booking or as far in advance of your sailing as possible. Please be assured this is for your safety.

Due to the limited number of lift-equipped vehicles in foreign locations, guests may incur additional costs for transportation related to airport transfers, shore excursions, and tour/hotel packages. Please note, lift equipped transportation within the United States may be arranged without additional costs. For information on alternative transportation arrangements and associated costs please contact our Guest Accessibility Department. Please advise Holland America Line as far in advance as possible of any special needs for transfers. This will help to ensure availability of the appropriate vehicle(s) and for Holland America Line to provide an estimate of additional associated costs.

Guests should be aware that certain third party shore excursion facilities may not be fully accessible to guests with disabilities. Although we endeavor to make sure these companies comply with legal requirements, we cannot guarantee that all are able to provide facilities that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. For detailed information on accessibility of shore excursions, we strongly recommend contacting our Shore Excursions Department prior to embarkation at 1-888-425-9376 (or locally at 206-626-7320) or visiting the Shore Excursions Office on board.

What Options Are Available For Guests Who Are Blind Or Have Low Vision?

To help maximize the cruise experience for our guests who are blind or have low vision, Holland America Line has made the following items available:

• Screen reader computer software in the Explorations Café that allows guests to navigate the web by listening to the text.
• Downloadable daily activities, news, and menus for guests with laptops with screen reader programs. These items may also be downloaded to the screen reader-enabled computer in the Explorations Café.
• With 45 days notice, large print or Braille menus describing the inspired cuisine offered across a myriad of venues, from the elegant Dining Room to the casual Lido Market.
• A familiarization tour of the vessel upon arrival.

Can I Receive Oxygen Deliveries On Board?

Guests requiring continuous or intermittent oxygen for chronic conditions must make their own arrangements prior to travel. Holland America Line ships are not equipped to provide guests with these services other than on an emergency basis in the Ship's Medical Center. For security and safety reasons, we have selected Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea as the only outside vendors that we will permit to deliver oxygen supplies to our ships:

Note: Oxygen and/or oxygen equipment deliveries will not be accepted from any other companies.

Please be advised that all oxygen and oxygen equipment rental arrangements must be made by the guest and the third-party provider. Consequently, you assume the entire risk of utilizing these third-party services subject only to whatever terms or arrangements are made by you or on your behalf with the service provider. Refund issues must be dealt with solely between you and the service provider. We recommend contacting one of these companies to confirm your arrangements as soon as possible in order to ensure the availability of your specific requests.

You are also welcome, however, to bring your own oxygen and/or oxygen equipment from your home. Please note that our staff and crew are not permitted to handle your oxygen and/or oxygen equipment during the embarkation and disembarkation process. Thus, you must be able to handle your supplies if you bring your own. Please contact the Guest Accessibility Department prior to sailing if you will require oxygen while on your cruise.

Please Note: In accordance with FAA regulations, airlines have restrictions concerning traveling with oxygen and oxygen containers. It is the traveler’s responsibility to be familiar with and comply with the regulations of the airline they are traveling on.

How Do I Know What Routes Are Accessible On Board?

For individuals using a wheelchair or scooter, accessible route maps for each ship are available by selecting the links below:

Eurodam Koningsdam Nieuw Amsterdam Nieuw Statendam Noordam Oosterdam Volendam Westerdam Zaandam Zuiderdam

How Can I Dispose of Needles Needed for Medication?

For everyone's safety, dispose of needles  in a special needle container. Do not dispose of them in a standard waste container under any circumstances. This needle container can be requested at no charge for use in your cabin through your cabin steward, through Guest Services on board, or through the “order now” option in the Navigator app.

Holland America Line Website Accessibility

Holland America Line welcomes all guests to explore our cruise vacation offerings. Our websites follow the official guidance of the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). To ensure our websites are as easy to use as possible we incorporate assistive technology including Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA).

Due to web accessibility standards, users may experience slight variations according to the browser used. We recommend that visitors to Holland America Line websites who require screen reader software use specific combinations of screen reader and browser. For Microsoft Windows, NVDA and the Google Chrome browser are recommended. For OSx, MacOS and iOS systems, VoiceOver and the Safari browser (with Safari's support for keyboard shortcuts enabled) are recommended.

10 Wheelchair Accessible Cruises to Consider for Your Next Vacation

cruising with kids Taking a cruise is a very popular vacation option for wheelchair accessibility and for those with disabilities because everything is available within the confines of the ship. Wheelchair accessible cruises and disabled cruises are floating vacations with everything from pools and fine dining to relaxation and spacious living quarters. There’s no need to worry about transportation or mobility once you’re on the ship, as it’s all included and ready for you to explore.

The following 10 wheelchair accessible and disabled cruises cover 5 different destinations: Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Bahamas, and Scandiavia or Northern Europe, with 5 different cruise lines. This gives you a wide range of destinations and experiences to choose from. For each of the handicap cruises mentioned in this article , there are disabled cabins on cruise ships and they would be perfect for any wheelchair user or senior with disabilities. Almost all cruises are handicap accessible cruises due to the staterooms and accommodations.

When planning a cruise, whether it’s one that’s been recommended below or to any destination you choose, it’s important to remember to contact the cruise line with any questions. Many cruise ships will dock at each destination, but not every port of call is wheelchair accessible. Speaking with the cruise line about excursions and wheelchair accessibility is the best way to ensure your wheelchair cruise suits your needs.

The Best Wheelchair Accessible Cruises and Disabled Cruises to Consider

1: Alaskan Cruise with Holland America

Alaska is a great destination for disabled cruises because you can see so much from the ship itself and enjoy the destination without having to disembark sometimes. Many of the ports are also docked, which makes it easy to go explore each city, see a show, and do some shopping, along with take in the sights and experiences.  Ports of call  on these cruises include Ketchikan, Juneau , Skagway, and Glacier Bay.

One of the best ways to take a cruise to Alaska in terms of wheelchair accessibility is with  Holland America . There are a variety of Alaskan wheelchair accessible cruises available through this cruise line. The best time to see Alaska is from April to September, due to the weather and these cruises can be scheduled quickly if you’re booking in that window.

Half of the Holland America cruise ships travel to and from Alaska, but  one of the most wheelchair and handicap accessible ships is Nieuw Amsterdam . This ship provides 7 day cruises in Alaska, including the Glacier Discovery Northbound, Glacier Discovery Southbound, and Alaskan Inside Passage. Cruises depart from Vancouver, BC, Canada and Whittier, Alaska.

Holland America is excellent in terms of accessibility from check in to check out. There’s a specific wheelchair and special assistance check in, the staterooms are very accessible and spacious, and there are accessible restrooms on the most popular levels so you don’t have to waste vacation time traveling back to your room.

2: Alaskan Cruise with Carnival

Another great Alaska option is taking a cruise with Carnival. There are  three different Carnival cruise ships that offer an Alaska trip : the Carnival Miracle with 10 day or 11 day cruises leaving from San Francisco, California, the Carnival Spirit with a 7 day or 8 day cruise leaving from Seattle, Washington, and the Carnival Legend with a 9 day cruise leaving from Vancouver, BC, Canada. The Alaska cruises typically run from April to September, as this is the best weather window for visiting Alaska.

The ports of call depend on how long your cruise is, but typically most Alaska cruises with Carnival visit several of the same destinations. The most popular destinations with wheelchair accessible excursions include: Skagway, Ketchikan , and Icy Strait Point. There’s also plenty to do in Juneau and Victoria. Most wheelchair and handicap accessible excursions include a tour, from  a train ride at White Pass Summit  to a village tour in Ketchikan and a whale cruise at Icy Strait Point.

A unique feature of the Carnival Alaska cruises is the day of  Cruising the Tracy Arm Fjord . This is an on ship experience because everyone stays aboard the ship and the ship passes through a narrow waterway surrounded by glaciers on both sides.

Carnival offers a variety of accessibility accommodations, including wheelchair accessible staterooms. There are four different types of accessible staterooms available and  Carnival uses a Mobility Questionaire  to help assign the appropriate room to guests requiring accommodations.

3: Caribbean Cruise with Carnival

Carnival is also a great cruise line for traveling to the Caribbean. This cruise line offers trips to the  West, East, and Southern Caribbean  departing from multiple locations along the east coast including Florida, Alabama, Texas, Virginia, New York, South Carolina, and Maryland. Cruises can last anywhere from 4 days to 14 days, which makes it easy to enjoy the trip no matter the length of your vacation. The shorter trips, 4 to 7 days, typically cover the West and East, while the longer trips, 14 days, visit the south.

The 4 to 5 day cruises occur on the Carnival Sensation and the Carnival Fantasy. These trips have  two ports of call ,  Key West  and  Cozumel  where you can take tours to explore the port and maybe even spend some time at the beach. A 6 day cruise typically has 3 stops, but these ports are all different from the shorter cruises, with ports at Nassau, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, and Half Moon Cay, depending on the cruise. Each port has plenty to explore from shopping and dining to beaches, tours, and other excursions. The Carnival Magic, Breeze, and Fascination all run 6 day cruises.

Carnival cruises are great options for anyone looking to take their first cruise. It’s a common cruise line and can be a solid opportunity for a wheelchair cruise, a cruise for seniors with disabilities, or even cruising with kids , as Carnival has a kid’s club and many activities are geared toward children. Carnival offers 4 different accessible staterooms on most of their cruise ships and works with guests to ensure their stateroom suits their needs.

4: Caribbean Cruise with Disney

Disney is a popular cruise line and their cruises to the Caribbean are more popular due to the Disney island stop, Castaway Cay. Disney cruises are great for families and because of this target audience, they’re also great in terms of wheelchair and handicap accessibility. When looking for a cruise for wheelchair users, consider a Disney cruise. While they are typically more expensive, they may also offer more accessible excursions with a family focused atmosphere.

Disney cruises visit Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean, depending on which trip you book.  4 night cruises  are aboard the Disney Wonder and depart from Galveston, Texas or New Orleans, Louisiana. These short cruises have one port of call, Cozumel, Mexico , which is great for exploring the beach. There’s also 2 days at sea with plenty to do, as Disney hosts magnificent days at sea parties with unique themes. The ideal time of year to take a Disney cruise to the Caribbean is December to May, outside of hurricane season.

7 night cruises  are aboard the Disney Fantasy and depart from Florida, Texas, or Lousisana. Some of these cruises even stop at Castaway Cay twice, which is perfect for getting in beach time and to explore each destination.  Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, is very handicap accessible  with wide, paved walking paths, sand wheelchairs, an accessible tram, and accessible bathrooms.

Disney cruises are very accessible , from spacious staterooms to accessible bathrooms. Disney provides a list of amenities in each accessible stateroom, as well as a Special Services department to ensure your cruise fulfills all your accessibility needs. A Disney cruise is a great option for all ages, as each cruise provides plenty of on board entertainment and activity along with beautiful ports of call.

5: Hawaiian Cruise with Disney

Another great destination with  Disney Cruises is Hawaii . You get all the luxury and accessibility of the  staterooms , the wonderful on board entertainment and events, along with a beautiful destination and beachy ports of call. Hawaii cruises with Disney tend to be longer trips, 9 and 10 nights, and have a limited range of ports to depart from.

There is limited availability on these cruises as well, with the  Disney Wonder  leaving from Vancouver, BC, Canada. Each cruise has a port of call at three or four Hawaiian islands, making sure your whole trip is spent in paradise. The best time to take a Hawaii cruise is during good weather, to avoid storms, ideally April to September.

A  10 day cruise to Hawaii with Disney  includes 5 days at sea and 5 destinations, all of which are different Hawaiian islands. A cruise of this length gives you plenty of time onboard to enjoy the shows, dining experiences, character meet and greets, and onboard entertainment, while also getting to visit several Hawaiian destinations to visit the beach, tour the towns, take pictures, and enjoy the atmosphere.

6: Hawaiian Cruise with Norwegian

A unique cruising experience is visiting Hawaii with  Norwegian Cruise Line . This line offers long, 14 day cruises starting or ending in Hawaii, along with 7 day Hawaii round trip cruises. This is a unique cruise experience in that you start your cruise in Hawaii and can end in Tahiti or take the ship all the way to Vancouver, depending on your preference. Many cruises are round trip from one specific port, but Norwegian offers a chance to explore even more on one cruise.

The  7 day round trip cruise  starts and ends on the island of Hawaii with the ship Pride of America. Ports include popular Hawaiian islands such as Kahului, Hilo, and Kona, and is one of the most well-known and popular cruise options to this destination. Norwegian runs this cruse year-round, which makes it easy to book for whenever you’re ready to take a vacation.

The  11 day cruise  starts in Hawaii and ends in Vancouver, which is an amazing way to end a vacation. You can start in Hawaii for a few days, enjoy the island, then island hop your way home to Vancouver and fly from there. Port activities include visiting the beaches, shopping, and spending time at museums, educational centers, and national parks. There’s something for everyone on these trips for all ages and mobility restrictions.

Norwegian Cruise Line believes that cruising should be enjoyed by everyone, which is why they strive to provide the best service for guests with disabilities, handicaps, mobility restrictions, and wheelchair users. Norwegian has  Special Assistance Coordinators  to help ensure your cruise fulfills your needs, from a specific stateroom to any other accommodations.

7: Bahamas Cruise with Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Line also offers wonderful cruises for wheelchair users to a variety of destinations, including the Bahamas. Just like with Hawaii,  Norwegian offers  some unique experiences on their cruises to the Bahamas, including one cruise that leaves New York City, stops in Florida for some theme park fun, and then cruises to the Bahamas for fun, sun, and beachy afternoons. They offer 3 day, 4 day, or 5 day cruises from Florida, or a 10 day or 11 day cruise from NYC. The ships that travel this route include the Norweigan Sky, Norweigan Sun, and Norweigan Escape.

Most of these  cruises are round-trip , which makes it easy to arrive at your port, board the ship, and enjoy the trip. Ports of call include Grand Bahama Island, Grand Stirrup Cay, and Nassau on the shorter trips, and additional stops in Orlando and Bermuda for the 11 day cruise. This is a great cruise to visit the beaches, enjoy the warm weather, and to escape daily life for a few days. The best time to travel to the Bahamas is after November and before May, to have the best weather.

Norwegian wants everyone to enjoy their stay and works to provide the best staterooms and service to accommodate the needs of every guest. They have wheelchair accessible staterooms and events for everyone both onboard and at each port as an excursion.  Contact Norwegian Cruise Line  for specifics.

8: Bahamas Cruise with Royal Caribbean

Similar to traveling to the Bahamas with Norwegian, Royal Caribbean cruises leave from Florida, Texas, and other eastern coastal states of the United States to explore Nassau, Key West, and Cozumel. This is the perfect cruise for wheelchair users, people with disabilities, and seniors with disabilities as it gives everyone a chance to enjoy the warm weather and get a chance to enjoy beyond their everyday.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises  in a range of lengths, from 3 nights to 4 and 5 nights, along with a week long 7 day to 14 days and beyond. Ships that travel to the Bahamas include the Mariner of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas. All ships offer accessible staterooms and excursions. Reservations require a  Guest with Special Needs Form  to ensure you are assigned the proper stateroom. 

Nassau  is a docked port, which means it will be the most wheelchair accessible and allows everyone a chance to get off the ship and explore. There’s beautiful beaches, boat rides, tours, and plenty of shopping. This is a great place for a short cruise over a weekend or a longer cruise to enjoy more of the Bahamas. 

9: Scandinavia with Royal Caribbean

On  Royal Caribbean, their ship Jewel of the Seas  takes guests to Scandinavia and Russia over 7, 8, or 10 days. This ship departs from Copenhagen, Denmark or Stockholm, Sweden depending on the trip. These trips are part of the Baltic Cruises this cruise line offers. The best time to visit Scandinavia and Northern Europe is from April to August for the best weather window.

One of the benefits of traveling with Royal Caribbean is that the itinerary tells you if your port will be docked or tendered. Docked is the best option for those with disabilities, mobility limitations, and wheelchair accessibility. Most of the ports of call on the Baltic Cruises are docked, with the rare exception depending on your cruise.

Popular ports of call include Tallinn, Estonia , St. Petersburg, Russia , and Helsinki, Finland . Longer cruises have a few more ports of call including Visby, Sweden. Each location on any of the  three cruises  include amazing local dining, comprehensive tours and museums to take in the local history, and plenty of shopping for gifts, souvenirs and pictures to document your trip.

Royal Caribbean fully supports that travel should be accessible for all and works to provide accessible staterooms and excursions to all their guests. Their website includes a  request form for accessible excursions and a list of tendered ports , which are not typically wheelchair accessible. Accessible staterooms can be requested with a  Guest Special Needs Form .

10: Scandinavian Cruise with Holland America

A Scandinavian cruise is commonly referred to as a  Northern Europe cruise  and visits locations such as Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In addition to cruising with Royal Caribbean, you can also cruise with Holland America, which is known as one of the most accessible cruise lines, as we saw with cruising to Alaska. The same standard is upheld with cruising to Scandinavia.  Holland America  offers 7 day, 10 day, 14 day, and 21 day cruises that explore the waterways of Sweden, Norway, and the Baltic sea. Ships available for these trips include Ship Nieuw Statendam and Ship Rotterdam.

Many of these excursions are taking water and motor tours of the surrounding areas, like driving through one of Norway’s longest tunnels, visiting farm villages, sampling local coffee and treats, and exploring the steep roads with hairpin turns. While these are exciting ways to explore the area, it can also make wheelchair accessibility difficult. The best way to approach these excursions is to speak with Holland America directly, as accessible vehicles, ramps, and other accommodations can be made in advance.

Holland America Line strives to provide any accommodations you may need during your stay and uses a  Special Requirements Information Form  to help provide the proper stateroom and any other adjustments a guest with disabilities or mobility limitations may need. It is suggested to plan ahead and to contact the cruise line well before your stay in order to answer questions about cruises for wheelchair users and to confirm your reservation.

As you can see, there are a variety of handicap cruises and disabled cruises available to consider for your next vacation. Most cruise lines are accommodating in terms of disabled cabins on cruise ships and exciting excursions.

Cruises are a great opportunity to travel for wheelchair users, those with mobility restrictions and disabled individuals. The all inclusiveness of a cruise makes it the perfect way to relax and enjoy without all the planning of a traditional vacation.

Are you interested in booking one of these cruises?? Contact my accessibility-focused travel agency, Curb Free Travel, by emailing me at [email protected]

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After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the US when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned fifteen. Since then, Cory has traveled around the world, all while managing to successfully graduate college and start up his travel blog curbfreewithcorylee.com, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not so accessible, travel adventures with others. Through this, he hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.

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ACCESSIBLE CRUISING

• Accessibility Mission Statement
• Wheelchair & Motorised Scooter
• Amenities & Services

Assistance On & Off Ship

• Ship Transfers & Excursions
• Tender Ports List
• Deaf and Low Hearing
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Carefully read the documentation that each guest must present at the pier prior to boarding. Travel to some destinations require special visas and travel authorizations. The information below explains what is required when traveling to each destination and how to obtain this documentation.

Accessibility Mission Statement:

Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to providing inclusivity and access to world-class holiday experiences by continuously improving and applying the most updated accessibility standards to exceed our guests' expectations.

Important Information for Guests with Special Needs

The fun and excitement of Freestyle cruising should be enjoyed by everyone. That's why we are committed to providing all of our guests the freedom of choice to cruise your way.

Our team of Accessibility Coordinators have experience in furthering Norwegian Cruise Line's mission to provide a safe and accessible cruise experience for all guests with special requirements, to the best of our ability and feasible extent.

The Accessibility Coordinators will contact you prior to your cruise as soon as we receive your Accessibility & Medical Questionnaire so that we can try to viably meet your needs and expectations. Onboard, the Norwegian Cruise Line Access Officer will be the primary person managing all of your special needs.

To get more information or request accessibility assistance on your upcoming cruise, fill out the Guest Special Needs Request Form or contact us using the phone number at the bottom of this page.

Special Accessibility Coordinators Before and During Your Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line has a dedicated team of experienced travel professionals specifically trained to assist guests with disabilities and special needs, before, during and even after your cruise.

The Access Desk

Within our Reservations Department, an exclusive team of experienced professionals operate to help facilitate your travel. After receiving your Accessibility & Medical Questionnaire , these specially trained in Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures, will document your reservation with information concerning your service requests. These details will be communicated to our cruise staff who will take care of the accommodations and prepare for your holiday.

A member of the Access Desk will speak with you about each and every aspect of your cruise, from transportation to and from the vessel, your stateroom, shore excursions and any other expectation or need that you may have.

Once you have boarded, you will be met by staff who will have all of the information that you conveyed to Norwegian Cruise Line either directly or through your travel professional. Staff will be available throughout your cruise to see to your needs. Norwegian Cruise Line has Access Officers who will be the primary point person working to make sure all your needs are met. Norwegian Cruise Line also has a centralised internal corporate resolution staff to assist the Access Officer, available by telephone 24 hours a day.

To get more information or request accessibility assistance on your upcoming cruise, fill out the Accessibility & Medical Questionnaire or contact us using the phone number at the bottom of this page.

Advance Notice Needed

Whatever your special requirements are, Norwegian Cruise Line will do whatever it reasonably can to accommodate you. But we do need adequate time to prepare for your arrival. Please make every effort to contact our Access Desk well in advance of your cruise – at least 90 days for interpreters and 45 days for all other requirements.

The more information that we have concerning any special requirement you may have, the more prepared we are to meet your needs during your cruise. What works well for others may not meet your requirements. You'll have a much more enjoyable cruise experience if you tell us what you need. We will work with you to try to meet all your reasonable needs for your cruise, but due to the nature of travel on a passenger cruise vessel, if advance notice is not given, Norwegian Cruise Line may not be able to provide you with what you need.

In limited situations (either on board or ashore), we may find it necessary to ask you to make alternative travel arrangements, such as if a disabled guest is unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aid and services. Guests who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating, and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable travelling companion. It is essential that we be notified of any special medical, physical, or other requirement you may have as soon as possible, including whether you intend to bring a scooter with you.

Pre-arranging for special assistance helps travel proceed more smoothly. Assistance is arranged for at the time of booking upon identification of your specific service request.

Guests with Mobility Disabilities

For guests who cannot walk on their own, a wheelchair, scooter or walker may be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line has a limited supply of wheelchairs onboard. In order to accommodate our guests, Norwegian Cruise Line wheelchairs are reserved exclusively for embarkation and disembarkation situations. If you will require regular use of a wheelchair, we strongly recommend that you bring your own wheelchair with you or make rental arrangements with Scootaround. The limited supply of wheelchairs onboard are available for emergency rental arrangements and are on a first come first serve basis.

Wheelchair accessible staterooms are available on all our ships. We recommend you book well in advance as possible as availability is limited. Accessible staterooms offer wider door frames, roll in showers, shower benches, high-rise toilets and handrails in shower and toilet area.

Motorised wheelchairs and scooters are allowed in our accessible staterooms provided that they are powered by gel-cell batteries and the chargers must be adaptable to 110 volts. Should you choose a stateroom that has not been designated as accessible, you will need to bring a collapsible wheelchair, or if you have a motorised wheelchair or scooter, the width must not exceed 26 inches to enter the stateroom door. All scooters and wheelchairs MUST be stored in the stateroom. Due to the safety and escape way requirements established by SOLAS regulations, they cannot be stored in the hallways, stairways, or any other public area. Beach wheelchairs can be rented for use on Norwegian Cruise Line's private island.

For additional details on the prearranged rental programme for wheelchairs, scooters and other medical equipment, please contact our authorised vendor. Please note that the other vendors will not have access to Norwegian ships:

Scootaround

Phone: (toll-free) 888-441-7575 or 204-982-0657

Fax: 204-478-1172

www.scootaround.com

Amenities and Services include:

• Embarkation day meeting with staff member who will see to your accessibility needs during the cruise
• A limited number of wheelchair accessible staterooms with grab bars in the bathrooms, raised beds, adjustable hanging rods in the closets, shower seats, extra wide doors for easy access
• Wheelchair rental available for use on the vessels
• All Norwegian Cruise Line ships have pool lifts
• All Norwegian Cruise Line ships have accessible restrooms in a variety of public spaces
• Accessible transportation to and from the vessel can be arranged in advance for all US destinations with 15 day advance notice provided to the Access Desk
• The Access Desk can provide specific and up to date information on the accessibility of shore excursions prior to your cruise

Guests requesting wheelchair assistance on and off the ship during embarkation / disembarkation, must be able to enter and exit the terminal without assistance.

Assistance onto the ship at embarkation

Norwegian Cruise Line crew cannot exit the terminal, therefore guests cannot be picked up at the drop-off area/curb. Guests must enter the terminal before they can be provided wheelchair assistance. Guests are taken to the check-in area and then up the ramp to board the ship, but cannot be taken all the way to their stateroom.

Assistance off the ship at disembarkation

Announcements will be made onboard to advise guests to meet at a specific location, where they will wait for crew members with wheelchairs, to arrive and assist them to the security/check-out area. Guests are dropped off at the check-out area. Guests will need to make their own way out of the terminal to the curb.

Ship Transfers and Shore Excursions Facilities

Ship Transfers & Tenders

Guests must be aware that certain vessel transfers, such as tendering and gangways, may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters at the time that they desire or that they cannot go ashore at all. When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Guests may need to utilise steps or a stair case to access the tender and to re-board the ship. Some guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times whilst at dock or whilst tendering.

Note: We are unable to provide assistance from the ship to tender and/or from tender to shore for guests with scooters and/or wheelchairs that weigh a combined 100 lbs. Guests tendering to Great Stirrup Cay may be exempt from this. Heavy-duty devices must be able to fold in order to be accommodated onboard the tender.

Please see Tender List here

Shore Excursions

Some shore excursion facilities may not be fully accessible to guests with mobility challenges. Although we endeavor to make sure that companies based in the United States provide accessible shore excursions, we cannot guarantee that all are able to provide facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities. Moreover, shore excursions in foreign ports can present challenges to disabled guests. For detailed, up-to-date information on accessibility issues involving shore excursions, we recommend that you contact our Shore Excursion team experts at 00800 0310 21 21 or visit our website .

Guests who Are Deaf or Have Low Hearing

At Norwegian Cruise Line, we will attempt to provide our Deaf or Low Hearing guests with an enjoyable cruise, which means making every attempt to make the technology available to assist Deaf and Low Hearing guests during your Freestyle cruise experience. We strongly encourage Deaf or Low Hearing guests to contact the Access Desk prior to cruising so that your specific needs can be discussed prior to your cruise. Many different options are available prior to the cruise and needs vary from guest to guest.

• The Sky, Sun and Pride of America have staterooms that are hard wired for Deaf and Low Hearing guests which includes a visual-tactile alert system to alert you if there is knocking at the door, telephone ringing, alarm ringing or smoke detection
• On those vessels where rooms have not been hardwired, a portable kit is available upon request in your stateroom that includes a visual-tactile alert system to alert you if there is knocking at the door, telephone ringing, alarm ringing or smoke detection
• Individual and/or group emergency drills for all Deaf or Low Hearing guests upon request
• Pagers are available upon request on all Norwegian Cruise Line vessels to alert Deaf or Low Hearing Guests to vessel announcements and a manual for same can be provided in advance
• Assistive listening devices are available on many vessels in the main theatre through the Guest Service Desk
• Closed-captioned televisions are available for your state room
• Closed-captioned movies are available on the 'New Movie Release' channel. A DVD player may be requested if a guest wishes to bring their own DVD movies from home
• Sign language interpreting services may be provided for Deaf guests if that is their primary means of communication. A request for sign language interpreting should be made with the Access Desk at the time of booking through the Special requirements Information Form that can be obtained from the Access desk, but no later than 90 days prior to sailing. Requests are subject to a number of considerations, including but not limited to, the availability of interpreters and cabin space. Sign language interpreting services may be provided on cruises that depart from and/or return to the U.S. Please make every effort to contact our Access Desk well in advance of your cruise - at least 90 days for interpreters. A request for an interpreter with less than 90 days' notice may still be granted but cannot be guaranteed
• TTY Phones are available onboard all ships except Norwegian Spirit that use handy phones and text messaging. The guest can request that the phone in their room be replaced with a TTY phone and this will enable them to communicate with the Guest Services Desk staff by teletype

Guests who are Blind or Have Low Vision

At Norwegian Cruise Line, we will attempt to provide our Blind or Low Vision guests with an enjoyable cruise, which means providing personal, customised service to make your cruise fun, safe and happy.

Amenities and Services Available include:

• A vessel orientation tour is available upon request
• Braille / tactile signage
• Service animals allowed onboard and must be arranged through the Access Desk prior to the cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line accepts service dogs that are trained to perform a specific task. A service dog may be needed for many different conditions, which would be acceptable under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

In accordance with the ADA, Norwegian Cruise Line does NOT accept “Emotional Support” dogs as service dogs, they CANNOT sail.

• Guests must provide copies of the dog’s current vaccination records that show all shots are up-to-date (including Rabies), as well as a USDA or International Health certificate
• Guests are responsible for checking with all ports of call for any special requirements they may have. Guests are responsible for bringing all food, medication and life jacket for the dog
• A relief sand box will be provided

All guests travelling with service animals must book at least two weeks in advance to allow enough time to check with each port of call and provide Norwegian Cruise Line with all required documentation.

For more information on document requirements, visit:

• U.S Department of Agriculture
• Hawaii Department of Agriculture
• UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Dietary Requirements

Special Medical, Allergy and Diabetes

Guests with special medical diets and/or food allergies should contact the Access Desk to discuss Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures concerning special diets and your specific allergies prior to your cruise. Because the vessels are supplied all over the world, it may be easier to meet your specific food allergy requirements in some countries, but very difficult in others. Special dietary requests should be submitted at least 45 days prior to sailing. Any requests inside 45 days cannot be guaranteed. We can arrange to have no sugar and low sodium meals for guests with those specific medical dietary restrictions upon request. Refrigerators are available upon request for storing insulin.

Kosher Dining

Norwegian Cruise Line offers Kosher dining options during your cruise with advanced notice. Simply contact our reservations experts at 1-800-237-7030 at least 30 days prior to your sail date and they will make note of your dining preference. If it is within 30 days of your sailing, please contact 1-800-327-7030 Ext. #11134. A notation will be made on your reservation and the onboard staff will be able to assist you in making your meal selections on embarkation day.

Reservations: 1-800-237-7030

PLEASE NOTE: Kosher Dining is not handled through the Access Desk. Click here for more information.

Medical Needs

Guests requiring continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis are welcome to board all vessels. However, Norwegian Cruise Line does not have the ability to assist or administer hemo-dialysis treatments. Those guests using peritoneal dialysis should have all solutions and equipment needed to perform the dialysis delivered to the vessel on the day of sailing at least two hours prior to sailing. Please contact the Access desk prior to the cruise for more information on Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures.

The ship is not equipped to provide guests with these services other than on an emergency basis in the Ship's Medical Centre. For security and safety reasons, we have selected Scootaround as the only outside vendors that we will permit to deliver oxygen supplies to the ship. We believe they will meet your on board respiratory needs.

However, you are also welcome, to bring your own oxygen and/or oxygen equipment from your home. Please contact the Access & Compliance Department prior to sailing if you will require oxygen whilst on your cruise. Please note that liquid oxygen is not permitted on any Norwegian Cruise Line vessel.

For additional details on the prearranged rental programme for oxygen equipment and other medical equipment, please contact our exclusive supplier and authorised vendor. For the safety and security of everyone, oxygen and/or oxygen equipment deliveries will not be accepted from any other company other than Scootaround.

Norwegian Cruise Line will not accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the time their travel with Norwegian Cruise Line concludes. Norwegian Cruise Line will not be responsible or liable for any complications of pregnancy which arise or occur during the cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line will not accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the time their travel with Norwegian Cruise Line concludes. A statement from the expectant mother's doctor (letter head form required), stating her due date and fitness to travel must be sent to Norwegian Cruise Line's Access Desk, please send back up documentation details Guest Special Needs Request Form here. Norwegian Cruise Line will not be responsible or liable for any complications of pregnancy which arise or occur during the cruise.

Other Needs And Additional Assistance

Norwegian Cruise Line welcomes guests with medical, emotional or any other challenge to Freestyle cruising. If you have a need that has not been discussed, we encourage you to contact us at the Access Desk regarding your special requirements or requests and our policies and procedures.

Children with disabilities are welcome on all Norwegian Cruise Line vessels. Please contact the Access Desk to discuss Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures regarding children with disabilities and how we can assist you in making your child's cruising experience safe, fun and comfortable.

Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Guests with cognitive, intellectual and development disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease are encouraged to contact the Access Desk to discuss your cruise. Upon request, every effort will be made to meet your cruising special requirements, including:

• Boarding and disembarkation assistance

Website Accessibility Statement

At Norwegian Cruise Line (“NCL”), we are committed to facilitating and improving the accessibility and usability of our Website, www.ncl.com (the “Website”), ensuring that our Website services and content are accessible to persons with disabilities including, but not limited to, users of screen reader technology. To accomplish this, NCL has partnered with UsableNet Inc. (“UsableNet”), a leading web accessibility consultant, by implementing technology that will enable and maintain accessibility in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which also brings the Website into conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The initial accessibility work has been completed (where testing has been performed both with automatic accessibility testing tools and users of screen readers to identify issues) and remediation has been applied. UsableNet will continue to monitor the Website and make accessibility updates when needed. Users can "Enable Accessibility" via the link at the top of the site navigation and always get the accessibility enabled enhancements ensuring equal access to all features and functions.

Please be aware that our efforts to maintain accessibility and usability are on-going. Whilst we strive to make the Website as accessible as possible, some issues may be encountered by different assistive technology as the range of assistive technology is wide and varied. We appreciate your understanding.

If, at any time, you have specific questions or concerns about the accessibility of any particular web page on the Website, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at the number below. If you do encounter an accessibility issue, please be sure to specify the web page and nature of the issue in your email and/or phone call, and we will make all reasonable efforts to make that web page or the information contained therein accessible for you.

Celebrity Blog

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• Planning / Booking A Cruise
• Preparing For Your Cruise
• What To Expect On A Cruise
• Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific
• Central America
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• Mexican Riviera
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Cruises for Seniors With Disabilities: Everything You Need to Know

Last updated: June 4th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Cruises for seniors with disabilities are an enjoyable, comfortable, and hassle-free way to vacation.

On board, you’ll find beautifully appointed accessible staterooms and public spaces on our easy-to-navigate cruise ships. Many of our onboard activities can be enjoyed by all guests, from trivia challenges and wine pairing classes to destination seminars, thrilling entertainment, and silent meditations.

You’ll also get assistance from ship to shore, making the boarding experience as easy and comfortable as possible for seniors with disabilities.

Accessible Ships

Celebrity Edge

All of Celebrity’s ships have accessible features, which allow seniors with disabilities to move around the ship and enjoy all of the activities and amenities offered on board.

Throughout the ship, you’ll find wide corridors that can accommodate wheelchairs and power scooters, conveniently located elevators, and power doors on Solstice-class and Edge-series ships. All dining, bar, and lounge venues offer wheelchair seating, as do our onboard theaters.

Rooftop Garden

Public areas feature open and inviting spaces with gradual inclines for easy access, as do our public bathrooms.

Play games in the onboard casino at lowered tables and lowered slot machines. When you’re ready to enjoy the sun, a chair lift will help you get into the pool or hot tub.

Braille signage is included in elevators and public areas throughout, while Celebrity Today, our daily newsletter, is available in Braille and large font. Large print menus are also available in all dining venues.

To ensure that your cruise experience is perfect from beginning to end, you’ll get help with transportation from the airport to the pier, during boarding, and when departing the ship for cruise excursions. We also offer extra assistance for those who want to reach areas of the ship that are not easily accessible.

Celebrity welcomes service dogs aboard for seniors with disabilities. If you wish to accommodate a service dog, arrangements can be made in advance with our Access Department.

Read: Accessible Travel Guide

Accessible Staterooms

All of Celebrity’s luxurious cruise ships have accessible staterooms, and each is specially designed for travelers with disabilities.

Accessible Stateroom

Our accessible staterooms have carefully considered features, such as wider doors with removed door sills, which make for convenient wheelchair and power scooter access.

Select staterooms have a five-foot turning radius for easy navigation, while our accessible veranda staterooms have wheelchair-accommodating balconies so you can enjoy the view.

An accessible stateroom can also be customized for guests with sight or hearing special needs. Teletypewriters (TTY), portable room kits with a visual-tactile alert system for door knocking, telephone ringing, alarm clocks, and smoke detectors are all available onboard. Televisions in all staterooms have closed captioning.

Additional features, like lowered clothes bars in the closet, a roll-in shower with handheld showerheads, grab bars, and a fold-down shower bench are standard in accessible rooms, as are lower sinks and vanities, higher toilets, and ramped thresholds in the bathroom.

Accessible staterooms are conveniently located near elevators. Before you book your cruise, you can review the ship’s deck plans to see where they’re located and select one that’s nearest to the public areas you’re most interested in.

Accessible staterooms are held for travelers with disabilities until all other non-accessible staterooms in that category are fully booked.

There are only a limited number of accessible rooms on board, so it’s always a good idea to book early and fill out the required special needs form or when you book with one of our vacation specialists.

Medical Assistance

All Celebrity ships have a clinic onboard with a doctor and two nurses on call 24 hours a day. The ship’s pharmacy is stocked with basic medications, including seasickness medicine, aspirin, and other common remedies.

The onboard pharmacy does not have the ability to fill prescriptions, so make sure to bring a sufficient supply of your medication and place it in your carry-on luggage so that you’ll have access to it as soon as you board. And with Celebrity Cruises Open Access, you can go straight to your stateroom before exploring the ship.

Dialysis stations are located onboard, although only ambulatory peritoneal dialysis can be administered. Celebrity Cruises does not have the ability to administer hemodialysis treatments or provide assistance for dialysis treatments needed while on board.

Guests using peritoneal dialysis should have all the required solutions and equipment delivered to the ship at least two hours prior to sailing on embarkation day . Contact us to find out more information on our policies and procedures regarding dialysis on board.

Oxygen cylinders are allowed on board. Passengers need to share the type of oxygen cylinder, quantity, and delivery schedule before boarding. Contact us to find out more information on the oxygen storage requirements of each ship, since our policies differ depending on the ship.

Unforgettable Destinations & Excursions

Celebrity’s cruise ships sail to over 300 destinations and 79 countries on all seven continents of the world.  On cruises for seniors with disabilities, you can travel around the world and visit multiple destinations all in one trip—while only having to unpack once.

Read: Senior Citizen Cruises

Hobbiton in Tauranga, New Zealand

Whether you’re admiring the green hills of Ireland, getting up close to koalas and kangaroos down under in Australia, seeing the magnificent mountains and glaciers of Alaska, exploring the temples of busy Hong Kong, or unwinding on the white-sand beaches of a sunny Caribbean island, you’ll sail to your destination on one of our premium ships with fully-equipped and thoughtfully designed accessible features for seniors with disabilities.

At every port destination on your cruise itinerary, you can book shore excursions that cater to your specific interests and activity level. Consider private journeys, which are highly personalized excursions, small group tours, or destination tours that take you straight to a city’s most iconic sights and landmarks in a wheelchair-accessible van.

Book Your Accessible Cruise

Now that you know all about our cruises for seniors with disabilities, browse our cruise itineraries and book your next trip online, or call one of our vacation specialists today at 1-800-852-8086.

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6 tips for going on a cruise as a wheelchair user

Traveling in a wheelchair undoubtedly comes with its challenges, but almost any wheelchair user will probably agree that cruising comes with far fewer challenges than air travel and most other modes of transportation. On a cruise, you don't need to worry about finding an accessible taxi or calling in advance to check accessibility when going to dinner.

Instead, you can hop in an elevator and in less than five minutes, you'll be ready for dinner in a nice cruise ship restaurant . Life on board a cruise ship is easy for wheelchair users because it's like an entire city is right there on the ship. Whether you want to lounge by the pool and drink pina coladas all day, see a Broadway-style show or even gamble in the onboard casino, nearly anything is possible within the confines of a cruise ship.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

While cruising is one of the easier ways to travel with a disability, wheelchair users should keep a few things in mind when considering a cruise vacation. If you're planning a cruise, here are six tips for cruising as a wheelchair user to help ensure you have an enjoyable — and accessible — cruise vacation.

Book as early as possible

Some of the larger cruise ships can hold around 5,000 people. Royal Caribbean 's Icon of the Seas , currently the world's largest ship, carries 7,600 passengers. However, even with that much space, wheelchair-accessible cabins can be limited. Typically, a cruise ship only offers a few dozen accessible rooms, and they are often booked quickly. (MSC Cruises tends to provide more accessible cabins than other cruise lines. MSC Seaside offers 51 accessible cabins.)

If you're thinking about taking a cruise, it's incredibly important to do the proper research and reserve your accessible cabin as early as possible. Booking a year or more in advance is great, especially for Alaska cruises . Cruises to Alaska often sell out of accessible cabins in record time, so keep an eye out for on-sale dates if there's a specific cruise you'd like to book.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Choose a cruise line that works for you

Generally, the bigger the ship, the more accessible it is. For example, cruise lines like Carnival , Royal Caribbean and Disney have at least a few thousand passengers on every cruise, so the ships are more likely to accommodate wheelchair users. Holland America and Celebrity Cruises cater to older travelers, so you can also expect good access on their ships. However, smaller ships (and especially river cruises ) are typically not wheelchair-friendly.

Newer ships are also more accessible than older vessels. If you see that a brand-new ship is coming out from one of the big cruise lines, you can almost guarantee that accessibility will be fantastic.

To determine whether a ship is the right one for you, go to your chosen cruise line's website and pull up the deck plan of your desired ship. Accessible cabins will be indicated by a wheelchair symbol.

You can also do a Google search for "(cruise ship name) wheelchair access review" and read reviews from other wheelchair users. Nothing beats that firsthand perspective from a fellow wheelchair user.

Related: The best cruise lines for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility

Find out if ports of call are docked or tendered

Rolling around a cruise ship as a wheelchair user is spectacular, but what about exploring the various ports of call? Visiting various destinations on a single itinerary is one of the big advantages of a cruise vacation.

Wheelchair users should choose cruise itineraries where ships dock at the ports of call. Once the ship is tied up to the pier, wheelchair users can simply roll down a ramp to disembark the ship.

The alternative is that the ship anchors offshore and uses smaller, typically inaccessible, boats called tenders to take passengers ashore. It's difficult, and sometimes impossible, for wheelchair users to board these boats and transfer to shore.

You can find out if a port is docked or tendered by viewing the itinerary online or calling the cruise line.

Related: The most wheelchair-accessible beach destinations in the US

Rent mobility equipment

For many wheelchair users, one of the most difficult parts of traveling is taking along medical and mobility equipment. As someone who travels with a motorized wheelchair, a shower/commode wheelchair, a patient lift, wheelchair chargers and other medical equipment, I know firsthand how challenging it is to haul everything around once you reach a destination.

To make the process easier, companies such as Special Needs at Sea and Scootaround will allow you to rent mobility equipment that will be waiting in your cabin when you board the ship. Cruise travelers can rent wheelchairs, hospital beds, patient lifts, oxygen concentrators and more.

Related: These are the most accessible cities around the world

Reserve shore excursions with accessibility-focused companies

If cruise lines are lacking in one department, it's the availability of wheelchair-accessible shore excursions. Some cruise lines do offer accessible shore excursions in certain destinations, but the choices can be limited.

Royal Caribbean offers accessible shore excursions in several port cities in the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean. Passengers must fill out a request form prior to the cruise. Additionally, accessible shore excursions through Carnival Cruise Line are marked with a wheelchair icon. They include tours in Valletta, Malta; Glasgow, Scotland; Ketchikan, Alaska; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

If your particular cruise line doesn't provide a good selection of wheelchair-friendly excursions, consider booking a tour with an external company. In most ports of call, especially in the Caribbean and Europe, you can find local companies that have adapted transportation. It might take a bit of a Google search to find them, but they are out there.

For example, Sage Traveling offers wheelchair-friendly shore excursions in dozens of popular cruise destinations. Even better, the company is managed by a wheelchair user, so you can rest assured that accessibility will be top-notch.

Let an accessibility specialist plan your cruise

If researching and planning a wheelchair-friendly cruise seems daunting, let someone else do the work for you. Some travel companies specialize in accessible tours — including cruises.

Easy Access Travel specializes in both accessible cruise vacations and packaged land tours for travelers with physical limitations. The company has sailed with such lines as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Cruises , Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line .

In addition to offering accessible shore excursions, the above-mentioned Sage Traveling organizes wheelchair-friendly cruise vacations to the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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How this adult-only cruise line integrated accessibility into its experiences

Not all disabilities are created equal. Travel varies from person to person, even when experiencing the same disability. 

“‘How can I support you to have the best vacation of your life?’ That’s the energy that I want our teams to have,” Alex Zeitz, Director of Crew & Sailor Experience at Virgin Voyages, told USA TODAY.

Personalized accommodations reign supreme when it comes to a safe and enjoyable travel experience. By and large, compared with air travel, cruising can offer vacationers a more seamless experience. 

USA TODAY recently participated in a Virgin Voyages press trip aboard its Resilient Lady vessel on its Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems itinerary. There, we could see the cruise line’s accommodations for travelers with disabilities firsthand.

What can disabled travelers expect? 

It begins with the booking process. Guests, or sailors as Virgin calls them, can fill out a specific needs questionnaire as part of their booking process to ensure the crew can prepare accordingly. 

For example, those who are visually or hearing impaired can get unique assistance at the dock with their check-in process and be escorted onto the ship. And, if they so wish, a tour of the vessel to orient themselves.

“The fully accessible cabins, and not only cabins but also our quarters – what we call our suites – allows a sailor who is a wheelchair user or a scooter user to really have full access (to the) experience,” Zeitz said. “We also have (assistive) listening devices available at various public spaces.” 

Bring the bikini, leave the kids: 4 things to know about sailing with Virgin Voyages

Aboard the Resilient Lady, USA TODAY was able to confirm access to those devices in the Red Room, where most entertainment performances are held. 

The accessible cabins, as one might expect, boasted wider bathroom doors, handheld showerheads and lowered counters. A rare feature in older ships that Virgin includes is access to balconies via a ramp that falls over the sliding door entryway for ease of access. 

For Jennie Berry , a wheelchair user and sailor aboard the Resilient Lady, the experience was largely positive. 

“This is the first spa that I’ve been to, both on a ship and on land, that has pool (lifts), so I was able to go in both the small pool and the jacuzzi,” she said, noting that it was a different experience at the main ship pools. 

When Berry couldn’t see the pool lifts, she messaged the crew to get one set up, but she said it took them two hours to install it, “so I sat on the side sweating.” Once she was able to use it, however, the chair got stuck with Berry in midair. “I had to jump from the chair into the pool, then I had to be carried out by other passengers.” 

While the incident was a technical mishap, Berry said that the crew then messaged her every day asking what time she intended to use the pool – admittedly not the most seamless experience for those who don’t plan their relaxation by the hour. 

“(Overall) it’s been very fun. I’ve made so many friends, it’s so friendly,” she said. “And especially in terms of the accessibility, I’ve been able to access pretty much everything that I’ve wanted to.” 

What about shore excursions? 

Sailors can book excursions prior to or during their trip, and Virgin has marked those with wheelchair access. If a sailor has other needs, there is a guest services counter open 24 hours a day to answer any particulars and ensure each sailor has the best experience. 

Zeitz said Virgin is partnering with local vendors focused on accessible excursions to provide a wider range of activities whenever possible – being cognizant that in some parts of the world, especially in older cities, it might not be a smooth experience. 

For Berry, she did have to miss one of the stops during the sailing because of Kotor, Montenegro’s port access. Sailors had to board a tender (smaller boat) to bridge the gap between the cruise and the actual dock. 

“I’ve been on many other cruise lines before, and on (those) cruises, I’ve never found an accessible excursion through the cruise line themselves,” the travel blogger who runs Wheelie Good Life said. “However, before I came on the holiday (Virgin was) emailing me, giving me different options that could potentially be wheelchair accessible, all for the same price – normally there’s an upcharge – so that was quite good.”

The information on the cruise line’s app is pretty comprehensive, and the crew is always available to assist with disembarkation and provide guidance for specific destinations.

Are they able to accommodate strict dietary restrictions? 

At The Galley – Virgin’s alternative to a buffet – sailors can find several “shops” akin to a food court where they can order at leisure or wait for a server to come to their table. There’s a variety of seating configurations to make it easier for those with mobility devices, and waiters will promptly ask about any dietary restrictions before placing an order. 

If sailors do decide to pick up food for themselves, they need to be sure to ask about ingredients and/or inform the attendant about their restrictions. 

Even at the most hands-off of restaurants, Test Kitchen, where it’s a preset tasting menu with ingredients only on a cardboard list on the table, chefs and crew will accommodate the specific dishes that won’t make the cut. 

During our cruise, vegetarians were provided a rich vegan tart alternative to the venison dish, and those who were lactose intolerant were provided a mandarin and makrut lime sorbet in place of the blue cheese semifreddo (it sounds odd, but it was actually really good). 

“We will continue to expand what we offer (and) how we offer it,” Zeitz added. “The more we look at the (accessible) travel community, the more we need to be delivering.” 

Starlink on cruise ships: Which lines have faster internet connections on board?

N o matter how far your cruise roams, staying connected to the internet can be as important for some cruisers as oxygen and water. Whether you're keen on live-streaming penguins from your balcony on an Antarctica cruise, catching up on your favorite TV series or hopping on a Zoom call in the middle of the Pacific, connectivity and high-speed access are now considered essentials when cruising.

In the past, cruise lines struggled to keep up with the demand for seamless connectivity at sea. In the middle of an ocean, ships had to rely on satellite systems that could be unreliable, prohibitively expensive and maddeningly slow. Satellite systems allotted only so much broadband for each ship, and every ship carried thousands of people, each with multiple devices.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

A better solution was required. Enter Starlink, the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet. Part of Elon Musk's SpaceX program, Starlink now provides many cruise ships with bandwidth that can support streaming, online gaming, video calls and more worldwide. Starlink debuted in 2019 and has quickly revolutionized how hundreds of cruise ships provide internet access, boosting connectivity and capacity as ships roam the world.

Will your next cruise offer landlike Wi-Fi speeds? Here is everything you need to know about Starlink on cruise ships.

How does Starlink work?

Compared to standard communications satellites, which orbit from 22,000 miles away, Starlink's thousands of satellites orbit the atmosphere from about 340 miles above the Earth's surface. With much closer proximity to Earth, Starlink's data connections offer stronger and faster connections and provide the opportunity for more bandwidth on cruise ships.

The coverage of the Starlink satellites is extensive and growing, with more than 5,400 satellites currently in orbit and plans in future years to reach up to 42,000 satellites in orbit at once. Traditional satellite networks have a much more limited fleet and reach, especially in some of the ocean's most remote areas. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, with near-complete coverage of all the world's oceans and waterways.

The Starlink system is affixed to ships as a series of flat panels positioned on upper decks, replacing the now antiquated domes often placed near the ship's funnel and radar masts.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

How fast is Starlink internet access?

Starlink's website estimates download speeds that range from 40 to over 200 Mbps and upload speeds that come in at 8 to more than 25 Mbps, with a latency of less than 99 milliseconds. These are wide-ranging estimates that don't factor in cruise ship-based throttling, cruise ship capacity, global positioning and the costs and challenges of outfitting a cruise ship with bow-to-stern Wi-Fi connectivity.

The industrial-strength steel frames and fireproof materials used throughout the ship make a strong, consistent signal throughout a cruise ship an industry-wide challenge. There will be patches on a ship, regardless of which line you're sailing, where you'll find a weaker signal. Signals are often at their strongest in the main public gathering areas.

Similar to traditional satellites, severe weather can be a factor in Starlink connections while at sea. Intense storms can bring temporary service interruptions or reduced speeds, while heavy rain or snowfall can cause signal attenuation, which might cause a brief loss of connectivity.

Cruises with Starlink

Here's a full rundown of all the major cruise lines sailing with the new Starlink technology. How much will the connectivity cost you? Check TPG's guide to Wi-Fi access on cruise ships.

Note: Starlink on cruises can be a white label service, depending on the line. While the cruise line might not advertise that it uses the new Wi-Fi technology, the list below will help to identify which lines are sailing with Starlink.

Azamara 's fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Social Wi-Fi (with access only to popular social media and airline websites), Value Wi-Fi (for email, news, weather, banking and other basic websites) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Basic Wi-Fi (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Cunard 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Essential (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line does not currently use Starlink Wi-Fi.

Holland America

Holland America offers fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Surf (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging), Premium (for Wi-Fi audio and video calls) and Stream (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Lindblad Expedition offers complimentary, basic Starlink Wi-Fi to all guests aboard their ships, with the exception of Delfin II. There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: Enhanced (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet, with two-thirds of the line's ships currently sailing with the upgraded service. The ships in the fleet that do not have the service include MSC Opera and MSC World Europa (both will receive Starlink in the coming weeks) and MSC Armonia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida (scheduled to receive Starlink before the summer 2024 season.)

There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Browse Internet Cruise Package (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and the Browse & Stream Cruise Package (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet this year, with select ships presently sailing with the upgraded service. Currently, the ships with upgraded internet include Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Pearl.

NCL offers two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Unlimited Wi-Fi Package and the Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package. As part of the line's Free at Sea promotion , guests can receive a limited number of Wi-Fi minutes for free.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi on all its ships and will have its entire fleet outfitted with the service by the end of 2024. Oceania Cruises offers fleetwide basic complimentary internet with a premium option available for streaming.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ' fleet features MedallionNet, the only Wi-Fi network in the cruise industry that combines multi-orbit satellites — Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Mid-Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO/Starlink) with 5G terrestrial networks to deliver a strong connection regardless of ship location. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Starlink Wi-Fi can currently be found on two Regent Seven Seas ships, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Grandeur. The entire Regent Seven Seas fleet will be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi by the end of 2024. There are two levels of bandwidth available on Regent Seven Seas: A complimentary basic package for emails and news and an upgraded package for streaming services and high-bandwidth usage that's available for a fee.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Seabourn offers fleetwide complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Standard Internet (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Internet (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage). Your suite and ship class determine which option you receive at no extra charge. Upgrades in service are available for an additional fee.

Viking 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth, though the line advises users that it can limit heavy-bandwidth usage to ensure all have equal access.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. The included plan allows for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging. There is an upgraded Premium bandwidth option available for streaming and high-bandwidth usage for an additional fee.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Lady Caroline

Review Highlights

“ After casting off near the Clevaland Aquarium we went to Lake Erie for most of the cruise which was very enjoyable. ” in 8 reviews

“ My husband and I took our three teenage daughters on a dinner cruise and I must say we had an absolute blast! ” in 33 reviews

“ We had a wonderful work outing on the Nautica Queen a couple of weeks ago. ” in 10 reviews

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1153 Main Ave

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About the Business

Lady Caroline is Cleveland's premier dining cruise. She docks and boards on the Flats West Bank in Cleveland. Ohio. We offer Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch Cruises and private charters. Our season runs from April through New Year's Eve. Hours listed are office hours. Ship's cruising schedule varies, offering both weekday evening cruises and weekend cruises. …

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Very good experience, the food was buffet style . Cocktails are available. Truly had a great lunch. Would recommend.

Dinner on the Lady Caroline. Plus a Royal Caribbean Travel Agent event Our hostess Kathy Vesely Killen BDM for RCC invited us. myself and a few coworkers from AAA Travel Agency.. So classy, the ship had engine trouble and we never left the dock. Better to be stuck here then out in the lake. She asked us to stay have dinner and we'll do over another time. She gave a presentation on the new ships for Royal Caribbean Cruise she has been out business manager for years. If interested in a 3-4 day fun cruise call me! Overall the servers did well seeing the ship never left dock. Our Hostess was amazing. The food was ok- banquet food, our problem was tables in order to get you own dish by 1-20 and we were at Table 19. Beautiful evening thanks to the Cleveland skyline.....at the dock :)

See all photos from Rhonda R. for Lady Caroline

Lady Caroline has replaced the Nautica Queen that is retired. It's spacious. Four floors are used for large group entertainment. We went with a large group. First floor is walk in, and has tables and a baby grand piano. Second floor was dining. Very nice heavy hors-d'oeruvres were dinner. Specially drinks were delicious. Service was excellent. Third floor was a large dance floor with seating, and a bar. Fourth floor was the open top with spectacular views of the city. Our cruise on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River was about two hours, and docked for an hour. We were there from 5-8 p.m. I would go again.

See all photos from Debra V. for Lady Caroline

Salad first with only one type of dressing. Balsamic. Buffet offered: green beans with carrots-Al dente. Mashed potatoes with chives, chicken breast, meat loaf, crab cakes and rolls also pound cake with whipped cream and strawberries. Very pleasant. Waitress needed to be friendly but other waitresses assisted where she fell short. DJ was good. Atmosphere was noisy until guests went to dance. Not a bad lunch affair. Caterer could work on flavors though!

Buffet plate

Exceptional service, value and FUN with out group of 70-80 people on Lady Caroline's first trip. Staff was amazing, getting drinks, and working through the buffet line. Excellent entrees, really tasty fish and chicken. We explored and found the dance floor- DJ was perfect!

The food was not very good. Our lady server was very rude and did not pay any attention to us, so we were forced to have other servers help us, The cruise was nice along the lake and the entertainment was good. For the amount of money that is charged, I would say it was not worth it.

This was so great! Our server was so nice and fun and the dj made a point to mention our anniversary. They accommodated my husbands vegan meal and he said it was amazing. The dancing was fun. It was by no means a packed dance floor but hey, it is what you make it. The view was so cool! We saw a lightning storm in the distance on Lake Erie.

Had a wonderful time yesterday celebrating 34th anniversary. The wait staff was wonderful the buffet was delicious and of course the views of the Cuyahoga River were breathtaking. My bride and I had a wonderful time. Only suggestion- update the ceiling tiles and power wash the exterior. Nevertheless, I give the cruise experience five stars.

Go for the views!! We had perfect weather. Sun was out. Low 80's and light wind. Service was excellent. Drinks were flowing. Food was average hence the three stars. It was a bit confusing on the "masks". When we were boarding we were given a mask. Told to wear it when walking around the ship and up at the buffet. This was not enforced and it was maybe 25% followed the instructions. We did ask and were told "nah you don't have to wear your mask". Would recommend when you have out of town guests.

See all photos from Cindi R. for Lady Caroline

We had a great time. The food was good and the service was good. It's a buffet style and you get your own food. The waiters were very helpful and help you get your food to the table with if you need. We had a baby with us and it was very hard to get around. Having a stroller was a nightmare. They didn't have anywhere we're kids could sit except for a booster seat which is not suitable for a 9 month old. The booster seat also doesn't have a seatbelt so it was just a big no. They call your tables one at a time and being the first few tables made it so much better. Since we had a baby with us, we had to wait in the line again. It's definitely not wheelchair accessible or stroller accessible. They don't allow strollers on the top deck. Point being, this is not kid friendly. If you are without kids, it's perfect and super enjoyable. Best time to go is weekdays or Friday morning.

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