handicapped accessible cruises

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

If you're a traveler with limited mobility, a cruise can be a great way to see the world without having to worry as much about logistics. Because all major cruise lines must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, they must ensure ships are equipped with accessible accommodations.

"In my experience, I've found that the newer the ship is, the more accessible it tends to be," Cory Lee, owner of wheelchair-accessible travel website Curb Free with Cory Lee , told TPG. "Any time a new cruise ship comes out, it seems like accessibility improves a bit.

"The major cruise lines here in the U.S. have pretty good accessibility usually. I'd also say that the larger the cruise ship is, the more accessible it is. Small ships and river cruises are not ideal for wheelchair users, and many are completely inaccessible. But if you stick to the big cruise lines, at least some level of accessibility is guaranteed," he added.

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

We're calling out the cruise lines that do their best to cater to wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility. Here are our top choices for lines offering everything from wider gangways, automatic doors, grab bars and lowered sinks to accessible theaters and restaurants.

Carnival Cruise Line

In addition to wheelchair-accessible seating in theaters and restaurants, Carnival Cruise Line's ships offer accessible elevators and public restrooms. They also offer three different types of accessible cabins.

Cabin types include ambulatory accessible cabins for cruisers who require canes and walkers but not wheelchairs. Wheelchair and scooter users can access fully accessible, stair-free, flat-threshold cabins; these offer wider (32-inch) doorways, turning space and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and shower seats. Some fully accessible rooms provide extra space on only one side of the bed, while others have wider access on both sides.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

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.

Wheelchairs and scooters can be rented and made available on board via Carnival's partnership with Scootaround. The line also provides airport transfers with wheelchair lifts when you make arrangements in advance.

Carnival has a dedicated Guest Access Team to answer questions and assist with cruise planning related to accessibility. You can reach the team by calling 800-438-6744 (extension 70025) or emailing [email protected].

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers airport transfers for travelers who need wheelchair lifts, as long as you make the arrangements in advance. Additional assistance is available upon request at the pier during embarkation and disembarkation.

Related: The ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises ships and itineraries

Celebrity's ships offer accessible public restrooms, wheelchair seating in restaurants and the theater, automatic doors, wheelchair-friendly elevators, lowered machines and tables in the casino, lowered counters at guest services, and pool lifts for at least one pool and one hot tub per vessel.

Ships also feature a number of accessible cabins. The accommodations include wider (32-inch) doorways, a 5-foot turning radius, lowered closet bars and accessible balconies (in select cabins). Accessible cabin bathrooms offer ramped thresholds, grab bars, lowered sinks and vanities, higher toilets, roll-in showers with fold-down benches and hand-held showerheads.

To reach Celebrity's Access Department, cruisers can call 954-628-9708 or email [email protected].

Related: Tips for going on a cruise as a wheelchair user

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers both pre- and post-cruise transfers with lifts if requested in advance.

All of the line's ships offer accessible cabins across a variety of categories. They include entryways at least 32 inches wide, emergency call buttons, open bed frames, ramped bathroom thresholds, bathroom and shower grab bars, roll-in showers with fold-down seats, hand-held showerheads, and lower closet and towel bars. Bedrails, shower stools and raised toilet seats are also available on request.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Most public areas on Disney's ships — including theaters, restaurants and shops — are also accessible, and wheelchair-friendly public restrooms are available. You can find pool lifts on all ships in the fleet, but you must make appointments to use them.

Passengers who need wheelchairs, scooters or other assistive devices must bring their own or arrange for pickup and delivery through a third-party provider for use on board. Although Disney doesn't have a partnership with any particular company, it does reference Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea as providers that can deliver necessary equipment to your vessel.

For questions about or help with planning travel as a person with limited mobility, contact Disney Cruise Line Special Services at 407-566-3602 or email [email protected].

Holland America

Lee touts HAL as one of the most accommodating cruise brands he's tried. " Holland America is a great cruise line for wheelchair users," he said. "Since the clientele for Holland America skews older, their ships are designed with that in mind. I've cruised Alaska and even Antarctica with Holland America, and both cruises were phenomenal."

Cabin specifics vary by ship, but Holland America generally offers three types of accessible rooms for passengers with limited mobility. Ambulatory-accessible cabins are for passengers who require canes or walkers but not wheelchairs. Fully accessible cabins and fully accessible single-side approach cabins cater to wheelchair and scooter users. These accommodations provide wider doorways and accessible bathing facilities with grab bars, seats and hand-held showerheads. Single-side approach cabins have bed access from one side only, while fully accessible cabins have extra space on both sides.

Related: The ultimate guide to Holland America cruise ships and itineraries

Within these types of cabins, the line features three bathroom types. Roll-in showers offer enough turning space for wheelchairs to enter and maneuver in the shower area. Transfer showers allow room for wheelchairs to be positioned next to the shower for transfers from a wheelchair to a shower seat. Accessible bathtubs, like transfer showers, allow space for wheelchairs to maneuver alongside the bathtub for transfer to a seat in the tub.

Additionally, most ships in Holland America's fleet (all except Volendam and Zaandam) have been outfitted with tender lifts that allow passengers in wheelchairs or scooters to roll directly onto and off tenders while remaining seated.

Passengers requiring regular wheelchair or scooter use must bring their own assistive devices with them on board. If you're not bringing your own equipment, HAL recommends contacting Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea for rental options. Although the line cannot provide wheelchair assistance at airports or train stations, it can arrange for lift-equipped transfers to the embarkation port.

For help, questions or more information, cruisers can reach out to Holland America's Guest Accessibility Department at [email protected].

Related: Traveling with a disability? Why you should consider a cruise

MSC Cruises

Cruisers requiring special equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and canes should arrange to bring those devices with them. Otherwise, they can contact a rental company that will deliver those devices to the ship pre-cruise and pick them up at the conclusion of the sailing. MSC Cruises can provide airport transfers with lifts if requested in advance.

Public areas, such as restaurants and theaters, are designed to be accessible, and pool lifts are available on some (but not all) ships.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

Each MSC Cruises ship is outfitted with accessible cabins for passengers with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. Accommodations vary from ship to ship but include additional space and special amenities, such as grab bars and flat thresholds.

For questions about special requirements, email [email protected] or call 954-772-6262.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers wheelchair-accessible public spaces, such as theaters, restaurants and public restrooms. Each of the line's vessels is equipped with a pool lift, and airport transfers with lifts are available upon adavnce request. On embarkation day, NCL also organizes a meeting with onboard staff dedicated to ensuring your voyage is enjoyable and your needs are met.

Accessible cabins are available for booking on all ships in the line's fleet. They include larger entryways, roll-in showers with benches, high-rise toilets and handrails in the toilet and shower areas.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Passengers who wish to rent assistive devices for use on board rather than bringing their own can contact Scootaround — Norwegian's authorized vendor.

Travelers looking to cruise with NCL can contact the line's Access Desk for more information and answers. The desk can be reached at 866-584-9756 or [email protected] .

Related: How to travel on a budget as a wheelchair user

Princess Cruises

In addition to ADA-compliant public spaces, including elevators, theaters and restaurants, all Princess ships also have pool lifts that can be used by appointment. The cruise line offers airport transfers that can handle wheelchairs and scooters with advance notice.

A selection of cabins for wheelchair and scooter users is available on each ship. Each provides ample turning space for assistive devices, wider doorways with flat thresholds, a roll-in shower with a fold-down seat and grab bars, and an accessible closet and vanity. Specific layouts and amenities vary by ship, but some also include emergency call buttons.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Princess Cruises ships

To rent assistive devices in lieu of bringing your own, Princess recommends Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea as third-party providers.

Cruisers needing special mobility accommodations can contact Princess' Access Office at [email protected].

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean provides airport transfers with lifts to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs and scooters. Additionally, the line can provide assistance at boarding and disembarkation. All public rooms have entrances with gradual inclines, and all hallways provide enough space for a 180-degree turn. Additionally, most deck spaces employ automatic doors.

Blackjack tables in the casinos are lowered for accessibility, as are sections of the guest relations desks. At least one pool and one whirlpool on each ship can provide lift access to passengers with limited mobility.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Royal Caribbean ships

The line's accessible cabins vary by ship but feature doorways with a minimum width of 32 inches, no doorsills, ramped bathroom entryways, roll-in showers with benches and grab bars, lowered sinks and vanities, hand-held showerheads, lowered closet rods and extra cabin space to offer a 5-foot turning radius. Raised toilet seats are also available on request. Some rooms also have accessible balconies.

If you aren't bringing your own assistive devices, Royal Caribbean recommends renting one for your cruise via either Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea.

Royal Caribbean's Access Department can help with planning and answer your questions. Call 866-592-7225 or email [email protected].

Bottom line

If you're booking a cruise and you or someone in your party has mobility or other disabilities that require an accessible cabin, it's important to plan ahead. Many cruise lines require a minimum of 30 days' notice for disability-related requests; others require 45, 60 or even 90 days. If you book an accessible cabin, most cruise lines will ask you to fill out a special needs form attesting to the need for accessible accommodations.

Cruisers should also remember that they will likely have to store assistive devices — such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and canes — in their cabins. For safety reasons, cruise line crew members are not permitted to assist with lifting passengers into or out of wheelchairs. They are also unable to provide help with bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding or other daily tasks.

Additionally, ports on certain itineraries require tendering when the ship cannot dock. Tender boat accessibility is often limited. Prospective passengers should keep all of this in mind when booking.

Keeping all of that in mind, a cruise vacation is still one of the best ways for wheelchair users to see the world without worrying about additional logistics. Do your research and preparations in advance, and you'll have a relaxing, worry-free trip once you're on board.

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  MOBILITY DISABILITIES

Our goal is to make all our guests as comfortable as possible, both on and off the ship. Our cruise ships have spacious corridors to accommodate 180 degree turns for wheelchairs. Most decks are accessible through automatic doors, and all public rooms feature entrances with gradual inclines.

MOBILITY DISABILITIES

Wheelchairs.

We provide complimentary wheelchair assistance for embarkation and disembarkation only. If you would like to have a wheelchair or scooter during the cruise, you are welcome to bring your own or rent one from of the companies below who will deliver it your stateroom on the ship: Scootaround (formerly CareVacations) Phone: 888-441-7575 Local: 204-982-0657 Fax: 204-478-1172 E-mail:  [email protected]

Special Needs at Sea Phone: 800-513-4515 Local: 954-585-0575  Fax: 800-513-4516 E-mail:  [email protected] You may bring and use wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other assistive devices onboard our ships. Due to safety reasons, Segways may not be used onboard.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES

Assistive devices including mobility scooters must be stored and recharged in your stateroom so fire doors, corridors and elevator lobbies are kept clear for emergency evacuation. When parked throughout the ship, they must be parked out of the way to allow safe and easy access by other guests and crewmembers. Assistive devices should fit through a standard stateroom entry doorway which is at least 23 inches wide. We offer accessible staterooms which have wider doors which are at least 32 inches wide and may accommodate larger devices. If you have an assistive device larger than 32 inches wide, please contact our Access Department for assistance. Note: Crewmembers are not permitted to lift assistive devices.

SERVICES PROVIDED

• ●   Early boarding
• ●   Cruise transfers utilizing a specialized bus or van with a lift or ramp
• ●   Boarding and departure assistance
• ●   Lifts for one pool and one whirlpool on each ship in the fleet
• ●   Accessible Blackjack tables in the casino
• ●   Accessible Guest Relations Desk

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Accessible Staterooms Accessible Shore Excursions Additional Assistance: Shipboard & Offshore Autism & Developmental 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.

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• TUESDAY 9:30am to 5:30pm
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• FRIDAY 9:30am to 5:00pm
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• The UK's largest accessible holiday specialist
• Guaranteed accessible accommodation
• Many properties personally audited
• Flights, adapted transfers & equipment hire

Disabled Cruises

Disabled Holidays > Accessible Cruises

• Destinations
• Description

Popular Accessible Cruises

• Norwegian Fjords
• Mediterranean

All Accessible Cruises

• Australia/New Zealand
• Bahamas and Bermuda
• Canada/New England
• Far East & Asia
• Indian Ocean
• Mini Cruises
• Panama Canal
• Scandinavia
• South America
• South Pacific/Tahiti
• Transatlantic and Transpacific
• World Cruise

Cruises are a luxurious way for you to travel the world; often without even having to get on a plane! Picture staying in a five star hotel, surrounded by the ocean and with different views every day - it’s no wonder cruises are so popular! Relax on the upper deck, bask in the sun and let amazing destinations come to you! Take a look at some of our many cruise offers .

They also happen to be some of the most accessible holidays you could imagine! Fully adapted cabins and wetrooms, hired equipment delivered to your cabin, accessible excursions and transfers, plus fantastic accessibility of on-board entertainment - all part of an accessible cruise booked with DisabledHolidays.com!

Our disabled cruise specialists have also written an exclusive guide to disabled cruising - perfect for people who have never been on a cruise!

Join our Disabled Cruise Club to see what other great benefits you can enjoy, email or call us to find out about disabled facilities, medical care, onboard equipment or for us to answer any questions you may have.

Why book with us?

Why Choose DisabledHolidays.com For Cruises?

We work with the best cruise companies to bring you exotic destinations, sumptuous food and amazing onboard entertainment all included in the price. With cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Norwegian Fjords - and much more besides - we’re sure to have a cruise that’s perfect for you.

We can arrange assistance at ports, hire equipment such as electric beds and arrange fully accessible excursions and cabins just for you - and with many cruises departing from Southampton you don’t have to fly.

Speak to the experts today on 0161 260 2218

Our Cruise Partners Include:

Avalon / Azamara / Carnival / Celebrity / Crystal / Cunard / Disney / Fred Olsen / Holland America / Hurtigruten / MSC / Norwegian Cruise Line / Oceania / P&O / Princess / Regent Seven Seas / Royal Caribbean / Seabourne / Silversea / Star / Thomson / Viking

Princess Panama Canal Cruises

• Cruise liner

Please Note - Images are an example of the Princess cruise holidays. They may not ...

Princess Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Choose from a great collection of tours Down Under, including the popular 12 and 13-day ...

Princess Canada & New England Cruises

Stroll through history among colonial brick buildings, autumn woods and rocky shores as you experience the sights, sounds and flavors unique to Canada and New England.

Princess Alaskan Cruises

Explore the rugged Inside Passage and breathtaking Gulf of Alaska, and marvel at spectacular marine life and dazzling glaciers from the vantage of a magnificent Princess cruise ship.

P&O City Breaks - UK & Mini Cruises

• City Breaks, Countryside

With mini cruise holidays starting from just two nights, short cruises are an ideal way to take time out from a busy lifestyle.

Accessible P&O Spain and Portgual Cruises

• Package Tours, City Breaks, Beach Holidays, Cultural Holidays, Attraction Holidays

P&O Iberia cruises provide unforgettable days out with a heady mix of attractions including stunning architecture, history, culture and food.

Accessible P&O Cruises

• Package Tours, Beach Holidays, Cultural Holidays, Attraction Holidays

Experience the grandeur of cruising on P&O Cruises and take a Caribbean cruise on their accessible ships with adapted cabins and accessible shore excursions.

P&O Cruises

Experience the grandeur of cruising on a P&O cruise and explore the beautiful Canaries. Accessible ships with adapted cabins and accessible shore excursions.

P&O Accessible Cruises

P&O’s South American cruises showcase all aspects of this amazing continent, giving you an unforgettable cruise experience.

P&O Cental Mediterranean Cruises

• Package Tours, City Breaks, Countryside, Cultural Holidays, Attraction Holidays

Experience the grandeur of cruising with P&O and cruise to the Adriatic, Italy and Malta. Accessible ships with adapted cabins and accessible shore excursions.

P&O Eastern Mediterranean Cruises

A P&O Eastern Mediterranean cruise holiday takes you to a sightseer’s paradise, combining beaches, history and scenic splendours to fantastic effect.

P&O USA & Canada - New York & Canadian Cruises

• City Breaks, Countryside, Cultural Holidays, Attraction Holidays

USA and Canadian cruises along America’s eastern coast deliver a wealth of outstanding experiences, from spectacular autumnal scenery to the magnificence of New York.

P&O Western Mediterranean Cruises

• City Breaks, Beach Holidays, Cultural Holidays, Attraction Holidays

A Western Mediterranean cruise positively sparkles with possibilities.

P&O Fjords and Iceland Cruises

• Package Tours, City Breaks, Cultural Holidays, Attraction Holidays

Experience the grandeur of cruising with P&O Cruises to the Norwegian Fjords. Accessible ships with adapted cabins and accessible shore excursions.

P&O Cruises’ Far East & Asia cruises introduce you to a world of diverse cultures and enchanting exotic lands.

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