Tips for booking an accessible cruise

Going on a cruise is a dream for many, providing an opportunity to visit exciting destinations in comfort and style with all the amenities one could wish for. Cruise holidays can be particularly appealing to those with disabilities, such as those with limited mobility, due to the convenience on offer.

If you like the idea of boarding a luxurious cruise ship for your next holiday, but want to make sure it’s accessible, this guide is for you. Below you will find a collection of tips for booking accessible cruises, helping to make sure your next holiday caters to your needs.

How to book an accessible cruise

• Research cruise lines and ships
• Book with the cruise line directly
• Consult with a travel agent specialising in accessible travel
• Choose the right cabin
• Verify onboard accessibility facilities
• Enquire about shore excursions
• Plan transportation to and from the port
• Inform the cruise line of any special requirements
• Arrange for medical assistance if needed
• Bring any required mobility aids
• Understand the embarking and disembarking procedures
• Book early
• Buy the correct travel insurance

Research cruise lines and ships

One of the first steps towards booking accessible cruises is to research the different cruise lines and ships available. This could start with a simple online search for the best wheelchair-accessible cruises.

Ultimately, you will want to look around for cruise lines and specific ships that are known for their accessible features. Visit the cruise lines’ website and find out if they offer facilities that will make the ship accessible for your specific needs.

Most cruise lines will have a dedicated accessibility page detailing the facilities they offer. Another great way to discern the right cruise line for you is to read reviews from those who have already travelled with them.

You can find a few accessibility pages for some of the top cruise lines below:

• P&O Cruises accessibility
• Marella Cruises accessibility
• Cunard accessibility
• Fred. Olsen accessibility
• Royal Caribbean accessibility
• Celebrity Cruises accessibility

Kristin from the wheelchair travel blog World on Wheels, has highlighted the importance of research when looking to book an accessible holiday: “There are so many things required to make a successful accessible cruise. However, my number one tip is to do your research by asking specific questions to determine what will be the best fit for your individual needs.

“This is important for choosing the right cruise line and destination and for finding shore excursions. I find that the word ‘accessible’ means different things for different people. So, instead, ask whether the bed is framed or platform, whether stairs are required, whether the transportation allows me to stay in my wheelchair at all times, etc.

“Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for pictures or use the internet and YouTube to find photos and videos to help you determine if a cabin or activity will be a good fit for you. By doing your research and asking specific questions, you’re more likely going to have a cruise that best fits your abilities. This will allow you to relax more and enjoy your trip.”

Book with the cruise line directly

Danielle, from the cruise blog Cruise Miss, says that booking directly with the cruise lines will ensure your questions about accessibility will be answered accurately:

“My advice for someone with a disability who wants to book a cruise would be to first consider the size of the ship, followed by booking with a reputable travel agent or the chosen cruise line directly. Doing this ensures you can ask all the necessary questions and be confident in knowing you are receiving the correct information as answers.”

Paul, the Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog, also believes that going to the cruise line directly can be beneficial: “Book well in advance and communicate your specific accessibility needs with the cruise line to ensure that they can address your requirements. The more notice you can give them and the more detail you can give outlining your needs, the more likely they are to meet them.

“Don't forget to also look at how each cruise handles accessibility when it comes to shore excursions to ensure that your experience is a fully inclusive one.”

READ ALSO: Guide to travelling and holidays for older people

Consult with a travel agent specialising in accessible travel

One of the first steps when it comes to booking an accessible cruise should be to consult with a specialist travel agent.

By speaking with a specialist travel agent, you can lean on their expertise and knowledge as they will have organised and planned trips for thousands of people with limited mobility.

They will listen to you and be able to advise you on the type of facilities you will need and take away some of the stress that comes with organising a cruise holiday.

Below are some well-known accessible travel agents who can help to book cruises for wheelchair users:

• Accessible Travel
• Limitless Travel
• Wheel The World
• Accessable
• Enable Holidays
• Sage Traveling
• TravAbility

Joy, who writes for Wheel The World, a blog and travel agent that shares tips and information on accessible travel, has a husband who is a full-time wheelchair user and has been on over 10 cruises with him. She highly recommends consulting with specialist travel agents:

“When booking an accessible cruise, I first try to go with an agency that specialises in accessible travel. They have the best information for shore excursions, and they understand our needs best. If that's not available at the destination I want to see, I will call the cruise line directly. Booking well in advance is very important as there aren't a lot of accessible cabins. 

“Also, often, if their lower-priced cabins are already booked, I have to book a higher-priced cabin due to lack of availability. Availability is an issue sometimes. I have a cruise coming up at the end of the month, and I'm on a waitlist for an accessible cabin. We really want to see Norway and Scotland, though, so I may end up in a cabin that's not perfect for my husband. But with travel, I've learned sometimes you make decisions on the destination, not on accessibility alone.”

Choose the right cabin

Picking the right cabin for your cruise holiday is essential, particularly if you require a wheelchair-accessible cruise.

If you will need to use a wheelchair or mobility scooter when onboard the ship, choose a suitable cabin that can accommodate you. A lot of the big cruise lines have ships that offer cabins specially adapted for wheelchair use.

If the cruise line’s website or holiday listing isn’t clear about the accessibility of their cabins, get in touch with the cruise line directly.

Carrie-Ann Lightley, a leading accessible travel writer and speaker, says to guarantee the right cabin, you need to book your cruise holiday early.

“My most important tip for those looking to book an accessible cruise is to book as early as you can! Especially if you need an accessible or adapted room/stateroom. These rooms can sell out quickly, so to have a better selection of types of staterooms (for example, inside or balcony) or to get any kind of accessible room at all, it's best to book as early as you can.”

Verify onboard accessibility facilities

One of the most important steps when you are planning a cruise holiday is to confirm the accessibility features that are available on the ship you are planning to travel on.

This needs to be done prior to booking as the last thing you want to do is to book a cruise and then find out that it doesn’t have the facilities you thought it had. Fortunately, most modern ships boast an array of facilities, so cruisers with limited mobility can enjoy the entertainment and facilities as well as anyone else.

Enquire about whether the swimming pool is accessible and what recreation areas are available for you to use. Also, ask about the accessible activities and entertainment available onboard the ship. If there is live music or theatrical performances, is the venue easily accessible to passengers with limited mobility?

Dining areas are another part of the ship you should ask about, as it is vital that they are accessible to all. These details can be given to you by the cruise line you are travelling with or the travel agent you are booking with.

Enquire about shore excursions

While you might be content to lounge around on the ship enjoying the onboard entertainment, it's likely you will want to explore the various destinations the ship will dock at.

Cruise holidays offer a wealth of shore excursions, so you will want to make sure there are options available that are suitable for you. Check with the cruise line or holiday provider about which excursions can accommodate your level of mobility.

Making sure that your holiday offers accessible cruise excursions will ensure that your entire holiday is accessible and not just your time aboard the ship. Carrie-Ann Lightley says it is important to her that there are accessible excursions available when she goes on a cruise:

“Each disabled person’s needs are unique, so the kind of facilities cruisers with limited mobility need will vary. For me personally, it’s essential that I have access to shore excursions that are suitable for wheelchair users to participate in. If I’m cruising to see the world, I don’t want to be limited to staying on the ship every day!”

READ ALSO: Frequently Asked Questions to ask before travelling with limited mobility

Plan transportation to and from the port

Another essential thing you need to consider is transfers to and from the port, as you will need to ensure they are wheelchair accessible.

Taxis can be the best way to transfer in certain port cities, but this is not always the case, and you shouldn't automatically plan to get a taxi without considering other options.

Cruise lines generally offer transfers from the airport to the cruise port (and back again at the end of your cruise) for a fee, similar to shore excursions. This is really convenient, as they will meet you at baggage claim and escort you to the bus, but you should check with your cruise line whether this is offered.

You should research whether you can use public transport to the port. You might be able to catch a train, bus, or subway, and this is generally the cheapest option. You will need to check that the public transport is accessible for those with limited mobility and that it takes you to the port, not just a few streets away.

Inform the cruise line of any special requirements

In order to make sure your cruise caters to all your accessibility needs, it's important that you inform the cruise line of any special requirements.

You should make your requirements known at the time of booking your holiday as this will ensure the cruise line fully understands your situation at the earliest stage possible.

Things you might want to notify the cruise line about when booking include requirements for mobility aids during your time aboard, such as wheelchairs and scooters, and any medical equipment you will need to have with you.

Arrange for medical assistance if needed

Before you go on your cruise it is important that you enquire about the onboard medical facilities that are available, and how many trained staff there are onboard the ship.

Guidelines often state that ships must have medical staff on call 24 hours a day.  

According to the Cruise Critic, there are usually a few medically-trained staff on every cruise: “Ships from the main cruise lines all will have at least one doctor and two nurses onboard. Many larger ships sail with two doctors and three or four nurses.”

Bring any required mobility aids

If you do require a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or scooter in order to move around the ship and enjoy your holiday, these will be at the top of your list in terms of things to bring with you.

Before you board, you should make sure any equipment you want to bring is in good condition. If not, make any repairs or organise replacements in good time for your holiday.

Some cruise lines offer equipment rental to passengers with mobility difficulties. If this is appealing to you, enquire with your chosen cruise line about what’s available. However, you may be more comfortable with your own equipment.

READ ALSO: What to pack when travelling in later life

Understand the embarking and disembarking procedures

Like you would if you were flying, it is vital that you understand what procedures you need to follow when embarking and disembarking the ship.

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you’ll go through a check-in process that includes showing your identification, providing your cruise documents, and receiving your cruise key card.

Just like at the airport, you’ll go through security screening. Your bags will be scanned, and you’ll pass through a metal detector. Once you’ve cleared security, you can enjoy your cruise.

When it comes to the disembarking procedure, cruise lines will call guests to disembark in groups based on their luggage tags or designated times. Follow their instructions, and you’ll exit the ship smoothly.

If you need assistance, you should organise this ahead of the embarking and disembarking process to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Book early

The number of accessible cabins on cruise ships are limited and therefore can get booked up early. So, it’s a good idea to book your cruise holiday early to make sure you get a cabin that can cater to your needs.

John, from the accessible travel blog Wheelchair Travel, says that arranging your holiday well in advance is a must: “Disabled travellers should plan their cruise far in advance, as wheelchair-accessible cabins with adapted features are in high demand and sell out quickly. For those travelling with wheelchairs, it is important to carefully select a cruise itinerary to avoid tendered ports, as most tenders are not wheelchair accessible.”

Likewise, Danielle from Cruise Miss advises: “Cruise ships are massively accessible for people with disabilities, and there are adapted cabins, but these can sell out quickly, so book early.”

Booking early is beneficial in other areas too, as some cruise lines offer early bird discounts. Offers like this help passengers to benefit from cheaper prices and thus incentivise booking as early as possible.

However, the accessibility of the cruise is the most important factor, so don’t rush into anything before you are ready. The best thing to do is to plan and research early so you can find the right cruise at the best price.

Buy the correct travel Insurance

If you have your standard travel insurance policy in place, then this is a good start, but it isn’t sufficient if you’re going on a cruise holiday. There are many gaps in coverage that could leave you vulnerable unless you get cruise holiday insurance added to your policy.

Cruise holiday insurance steps in to protect your investment in your holiday, covering you for things such as your trip being cut short or confined in some way outside of your control. These insurance policies protect you from being left out of pocket and compensate you for any disruption.

You need to ensure that your cruise travel insurance covers any medical needs that you have and any potential accessibility issues. Cruise holiday insurance can offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but you need to disclose any condition/s to the insurance company when purchasing your policy.

This ensures that if you need treatment for a pre-existing medical condition while on your cruise, the associated medical costs are covered, providing peace of mind and security.

READ ALSO: Best holiday destinations for people with limited mobility

This article was brought to you by Handicare, working with Age Co, who provide a range of home mobility products such as stair lifts, homelifts and bathing solutions. For more information about how they can help make your home more accessible, please get in touch.