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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

RELATED LINKS 

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.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE

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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
• Blind and Low Vision

Service Animals

• Allergies & Diabetes

Children with Disabilities

• Cognitive Disabilities
• Web Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Assistance

• Email Sign Up For Special Offers
• Phone Let Us Call You

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. Mobility 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, only on sailings that depart from and/or return to a port in the United States, can be made with the Access Desk through the Accessibility & Medical Questionnaire , 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. 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.

*Please note, whilst we accept service dogs that are trained to perform a specific task onboard our ships, due to local restrictions and requirements, not all ports of call may allow you to go ashore.

*Please note, due to government requirements and restrictions, guests embarking or disembarking the ship in an Icelandic port are unable to fly into or out of Iceland with a service animal unless they fulfil certain quarantine conditions upon arrival to Iceland. If your itinerary includes a visit to an Icelandic port of call, not embarking or disembarking, you will be able to sail with your service animal but you will not be able to go ashore whilst in port.

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.

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.

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

Wheelchair-Accessible

For Guests with Limited Mobility

Princess offers a selection of staterooms that provide full wheelchair-turning space. In addition, these staterooms include a roll-in shower equipped with grab bars and a fold-down bench seat, an easy access closet and accessible writing desk.

Note: ADA accessible stateroom shown is on board Caribbean Princess®. Amenities and stateroom arrangements vary by ship. Certain stateroom categories may vary in size and configuration by ship. Call Princess for more information or send inquiries to the Access Office via email at [email protected] .

Photos, floor plan diagrams, and amenities represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship. Certain stateroom categories may vary in size and configuration by ship. Square footage varies based on stateroom category and deck location.

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Services for Guests with Disabilities

Request Special Services Accessible Staterooms Communication Staterooms on the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny 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, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny, 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, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny

• 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

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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Best Cruise Lines for Disabled Passengers: A Complete Guide

I love cruising. It’s a great and wheelchair-accessible way to travel. However, I often get asked what is the best cruise lines for disabled passengers. So when Dan Claydon, who has worked on various cruise ships, offered to write a post on this topic I was thrilled to accept. Here is what he had to say.

For travelers with disabilities, finding the best cruise lines for disabled passengers can make all the difference between an average vacation and an unforgettable experience. Cruising offers a distinct travel adventure, combining the thrill of exploring multiple destinations with the luxury of onboard amenities and entertainment.

In this guide, we’ll explore how cruise lines are prioritizing accessibility, ensuring every passenger, irrespective of their mobility challenges, can savor a splendid journey at sea.

Are Cruises Good for Disabled People?

Absolutely! Modern cruise lines understand the importance of inclusivity and have made significant advancements to cater to passengers with disabilities. If you’re considering a journey on the seas, you might want to check out these cruise tips to enhance your experience. 

With accessible rooms, amenities, and excursions, cruises are increasingly becoming a favorite choice for those with mobility issues. Let’s break this down a bit further.

How Cruise Lines Cater to Individuals with Disabilities

Modern cruise ships have evolved significantly when it comes to addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. From spacious cabins equipped with accessible amenities to wide corridors and ramps, cruise liners ensure that mobility on board is not a concern.

Adaptable Cabins

These cabins, specifically designed for passengers with disabilities, often include wider doorways , roll-in showers, and lowered sinks.

Public Areas

Elevators, ramps, and modified seating areas ensure that guests can access entertainment venues, dining areas, and other public spaces with ease.

How Cruise Lines Accommodate Passengers with Visual Impairments

The visually impaired community is not left behind when it comes to cruising. Many cruise lines have adopted measures to ensure that their experience is as enriching as any other passenger’s.

Braille Signage

Finding one’s way is made easier with Braille signage present throughout the ship.

Assistance Services

Dedicated crew members can offer personalized services like guided tours or reading menus, ensuring that the onboard experience is seamless.

How Cruise Lines Support Individuals with Autism

Understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism, especially in a new and bustling environment like a cruise ship, several liners have taken steps to provide a comfortable experience.

Quiet Rooms

Dedicated spaces where guests with sensory sensitivities can relax and take a break from the stimulating environment.

Specialized Programs

Tailored entertainment and activity programs that cater to the interests and comfort levels of guests with autism.

Trained Staff

Crew members trained in understanding and assisting individuals with autism, ensuring their needs are met and their experiences are enjoyable.

7 Best Cruise Lines for Disabled Passengers

For many travelers with disabilities, choosing the right cruise line can make all the difference in their vacation experience. With a focus on accessibility and top-notch service, let’s delve into the seven best cruise lines that prioritize the needs and comfort of disabled passengers.

1. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International stands out as a premier choice for passengers with disabilities.

Committed to ensuring every guest has an unparalleled experience, the cruise line has integrated various features that cater to those with limited mobility, hearing, and developmental disabilities.

Their emphasis on early booking to secure accessible rooms, and the range of services tailored for various disabilities, underpins their commitment to a seamless and enjoyable cruising experience for all guests.

Staterooms Tailored for Accessibility

Royal Caribbean offers accessible staterooms with a 5-foot turning radius for easy maneuvering. These rooms are spacious, ranging from 159 to 298 square feet, and come with features such as 32- to 34-inch doorways, roll-in showers, lower sinks, raised toilets, and hand-held showerheads.

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Fleet-Wide Accommodations

Automatic doors, wide corridors, gradual inclines leading to public venues, accommodating elevators, and pool and whirlpool lifts ensure mobility across the ship is a breeze. There’s also specific attention to guests with hearing or visual difficulties with offerings like assistive listening devices, Braille signage, and more.

Enriched Onboard and Onshore Experience

Off the ship, the cruise line offers accessible shore excursions, ensuring everyone gets the essence of every destination. While most ports provide wheelchair and scooter access, certain conditions might affect disembarking.

Special Attention to Specific Needs

Recognizing the diversity in disabilities, Royal Caribbean offers specific aids such as large-print menus for the visually impaired and closed-caption televisions for the hearing-impaired. Ships like the Serenade of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas feature over 30 accessible staterooms.

Pioneering Autism-friendly Cruising

Highlighting their dedication to inclusivity, Royal Caribbean became the first cruise line to be certified as “Autism Friendly” by Autism on the Seas. This means individuals with autism can expect a comfortable and understanding environment throughout their journey.

With such comprehensive offerings and consistent top ratings from platforms like Special Needs at Sea, Royal Caribbean undeniably offers one of the most disability-friendly cruise experiences.

2. Princess Cruises

For over three decades, Princess Cruises has been at the forefront of accessible cruising, solidifying its reputation as one of the industry’s best choices for disabled passengers. Beginning its focused accessibility journey in 1992 with the groundbreaking Princess Access program, this cruise line has since been consistently elevating the standards of accessible travel.

Their commitment ranges from thoughtfully designed onboard amenities to onshore excursion arrangements, ensuring that every passenger can savor every moment of their journey.

Impressive Onboard Accommodations

Across the Princess fleet, guests can find more than 350 wheelchair-accessible cabins, with each ship offering up to 31 such cabins. These cabins have been meticulously designed with widened doorways, removed or modified thresholds, roll-in showers, hand-held showerheads, lowered sinks, handrails, and closet railings. Furthermore, any additional accessibility equipment can be arranged upon request.

Ease of Movement

The architecture and design of most Princess ships emphasize accessibility. Whether it’s open deck spaces, show lounges, spas, restaurants, or theaters, the seamless design ensures ease of access. Elevators on board are spacious with 36- to 42-inch doorways, and there’s provision for wheelchair seating in public areas.

Innovative Provisions for Sight and Hearing Impaired

Princess Cruises thoughtfully provides infrared listening assistance systems in the ship’s theaters. Furthermore, ADA kits, equipped with text telephones, door knock sensors, and visual smoke detectors, cater to the needs of those with sight or hearing challenges.

Prioritizing Ease Onshore

Princess Cruises has made significant investments in specialized gangway mechanisms across most of its fleet, facilitating smooth embarkation and disembarkation for wheelchair travelers at various ports.

Their commitment extends beyond the ship, working in tandem with onshore facilities to enhance accessibility. It’s worth noting the advice from Travel for All specialists who recommend looking for itineraries where the ship docks at a pier for even smoother access.

A History of Leadership in Accessibility

Princess Cruises’ dedication to accessibility isn’t a recent development. They have been champions of this cause since 1992. Their vision then, as it remains today, has been to ensure every passenger, regardless of their physical abilities, experiences the wonder of cruising.

3. Holland America

Holland America is renowned for its dedication to providing an accessible and enjoyable cruising experience for passengers with disabilities. This commitment is evident from their recognition by Porthole Cruise magazine, where they won the accolade for “Best Overall Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers”.

Their dedication to ensuring a barrier-free cruise experience, combined with its innovative measures, cements its position as one of the leading cruise lines catering to the needs of disabled passengers.

Staterooms Designed for Comfort

All vessels under Holland America offer accessible staterooms. Particularly, their Signature and Vista-class ships stand out with up to 30 accessible staterooms per ship.

These rooms are designed with wide doors, ensuring wheelchair access on both bed sides, and come equipped with roll-in showers with grab bars, accessible controls, and hand-held showerheads.

Aiding the Vision and Hearing Impaired

Holland America goes above and beyond in catering to passengers with visual and auditory impairments. They offer screen reader computer software, allowing visually impaired passengers to read internet text seamlessly.

Additionally, large print or Braille menus can be availed with prior notice. For the hearing impaired, the cruise line offers assistive listening systems in show lounges, stateroom visual and tactile alert kits, and amplified telephones.

Onboard and Offshore Facilities

While Holland America makes unwavering efforts to ensure inclusivity onboard, they have also put measures in place to help guests during shore excursions, even though some port-of-call facilities might have varying conditions.

For passengers with limited mobility , there’s provision for alternative transfers during shore excursions, along with lifts between the ship and tender.

4. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has established itself as a premier choice for disabled passengers, thanks to their comprehensive approach to accessibility across all aspects of the cruising experience.

They have seamlessly woven accessibility into every facet of their cruise experience. From innovative stateroom designs and onboard amenities to thoughtfully curated excursions and dedicated assistance, Celebrity truly ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical capabilities, can enjoy an unforgettable cruise journey.

Unparalleled Onboard Experience

Celebrity Cruises prides itself on having ships that are “accessible from bow to stern.” Staterooms are meticulously designed with wide, automatic doorways, generous turning space, and bathrooms equipped with roll-in showers, grab bars, and other essential features.

Beyond the staterooms, guests can expect wheelchair seating in all dining and entertainment venues, pool and whirlpool lifts, and accessible gaming tables in the casinos.

Inclusive Features for Vision and Hearing Impaired

On select ships, including all Solstice Class vessels, guests can find Braille signage and elevator buttons. To further cater to the needs of passengers with hearing difficulties, the ship’s crew offers various assistive devices and provisions.

Life Onshore – Accessible Adventures Awaits

Celebrity Cruises doesn’t limit its commitment to accessibility only onboard. They have curated a diverse range of wheelchair-accessible excursions that require only light activity levels.

Whether it’s guided city tours, scenic drives, or wheelchair-accessible railway journeys, every guest is assured an enriching experience at various destinations.

Dedicated Assistance

Complimentary assistance for guests during embarkation and disembarkation showcases Celebrity’s commitment to smooth sailing for all.

However, passengers should note that staff assistance has limitations, such as not being able to lift guests or their equipment. It’s also worth noting that some ports might necessitate the use of a tender boat for onshore travel.

Special Initiatives

Celebrity Cruises has gone the extra mile with its autism-friendly initiatives. These include priority check-in and departure, tailored menu options, and sensory-friendly entertainment, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and catered for.

5. Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruises stands out as a leading cruise line prioritizing the accessibility needs of its passengers, ensuring every age group enjoys a seamless cruising experience.

Their dedication to creating an inclusive environment, combined with their ongoing efforts to retrofit older ships and incorporate state-of-the-art accessibility features in newer ones, make them a top choice for passengers with disabilities. Whether young or old, Carnival ensures everyone is treated to an unforgettable voyage.

Inclusive Stateroom Design

Like its competitors, Carnival offers accessible staterooms across its fleet. Yet, two ships shine the brightest in this regard: The Carnival Horizon with 65 accessible staterooms and the Carnival Panorama boasting 75 accessible rooms.

These rooms come packed with features such as ample turning space, accessible pathways, and specially designed bathrooms with grab bars and shower seats.

Dedication to Continual Improvement

Although newer ships are typically better designed for accessibility, Carnival does not limit its efforts to only the latest vessels. The cruise line has retrofitted older ships with vital modifications like wheelchair-friendly elevators, which have tactile controls and audible signals for visually impaired guests.

Holistic Onboard Experience

The attention to accessibility doesn’t stop at staterooms. Carnival Cruises offers accessible routes across the ship, ensuring everyone can freely explore and engage in onboard activities.

Dining areas, whether casual spaces or upscale restaurants have accessible seating arrangements. Notably, specific ships such as the Horizon, Panorama, Radiance, Sunrise, Vista, and Mardi Gras are equipped with pool lifts, amplifying the fun and relaxation for those with mobility restrictions.

Assistance for Vision and Hearing Impaired

Beyond the tactile and audible signals in elevators, Carnival has integrated Braille signage and offers large-print menus. For those with hearing challenges, visual-tactile room kits are available, ensuring they’re always in the loop.

Tender Ports

While Carnival commits to maximum accessibility, some ports with tenders—smaller boats used when the main ship can’t directly access the port—might not be wheelchair-friendly. However, it’s important to note that even with such limitations, Carnival consistently strives to ensure an enriching experience at every port.

6. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has cemented its reputation as one of the leading cruise lines for disabled passengers, underpinned by its unwavering commitment and dedicated Special Needs at Sea team.

The Cruise Line’s comprehensive approach to accessibility, paired with its dedicated staff and specialized facilities, makes it a top choice for passengers with special needs, ensuring they have a memorable and comfortable cruising experience.

Personalized Coordination

NCL’s dedication goes beyond mere infrastructure. The cruise line has a devoted Special Needs at Sea team that works tirelessly to coordinate and customize cruise experiences for guests with special needs.

Upon embarkation, guests are personally greeted by a staff member ready to assist with their specific accessibility requirements throughout their journey.

With up to 27 wheelchair-accessible staterooms available on each cruise, NCL is prepared to accommodate guests with mobility concerns. These staterooms are thoughtfully designed with wider door frames, roll-in showers, highrise toilets, shower benches, and handrails.

Certain vessels, including the Sky, Sun, and Pride of America, also offer specialized rooms for deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers. Portable kits and Braille/tactile signage further enhance the experience for visually impaired or blind guests.

A Wealth of Amenities for the Vision or Hearing Impaired

Norwegian’s commitment to accessibility extends to guests with vision or hearing impairments. They offer pagers for announcement alerts, hearing aids, and visually-tactile kits.

Some ships even have sign language interpreters, and the Sky, Sun, and Pride of America boast cabins specifically equipped for those with hearing challenges.

Inclusive Onboard Experiences

NCL’s ships are equipped with features such as pool lifts, ensuring guests with limited mobility can enjoy the onboard amenities. For those needing transportation to the ship, barrier-free options are available upon request.

Thoughtful Shore Excursion Planning

While Norwegian partners with U.S.-based companies to offer accessible excursions, the accessibility of international ports can vary. Travel for All encourages passengers to evaluate these excursions beforehand to ensure they align with their needs.

7. Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line stands out as one of the best cruise lines for disabled passengers, epitomizing its commitment to making every guest’s experience magical, regardless of their specific needs. Here’s a snapshot of why Disney Cruise Line shines in accessibility.

Thoughtfully Designed Staterooms

Beyond just having accessible rooms, Disney has meticulously crafted these spaces with features such as wide entryways (minimum 32 inches), emergency call buttons, open bed frames, ramped bathroom thresholds, and lower closet and towel bars.

Bathrooms are not only equipped with grab bars, roll-in showers with fold-down seats, and hand-held showerheads but also offer raised toilet seats upon request.

Inclusive Public Areas

The magic extends beyond the staterooms. The majority of public areas on Disney’s ships, from theaters and restaurants to shops, are accessible. To ensure everyone gets to take a dip, pool lifts are available on every ship, though appointments are needed.

Specialized Facilities

Catering to passengers with limited mobility, Disney offers bed boards, bed rails, portable or raised toilet seats, shower stools, and transfer benches.

For passengers with vision or hearing impairments, the cruise line provides auxiliary aids, communication kits equipped with bed shakers and TTY, and even has sign-language interpreters available in some instances.

Child-Friendly Approach

Recognizing that children with special needs deserve the same magical experience, the Dream class ships not only boast 24 accessible rooms but also feature youth counselors skilled in working with children with various needs.

Seamless Transfers

Disney Cruise Line goes the extra mile, offering both pre- and post-cruise transfers equipped with lifts, provided they are requested in advance.

Bring Your Assistive Devices

While passengers need to bring their wheelchairs, scooters, or other assistive devices, or make arrangements through third-party providers, Disney Cruise Line ensures that the journey aboard remains hassle-free by suggesting companies like Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea for equipment deliveries.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cruise for Disabled Passengers

Here are five crucial tips to help you select the perfect cruise for disabled passengers.

Research Accessibility Features

Each cruise line and ship can differ vastly in their accessibility features. When looking into potential cruises:

• Ensure there are accessible cabins that meet your specific needs, such as roll-in showers, lowered counters, or visual and auditory aids.
• Check for accessibility throughout the ship, including elevators, wide corridors, ramps, and modified seating in entertainment and dining areas.

Inquire About Onboard Medical Facilities

For many travelers with disabilities, the presence of medical facilities is a comforting reassurance:

• Determine if the cruise ship has a medical center and what services it offers.
• If you require specific medications, confirm storage or refrigeration capabilities onboard.

Check the Itinerary and Port Accessibility

While the ship itself might be equipped for accessibility, the real adventure begins at each port:

• Research each stop on the itinerary to determine the accessibility of the port and nearby attractions.
• Some ports might require tenders (small boats) to get to shore, which can pose challenges for those with mobility issues. Ensure your chosen cruise offers accessible tender options.

Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations

Hearing from others with similar needs can offer invaluable insights:

• Browse travel forums and websites dedicated to accessible travel to read reviews from other disabled passengers.
• Engage with online communities to seek recommendations or learn about potential challenges and how to overcome them.
• Read reviews about appropriate travel gear that suits your specific needs, such as mobility aids or adaptive equipment, to ensure a comfortable journey.

Prioritize Communication with Cruise Lines

A responsive and informed cruise line can make a world of difference:

• Before booking, reach out to customer service with a list of your needs and queries. Their willingness and capability to assist can be a good gauge of the overall experience you can expect.
• After booking, reconfirm any special arrangements or accommodations you’ve requested to ensure they’re in place for your journey.

Selecting the right cruise for disabled passengers isn’t just about luxury and entertainment – it’s about safety, accessibility, and peace of mind. By following these tips and dedicating time to thorough research, you can set the course for an unforgettable voyage that meets and exceeds your needs.

Make sure to check out my other post for more tips on booking a wheelchair-accessible cruise .

Best Cruise Destinations for People with Mobility Problems

Now let’s look at some of the best destinations around the world for people with mobility problems .

Alaska’s pristine landscapes, from its glaciers to vast fjords, make it a prime cruise destination, especially for those with mobility issues. The comforts of the ship’s deck allow guests to marvel at these breathtaking vistas without the strain of hikes or treks.

Onshore, cruisers can enjoy a variety of accessible shore excursions including whale watching, visiting Mendenhall Glacier, and learning about native Alaskan culture. Furthermore, if guests want to extend their cruise, Alaska cruise tours (which combine a land and sea trip) are also wheelchair accessible.

Guests can witness the rich Alaskan wildlife and partake in local experiences without the usual travel hassles. In short, an Alaskan cruise merges nature’s grandeur with effortless accessibility, ensuring an unforgettable journey for all.

Hawaii’s allure extends far beyond its stunning beaches and rich culture; it’s an excellent cruise destination for those with mobility problems. This state offers wheelchair-accessible beaches with free beach wheelchairs , accessible tours, and iconic sites such as its national parks and Pearl Harbor , making this a fantastic destination.

From the ship’s deck, passengers can effortlessly soak in panoramic views of the islands’ beauty, from majestic coastlines to breathtaking sunsets. Plus, the convenience of exploring multiple islands without continuous travel adjustments is unparalleled.

In essence, a Hawaiian cruise offers a seamless blend of tropical wonder and ease for everyone.

Mediterranean

The Mediterranean, renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and sun-kissed landscapes, is a dream cruise destination, especially for those with mobility concerns. Guests can effortlessly appreciate the scenic panoramas—from Santorini’s white-washed beauty to Barcelona’s majestic coastline—from the ship’s deck.

Cruise lines ensure tailored, accessible shore excursions that allow for leisurely exploration of the region’s diverse cities without the challenges of frequent repacking or navigating complex transport. 

Modern vessels prioritize accessibility, from spacious cabins to onboard cultural experiences, ensuring that the Mediterranean’s charm is enjoyed without compromise. In essence, cruising the Mediterranean offers a seamless blend of cultural immersion and thoughtful convenience for all travelers.

Europe, with its tapestry of cultures and historic landmarks, offers a unique allure for travelers. 

For those with mobility challenges, European cruises present an unparalleled opportunity. From the ship, passengers can effortlessly appreciate diverse landscapes, from Norway’s majestic fjords to the cute towns of Bruges or Amsterdam. 

The convenience of cruising allows travelers to experience multiple European nations without the complexities of traditional travel. 

Additionally, the rich European culture often comes alive onboard through performances and workshops. A European cruise blends the continent’s deep heritage with thoughtful convenience, ensuring a rewarding experience for all travelers.

Make sure to check out my post for cruising to Europe in a wheelchair for additional information and tips.

Cruise Accessibility FAQs

Do cruises have rooms for disabled passengers.

Yes, most modern cruise ships offer specially designed cabins for disabled passengers. These accessible cabins are tailored to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges and may include features like wider doorways for wheelchair and scooter access, roll-in showers with grab bars, lowered sinks and countertops, visual and auditory aids, and more. 

It’s always advisable to check with individual cruise lines and ships to understand the specific amenities they offer and to book these rooms well in advance, as they are limited in number and can fill up quickly.

Do Cruise Ships Have Mobility Scooters?

While most cruise ships themselves don’t provide mobility scooters for daily use, many offer the ability for passengers to rent them from approved third-party vendors who specialize in mobility aids. Passengers can arrange for a scooter rental in advance of their trip, and the scooter can be delivered directly to the ship for use during the voyage. 

Additionally, some cruise lines have scooters available for emergency or short-term use. If a passenger is considering bringing their own scooter, they should check with the cruise line regarding storage, charging facilities, and any other related policies.

Can You Rent a Wheelchair on Cruise Ships?

Yes, many cruise ships offer the option for passengers to rent wheelchairs either for the entire duration of the cruise or for specific times, such as embarkation and disembarkation. Some cruise lines provide these rentals for free, while others might charge a fee. 

Additionally, passengers can often rent wheelchairs from approved third-party vendors, who will arrange for the wheelchair to be available upon the passenger’s arrival on the ship. If you’re considering renting a wheelchair, it’s essential to make arrangements in advance to ensure availability.

Will I Be Able to Get Off the Ship at Ports?

Yes, as a disabled passenger, you will generally be able to get off the ship at ports. Modern cruise ships and port facilities have made significant improvements in accessibility. However, there are a few considerations.

Port Accessibility

While many ports have direct dock access, allowing passengers to disembark via gangways with relative ease, others may require the use of tenders (smaller boats) to reach the shore. Depending on sea conditions and the specific tender being used, it might be challenging for individuals with certain disabilities to transfer safely.

Destination Topography

Some destinations might have hilly terrains, uneven surfaces, or lack wheelchair-friendly infrastructure. It’s a good idea to research each port in advance to understand potential challenges.

Ship Assistance

Some cruise lines offer assistance during embarkation and disembarkation for disabled passengers. If you believe you’ll need help, notify the cruise line in advance to ensure they can accommodate your needs.

In any case, it’s always recommended to communicate with the cruise line before your trip to discuss specific requirements and understand available services and potential limitations at each port of call.

Does the Cruise Line Offer Wheelchair Accessible Shore Excursions?

Most major cruise lines recognize the importance of inclusivity and have made efforts to offer wheelchair-accessible shore excursions. These excursions are designed keeping in mind the needs of passengers with mobility challenges.

They often include:

• Accessible transportation: Buses or vans equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps.
• Tour destinations with paved paths or even surfaces.
• Sites with wheelchair-accessible restrooms and facilities.

However, the availability and extent of accessible excursions can vary based on the cruise line, the specific ship, and the destinations on the itinerary. Some more remote or historic locations might have limited accessibility due to their natural terrain or older infrastructure.

Travel Tip: The US and Europe are destinations where the cruise line will most likely offer accessible excursions. However, the availability of accessible excursions in Europe can vary.

If you’re interested in participating in shore excursions, it’s vital to:

• Check with the cruise line directly about available accessible excursions for your itinerary.
• Book in advance, as these excursions can fill up quickly due to limited availability.
• Clarify any specific requirements you might have to ensure the excursion meets your needs.

In all cases, the cruise line’s shore excursion team can provide detailed information on what to expect and help guide passengers to excursions that best match their accessibility needs.

Recap on the Best Cruise Lines for Disabled Passengers

In this guide of cruise vacations, we delved deep into what makes certain cruises stand out for travelers with special needs. From onboard amenities to shore excursions, the right choice in a cruise can significantly enhance the travel experience. Ensuring accessibility, providing medical facilities, understanding port logistics, and offering tailored excursions are all vital components.

Through reviews, recommendations, and proactive communication, passengers can find the most suitable options for their needs. Remember, the best cruise lines for disabled passengers prioritize comfort, safety, and inclusivity, ensuring every journey is as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Author Bio:

Having journeyed through more than 30 nations and accrued significant expertise working aboard cruise ships, Dan has established himself as a distinguished world traveler. Driven by an unwavering passion for exploration, Dan graciously offers his seasoned insights for traversing by sea, air, or land.

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I'm Kristin and I was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts my mobility and breathing. Despite this challenge, I have travelled across the United States and abroad and want to share my accessible travel information with others.

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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.
• Our Navigator app is accessible for use with screen reading technology available on your mobile device. You will find items such as dining menus, daily activities, shore excursions, spa items and more in our Navigator app. 

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, Vice President Fleet Governance.

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.

• Celebrity Cruises

Handicapped room - pros and cons?

By Alsmez , November 1, 2010 in Celebrity Cruises

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I was just browsing sea + scanner to see if there were any "good" rooms available in our cabin category for our Equinox cruise in February and spotted room 1026, a C3 room on the starboard side. It's a handicapped room and therefore 50% wider than a regular room according to the room info post on this site. It's also a floor up from our original room and closer to the elevators, so I decided to snag it. However, I'm wondering if having a handicapped room is asking for trouble - i.e., will we be asked/forced to give it up if a handicapped person needs it? I don't mind giving it up for someone who needs it, but I would at least like to have some control over where the new room would be, etc. Anyone have any experience with this?

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allentownahoy

This may not be what you want to hear but it is really wrong of you to snag this cabin for the extra space. It is naive to justify this by saying you are willing to be bumped for a handicapped person because the cruiseline will assume you are handicapped if booking this cabin and should be asking you to fill out a form describing the nature of your special needs. Meanwhile you are depriving someone who needs that room of handicapped accomodations. Be grateful you are able bodied, can cruise concierge class rather than selfishly ask if you are asking for trouble. What you are doing is causing trouble for the handicapped. If the cabin is still poem just a few weeks before sailing then try to snag it if you must

I meant to say if the cabin is still open a few weeks before sailing. Was unable to figure out how to edit my post.

Well, I have experience with handicap cabins because I need such a cabin if I'm going to cruise at all. Because there are usually fewer than 20 on any given cruise ship (and the older the ship the fewer there are), I generally have to book cruise and cabin 8 months or more "out" from sail date to ensure that I get one..or I can't cruise. So I'm not able to "choose"...I'm "stuck with" whatever is available.

You may -- or may not -- be asked to move. If you are, it would be to a cabin in that same category (but "regular", meaning having less space, and a step up into the shower, meaning you won't flood your room every time you shower, which happens often in a handicap-accessible cabin. Or you may get a cabin with a tub.)

Generally, though, even if you do "flag" your reservation to indicate that you'd be willing to move, it is highly unlikely that you'll be asked to.

There is a law that has been passed just today to restrict cruise lines from booking these cabins to non-handicapped individuals like yourself..but if you really are committed to "snagging" this, you might call and see if it's available.

Now, if this were 60 days or less from when the cruise was to set sail, it wouldn't be an issue. If the cabin were still available, you could grab it without guilt.

I'm wondering if having a handicapped room is asking for trouble - i.e., will we be asked/forced to give it up if a handicapped person needs it? I don't mind giving it up for someone who needs it, but I would at least like to have some control over where the new room would be, etc. Anyone have any experience with this?

If you are not handicapped, yes, up to a certain time, I believe you can be asked to prove your need for the accessible room. If you really want to hand pick your room, to avoid losing that control, just pick another room and stick with it. As you are waiting to see if you are indeed asked to change, the "good" rooms are going....going .....

Obviously a lot depends on how far out you are booking. After final payment is due, I might feel less guilty. But personally the extra width and the arrangement in the bathroom wouldn't be worth ithe "snag" to me.

xxoocruiser

So inappropriate to bok a HC Cabin if not needed . Since you are obviously do not require handicap accomodations and the cruise is still four months out, it was totally inconsiderate of you to book this cabin. Now of course if it's was a few weeks from sailing it would be acceptable to have snagged the cabin.

By the way I am a person that needs a handicap cabin. Before becoming disabled I would never have been so inconsiderate to book a HC cabin. Hope you never actually need a HC cabin at some point in your life and unable to book it because some ablebody person wanted the extra space. The extra space is for the scooter, wheelchair and other equipment that one being disabled has to travel with and use daily.

While the cabin is larger, it's set up for wheelchair access....so it will have lots of empty space, grab bars, etc....that go along with what disabled folks need.

We've been given HC rooms in hotels without needing or requesting them...I find them uncomfortable, since it's not really FOR able-bodied folks!

So inappropriate to bok a HC Cabin if not needed . Since you are obviously do not require handicap accomodations and the cruise is still four months out, it was totally inconsiderate of you to book this cabin. Now of course if it's was a few weeks from sailing it would be acceptable to have snagged the cabin.   By the way I am a person that needs a handicap cabin. Before becoming disabled I would never have been so inconsiderate to book a HC cabin. Hope you never actually need a HC cabin at some point in your life and unable to book it because some ablebody person wanted the extra space. The extra space is for the scooter, wheelchair and other equipment that one being disabled has to travel with and use daily.

Okay - sorry to have offended. I (naively) assumed that X would allow anyone to book these cabins to ensure a full ship but would move people if necessary to accommodate handicapped passengers. I also figured that since we're close to final payment and this cruise has been close to sold out for a while, most people's plans would be fairly set. I'll change my reservation back right away!

glad you decided to change back.

Can you tell us more about this new law? When does it go into effect? Do you have a link to the reading of this new law?

There is a law that has been passed just today to restrict cruise lines from booking these cabins to non-handicapped individuals like yourself..but if you really are committed to "snagging" this, you might call and see if it's available.   Now, if this were 60 days or less from when the cruise was to set sail, it wouldn't be an issue. If the cabin were still available, you could grab it without guilt.

As the spouse of a Parkinson's sufferer who requires a handicap cabin, we thank you :)

I think most folks who end up booked in an accessible cabin for various reasons would be willing to give that cabin up if a person with a disability needed it.

But, here's the problem. Say that person with a disability is interested in a particular cruise and looks at cabin availability. If they are all booked, it is very unlikely they would even think about contacting the cruise line and asking them to survey passengers in those cabin to see if they have a disability. And just as unlikely that the cruise line would be willing or able to check it out.

In the past, many have thought it was fair game after final payment date. However, with the new policies concerning price reductions, it is even more important to not book those cabins so that a person with a disability has a chance to wait for the prices to drop if they so choose. No longer can they book well in advance and be able to get price breaks.

I wish the cruise lines would not open those cabins up until 30 days before sailing.

Until then, the best advice is to simply not book a HC cabin and that way you know for sure you are not depriving someone who need it.

Happy Sails to You

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

I'm disabled and use a mobility scooter. I recently booked an accessible cabin on Eclipse and I had to fill out a document about my disability, the devices I use and if I require anything supplied by the cruise line such as a shower chair. It has to be faxed in no less than 30 days before the cruise. If you don't fax it in, you could lose the cabin. So yes, you do have to prove, in a way, that you actually NEED the cabin and aren't booking it just for the space. Of course, people could always lie on the form---but Karma is a witch with a B instead of a W.

BTW, if an able bodied person books an accessible cabin way out from the sail date, that cabin is out of inventory, period. Even if someone with a REAL need for that cabin calls and asks for it, the booking agents at X only see that it's booked-----there's no indication of who booked it or if they're disabled. The real disabled person is out of luck.

Those of us with disabilities have never said that a cruise line can't ever book those cabins, all we ask is that they're not booked more than 60 days out, after final payment. If the cabins are still out there, then have at it.

DixonDreamer

A few years back my hubby and I were upgraded to a Handicapped Junior Suite on Royal Caribbean. Neither of us are handicapped but we figured that since it wasn't booked the upgrade fairy decided to treat us. The room was as large as a Grand Suite and the balcony was double the size. The only part that took me a while to get used to was the door that opened automatically when you inserted your room key. The extra space made a 2 week cruise very enjoyable.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1232145

I agree that HC rooms should be for those who need them, and applaud X for requiring a Special Needs form be filled out.

It read to me that the OP poster was not only NOT looking to "take" a HC cabin away from someone, but sensitive to that fact!! Kudos to you :)!

However there is a point at which X feels that it is time for an unbooked cabin to go into the available pool. Which seems to be the case here as the OP saw it on sea scanner.

It does X no good to sail with an empty cabin so, here's my question: when is it okay to "snag" one of the HC open rooms ( meaning close to sailing date, not meaning pretending you need it) ?

btw - for those who need some assistance, but not a full-out HC room, X's Special Needs dept is very helpful. I'll be traveling in less than two weeks :D with 2 BFFs. One just had a hip replacement and is still using a cane. X is providing a shower stool and a raised toilet seat. There are also wheelchair porters available at embarkation and disembarkation so she won't have to stand in line.

Yes, Able bodied people booking HC cabins really offends us that need them to be able to cruise. Able bodied people are very "naive" when it comes to disabled issues. No cruise line moves AB out of HC cabins. Until Final Payment booking of Handicapped cabins are on the honor system. Which means if you don't need the HC cabin DON'T book one.

We booked an inside guarantee for a Nov. 17 mini on Eclipse and 2 weeks ago they gave us an inside handicapped room. I thot it was odd as we never requested this and obviously with 30 days left to sailing they had a reason for doing this. We doing a b2b and moving up to a hump C2 on the 20th. It's not even the same floor so who knows what X is up to. I just hope no one thinks that we requested this.

We have just booked two cabins for our next cruise (On IOS) however one of the cabins is for my MIL who is disabled.

We were lucky enough to get two cabins opposite each other but for the disabled one we had to prove that we were entitled to use of the disabled cabin. There is a form that has to be completed and returned to the TA/Cruise line confirming the disability.

It was intimated that if you booked one of these you would basically have no rights if a disabled person came along, you would be moved even if it was to a smaller or lesser graded cabin.

I would show no sympathy to anyone who tried to abuse this facility to the detriment of the disabled passenger who then has to struggle in another type of cabin

I agree that HC rooms should be for those who need them, and applaud X for requiring a Special Needs form be filled out.   It read to me that the OP poster was not only NOT looking to "take" a HC cabin away from someone, but sensitive to that fact!! Kudos to you :)!   However there is a point at which X feels that it is time for an unbooked cabin to go into the available pool. Which seems to be the case here as the OP saw it on sea scanner.   It does X no good to sail with an empty cabin so, here's my question: when is it okay to "snag" one of the HC open rooms ( meaning close to sailing date, not meaning pretending you need it) ?   btw - for those who need some assistance, but not a full-out HC room, X's Special Needs dept is very helpful. I'll be traveling in less than two weeks :D with 2 BFFs. One just had a hip replacement and is still using a cane. X is providing a shower stool and a raised toilet seat. There are also wheelchair porters available at embarkation and disembarkation so she won't have to stand in line.   Sara

I think that if cruise lines held HC cabins until final payment is due, generally 60 days "out" from sailing, and then released them to be booked..

or assigned them to those that booked a "cabin guarantee" when they assign such cabins (again, that's usually 60 days or less from time of sailing), that would satisfy at least some of us in the disabled community.

And of course it would be nice if there were more such cabins, in more categories! But that's probably wishful thinking.

Okay - sorry to have offended. I (naively) assumed that X would allow anyone to book these cabins to ensure a full ship but would move people if necessary to accommodate handicapped passengers. !

and what happens if a handicapped person wants to book, but the ship is full and you have the HC cabin?

Then that handicapped person must go without his cruise.

I have a friend who has MS and is in a wheelchair - they were considering cruising with us so we asked X open an option for a cabin for her. Here in Germany X insisted on a Doctors Certificate BEFORE even requesting such a cabin in Miami. This annoyed my friend to such an extent that she decided not to come cruising. This wasn't because she wasn't willing to comply once they were sure to get one of those cabin - she just wasn't willing to get harressed before hand especially knowing that in the US fellow passengers are certainly not hassased in the same way.

So consider yourselves lucky you only have to comply with the the letter sometime during the booking process.

We were one booked into a handicapped cabin by our TA. We asked for a switch --- partly because we knew we shouldn't be keeping it from a handicapped person, but it also had some drawbacks. The shower was wheel-in, and all reports online were that it flooded the bathroom every time. Also, there was no sofa or chair in the cabin (as there was in all the non-handicapped cabins) to allow for wheelchair mobility, but we would rather have a sitting area than more room. Anyway, to the OP, sometimes you are better off in a regular cabin, ethics aside.

I have a friend who has MS and is in a wheelchair - they were considering cruising with us so we asked X open an option for a cabin for her. Here in Germany X insisted on a Doctors Certificate BEFORE even requesting such a cabin in Miami. This annoyed my friend to such an extent that she decided not to come cruising. This wasn't because she wasn't willing to comply once they were sure to get one of those cabin - she just wasn't willing to get harressed before hand especially knowing that in the US fellow passengers are certainly not hassased in the same way.   So consider yourselves lucky you only have to comply with the the letter sometime during the booking process.

I actually wouldn't mind if they DID hassle me before I could book a handicap-accessible cabin! I know it's against the law as it is now written, but I'm fine with telling them that I need a wheelchair for mobility, and fine with getting a doctor's letter to back that up. In fact, when I've cruised on NCL, Carnival and Hurtigruten, I have in fact had to provide those before they would confirm my reservation. I've not cruised on Celebrity so don't know their policy, though.

That's just not true.

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I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never worth it. Here's what to book instead.

• I'm a frequent cruise traveler who's stayed in a variety of onboard accommodations.
• The least expensive rooms have no view and are usually cramped, especially if shared by a family.
• Splurging on a higher-category cabin on my last cruise was the best decision I made.

Automatically booking the cheapest room on a cruise ship without doing proper research first can ruin a trip. 

As someone who's been going on cruises for over 10 years, I've learned that the price tag for these vacations can vary based on a number of factors — from cruise line to trip duration to room category.

Staying in the most standard-level cabin seems like an obvious way to keep costs down. But after trying out three different room categories, both with and without my kids, I've found that a ship's least expensive option is almost never worth it.

Based on my experience in three different cruise-room categories, here are the ones I recommend skipping and the ones I recommend splurging on.

Interior staterooms are limited in space and privacy

The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom.

These cabins often sleep three to four people and are located in the middle of the ship, with no exterior view of the vessel's surroundings. 

I've stayed in interior staterooms on a Carnival Cruise Line ship and a Disney Cruise Line ship . Aside from different decor styles and a few small touches, this room category is fairly standard across the board. 

When I'm on a cruise, I like to wake up and open my curtains to look at the ocean or the port where the ship is docked , which isn't an option in these inward-looking cabins.

Apart from having no view, interior staterooms are very small. The exact square footage varies but, for reference, the Disn ey Fantasy cruise ship's interior stateroom is 169 square feet and a Royal Caribbean ship's version is around the same size at 164 square feet .

To put those numbers into perspective, standard hotel rooms in the US are, on average, around 330 square feet , almost double the size of the entry-level cruise accommodation.

I want to be able to maneuver around without tripping over luggage, accent furniture, or my own family members. And because of the lack of space in interior staterooms, that's a challenge.

This category is definitely the most economical option, making it ideal for travelers on a budget .

However, if families, especially ones traveling with teens, can swing an alternative, they should steer clear of cramming into an interior stateroom and opt for a category with more space and privacy.

Ocean-view staterooms provide slightly more space but can still feel cramped

The next category up is usually an ocean-view stateroom.

With an outward-facing window, ocean-view staterooms are a solid mid-tier option for travelers who want more space than an interior stateroom offers but don't want to spend extra for a balcony room.

Their exact size and capacity range from ship to ship, but Disney Fantasy's ocean-view staterooms are 204 square feet , and Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas' version is 179 square feet .

Many of these accommodations fit up to five people. If you have more than four family members (yes, infants who are six months and older are part of the headcount), making the jump from an interior stateroom to an ocean-view stateroom is absolutely worth the extra money.

Some cruise lines sell ocean-view rooms as the entry-level category for families of five or more travelers , simply because many interior staterooms can only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

My top pick is balcony staterooms, which offer privacy and plenty of space 

Balcony staterooms, also known as veranda staterooms, are usually the largest accommodation option you can get without concierge service or extras.

I recommend this category to all travelers setting sail in the future for one reason: the private balcony.

You can open your curtains and enjoy the sights outside, similar to the experience of staying in an ocean-view stateroom. But in this room type, you can step out onto a balcony and take in the sounds and smells, too. 

The rooms' sizes and capacities depend on the ship, but balcony staterooms are usually larger than ocean-view staterooms and tend to sleep up to five guests . Even if the rooms' living spaces aren't substantially bigger, they have the added space of the veranda. 

Including the terrace, balcony staterooms on the Disney Fantasy are 246 square feet and are between 214 square feet to 279 square feet on Princess Cruises' fleet.

When my family stayed in a balcony stateroom on a seven-night cruise, we made great use of the outdoor space. On a shorter cruise, where the balcony itself might not get as much use, I would still book this category for my family.

The upgrade was completely worth the price increase, especially because we were traveling with two sets of grandparents .

To make the most of the balcony staterooms, we even turned our individual verandas into one large terrace by having our steward remove the partitions between rooms. 

This story was originally published on May 25, 2022, and most recently updated on February 5, 2024.