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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. We also feature properties and itineraries from a specially selected list of trusted operators. Trained service animals are allowed. For example, one woman I know planned a dream trip to Venice as a surprise for her husband, who is a permanent wheelchair user, only to discover when they arrived that several bridge lifts had been dismantled. The Alaska cruises typically run from April to September, as this . Where possible, P&O Cruises select accessible shuttle buses for excursions to ensure all guests are able to enjoy the fantastic experiences in port. In addition, Reflection's accessible staterooms offer extra-wide stateroom doors without sills, and bathroom doors provide ramped thresholds, grab bars and roll-in showers with fold-down bench and handheld showerheads. The 5,518-passenger .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Symphony of the Seas debuted in 2018 as the world's largest cruise ship, but disabled passengers don't get lost in the mix. The cruise line also offers lowered playing tables and slot machines in the casino. As well as this, the main dining room provides accessible tables, while the theatre has a designated bay for wheelchair space. If you're not bringing your own equipment, HAL recommends contacting Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea for rental options. Throughout the rest of the vessel, disabled cruisers will find accessibility to all stunning venues, with lifts available for wheelchairs and scooters. Taken together, the ship has one of the highest percentage of cabins available to travelers who have a disability. Royal Caribbean provide accessible transport with knowledgeable guides who will take guests to step-free routes and attractions. Disabled Cruise Guide and Information - Disabled Holidays 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. Thanks to careful mobility tests, P&O Cruises ensure all guests are able to get onshore safely. In addition, they feature tall toilets, lowered closet rod and accessible balconies for select staterooms. The line adheres to the philosophy that any child should be able to participate in youth programming, regardless of ability, and youth counselors have experience working with children with special needs, including autism and behavioral challenges. Some ports may require a tender boat to get onshore. We offer cruises sailing from Southampton, as well as fly cruises to over 270 of the world's most wonderful destinations. Related: 9 Best Ships for Cruisers with Disabilities Onboard. They have bathroom grab bars, fold-down shower benches, handheld showerheads, lower closet rods and accessible balconies. Britannia has 33 wheelchair accessible cabins across all grades, from insides to suites. Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class and Oasis Class ships feature some of the most up to date amenities at sea, including those for disabled people. Accommodations vary from ship to ship but include additional space as well as other special amenities, such as grab bars and flat thresholds. Package Tours, City Breaks, Countryside, Cultural Holidays, Attraction Holidays. The ship also has 13 ambulatory accessible cabins, which have a small step to the shower and are designed for passengers with limited mobility who do not use a wheelchair, scooter or similar device. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Related: The ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises ships and itineraries. Life onboard The pool lift is not permanently installed and must be requested when booking the cruise. There are also lower closet rods, a portable visual/tactile alert system by request, and accessible balconies for select cabins. Accessible cruises for disabled people are easy to book with Limitless Travel. Other touches include lowered sink and vanity, a fold-down shower bench, handheld showerheads, higher toilet and lowered closet rods. Tender boat accessibility is often limited. Fleetmates: Sister ship Norwegian Escape is another of Norwegian's newer ship, with similar amenities and 47 accessible staterooms. 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. Which Are the Best Cruise Lines for Disabled Guests? | Cruise1st Blog Large print communication is available, and theaters provide assistive listening systems. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Sand wheelchairs are available, and a tram accommodates manual and electric wheelchairs. Olsen recommends Boudicca as the most wheelchair-friendly of its ships, as the adapted cabins are larger. Black Watch, being an older ship, has steps on the pool deck, but there are ramps for wheelchair users. Wheelchairs can also access the miniature golf course and the laundry. While all cruise ships (even foreign-flagged ones) sailing in U.S. waters should be compliant with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there aren't standards specifically addressing cruise ships, which means that some lines do more than others. Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas Royal Caribbean International is a leader in providing disabilities-friendly ships that can accommodate those with special needs. has spent more than 15 years writing about travel, with particular emphasis on cruises. Disney Fantasy's 25 accessible rooms offer wide cabin and bathroom doors with low doorsills and ramped bathroom thresholds, along with roll-in showers, bathroom and shower grab bars and open bed frames, allowing access from both sides. Oriana, an older ship, only has eight, all on F Deck, with a window but no balcony. Fax: 204-478-1172. 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. 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. One of the leading cruise lines for providing affordable, stylish holidays, MSC Cruises have ensured that their disabled access cruises are enjoyable and safe, meeting international accessibility standards. Blackjack tables in the casinos are lowered for accessibility, as are sections of the guest relations desks. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year. Cruises For Disabled People | Wheelchair Accessible Users Cruise News & Blog Cars & WAVs Buy Sell Hire Find a dealer Mobility & Fitness Home & Lifestyle Charities & Advice Holidays & Travel Mobility Shops Cruise For Disabled You are here: Cruise For Disabled Share this page Got a question? As one of the leading lines for classic British cruises, P&O Cruises have gone above and beyond to ensure they offer some of the best cruises for disabled passengers. These facilities include roll-in showers, grab rails, fold-down shower benches and raised toilet seats. The majority of cruise ships are mostly accessible, with the general rule being the newer the ship the more facilities will be available. 8 Things You'll Love About Celebrity Edge, 5 Things You'll Love About Holland America's Nieuw Statendam Cruise Ship, What Lines Are Doing With Next-Gen Cruise Technology, 8 Reasons to Cruise on a Refurbished Ship, Virtual Cabin Crawl: Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship, Accessible Cruise Ships (Photo: Ivan Cholakov/Shutterstock). Stateroom types include ambulatory accessible cabins for cruisers with mobility limitations that require canes and walkers but not wheelchairs. On Boudicca, no scooters will be allowed in cabins on decks 3 and 4. There are two wheelchair-adapted cabins on Saga Pearl II -- 232 and 233 on A deck -- and six on Saga Sapphire -- 8061 and 8563 (Deck 8), 7080 and 7580 (Deck 7), 10536 and 10538 (Deck 10). Simply call or email one of our specialist travel advisors on 0800 711 7232. - READ MORE: Cruises for singles over 60: Best cruise lines for solo travel - The best luxury cruise ships for disabled passengers Choosing the right ship is vital to make sure that you'll be able to experience your cruise to its full potential. The line's excursion listings indicate the level of access for each tour. The 5,518-passenger Symphony of the Seas debuted in 2018 as the world's largest cruise ship, but disabled passengers don't get lost in the mix. Staterooms and bathrooms have wide, ramped entries without sills. Handicap Accessible Cruise Planning & Tips | Cruise Critic Cruise travellers with disabilities have concerns that other cruisers might never consider. 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. Fax: 800-513-4516. View all cruises from UK, Cruise lines Accessible cruises afford one of the most carefree, low-stress vacations when traveling with a disability. For rental of assistive devices in lieu of bringing your own, Princess recommends Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea as third-party providers. Here are the best options from Princess Cruises* and Imagine Cruising*. Accessible ships with adapted cabins and accessible shore excursions. If you aren't bringing your own assistive devices, Royal Caribbean recommends renting one for the duration of your cruise via either Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea. Service dogs are welcome. Bed blocks are also available to raise the bed. Email us Message: Name: * Tel: * Email * Postcode: Wide gangways allow wheelchair users to more easily get on and off the ship. Accessible shore excursions in private, adapted vehicles can be arranged via the cruise line, but you need to send in a questionnaire in good time before cruising. Public restrooms are accessible. Lee touts HAL as one of the most accommodating cruise brands he's tried. Fleetmates: Seven Seas Mariner, though smaller than Explorer, is similarly equipped and has six cabins for passengers with disabilities. All adapted cabins fleetwide have wide doorways into the cabin and bathroom; sufficient floor space for manoeuvring a wheelchair or mobility scooter; wet room-style bathrooms; grab rails for shower and toilet; pull-down shower seat; and flush thresholds between bathroom and cabin. Can they open their stateroom door and smoothly roll in on a wheelchair? Cruises from UK Thanks to a dedicated team of specialist staff to assist you before, during and after your cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line are able to provide some of the best disabled access cruises around the world. Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Ambulatory accessible staterooms are for passengers who require the use of canes or walkers but not wheelchairs. Each ship has a few wheelchairs that can be borrowed, but they can't be reserved. .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}P&O Cruises operates eight ships, with a ninth, a megaship, due in 2020. There are fold-down shower seats, handheld showerheads, lowered towel and closet bars, and emergency call buttons, which can be activated upon request. Boasting a fleet teeming with innovation, comfort and style, it's no wonder that Celebrity Cruises have enhanced their stunning ships to provide some of the best disabled access cruises. Is it possible to get off the ship in port or hear the evening show? View all cruise lines, Cruise ships For those on regular medication, make sure you pack ample supplies because the ship might not be able to meet your prescription needs should you run out, and some medications can be difficult or impossible to find in port. All dining and bar venues have wheelchair access, as does the video arcade. There's also an accessible route to the tender platform, again not standard on every ship. THE 25 BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises for the Disabled - Cruise Critic