This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Across the ship, guests will find pool lifts, accessible restrooms, wheelchair ramps and lowered gaming tables. We also feature properties and itineraries from a specially selected list of trusted operators. 6 Cruise Memories That Will Warm Your Heart, Accessible Cruise Ships (Photo: Ivan Cholakov/Shutterstock). They will typically feature a roll-in shower, pull-down shower seat or bench, grab bars to assist with balance, lowered sink and vanity area and lowered wardrobe hanging rods. Fleetmates: Maasdam and its sister ship Veendam, in the line's Statendam (or S) class, also consistently get top reviews from disabled travelers. Service dogs are welcome. Forward and rear wheelchair seating is available at entertainment venues, including the Aqua Theater, Royal Theater and Studio B, with the latter two offering assistive listening devices. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. For wheelchair and scooter users, there are fully accessible cabins. If youre keen to give cruising a try, heres what you need to know. The three-deck ships have elevators that go. All dining and bar venues have wheelchair access, as does the video arcade. Certain hotels have resort fees. Guests who are hard of hearing can request assistive listening devices for the main theatre to enjoy the shows. Fleetmates: Seven Seas Mariner, though smaller than Explorer, is similarly equipped and has six cabins for passengers with disabilities. P&O Cruises' homeport is Southampton, so there are year-round departures from. None of them have a bath, though, only a shower. The best cruise lines for disabled people Some cruise lines stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to catering for disabled guests. Full-time wheelchair users are usually able to tender in port, an added freedom not afforded on all cruise ships. As well as this, the main dining room provides accessible tables, while the theatre has a designated bay for wheelchair space. Accessible ships with adapted cabins and accessible shore excursions. You can expect to see the following cabin sizes on Royal Caribbean, although exact size will differ by ship and stateroom type: Interior: 136-172 square feet. Sign language interpreters are provided for cruises that depart and end in a U.S. port with at least 60 days' notice before sailing. Experience the grandeur of cruising with P&O and cruise to the Adriatic, Italy and Malta. Collapsible wheelchairs can be taken into any cabin, provided their width when collapsed is less than 51cm. Due to Explorer's relatively small ship size, passengers may find it easier to navigate the vessel. 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. The desk can be reached at 866-584-9756 or accessdesk@ncl.com. With accessible cabins available on every ship in the fleet, an MSC cruise is a fantastic choice for those with mobility restrictions. Rooms have a lower closet rod and refrigerator. Covid-related restrictions may be in place. Each MSC Cruises ship is outfitted with accessible cabins for passengers with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. Gangways are wide enough to accommodate most wheelchairs and scooters, and accessible public restrooms are widely available. Braemar has four wheelchair-adapted cabins, two inside on Deck 7 and two outside on Deck 6, and one accessible toilet midship on Deck 5. Passengers who are heavily reliant on the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooter may be severely restricted in embarking and disembarking at ports of call because Adonia doesn't have a low-level ramped gangway. On embarkation day, NCL also organizes a meeting with onboard staff dedicated to making sure your voyage is enjoyable and that your needs are met. Wide gangways will accommodate most wheelchairs. Accessible cabins can be found throughout the Saga Cruises fleet, providing ample space for a wheelchair or mobility scooter. If you're travelling on a ferry or cruise ship that departs from the UK, or elsewhere in the EU, there's an EU Regulation that gives you rights if you're disabled or a person with reduced mobility. The line's older ships, Astoria and Astoria, don't have any adapted cabins. For a selection of cruises from our preferred partners, clickhere. The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. In extreme cases, because of safety or operational issues, the line might deny you boarding. In public areas, passengers find accessible bathrooms with automatic doors, along with wide gangways, and Braille/tactile signage in public rooms, elevators, staterooms and deck numbers on staircase handrails. The line's biggest ship, 3,046-passenger Celebrity Reflection, offers 30 accessible staterooms with automatic doors, an extra plus appreciated by those in wheelchairs. Best Cruises for Disabled People Azamara Accessible Cabin Cunard Royal Caribbean International Princess Cruise Norwegian Cruise Line Carnival Horizon Celebrity Cruises Best Cruises for Disabled People Azamara Accessible Cabin The toilet is high and has collapsible arm guards, proving support and making it easier for transfer. Aurora is an older ship, launched in 2000, with a more intimate feel, as it only carries 1,874, but there's still a good selection of 18 wheelchair-accessible cabins, from insides to balcony accommodation. In addition, they feature tall toilets, lowered closet rod and accessible balconies for select staterooms. Mediterranean. View all cruises from UK, Cruise lines Wheelchairs can also access the miniature golf course and the laundry. In addition to wheelchair-accessible seating in theaters and restaurants, Carnival Cruise Line's ships offer accessible elevators and public restrooms, as well as three different types of accessible cabins. Columbus, the flagship has six wheelchair-adapted cabins. Some rooms also have accessible balconies. Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star that sails from Southampton is great for disabled passengers. The accessible cabins have wide stateroom doors without sills and wide ramped-threshold bathroom doors. Can they open their stateroom door and smoothly roll in on a wheelchair? Fleetmates: You'll find similar amenities on Celebrity's Solstice class sister ships: Silhouette, Eclipse, Equinox and Solstice. Sign language interpreting services are provided on cruises that depart from and/or return to the U.S. and Canada, with at least 60 days' notice prior to sailing. The cruise line also offers lowered playing tables and slot machines in the casino. There are fold-down shower seats, handheld showerheads, lowered towel and closet bars, and emergency call buttons, which can be activated upon request. Wheelchairs and scooters can be rented and made available on board via Carnival's partnership with Scootaround, and the line also provides airport transfers with wheelchair lifts when arrangements are made in advance. The less equipment that goes in the hold the less . Questions about special requirements can be answered by calling 954-772-6262. Saga holidays are specifically for the over-50s and the ships are known for their fine food and friendly, caring atmosphere. They also have lower closet rods and accessible balconies with automatic doors. Its fleet even features a specially designed lift system for tender transfers. Can they easily take a shower? If you're looking for a traditional, British cruise experience, aimed at more mature passengers, with comfortable rather than ultra-modern ships, and some imaginative itineraries, Fred. Meanwhile adapted means the cabin has been modified based on its original specifications, which could pose a problem to a full-time wheelchair user, as accessible cabins are generally larger than standard rooms to allow for wheelchair manoeuvrability. Some have bed access from one side only, while others have access on both sides. Accessible staterooms onboard the Royal Caribbean fleet are a spacious 159 to 298 square feet, providing complete maneuverability for those with mobility restrictions. On the line's private island, Castaway Cay, paved paths provide access to shops and wheelchairs. Norwegian Cruise Line offers wheelchair-accessible public spaces, such as theaters, restaurants and public restrooms. But its best to arm yourself with the brochures of the lines you are considering and check their websites, as most have pages dedicated to special needs and accessibility. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Related: 5 tips for going on a cruise as a wheelchair user. With an emphasis on accessible shore excursions, Celebrity Cruises offers special amenities on select cruises to disabled passengers. All access to the quayside is by a narrow, stepped gangway. Disabled Passengers . But if you stick to the big cruise lines, at least some level of accessibility is guaranteed.". Trained service animals are allowed. Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. Specific layouts and amenities vary by ship, but some also include emergency call buttons. Terms and Conditions Apply. For those who can manage a few steps there is a good and varied choice of accessible tours, but for permanent wheelchair users choices can be more limited. I have been cruising for more than 40 years, the last 12 working as a guest speaker for cruise lines such as Celebrity, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Fred Olsen and Royal Caribbean. With each vessel featuring up to 31 accessible cabins, we recommend you book your Princess disabled access cruise well in advance. Additionally, the line can provide assistance at boarding and disembarkation. Fleetmates: Other Vista-class ships -- including Carnival Vista, which launched in 2016, and Carnival Panorama, expected to debut in 2019 -- include the latest accessible features and are also good choices. On This Page P&O Cruises Princess Cruises Carnival Cruise Line Royal Caribbean International Scooters and Service Animals on Cruises P&O Cruises P&O has accessible cabins in all categories (inside, outside, balcony and suite). Best Cruise Ships For Disabled Passengers 1. Holland America Winner of the Best Overall Facilities for Physically Challenged Passengers by Porthole Cruise magazine, Holland America provides accessible experiences for all disabilities. Some ports may require a tender boat to get onshore. Deciding which cruise line, and more specifically which ship, to book is one of the biggest decisions you have to make when planning your holiday. On all ships, cabin numbers are in Braille, as are lift buttons, and the daily programme and restaurant menus can be provided in large print. If you want to cruise with CMV and have special needs, it is essential that you talk to the cruise line before booking as every passenger's requirements are assessed individually. Staff will also be able to provide assistance with disembarkation and embarkation, however, some ports of call will require tender boats to shore. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 25 years ago, and at that point began to notice the lack of information for people with limited mobility; places I had visited previously suddenly had obstacles that I hadnt encountered before. Pool lifts are available on Carnival's newest vessels, including Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Vista and Mardi Gras. Throughout the rest of the vessel, disabled cruisers will find accessibility to all stunning venues, with lifts available for wheelchairs and scooters. Disney Cruise Line offers both pre- and post-cruise transfers with lifts if requested in advance. Not sure if an excursion is right for you? Each MSC Cruises ship is outfitted with accessible cabins for passengers with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. The best cruise lines have already thought through these questions. Each bathroom has a high toilet and bath distress alarms. Plus, for those bringing the whole family, accessible cabins include suites that can sleep up to four people. With 65 accessible staterooms, this bold, new ship, launched in 2018, includes plenty of options for disabled travelers. Launched in 2014, 3,569-passenger Regal Princess is one of the line's newest ships, and offers an impressive 38 accessible staterooms -- especially welcome because most cabins on the ship are on the tight side. Elsewhere, there's wheelchair seating in all dining venues and bars; a lower counter at the Martini Bar, in the casino and at guest relations; and forward and rear wheelchair seating plus an assistive listening system at the Reflection Theater. Staff is attuned to travelers' needs, and the ship offers 46 accessible cabins with wide stateroom and bathroom doors with low doorsills and ramped thresholds, roll-in showers, grab bars and turning spaces. Questions about special requirements can be answered by calling 954-772-6262. Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky and Pride of America feature specially designed staterooms for those with auditory impairments, however, onboard alternative vessels you'll be provided with a portable alert kit. Select ships within the P&O Cruises fleet have pool hoists available: Guests will disembark to port via tender or gangway. Note: As a general rule of thumb, cruisers are required to store assistive devices -- such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and canes -- in their cabins. These buttons and adverts are clearly signposted, and provide direct links through to external sites. An accessible cabana is also available. Would you like to receive these? The EU Regulation defines a 'disabled person' or 'person with reduced mobility' as: 'any person whose mobility when using transport . Suitable for slower walkers, those who require wheelchair or scooter assistance, and even those who simply like a steadier pace of life, these excursions navigate step-free routes and offer accessible transportation and restroom facilities. Here are the top ships that travelers with disabilities should consider. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Alaska cruisetour passengers will find the line's wilderness lodges meet ADA guidelines, with accessible rooms and public spaces. If you click and buy a product, we may earn revenue. The Best (Free) Things to Do on Carnival Panorama. Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Royal Caribbean ships. Free Spirit is one of the UKs largest specialist travel insurance providers and aspires to help people of any age who have been declined travel insurance cover elsewhere due to pre-existing conditions. Some cruise lines, such as small-ship luxury line Regent Seven Seas, appoint one staff member to each passenger with a disability to make sure he or she is taken care of in case of an. Related: How to travel on a budget as a wheelchair user. They aim to give these passengers extra peace of mind and a relaxing vacation. Inspired to book a cruise? Top cruise lines for disabled passengers Some lines have built up a solid reputation for offering the best experiences to disabled passengers, so they are a good place to start. View all ships. On Boudicca, there are four wheelchair-adapted Terrace Balcony cabins on the Lido Deck (7) but no wheelchair accessible toilets in the public areas of the ship. Those accommodations include wider (32-inch) doorways, a 5-foot turning radius, ramped bathroom thresholds, bathroom grab bars, lowered sinks and vanities, higher toilets, roll-in showers with fold-down benches, hand-held showerheads, lowered closet bars and accessible balconies (in select staterooms). Grab rails for shower and toilet Pull-down shower seat Flush thresholds between bathroom and cabin Balcony cabins have ramped access to the balcony. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Accommodation details for the new Spirit of Discovery have not yet been released, but we do know that all 540 cabins have a private balcony and there will be wheelchair-accessibility across most grades. Accessible staterooms are available for booking on all ships in the line's fleet, and they include larger entryways, roll-in showers with benches, high-rise toilets and handrails in the toilet and shower areas. Although Disney doesn't have a partnership with any particular company, it does reference Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea as providers who can make sure necessary equipment is delivered to your vessel. Lifts at the pool make it easier than ever to enjoy sunbathing on deck, while those with audio disabilities can enjoy all the entertainment thanks to Assistive Listening Systems, sign language interpreters and much more. We also call out a few fleetmates, older ships that get consistently positive reviews from travelers with disabilities. We have a 100% success rate at getting [], Cunard has been renowned for its luxurious voyages for more than 180 years. There is usually at least one fully trained and licensed doctor and two nurses on board, with the exact number dependent on the size of the ship. Princess Cays, the line's private Bahamas beach, has ramps for easier access. Royal Caribbean's Access Department can help with planning and answer questions you might have. Bathrooms have grab bars, roll-in showers, handheld showerheads and high toilets. The Alaska cruises typically run from April to September, as this . There are also lowered sink and stateroom vanities and a raised toilet, along with lowered closet rods, lowered safe, open bed frames, accessible balconies for select cabins and amplified telephones. The rules regarding scooters are complicated and vary from ship to ship but essentially, Fred. Wide gangways allow wheelchair users to more easily get on and off the ship. Balcony: 179-204 square foot room, 40-50 square foot balcony. Further, most ships in Holland America's fleet (all except Volendam) have been outfitted with tender lifts that allow passengers in wheelchairs or scooters to roll directly onto and off of tenders while remaining seated. Would you like to receive these? Due to safety reasons, Segways may not be used onboard. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. We would also like to send you exclusive promotions, competitions and content from The Times and Sunday Times and selected partners. From 2018, passengers with collapsible wheelchairs or scooters will be allowed to book non-adapted cabins, while those with non-collapsible wheelchairs will only be allowed to book adapted cabins. No, Michele Monro, author of a new book on sailing with a disability, shares her expert tips, Weve handpicked the best hotels with accessible rooms across the UK, from fancy London pads to rural countryside hotels, Make your journey as smooth as possible with our tips on everything from booking wheelchair spaces to the hacks you can use on the Eurostar, Our cruise editor takes you through all you need to know about rules, routes and whats coming up on the rivers and high seas, The world really is your oyster when it comes to choosing a cruise destination. Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Wheelchair-accessible or modified staterooms are available on most ships but they are in extremely high demand, so you should book well in advance if youre unable to enjoy a standard cabin. Its public computers even have screen-reader software to help the visually impaired. Magellan only has one and Marco Polo, two. They also have a fold-down shower seat and handheld showerheads, and ship staff can provide shower stools and toilet risers upon request. Three ships, Arcadia, Oriana and Adonia, are adults-only while the remaining five are very popular with families. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. .css-18jw8gc{-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:1.2;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-10);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);background:none;border:0;color:black;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0!important;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-Roboto);font-weight:500;padding-top:0.625rem;padding-bottom:0.625rem;-webkit-padding-start:1rem;padding-inline-start:1rem;-webkit-padding-end:1rem;padding-inline-end:1rem;}.css-18jw8gc:focus-visible,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-18jw8gc:disabled,.css-18jw8gc[disabled],.css-18jw8gc[aria-disabled=true],.css-18jw8gc[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-18jw8gc:active,.css-18jw8gc[data-active]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:hover,.css-18jw8gc[data-hover]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:focus,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}Cookie Consent, What to Expect on a Cruise: Boarding a Cruise Ship, Windstar Yachts vs. Windstar Sailing Ships.
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