*Please note: the details on this blog have been gathered from each cruise line’s official websites and publicly available information. Accessibility can vary by ship, itinerary and date. Since each person’s circumstances and needs are different, we always recommend checking directly with the cruise line if they cater for your specific needs before making a booking. Most cruise lines require a special request or accessibility form to be completed. Please check this process with the cruise line in advance.
If you or someone you love has reduced mobility, you have probably wondered whether a cruise holiday is something you could enjoy or even if it is possible at all. It can be difficult to decide as accessibility can vary from one ship to another, and the needs of each person will be different.
What’s most important is that you feel independent and comfortable. At JWT Travel, we understand how important it is to feel confident and comfortable while travelling, and how special it is for people with reduced mobility to share a holiday with their families and friends, a holiday where they will be well looked after.
Elena from our Marketing team knows this firsthand as her mother has reduced mobility. After visiting Le Bellot, one of Ponant’s finest cruise ships featuring some suites offering accessible services for passengers, Elena was inspired to write this blog and share insights on cruise lines that offer accessibility services.
Below, we highlight some cruise lines offering accessibility for people with reduced mobility, based on their onboard facilities, excursions, and special services; as well as tips to consider before you book your cruise holiday:
Tips before you book your cruise holiday:
- Request accessible cabins as early as possible.
- Most cruise lines require a special request or accessibility form to be completed. Please check this process with the cruise line in advance.
- Most cruise lines do not offer mobility scooters, but you can hire this in advance at: MOBILITYATSEA.COM
- Let the cruise line know the level of mobility you have, so they can provide the right support and accommodations.
- Always check in advance if your stateroom includes special equipment such as lowered closet rods and bathroom equipment such as lower chair for shower, or handheld shower heads.
- Ask the cruise line about specific excursions in advance.
- Check the ship deck plans for elevator locations and ramps, as well as areas designed for people with reduced mobility.
- Check if you have to fill a mobility questionnaire.
- Always check for insurance policies.
- Bear in mind that not all ports are designed with accessible features.
Royal Caribbean
When it comes to accessible cruises, Royal Caribbean can be a good choice, as they have cruise ships designed with inclusivity in mind.
Royal Caribbean offers services such as early boarding, cruise transfers with a specialized bus or van, as well as boarding and departure assistance. They also have spacious corridors for wheelchairs, most decks are accessible through automatic doors, and all public rooms have entrances with gradual ramps.
On top of that, some of Royal Caribbean’s ships have staterooms designed to provide independence for guests with reduced mobility. These accessible rooms usually feature:
- Wider stateroom and bathroom doorways
- For the bathroom: ramped bathroom thresholds, bathroom grab bars, lowered sink and stateroom vanity, roll-in shower bench, fold-down shower bench, hand-held showerheads, and raised toilet seats (most are between 17 to 19 inches high); commode chairs are also available. (Please note these items will have to be requested in advance).
- Lowered closet rods
- Accessible balconies on selected staterooms.
One of the cruise ships that offer best accessibility at sea with Royal Caribbean is Allure of the Seas, with 46 wheelchair-accessible staterooms, including the room facilites. It also has 24 dining venues with wheelchair seating, as well as accessible seating in all lounges and theatres. Royal Caribbean also has a wide selection of unique cultural excursions that accommodate scooters and wheelchairs.
Find more on website: SPECIALNEEDSATSEA.COM
Check Royal Caribbean accessibility details ROYALCARIBBEAN.COM
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is another great choice for people with reduced mobility, and not only while on board, but also when exploring at the destinations.
With Celebrity, you can access accessible excursions: join tours to the historic Fort San Cristobal, San Juan, with accessible routes to get to the theatre; visit the ruins of ancient Pompeii in a wheelchair-accessible van, or get on board wheelchair accessible trains like the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway, in southeast Alaska.
From accessible on-shore excursions to accessible transportation, Celebrity Cruises offers transfers for guests with reduced mobility between the airport and the pier as well as boarding and departure assistance, and mobility assistance throughout the ship.
Onboard Celebrity Cruises ships you will find that accessible staterooms will offer wider doors, roll-in showers, grab bars, lower sink and vanity, bathroom grab bars, higher toilet, and ramped thresholds. Most staterooms also offer an ample five-foot turning radius.
Check Celebrity Cruises accessibility details on their official website: CELEBRITYCRUISES.COM
MSC
MSC reserves a selection of cabins for people with reduced mobility. These cabins are designed with accessible features, including handrails for support, ramps for easy balcony access, lower shelves, spacious bathrooms, and wider entrance doors .
Beyond cabins, MSC also organizes “easy & accessible” tours and excursions specifically designed for guests with reduced mobility, so you can also enjoy a day out of the ship as you explore destinations comfortably and confidently. On top of that, they offer embarkation and disembarkation assistance, accessible transfers and airport and flight assistance, making your trip smoother, easier, and more enjoyable.
From the Mediterranean, visiting ancient cities such as Rome; to Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas, MSC offers a world of destinations. Just remember, accessibility ashore can vary depending on port.
Learn more on MSC werbsite: MSCCRUISES.IE
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers different types of accessible staterooms on their ships. From fully accessible rooms designed for guests with highly limited or no mobility; to ambulatory rooms, designed for guests with reduced mobility who do not require a wheelchair, or similar. Additional amenities like handheld shower heads, or raised toilet seats should be requested in advance.
With Princess you can bring your own scooter or wheelchair, however they do not offer mobility equipment. They partner with Special Needs at Sea who provide wheelchairs and other medical equipment for rent.
Princess sails everywhere: from Alaska, the Caribbean or California, Canada and New England, Japan or Hawaii, offering a variety of shore excursions and superb cultural experiences. However some excursion may not be available in some international ports as not all port facilities are designed with accessible features.
Check more on Princess Cruises website: PRINCESCRUISES.COM
With proper planning, the right support, and accessible cabins and services, a cruise holiday can be very enjoyable, comfortable and memorable for everyone.
This is just a selection of cruise lines offering accessibility services for guests with reduced mobility. To find the best option for you, contact our JWT Cruises experts, we’ll be happy to help you plan your next unforgettable cruise holiday!
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