Going on a cruise is easily the best way for wheelchair users to see the world! Cruise ships are becoming more accessible every year, and ports of call are increasingly aware of the need to cater to disabled visitors who both use wheelchairs and have money to invest in their economies. However, picking the right cruise ship AND itinerary can be a bit of a science. You want to find the best combination of wheelchair friendly ship, an itinerary where the ship will dock at ports where you can easily get off the ship, and ports of call with available wheelchair accessible tours – or at least accessible sidewalks and transportation. Here’s my list of the best cruises for wheelchair users and the disabled that include all three of these features.
1. Royal Caribbean 8-Night Scandinavia and Russia. I went on this itinerary with Cory Lee of Curb Free with Cory Lee in August 2017, and it was fantastic! The Jewel of the Seas departs from Copenhagen (Denmark) and docks in Stockholm (Sweden), Tallinn (Estonia), St. Petersburg (Russia), and Helsinki (Finland). The ship is very wheelchair friendly, with large accessible staterooms, no-threshold balconies, pushbutton access to public toilets, and designated wheelchair spaces in the theater. Wheelchair accessible tours are available at each port of call, and while independent travel will be difficult to impossible in St. Petersburg (for both visa and logistical reasons), visitors can use accessible taxis, the Hop On-Hop Off bus, or public transportation at the other stops.
2. Princess 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage. I went on a slightly different version of this cruise in May 2016, and it was honestly one of the best travel experiences of my life. This itinerary is available on four Princess ships – the Island, Star, Coral, and Golden – depending on the departure date. It’s a round-trip itinerary out of VERY wheelchair accessible Vancouver (which is worth an extra day’s stay pre- and post-cruise) and stops in Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay (cruising), and Ketchikan.
Technically Princess will tell you that you can dock or anchor at Juneau and Ketchikan. However, in my capacity as a travel agent, I learned directly from Cruise Lines Agency of Alaska that Princess has priority over other cruise lines when it comes to docking. So while a rare emergency may occur that requires Coast Guard vessels to take up precious docking space, chances are you’ll be able to roll off the ship at every port with Princess.
3. Celebrity 12-Night Israel and Mediterranean. It’s true that Celebrity is geared more towards bigger spenders. However, there’s no doubt that the upper-tier cruise line keeps wheelchair users in mind when designing their ships. I went on a slightly different version of this cruise in November 2017, and everywhere I went on the ship (the Silhouette at the time), it felt like it was made just for me! The public spaces had more than ample room and designated spaces for wheelchair and scooter users – which is good, because there were a lot of us on that cruise.
The ship for this itinerary is the Infinity, which departs out of Rome (Italy) and ends in Athens (Greece). All ports of call are docked and include Naples (Italy), Catania (Sicily), Valetta (Malta), Rhodes (Greece), Ashdod/Jerusalem (Israel), Haifa (Israel), and Souda/Chania (Crete). Various tour operators offer wheelchair accessible shore excursions at every stop.
Using a mister is a great way to stay cool on hot port days. This mister also works as a portable shower and water bottle. Lunatec Aquabot sport water bottle
4. Royal Caribbean 7-Night Western Mediterranean. There are dozens of cruise itineraries that cover the western Caribbean, and most of them include the “biggies” in Spain, France, and Italy. However, most of them include at least one stop that requires tendering, so this particular cruise is a gem. It’s also on the Oasis of the Seas, which is one of Royal’s larger ships with a passenger capacity of over 6,000 people. It has a lift for two of its pools and plenty of designated wheelchair seating throughout the ship.
The Oasis departs for its round-trip itinerary from the very wheelchair accessible city of Barcelona, and its all-docked ports of call include Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Marseilles/Provence (France), La Spezia/Florence/Pisa (Italy), Rome (Italy), and Naples (Italy). I would highly recommend taking a few extra days to explore Barcelona with this itinerary.
You definitely want to keep your cash safe while you’re cruising! Here is the cross-body anti-theft pouch I use when I travel: Pacsafe Slingsafe 75 GII Anti-Theft Sling Purse & Hip Pouch,
5. Carnival 7-Night Southern Caribbean (from San Juan). Many travelers are hesitant to make cruise plans either out of or through Puerto Rico for fear of damage from Hurricane Maria last fall. I can assure you that San Juan, as well as the vast majority of the Caribbean, is definitely open for business. This is a more economical itinerary on the Carnival Fascination, which is an older and mid-sized Fantasy-class ship, but it was given a huge overhaul in 2008 that made it shinier – and more accessible, although its pools are unfortunately still lacking lifts. It also got a makeover in mid-February 2018 that added more dining options.
Ports of call include St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands), Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten, all of which have accessible tours available through outside vendors. Carnival is a family and budget-oriented cruise line, so this itinerary would be ideal for couples with children not looking to break the bank.
6. Norwegian 5-Day Pacific Coastal. This one-way cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles is a nice option for US-based travelers who want to stay close to home, and those who don’t have the time to be away for a week or longer. This cruise also takes place on the NCL Joy, the line’s newest ship going into service in May 2019, with this itinerary occurring in early October. All NCL ships have pool lifts, and younger family members in particular will enjoy the multiple water slides and two-deck go-cart race track.
Ports of call include Victoria BC (Canada) and San Francisco, which means more great news for wheelchair users. Although Canada is not subject to US accessibility laws, it has its own wheelchair friendly laws that make Vancouver and Victoria nice options. San Francisco and Los Angeles are large cities, but they are subject to the ADA and have several choices for accessible tours and transportation.
Sometimes your biggest obstacle is only one step. Here is a great lightweight ramp you can use at home and when you cruise in less accessible ports of call: Drive Medical Single Fold Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp with Carry Handle and Travel Bag, 3 Feet Long, Gun Metal
7. Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean (from Miami). I love this itinerary for a couple of reasons. First, it’s on the Symphony of the Seas, a cruise ship so new that the paint is probably still drying. That means it’s super wheelchair accessible (including three pool lifts), and HUGE. It just happens to be the world’s largest cruise ship at the moment, so chances are you’re not going to run out of food to eat or things to do.
In addition to offering all-docked port stops at Costa Maya (Mexico), Cozumel (Mexico), and Coco Cay (Bahamas), it also stops in Roatán (Honduras), which isn’t a typical port of call for a Western Caribbean itinerary. During accessible shore excursions, you can experience things like rides on beach wheelchairs, animal interactions, and scenic drives. This cruise is also family friendly, and ideal for large groups.
8. Princess 10-Day Eastern Caribbean Voyager (from Fort Lauderdale). I went on this cruise in November 2018 as my graduation reward from the Princess Academy. I went alone in my Whill Model Ci mobility device, which I thought would be a great test of the ship’s accessibility, as well as that of the ports and tours. I really loved this itinerary because the ship docks at all six ports of call, and we also had three full days at sea to enjoy activities on the ship.
The Crown Princess is a bit older, but was recently refurbished and is absolutely lovely to see. The food is excellent, and I had no trouble rolling around the entire ship. I had a very spacious ocean view accessible stateroom that was definitely adequate for my needs. It took a bit of research, but I was able to find an accessible shore excursion at every port of call, which included Antigua, Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Barbados, and Grand Turk.
If you want to know even more about the best accessible itineraries, cruise lines, cruise ships, and more, you can order my brand-new book, Everything You Need to Know About Wheelchair Accessible Cruising! Check out the exciting video preview trailer:
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Are you ready to book a wheelchair accessible cruise, or just find out what your cruising options are? Contact me at Spin the Globe/Travel for more information!
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Hi, thank you for the great suggestions. I like looking for cruises that have overnight stays at ports. I always find one day is not long enough! Is there anyway to search for cruises that have this option?
Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy way to do this. You have to search each and every itinerary. There are some cruise lines that are more prone to longer stays at certain ports, like Celebrity, Cunard, and Holland America. However, you still have to search each cruise itinerary.
[…] roughly two months before that cruise. Also, if I spend ten hours working with you to create a perfect vacation itinerary and you decide to go book it on your own, I get paid nothing for those ten hours of work. Travel […]
[…] around the state. Florida is also the epicenter for Caribbean cruise departures from the USA, and cruises are easily one of the best ways for wheelchair users to see the world and […]
I’m very interested in your solo cruise. Im so fearful of falling out of my scooter or the bed which I’ve done a few times but I would like to know what were your more challenging things that happened and how you got thru. Love all your travels.
[…] be departing from one of Florida’s major cruise ports. Hopefully you’ve selected a fully accessible itinerary and used an accessible travel agent to help you book an accessible cabin. If so, then all you have […]
Regent Cruise Line Actively Discourages People with Disabilities
I have been a long time Regent cruiser and was concerned about the quality of service after the takeover by Norwegian. In October my wife and I took a 10-day cruise to Canada and then Bermuda. We found the staff as warm and friendly as in the past and the food was at least as good. The entertainment was moderate as I expect on a small ship, but the performers were enthusiastic. But…
My wife uses a mobility scooter and transport chair which we brought on the cruise. The access to the pool deck and specialty restaurants was made especially difficult. Scooters had to navigate the lip between the corridor and deck and they created an extra barricade with an inclined plane to ease the scooter across the lip.
But the plane did not slope to the ground but started with a two-inch vertical rise. To negotiate this the scooter had to be perpendicular to the rise and moving relatively fast. The problem was the stairwell was close to the deck access and there was little room for maneuvering. It was worse leaving the deck since the fast-moving scooter was headed toward the stairwell. A tense experience, to say the least.
Leaving the ship in port was an adventure-in-itself. The gangway was set up in much the same way as the as access to the pool deck and disregards the needs of those who need mobility assistance. It took two crew members to move the scooter over the hump.
The ship stayed in Bermuda for two days, the longest on the cruise. But none of the excursions were available to the mobility impaired — even folding wheelchairs. This really did not matter since the gangway was steps rather than an incline. The crew offered to carry my wife and scooter down the steps, but we did not want to be singled out. Finally, the stress was too much and the scooter transmission was damaged. Half way through the cruise we filled out a questionnaire and we expressed these complaints. We were ignored.
The changes that would have solved these problems were simple and inexpensive and the failure to implement these changes shows indifference, at best.
Unfortunately, luxury cruise lines like Regent, SilverSea, Seabourn, etc. have totally eschewed wheelchair accessibility on their ships. I imagine they find some legal way to justify it, or feel that the expense isn’t worth losing what they think is a small market share. It’s a real shame because I know plenty of wheelchair users who would LOVE to go on an accessible luxury cruise!
There are a few wheelchair accessible taxis in Bermuda. When a cruise line does not care about accessibility they will have very few if any wheelchair accessible tours. The ferry is also accessible. (The bathroom is not)
[…] port. These are two words that a wheelchair user planning for or going on a cruise never wants to see. When a cruise ship docks at a port of call, wheelchair users can disembark […]
Booked a western Caribbean cruise, carnival freedom, for February 2019. Was so excited reading about all the beach excursions to take, unfortunately none were accessible to me as I need a scooter to get around. We recently went to south padre island to. and got an aqua chair from the fire department (free) to use while on the island. However I have been unable to find such on any of the port excretions from the cruise. Any suggestions?
Well, I usually tell wheelchair users to research the availability of accessible shore excursions before booking the cruise, as they are usually few and far between. What are your ports of call?
Im more concerned about bathroombars and bed rails on the suites?only hsve a right arm
[…] balconies and stone towers, and its impressive salt-bleached stone walls. Your stop here as a cruise ship passenger will provide you with a significant link to the region’s grand past. Cartagena grew rapidly […]
In your top 10 cruises list the Celebrity Edge did not make the list. Any reason why it wasn’t a favourite?
The Edge was launched after I wrote this post :).
Ahh, I see. Sorry I did not pick-up on dates. So, were would you place your travel on the Edge in your top 10 list?
It was easily the best cruise ship experience of my life! Just last night I booked a 9-night cruise on the Edge to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao next year :).
[…] you have arranged a tour through your cruise line, you will meet your guide or representative at the entry to Heritage Quay under a large pavilion. […]
[…] Cruise ships that call on Fort de France dock at the Pointe Simon pier. Once you disembark, you will roll along a long dock and bridge that will take you to a small marketplace. There are smaller individual vendors under tents, and there is a larger craft market with several marked accessible ramps to enter. If you have booked a tour, you will meet your cruise line tour representative or tour guide at the end of the bridge on the outside of the security checkpoint and before you enter the craft market. The local currency in Martinique is the euro, and unlike other Caribbean islands, US dollars are not accepted in shops or by small vendors. However, many restaurants and hotels take credit cards. […]
[…] you disembark from your cruise ship at Port Zante, you will roll a short distance along the pier and into a shopping village — […]
[…] arrival, your cruise ship will dock at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. You will only have to roll about 100 yards to enter the […]
[…] primary dock for cruise ships is at Havensight, also called the West India Company Dock. Once you disembark your cruise ship, you […]
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[…] like airline apps, those that you download for cruise lines vary in quality. However, in some cases, these apps will be your lifeline to the outside world. […]
[…] an embarkation point for Alaska cruises, so it’s an ideal place to explore before or after an accessible cruise. Several US and Canadian airlines fly direct to Vancouver, so it’s an ideal destination for […]
[…] Leading up to the easing of travel restrictions between the United States and Cuba, US airlines and cruise lines were legally allowed by the Treasury Department to negotiate with the Cuban government. This was a […]
I need info on “Everything “ to do with taking the trip, from flying to Florida to what cruise is best – can I get all that with you all?
I do not find any comments about thresholds on cruise ships. I just spent 7 days on the Coral Princess sailing from Whittier to Vancouver. I was in a manual wheelchair chair. While some thresholds were smooth, the majority caused extreme jarring to the wheelchair & its passenger (me). I even had to brace myself for fear of being tossed out of the chair when tempting to cross one of these kidney bangers.
For the cruises with non-US departures, what are your recommendations for flying oversees (or anywhere, really) with a very large power WC for someone with dense hemiplegia and severe expressive aphasia. Would be traveling with spouse who is a physical therapist
If you want to cruise from overseas, I think Barcelona would be your best bet.
That water bottle mister is awesome. I will be ordering one and giving you credit.
What ports of call and Cruise line do you recommend for wheelchair bound traveler in the Mediterranean? My husband and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary June 2022.
Thanks a lot for your suggestions and advice, this is very helpful.
We would also take the opportunity to say ‘Thank you very much’ for your advice regarding a trip to Tanger. Going there in a few days with a child in wheelchair.
Recently we were on Holland America’s Noordam-absolutely the best accessible cabin ever. The ship and crew were so helpful and amazing. I would note that the New Zealand /Australia trip is not a good accessible cruise as the majority of ports are not accessible and shore excursions do not include wheelchair users.