Top Tips for Accessible Cruising

Cruising is a great vacation choice for everyone – even if you have a disability, there are plenty of options for accessible cruising! The good news is that cruise lines offer accessible cabins, priority embarkation, and more to make your vacation easier and more enjoyable. Whether you have mobility limitations, intellectual disabilities, or anything that requires some extra assistance, there are some important things to know when you’re planning your cruise.

Accessible Cruising Tip #1: Know The Cruise Line Policies

Before you book, do some research! Or better yet, enlist one of our experts at The Cruise Web to handle the details for you.

When you're exploring your options, it's crucial to look up the accessibility policies of any cruise line you're interested in. You’ll want to confirm if they offer accessible cabins and dining areas, and whether public spaces like pool decks and theaters are easy to navigate.

Ensuring the ship has these accommodations is essential when cruising with a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, as it guarantees you have enough space to enjoy every aspect of your vacation comfortably. Knowing this information will give you a clear idea of which cruise lines are the most accommodating for guests with disability concerns.

Now that you've found a suitable cruise line, the next most important thing to consider is the WHERE—where are you cruising?

Accessible Cruising Tip #2: Know Your Destination

You can cruise anywhere with a disability! Most cruise ships have cabins and public spaces that are accessible, so if you can get on the ship, the world is within reach! But it's always important to know that there may be some ports of call or excursions that are limited for those with mobility limitations.

For example, a cruise to the Caribbean would be the perfect tropical getaway for you or your family member with a disability! Wide open beaches, expansive shopping areas and plenty of accessible restaurants make this a perfect place to explore on shore with your mobility scooter or wheelchair! If you’re interested in excursions, some, like a zip lining adventure or scuba diving, might not be for you, but that won’t stop you from enjoying a deep-sea fishing adventure or a guided sightseeing tour!

Another great destination to explore when cruising with accessibility concerns would be the Mediterranean! This region is full of ancient artifacts, ruin sites, and history, much of which is in accessible museums and tourist sites. If you’re looking for a vacation full of history and easy access, check out a cruise to the Mediterranean!

Some destinations are more remote and may pose a challenge for those with mobility concerns. Alaska, for one, is a landscape with many outdoor excursions, some involving trekking through uneven terrain to reach the point of interest on your tour. And while that may be a challenge, there is always something for cruisers who need some help! For example, a wheelchair accessible whale watching tour or a visit to a local museum may be the best choice for an excursion in Alaska.

Although Alaska may be a tougher destination to explore on shore, don’t rule it out as glacial cruising at Glacier Bay National Park or through the Kenai Fjords is truly a transcendent experience. If you are cruising to a destination with tough terrain, make sure you choose a cruise ship with plenty of activities onboard.

Accessible Cruising Tip #3: Your Travel Agent is Your Advocate

Planning a vacation is stressful enough; you need someone you can rely on, so our top tip for accessible cruising is to make sure you book with a travel agent! Not only is our service free, but our agents are experts at ensuring your trip is as smooth as possible. From the moment you leave your front door until you get home, our agents are there for you!

Whether that includes working with the cruise line to arrange accessible accommodations or priority embarkation, or even helping you find a mobility scooter to meet you at the pier! It always helps to have someone in your corner, and it's even better when they have years of experience planning accessible cruises for clients around the world.

Cruising is a wonderful vacation choice for travelers with accessibility concerns or a disability. As long as you can get onboard, you can see the world on a cruise. Traveling with a disability or mobility concerns can be stressful, so you need an expert in your corner, ensuring everything is handled for you.

Of course, our experts are the best at knowing where, when, and what excursions will best fit your needs for an accessible cruise, so be sure to call us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com to help plan everything, to make sure your vacation is as relaxing as you deserve.