Cruising with a Disability

Cruising is a popular holiday option for those with a disability as it offers the opportunity to travel in a secure comfortable and sociable environment with organised entertainment and activities. It is not without problems as ships are not traditionally designed with wheelchairs in mind - narrow cabin and bathroom doorways with raised edges, lift controls and doors and difficult to open doors to outside decks. Although many ships say they accept wheelchair passengers few are properly equipped for them. However newer cruise ships are providing better for physically challenged passengers with more wheelchair cabins and facilities around the ship.

The Cruise Finder on the Ocean Cruises page (see navigation bar above) allows a search that will exclude ships that are totally unsuitable. However you will also need to check the individual Ship details page to see the level of access offered onboard and the number of cabins that are wheelchair friendly. Wheelchair access for each ship is rated as Very Good; Good; Acceptable; Unsuitable. This is only an indication of the suitability of each ship for wheelchair passengers and you should still question your Travel Agent and the Cruise Line on the suitability of the ship.

We recommend that you:

• check that your Travel Agent has some experience of booking cruises for disabled passengers and be honest about the true nature of your disability.
• ask if the cruise line has rules stating that certain types of disabled travellers must be accompanied by a companion.
• check the arrangements regarding flights and transfers to and from the ship.
• select your ship carefully - the facilities for disabled onboard will determine the quality of your cruise.
• select your cruise itinerary carefully - landing at some ports is by tender and that can present difficulties to all disabled passengers.
• make sure that the Cruise Line is aware of your disability and that they acknowledge that and provide you with the relevant information.
• ask if the cruise line has a Special Needs brochure; many lines have published these brochures detailing the amenities offered to those with disabilities.
• obtain written confirmation of the cabin booked and facilities available.

Points to note and questions to ask when selecting your ship:

• Ships built during the past five years are more likely to have purpose built staterooms conveniently located close to lifts.
• Ideally cabins adapted for passengers with wheelchairs should feature:
  • entrance doors at least 30 inches and preferably 36 inches wide with a ramp or no lip.
  • Panic buttons
  • All cabin equipment usable at wheelchair height.
  • Wardrobe with low or pull down clothes rail.
  • Space to move around.
  • Bathroom with outward opening door with ramp or no lip at threshold.
  • Shower big enough for a wheelchair with no lip, equipped with grab handles and panic button.
  • Ramp out on to balcony (if booked).
• Can outside decks be reached without assistance and are all decks and public areas accessible to wheelchairs?
• Can you request a table in the dining room that's easy to get to?
• Are there wheelchair places with a good view in the Showlounge?
• Are the lifts wide enough for your wheelchair? Are there enough and do they have control buttons at lower levels?
• Are there pool lifts so I can have a swim?
• Make sure the Medical Centre is equipped to deal with your medical needs and that you have Travel Insurance that covers the cost.
• Are the ship's tenders accessible for wheelchairs - how will I be transferred to the tender?

Points to note and questions to ask when selecting your cruise:

• How many ports require tendering - where you have to take a lifeboat to the main pier?
• Are the ports visited suitable for disabled visitors - narrow pavements with no ramps, uneven streets, lots of steps.

When you are onboard:

• Take your own wheelchair if it will pass through the cabin doorway
• Passengers with limited mobility should take or hire a collapsible wheelchair.
• Get your ship map and find your way around - check out the toilets near the main lounges and dining rooms to see if they are usable.
• Ask your cabin steward for any special equipmentyou need if not already provided.
• Ask the shore excursion staff which excursions will be suitable for you.
• How many ports will actually require tendering (where you have to take a lifeboat to the main pier) and which are more difficult for disabled travelers to navigate?

Hearing Impaired Passengers
Some cruise lines have specially equipped cabins and an alert kit for guests with hearing impairments which can be fitted to any cabin. These kits include visual notification of the door knocker and smoke alarm; also a vibrating alarm, door knocker, bed shaker and phone amplifier.