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Wheelchair Accessible Cruise Lines |
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A cruise is the
perfect vacation to see the world, and for anyone who
is physically challenged or disabled there is no more
comfortable or convenient way to travel.
The cruise lines place a high
priority on providing the appropriate assistance you
need. Many cruise ships use the latest technology to
offer a variety of services and amenities for guests
with visual, hearing or physical limitations to allow
you the freedom to get the most out of your cruise
experience.
Cabins
Designated cabin accommodations offer many
conveniences such as wider doorways and modified
bathrooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. Toilets,
door handles, light switches and closet rods are also
accessible. And TTY/TDD kits can even be pre-installed
upon request, and interface with the Guest Relations
desk.
Public Areas
Cruise ships offer spacious public areas, elevators
and restrooms that can easily accommodate guests with
disabilities. Lounges, casinos and dining facilities
have specific seating areas for guests with
wheelchairs, and automatic doors and ramps provide
accessible routes throughout the ship, including to
the open decks. And you'll find Braille and
large-print signage, menus and other information, as
well as closed-captioned video screens.
Going Ashore
Many destinations and shore excursions pose no
limitations for disabled guests. But unfortunately,
not every port of call offers conveniences commonplace
in the US. In addition, it's possible that travel from
the ship to shore must be accomplished by boat, which
may further limit some guests' ability to explore the
port. Every effort will be made to accommodate guests
with disabilities; however, decisions will be made on
board with your safety in mind.
Medical Services
Every cruise ship provides professional medical staff
and facilities on board to assist in the event of an
emergency. However, the facilities are limited by the
shipboard environment. The traveler is responsible to
provide all medications, equipment and supplies
necessary for their care.
Availability of
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available to help guests during
embarkation and disembarkation and for emergency use
only. They are not available throughout the cruise for
the convenience of the guest. If you require a
wheelchair during your cruise, you should plan on
bringing one with you. All disabled passengers should
also travel with an able-bodied person capable of
assisting them.
Other Services
Cruise ships can provide storage for a wheelchair,
medication or oxygen, and dietary restrictions
certainly pose no problem. Special airport transfers
with hydraulic lifts can be arranged, and assistance
boarding and disembarking the vessel is also
available. Most cruise lines have special provisions
for service dogs.
Pregnancy
Women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant will be
prohibited from taking a cruise. Please make sure that
you have your doctor's permission to travel even if
you are less than 6 months pregnant.
Booking Your Cruise
Before inquiring about a cruise, please obtain your
doctor's permission to travel. Then give us a call and
tell your CruiseCheap.com Cruise Specialist about any
special needs. We'll help you choose a cruise that
provides the accommodations and services necessary to
meet those needs.
After you have booked your
cruise, the cruise line may ask you and your doctor to
complete medical release forms. We'll work with the
cruise line on your behalf to make sure they are aware
of your requirements and get any additional
information necessary to assist you in planning and
preparing for your trip.
CruiseCheap.com also offers a unique Travel Protection
Plan that can cover a pre-existing medical condition
and provide important medical benefits and complete
peace-of-mind.
Accessibility by
Cruise Line
To learn more about each individual's Onboard
Accessibility programs, please click the links below:
