Cruising is a luxurious and convenient way to travel around the world, often without having to step on an airplane. It is like staying in a five star hotel on water with different views each day. They also happen to be some of the most accessible holidays one could imagine.
Whether you are planning to set sail for the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska or the Norwegian Fjords, there are plenty of accessible cruises available to explore these great destinations.
From booking to boarding and beyond, every stage of the voyage is 100% accessible, right from wheel-chair friendly transfers to accessible staterooms and shore excursions, in order to holiday without any hassle.
Accessible Cruising
Today, even some award winning cruise ships have accessibility optionswhere careful attention is paid to every detail to create a cruise vacation experience like no other to all guests with special needs.
Newer ships are equipped with purpose built accessible cabins, facilities for entertainment, wider gangways and lifts to move around in the ship effortlessly with accessible embarkation and disembarkation as well.
Some older ships, too, have been modeled to cater to passengers with disabilities, which effectively means that disability is no longer a deterrent while going on a cruise.
Choosing a Suitable Ship
Choosing the suitable ship for a disabled passenger is the first thing to do. Your choice of the ship will depend on the kind of disability in question and the customer’s priority in the accessibility of the ship, rather than the destination.
Some cruise ships which have come a long way in recent years in terms of accessibility, can cater to all customers irrespective of destination and find a ship which is best for their needs.
Accessibility Policies of Cruise Ships
Disabled adapted cabins, accessible lounges, theatres, sun decks, lifts and restaurants throughout the ship. Besides these, all activities and shore excursions available for those with varying levels of mobility for making the cruise trip suitable for disabled passengers.
Accessible cabins should feature:
- Lowered sinks
- Wider doors with ramped thresholds
- Grab bars in the bathroom
- Lowered closet rods
- Raised toilet seats if required
For those with hearing impairments
- Amplified telephones in staterooms and public areas
- Closed-caption TV
Available on demand:
- Altermaster alarm clock which has an under pillow vibrator
- Light alert to the doorbell
- Show lounge with infrared systems
For the visually impaired:
- Large print and audio services
- Audio cell signal in elevators
- Braille and tactile language for daily activities program
- Braille signage throughout the ship
Adapted Transfers
For those who require assistance in getting to the cruise from the airport, safe and reliable adapted transfer services are available to cruise ports and fly-cruise airports for disabled holidaymakers.
Requested in advance, this accessibility cruise service is provided at no extra charge to guest who have purchased cruise-only transfers, though it may be limited or unable to ports outside the U.S.
Pier Assistance
For those who request assistance on arrival at the pier, cruise ships offer disabled guest’s boarding and departure assistance, though during peak times there may be a wait. Help with walkers, wheelchairs and canes will be provided.