Ahoy, cruise enthusiasts with disabilities! As of August 2024, this treasure cruising tips for people with disabilities post has been updated with current info and links. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s set sail!
If you grew up watching The Love Boat on Saturday nights (Who didn’t? There were only like 3 channels 😂), then the prospect of going on a cruise might trigger childhood fantasies of dining at the selective “Captain’s Table” or kissing handsome men on the Lido Deck. But, for prospective cruisers with disabilities, those Julie McCoy fantasies may be trumped by nightmares of being stuck on the Titanic.
Fear not, my fellow disability warriors! The cruise industry has come a long way since the days of Isaac the bartender mixing martinis. Today’s cruise ships are more like floating cities. Gone are the days of narrow corridors and inaccessible cabins. Modern cruise ships boast wide passageways, elevators that can fit a small army (or at least a few power wheelchairs), and accessible staterooms that would make an average sized NYC hotel room blush with envy.
But, I won’t sugarcoat it. Traveling can be stressful; especially when you live with a disability! There are tons of things we cannot control. But, here’s the thing: being proactive about your cruise planning is like having a life jacket in choppy waters. It won’t solve every problem, but it sure as heck makes the journey smoother.
That’s why I’ve compiled this cruise post full of tips, tricks, and hacks for cruising when you live with a physical disability.
From choosing the right cabin (hint: midship is your best friend) to packing like a pro (because forgetting your backup AFO is NOT an option), we’ve got you covered. So grab your sea legs (or wheels), and let’s dive into making your cruise experience smoother than a well-mixed piña colada!
CRUISE CONTROL: CHOOSING THE SHIP OF YOUR DREAMS
First things first – where do you wanna go? Forget what your neighbor’s cousin’s dog-sitter recommended. Start with the ports, baby! Some are wheelchair-friendly paradises (hello, Barcelona!), while others are more “sorry, you’re stuck on the ship today” (looking at you, Livorno). Do your homework and avoid FOMO when everyone else is gallivanting ashore.
Next up, pick your home base. Wanna spend extra time somewhere before or after your cruise? Barcelona and London are accessibility rockstars. Venice is gorgeous but can be a bit tricky with all those bridges. Choose wisely!
Now for the fun part – ship selection! Newer and bigger usually equals more accessible. Look for those sweet, sweet accessible cabins with roll-in showers, automatic doors, and balconies you can actually use.
Also, check-out the onboard amenities. Pool lifts, accessible theaters, lowered casino tables – the works! You want a floating paradise, not a floating obstacle course.
💡Pro Tip: Use A Travel Agent
Experienced travel agents often have connections with people working for cruise lines and can advocate on your behalf, should the need arise (and it has for me).
Not mentioning any Cruise-lines by name, (Starts with an R) but when our family’s spring break cruise was canceled a month before sailing (for “scheduled” maintenance), our travel agent at the time helped us get onto a new ship quickly and with lots of added perks for the inconvenience.
Plus, a good travel agent can help with arranging accommodations, airline scheduling, pre-cruise hotel planning and port/airport transports.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! SELECTING YOUR CRUISE CABIN
For people with disabilities, cabin location definitely matters. Although booking a “guaranteed cabin” (letting the Cruise line choose your cabin) can save some money, it isn’t worth it if your cabin location negatively impacts your entire experience.
For smooth sailing,(w/o 🤮) aim for a midship cabin near the central elevators
The lower the floor and the closer your cabin’s location is relative to midship, the less swaying and steadier you will feel.
If you primarily use a wheelchair and need an ADA accessible room, the good news is that accessible cruise ship cabins have seen significant improvements and updates in recent years. But, book early! Like yesterday early! These cabins go faster than free drinks at happy hour.
Here are some of the latest accessible cabin features and policies from some cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean
Accessible staterooms range from 159 to 298 square feet, offering a five-foot turning radius in sleeping areas, bathrooms, and sitting areas for easy maneuverability. Features include wide doorways, no door sill entry, ramped bathroom thresholds, grab bars, roll-in showers with fold-down benches, hand-held showerheads, lowered sinks and vanities, and accessible balconies.
Guests must complete a Guest Special Needs Form to confirm their need for these features.
Celebrity Cruises
Accessible staterooms are designed for guests with mobility disabilities and other disabilities requiring accessible features. They include wide doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered fixtures.
Celebrity Cruises has a dedicated department to assist guests with disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary accommodations.
Virgin Voyages
Accessible cabins include entry doorways measuring at least 34 inches, no step into the bathroom, full turnaround space of at least 60 inches, accessible routes throughout the room, and roll-in showers with grab bars and fold-down seats.
Guests must complete an Accessibility and Medical Request Form to confirm their need for accessible cabins.
Norwegian Cruises
NCL offers up to 27 wheelchair accessible staterooms per ship. These cabins feature grab bars, raised beds, extra-wide doors, roll-in showers, pull-down shower seats, and grab bars.
NCL has a Special Needs Form that must be completed to book an accessible cabin.
MSC Cruises
MSC Seaside offers 51 accessible cabins, one of the highest numbers among cruise ships. Features include wide doorways, fold-down shower benches, accessible balconies, and lower closet rods.
Braille door plates, handrail markings, directional signs, and ASL interpreters are available for guests with visual and hearing impairments.
💡Pro tip If you are a light sleeper, cabins located by service areas and laundry rooms tend to be the noisiest.
BOOK IT BEFORE YOU BOARD IT: LOCK IN YOUR ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS AHEAD OF TIME
If you want to ensure a fun and stress-free cruise, pre-planning is 100% necessary. But don’t worry; your plans don’t have to be set in stone. Download the cruise line’s app before sailing so you can change your plans on the fly from anywhere onboard. This way, you can avoid hanging out with the stressed-out passengers waiting in the long “Guest Services” and “Shore Excursion” lines that begin forming on day one.
Equipment Rental:
If walking long distances isn’t your jam, consider renting a wheelchair or bringing your own trusty steed. Cruise lines typically have a limited supply of wheelchairs, mostly for the “all aboard” and “see ya later” moments.
Also, if you require medical equipment like oxygen, dialysis machines, or mobility aids, inform the cruise line well in advance to ensure availability and proper arrangements.
Dining Reservations:
Thanks to the popularity of “freestyle cruising,” you no longer have to commit to a set dinner time each night. You can stroll in whenever you like! But here’s the catch: without an advance reservation, the wait times can be longer than a line at the DMV. So, if you have trouble standing (or if you just get cranky waiting), do yourself a favor and make a reservation.
Also, cruise lines have expanded their ability to accommodate various dietary restrictions and food allergies. Notify them in advance for the best service.
Shows:
The same goes for those dazzling off-Broadway productions and nightly spectaculars. Sure, they’re usually free, but without a pre-reserved seat, you’ll be playing the “standby” game.
Pro tip: Most ships have four main entrances to the theater. For a sneaky shortcut, head for the middle corridor entrance without a direct hallway from the stairs or elevator. It’s usually the least crowded – you’re welcome.
Shore Excursions:
Unless you enjoy overpaying or the feeling of being herded around like cattle, I recommend booking your cruise excursions independently instead of through the cruise line. You’ll save a boatload (pun intended) of cash and get a more personalized experience tailored to your abilities and desires. Do your homework on each port, especially if you use a wheelchair or have mobility issues. Some ports require tenders (small boats) to get ashore, which can be about as disability-friendly as a staircase made of banana peels.
💡Pro Tip: In order to plan our cruise excursions, I go through the cruise line’s list of shore excursions to get a sense of each port and highlight the ones that look interesting. I then search TripAdvisor and Viator for similar excursions and book the ones with the best reviews. When booking non-cruise-led excursions, make sure to allow ample time to return to the ship, as it won’t wait for you.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR CRUISE
If you read my post, 8 Lessons Only A Girlfriend Will Tell You About Neuropathy, then you already know what happened when I went on a vacation and broke one of my afos. I learned the hard way to always pack 911 and back-up supplies for the things I rely on.
Now, before moving onto what to pack, here are a few additional cruise tips:
Utilize onboard services
Many ships offer services like room service and in-room dining at no extra charge for guests with disabilities.
Communicate your needs
Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs to the crew. They’re there to help ensure you have a great experience.
Take advantage of priority boarding
Many cruise lines offer priority boarding for guests with disabilities. This can make embarkation much smoother.
Use the latest technology
Take advantage of newer accessibility features like audio navigation systems, Braille signage, and pool lifts that are becoming more common on modern cruise ships.
Join online communities
Connect with other cruisers with disabilities through online forums and social media groups for additional tips and support.
Okay, you’re booked and ready to go! What should you pack?
Cruises are not the carry-on bag type of vacation. How do people even do that? Whether you have a disability or not, there are some essential cruise items to pack to help ensure an amazing experience.
We’re covering cruise packing essentials here. If you’re looking for Afo-friendly sandals and disability-friendly, easy to put on resort-wear outfits to pack and wear on your cruise, go here.
💡Pro-Tip: I always pack these stain remover wipes for emergencies.
Click on and slide through the images below to shop them directly on Amazon:
CONCLUSION
Remember, every person’s needs are different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate for your needs. With proper planning and preparation, cruising can be an enjoyable and accessible vacation option for people with a wide range of disabilities.
So, while you might not find yourself solving mysteries with Captain Stubing or getting life advice from Doc, you can certainly expect a vacation experience that’s tailored to your needs. And who knows? You might even find yourself at that Captain’s Table after all – wheelchair and all!
Now, go forth and conquer those high seas, you savvy accessible travelers! May your drinks be strong, your seas be calm, and your memories be epic. Bon voyage!
Xo
Lainie
We just returned from a cruise and want to make two suggestions. Although I can walk using a cane, long distances are a challenge and those cruise boats are huge, lots of walking. I rented a scooter at a very reasonable price that was dropped off at the cruise ship and when the cruise was over, I left the mobile scooter at a designated location for them to pick back up. It was an extremely good decision as when we left the boat for the ports we stopped at, I was able to take the scooter as well and see the area. I had a collapsable scooter and it fit thru the cabin door – some don’t so be sure to check dimensions.
Second tip, I know you said to book excursions independently but if you do so and something happens where you cannot make the excursion, you don’t get reimbursed. If you book thru the cruise line, you do get your money back and that did occur twice on our cruise. On one port, we arrived late and the people who had booked an early excursion didn’t make it, they had to deal with the off shore excursion place themselves but the info they got when they booked explicitly indicated there were no refunds. And we had choppy weather at another port and the cruise line canceled being able to dock for safety reasons. We were all congregated at the exit and it was a last minute cancellation. Major disappointment and I know a lot of people were expressing concern because they had booked independently and were expressing a lot of frustration. So do keep that in mind because those excursions can be pricey.
Hi Mary-Jo,
Thanks for your fabulous comment and advice! I’m so glad you had such a lovely cruise and your point about excursions is important especially with weather. Thank you for the tip on the scooters as well. Lainie
Lainie, Great list! I also would add a clothing stain stick and a laundry pod/dryer sheet in case of emergencies. I have MS and use a walker and rented a scooter for short cruise. It would have helped to have a small food tray for my lap in case of buffets (my companions were able-bodied). But staff were eager to help and parked and charged scooter for me.
Check out the ship maps! Check where rest rooms are!
More on excursions: Check excursions for difficulty level before booking. And if you need a scooter, rollator,walker, etc- can it be brought on bus at dock? Can wheels of walker/rollator navigate sandy terrain? Can you? Bring extra shoes just in case.
Your site and blog are awesome!!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
— Kim
Kim,
Thank you so much for reading and adding your fabulous tips! I truly appreciate it and love them! 💜
What are the shoes you’re wearing in the picture of you leaning against the tree
Hi,
Thanks for reading! The link to shop them was attached to the pictures. You can go directly to Revere shoes website and use the code trend-able able to get 15% off. They are the Virginia sneaker in a size wide.
Hi Ida,
Those are by Revere & clickable in the post. Lmk if you have any questions. Be sure to use “Trend-Able” to get a discount. Thanks
I love your tip to get an advocate for you that has a lot of experience working as a travel agent. My partner and I are thinking about taking a Caribbean cruise this summer and we need special accommodations. My wife has some disabilities that we need to address with an agent so that we know everything works for her. https://masx.party/package/
Just posted link to this on cmt Facebook group as someone is going on a cruise and it was great being able to refer you as resource! Love Dolly aka Sarah x
Dolly,
Thank you sooooo much! Not sure if you got my response but I truly appreciate your support, ??
Dear Lainie,
It’s always so good to read your posts (I almost never reply or comment, but do enjoy them a lot).
I also went on Instagram to see your lovely posts.
I appreciate your blog a lot, it’s funny, generous, helpful, honest, sunny….
Thank you so much to inspire, help and give positive energy :-).
Love and a wonderful day 🙂 X0X
Thank you for this comment! It made my morning! What is your Insta name so I know who’s writing?
I love cruising, really enjoy the experience I’ve had. Amazing tips, love it, very helpful. I use those tips always on cruise, I bring Lysol wipes and spray for room, reef safe sunscreen, GoPro. I order the bottled water to room before the trip. It’s worth it, so I don’t have to carry on a case of 12 bottles of water, which isn’t allowed anyways lol. I bring 12 cans of soda for kids. Saves money.
Hi Kristina,
Thanks for reading! Yes, those are really good. I forgot the Lysol wipes ugh! You’re right about bottled water too..we tend to do the drink package which comes with it but it is pricey for sure. You are smart about the pop too!?
Yes, pack back-up supplies, but also ask the staff for possible help. When a strap on my only pair of sandals broke on my RCCL cruise, my husband talked to our room steward. Turns out he was friends with the upholstery maintenance guy. Within four hours, I had a discreet leather patch stitched in place allowing me to continue wearing my sandals for that trip.
Also, by choosing formal dining, I always have the same waiter/staff. I make my needs known at the first dinner and can usual count on them being met without asking every night. This includes straws in all of my beverages and all of my entrees cut in bite sized pieces. You might ask at My Time Dining to be placed with the same staff every time.
Ida,
Brilliant! My mom needed her food cut into small pieces & I never thought to recommend here but that’s great…The formal “same waiter” has other bonuses too. How lucky did you get with that guy? I will be telling your upholstery story for sure. Thank you ?
Excellent post. Many of these tipstransferable to any vacation. Those of us with disabilities rally need to plan ahead! Thanks Lainie
Cyndi,
Thank you for always reading & cheering me on! ?
It’s always been a dream of mine to go on a Disney cruise. I’m saving for it and hope to go some day soon. These tips will come in handy. Saving this for sure!
http://www.graphic-organic.com
Great tips! I am an addicted cruiser and will admit that the AFO’s make swimming pools and beaches less enjoyable, BUT walking confidently is worth it.
I agree – I never use the buffet, I enjoy being served.
I’m off in a week too, hope your vacation is awesome!
Peggy,
I totally agree. I could not do even half the things I do without them. Oh, maybe we’re on the same cruise? Royal Caribbean? Symphony ?
No – Celebrity Equinox for me. What a great time we will have!! ?
Yes! Enjoy. I love Celebrity but it’s definitely not the best with kids?
Lainie you really went all out on this post. Thank you for all that you are doing. Although I am not going on a cruise soon, your post has inspired me to look into one for this summer. Thank you
Lisa,
You are so sweet & I really appreciate your amazing comment! Thank you so much !