The complete guide to accessible cruises
Cruising is an ideal holiday for many, offering the chance to visit multiple destinations without the need to frequently pack and unpack. For disabled travellers, the appeal of cruises lies in their ability to provide a stable, controlled environment with plenty of accessible amenities.
However, from my experience the term “fully accessible” can be misleading, and it’s essential to choose the right cruise line carefully.
Cruise lines have made great strides in recent years, offering accessible cabins, adapted dining facilities and adapted shore excursions. Companies like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line have set the standard for providing safe and inclusive environments on board, with many ships designed to accommodate mobility aid users and those with hearing or vision impairments.
Additionally, there’s growing awareness of the needs of neurodivergent travellers, with some lines introducing sensory-friendly entertainment, quieter zones, and tailored shore excursions.
While accessibility varies between companies, a well-researched choice can offer an enjoyable holiday experience for everyone.
In this guide:
Before You Book
Choosing the right cruise line
Selecting the right cruise line is one of the most critical steps for ensuring a comfortable and accessible holiday. Most major lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises, offer accessible cabins and facilities, but the specifics can vary greatly. Some ships boast accessible features throughout, while others may have a limited number of accessible rooms and amenities.
Marella Cruises stands out as the only cruise line to offer independently assessed, quality assured detailed access information, helping disabled travellers know exactly what to expect before they board. Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Virgin Voyages, have dedicated accessibility teams that assist guests with pre-cruise planning, on-board support, and arranging adapted shore excursions.
What shore excursions are available?
Beyond the ship, it’s important to consider the accessibility of shore excursions. Some cruise lines offer adapted excursions, tours with wheelchair-accessible transport, step-free sightseeing routes, or even accessible adventure activities like snorkelling or zip-lining. Make sure to ask in advance about the availability of these excursions and whether they are suitable for your specific needs.
It’s important to check whether the ports are docked or tendered. Docked ports allow the ship to pull directly up to a pier, enabling passengers to disembark via an accessible gangway or ramp. This setup is generally more convenient and accessible. Tender ports, on the other hand, require passengers to be transported from the ship to shore using smaller boats. Since these boats often involve stepping up or down into the tender and navigating steps, tender ports are typically not accessible.
Booking accessible shore excursions early is also recommended, as they can have limited spots and may require additional planning by the cruise line.
If your cruise doesn’t offer accessible excursions, you can book private tours independently by researching local tour operators. Many disabled travellers opt for this approach to ensure their needs are met and to have more control over their experiences. Just be sure to coordinate your plans with the cruise schedule and allow plenty of time to return to the ship.
What about neurodivergent travellers?
Accessibility extends beyond physical needs. For neurodivergent travellers, cruise lines are beginning to offer more inclusive options. For example, Disney Cruise Line offers sensory-friendly films and quiet spaces onboard, and Royal Caribbean provides programmes including sensory-friendly toys, dietary accommodations, and private tours.
Questions to ask before booking a cruise
Does the cruise line have a dedicated accessibility team to support with booking and address any issues during the journey?
Are there wheelchair-accessible cabins available, and where are they located on the ship?
Can I book accessible shore excursions, and what types are offered?
Does the cruise line provide assistance for boarding, disembarking and during shore excursions?
What level of accessibility is provided for on-board activities, entertainment, and dining areas?
Are there options for quieter environments or sensory-friendly entertainment for neurodivergent guests?
Can the cruise accommodate special dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, vegetarian or allergy-specific meals?
Are alert systems available for visually impaired guests? These may include a wireless doorbell, vibrating pillow shaker and pager.
What types of mobility aids or medical equipment can be arranged or rented on board?
Are there any specific accessibility policies or limitations I should be aware of?
Before You Go
Confirm arrangements
Reconfirm accessible cabin features, assistance during embarkation and any special services (like dietary requirements or mobility aid hire) with the cruise line a few weeks before departure. Ensure everything is arranged as needed.
Prepare documentation
Carry all travel documents, including medical records and prescriptions. If bringing medical equipment, ensure you have a doctor’s note and details about the equipment’s requirements.
Arrange transport to the port
Book accessible transport to the port well in advance, and plan to arrive early to allow extra time for check-in and assistance. Confirm any details regarding accessibility, such as wheelchair lifts.
Review shore excursions
Reconfirm accessible excursions and research the accessibility of each port. If your itinerary includes tender ports, check if the cruise line offers alternatives or assistance for disembarking.
Pack the essentials
Bring all necessary medications, spare parts for mobility devices, and chargers. Consider comfort items, such as noise-cancelling headphones or fidget toys, to help with sensory needs.
Familiarise yourself with safety procedures
Review the cruise line’s safety protocols, including emergency procedures, and ensure you know how to reach your muster station. Request extra assistance if needed.
Check insurance
Ensure your travel insurance covers medical needs, emergency care, and mobility aids. Verify that the policy is suitable for your specific requirements.
Life on board
Accessible Cabins and suites
Accessible cabins on modern ships are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of needs. Features often include:
Roll-in showers: With adjustable showerheads, fold-down benches, and grab rails.
Emergency call buttons: strategically placed for easy access.
Wide doors: both in the cabin and bathroom, facilitating wheelchair access.
Adjustable beds: for ease of transfer and comfort.
Accessible balconies: where possible, ensuring that guests can enjoy sea views without barriers.
Luxury lines may go beyond these essentials, offering larger suites with step-free balconies, an additional room for carers and even private balconies that are accessible. Some lines also offer additional services like complimentary room service, priority boarding and personal assistance to guests with specific needs.
Can I use a power wheelchair or mobility scooter onboard?
Yes, most cruise ships accommodate power wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but it’s important to check in advance. Accessible cabins are designed to fit these devices, and the ship’s layout typically includes wide corridors, ramps, and lifts connecting all decks. However, some smaller or older ships may have limitations. Many lines also offer hire options for mobility equipment if you prefer not to bring your own.
Participating in activities on board
Disabled travellers can participate in most onboard activities, from fitness classes and workshops to poolside games and dance lessons. Many ships offer adapted equipment including fitness machines in the gym, pool lifts and accessible sun decks.
Neurodivergent guests can also enjoy activities designed with their needs in mind, including sensory-friendly cinema screenings, quieter play areas and low-stimulation entertainment options.
Theatres and live entertainment venues
Theatres and other live entertainment venues on modern cruise ships are generally designed to be accessible. This includes wheelchair-accessible seating, ramps and hearing loops. Some cruise lines provide captioning or sign language interpreters upon request. If you’re planning to attend a specific show, it’s best to reserve accessible seating in advance to ensure the best experience.
Can I cruise with an assistance dog?
Assistance dogs are welcome on most cruise ships, but guests must inform the cruise line in advance. Accessible cabins often include extra space to accommodate these dogs comfortably, and many ships provide designated relief areas for dogs to use during the journey.
To bring an assistance dog on board, you will need to provide official documentation verifying the dog’s service status, and it’s essential to check the specific requirements of the cruise line regarding vaccination records and entry permits for destinations.
Medical facilities and on-board doctors
All cruise ships have medical centres staffed with doctors and nurses who can handle minor illnesses, injuries and emergencies. These facilities are generally well-equipped and accessible.
Cruise medical centres can provide emergency care, but in the event of serious medical issues, they may coordinate with local authorities to arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital.
Cruise lines are making progress towards more inclusive environments, though improvements are still needed. Many now offer accessible cabins, adapted facilities and sensory-friendly options, making cruising a viable choice for travellers with diverse needs. By selecting the right cruise line, planning ahead, and understanding the available services, you can enjoy a smooth, accessible, and enjoyable holiday.
Taking these steps ensures your trip is comfortable and accommodating, whether you need mobility support, dietary accommodations, or sensory-friendly spaces. With the right preparation, cruising can be a great holiday for all.
Five accessible cruises to book now
1. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers a fun-filled seven-night cruise on the “Icon of the Seas,” departing from Miami and exploring the best of the Caribbean, including stops in St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. Prices from £1,200 per person.
Best bit
Sensory-friendly cinema nights and multiple accessible dining venues.
2. P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises ship Arvia sails on a seven-night adventure from Southampton, showcasing the stunning Norwegian fjords. Prices from £1,000 per person.
Best bit
Accessible cabins with roll-in showers and adapted transport for excursions.
3. Disney Cruise Line
A perfect option for families, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy sails on a five-night trip from Barcelona, visiting ports like Nice and Rome. Prices start at £1,800 per person.
Best bit
Quiet zones, sensory-friendly activities, and accessible pool areas.
4. Marella Cruises
Marella’s Marella Explorer 2 sails on a seven-night cruise around the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. Prices from £750 per person.
Best bit
Quality-assured accessibility information, ensuring peace of mind for guests with accessibility needs.
5. Seabourn
Seabourn’s Seabourn Encore takes guests on a luxurious 10-day cruise through the Mediterranean, starting in Athens and visiting ports like Santorini and Venice. Prices from £5,500 per person.
Best bit
Superior accessible suites with step-free balconies and personalised assistance.
