Special Accommodation Cruises
Special Accommodation Cruises
Cruising is a great way to get out and see the world, especially since cruise lines are extremely conscious about providing accommodations needed for passengers who might require a little extra consideration. Many cruise lines offer accessible staterooms, amenities and other features on board to make passengers who need special accommodations feel like they are at home.
Here are a few things special needs passengers need to remember before cruising:
- Let your travel consultant know of any special accessibility you may require so they can have you fill out all the necessary paperwork for the cruise line.
- Cruise guests should verify with their personal physician that they are well enough to travel to the destinations on the itinerary they chose.
- All cruise lines also strongly advises guests who may need assistance while cruising, sail with someone who is personally able to assist them onboard and at each port of call.
- Bring all important medical and emergency content and documents with you on the cruise.
- AffordableTours.com highly suggests all travelers purchase travel/medical protection at the time of booking.
Here is a look at the top three cruise lines who specifically accommodate special needs passengers:
Disney
On every Disney Cruise Line ship, guests with disabilities have access to comfortable staterooms and suites, along with a full range of services, facilities, and amenities, including auxiliary aids and special equipment.
Most public guest areas on Disney ships, like the restaurants, theaters, restrooms and shopping are wheelchair accessible.
Disney's private island paradise, Castaway Cay, has a limited number of sand wheelchairs available for no charge. Paths throughout the main promenade on the island are paved and wheelchair accessible.
At table service restaurants, Disney is able to accommodate many specialty dietary needs like, allergies to peanuts, eggs, fish, milk, shellfish, soy, corn and gluten. They also offer many sailings that will include a scheduled America Sign Language interpreter for a variety of onboard shows and entertainment. Trained service animals are welcome in most locations onboard Disney Cruise Line ships and Disney Castaway Cay.
Celebrity
Celebrity Cruises designed their ships with limited-mobility passengers in mind. They offer accessible staterooms, accessible excursions, spacious corridors, early boarding, automatic doors and wheelchair assistance during embarkation and disembarkation. Solstice class and Celebrity Century ships even feature pool lifts.
For passengers who are vision or hearing impaired, large-print menus, qualified crewmember readers, braille signage (on Solstice class, Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Infinity) and elevator buttons on some ships, ADA kit on request and closed-caption televisions are available.
Celebrity also welcomes families living with autism. They created an autism- friendly environment on board, including Youth Staff who have received training on communication tactics and sensory-friendly films and toys.
For passengers who would like to participate in fun activities off the ship, Celebrity has many accessible shore excursions that require less strenuous activities in select destinations.
Holland America
Holland America has fully accessible staterooms that are perfect for guests who require a wheelchair or scooter. They also have Single Side Approach rooms where there is a clear floor space on one side of the cabin.
When in ports that require a tender, all Holland America vessels (except ms Veendam and ms Prinsendam) have been retrofitted with a tender-lift system to help guests in wheelchairs roll directly on and off while remaining seated.
Guests who are hard of hearing can take advantage of staterooms kits that include visual and tactical alerts for knocking at the door, phone ringing or other alarms. When available, staterooms TVs will have closed captioning.
For visually impaired guests, Holland America has screen reader computer software in the Explorations Café that allows guests to navigate the web, download daily activities, news and menus by listening to the text. They also offer Braille menus to describe the inspired cuisine offered on board. Holland America has a relationship with select vendors where guests can purchase oxygen supplies to be delivered to ship.
View All Holland America Cruises
Cruising is a comfortable way to experience the world. Travel should have no limits and cruises are the perfect way to make vacations as effortless as possible for all.
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