Cruising With Disabilities

A cruise is a wonderful way to relax and be pampered while visiting some of the world’s most stunning ports of call. But many first-time cruisers with disabilities worry about accessibility. In this tour, an experienced cruise traveler will share tips and tricks designed to help you make the most of your cruise. From choosing a ship to exploring the ports of call, we will teach you to navigate the seemingly endless array of choices. Along the way, you will learn secrets to saving money and maximizing your enjoyment. Since this tour can be for any location, no map is included.

Tips in this Tour: Contact your cruise line’s Special Needs Department soon after booking your cruise. Representatives can arrange for specialized equipment in your stateroom, help you find an oxygen delivery service, or even help you plan for a restricted diet on board. Be sure to confirm your arrangements 48 hours before your sailing, and again when you check in at the pier. If you use a wheelchair or ECV on a cruise, be aware of special requirements for “tender” ports. In these ports, instead of docking at the pier, the ship anchors at sea and lifeboats carry passengers to shore. Accessibility varies, so check with your cruise line in advance to learn the procedures. If you will be taking an Alaska cruise, consider purchasing the Great Alaskan TourSaver book, offering two-for-one deals on many popular excursions. A new book costs $100 and may save you thousands. Just search the internet for more information. If your plans take you elsewhere in the world, research your itinerary for other possible discounts. Thoroughly research each port visit on your cruise well before you leave. Although the ship’s Shore Excursion desk can provide general information, staff members are not experts in disabled travel. You will find most tours quite accessible if you call ahead to give tour operators time to prepare. This is also the best way to arrange the lowest price. On a cruise, standard gratuities are applied to your shipboard account. Tips are also included in the price of alcoholic beverages and sodas. However, some people like to tip a little extra for exceptional service. This is most commonly done on the last sea day, as disembarkation morning is hectic. No additional tips are required, however.

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Transportation: By Boat Specialty: Child Friendly Category: Travel Log - play before you go Rating: Added: 08/08/2009 Duration: 30 min Purchase/Download: Visual Podcast + Free Map Be sure you have sufficient space on your device, approximate sizes listed below   For PC and Windows Mobile Devices .wmv - $15.95 (65MB)   For Mac, iPod, and iPhone .m4v - $15.95 (75MB)   For most cellphones .3gp - $15.95 (30MB)   For most smartphones .mp4 - $15.95 (79MB)   Audio Only + Map for any audio device .mp3 (15MB) + Free Map - $9.95   QuietGuide for mobile device .pdf - $12.95 QTY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20 30 40 50 100   Mail disc of all of above files $19.95

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More about this tour

Chapters in this tour: Introduction Booking a Cruise Embarkation Exploring the Ship Shipboard Life Ports / Disembarkation

Provider: Lisa Fritscher

Lisa Fritscher was raised in Central Florida and has published more than 1000 freelance articles. Before becoming a writer, Lisa was employed as an actor and attractions spieler at Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World and Sea World Orlando. She often travels with her disabled father, which sparks her special interest in accessible destinations. 

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