In recent years, cruise ships have made enormous strides in wheelchair accessibility. Many of the largest modern cruise lines are actively working to make sure all guests can enjoy as many activities as possible. You might be surprised by the sheer number of cruise staples that can accommodate wheelchairs now!
In this cruise ship accessibility guide, we'll go over 10 such activities that will make your cruise the best it can be!
1. Peruse the Open Decks
The first activity on our list is simple — see what the ship has to offer! The lido deck is designed for ease of movement, so take some time to get to know your surroundings. You can stop by the pools and the buffet along the way or just admire the beauty of the ocean from where you are. The fresh ocean air is sure to fill you with a sense of life and excitement.
For the best view, the ship's stern is the place to be. From there, you can watch the land fade away as the ship ventures out into the great sea beyond. Watching the ship's wake can be just as mesmerizing once you're farther out.
2. Try Your Luck at the Casino
Many cruise ship casinos are designed to be just as accessible to wheelchairs as the lido and promenade decks. They offer wide aisles between slot machines and gaming tables so that everyone feels welcome and included. The slots and tables themselves are comfortable to use from a seated position as well.
For an even more comfortable experience, it's best to visit during off-peak hours — there will be more space to move about the casino floor and enjoy yourself!
3. Indulge in World-Class Dining
Cruise ships almost always feature a range of dining options, many of which are built with easy wheelchair navigation in mind! Some of the most common options include:
- An open buffet on the top deck, which features wide pathways and easy access to crew members for assistance.
- A more formal dining area on the lower decks, with dedicated dinner staff that can assist with meal selection and ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible.
- Specialty restaurants scattered throughout the ship, which are often less crowded and can dedicate more time to meeting your needs.
These accessible cruise ship dining experiences may prove to be the highlight of your trip. They let you experience rare and exotic foods cooked by highly skilled chefs from around the world. You even get to watch the sea while you eat of its bounty!
4. Make a Splash in an Accessible Pool
Many cruise ships, such as those in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, now feature wheelchair-accessible pools and hot tubs. They use cruise ship pool lifts to safely lower those with mobility conditions into the water so you can join in the fun, too.
The pool decks are also quite spacious. This makes it easy for wheelchair users to move around the space, find lounge chairs and enjoy a little rest and relaxation. Not every cruise ship has pool lifts, though, so be sure to contact your cruise line's accessibility department to confirm.
5. Relax and Rejuvenate in the Spa's Accessible Treatment Rooms
For the ultimate unwinding experience, try out the ship's spa! Many cruise ships offer accessible treatment rooms with adjustable tables to accommodate wheelchair users or others with mobility challenges. This is the perfect space for quiet comfort and relaxation. Spend some time getting a massage, facial, or salon treatment, and let the rest of the world fade away for a bit.
To confirm the spa's features and services, be sure to call the cruise line's accessibility department before the trip. Then, you can plan out your spa day and make it the best it can be.
6. Explore the World With Accessible Shore Excursions
Did you know that some cruise lines offer a range of accessible excursions designed for those with wheelchairs? For example, they might offer a panoramic bus tour of a Caribbean island in a bus equipped with lifts. Or, there might be a guided tour through local historical sites with ramps and leveled pathways for wheelchair accessibility.
Just be sure to book these accessible excursions early, as spots tend to go quickly!
7. Learn Something New With Onboard Classes
Many people think cruises are just for fun, but they can also be great learning opportunities! From wine tastings to cooking demonstrations, various personal enrichment activities are available on cruise lines today.
These activities are often held in theaters or lounges with wide spaces and accessible seating areas so that everyone can come together and learn. They're also a great way to get to know some of your fellow passengers!
8. Experience Dazzling Onboard Entertainment
If you love theater, music, or comedy, there are many wheelchair-friendly cruise entertainment options that are perfect for you! Some of the most common offerings include:
- Broadway-style musical shows
- Intimate piano bars
- Live comedy clubs
Most modern theaters, clubs, and bars on cruise ships will feature accessible seating areas for wheelchair users. You may even be able to book seats before the ship leaves port so you'll know exactly what to expect!
9. Catch a Film Under the Stars
Few things match the beauty of watching a late-night movie on the top deck of the ship. If you prefer poolside seating, lounge chairs are available there. If you want a little more privacy, you can take an elevator up to one of the sky decks and watch from lounge chairs up there. Either way, the space will be easy to maneuver, and the screen is designed to be seen whether the audience is sitting down or standing up.
This is one of the most memorable wheelchair-accessible cruise activities available. The sound of the ocean and the night sky overhead are the perfect canvas for a movie with your loved ones.
10. Shop for Souvenirs and Duty-Free Goods
Many cruisers love to grab a souvenir at the end of their trip to commemorate their voyage. Modern cruise ship stores are intentionally designed with wide aisles and open spaces so those with wheelchairs can easily move around them. Staff are also available to retrieve items from high or otherwise inaccessible areas.
Some stores will get pretty crowded toward the end of the trip, though, so you may want to visit sometime during the middle of the voyage to make shopping easier.
How to Know if Your Cruise Ship Has Wheelchair Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not yet standardized for passenger vessels. The U.S. Department of Transportation is still working on accessibility guidelines for these ships. The U.S. Access Board is also working on a set of Proposed Passenger Vessels Accessibility Guidelines that has not been adopted yet.
So, the best way to learn about your ship's accessibility features is to check the cruise line's website, and call its accessibility department or help desk before the trip.
They can then give you detailed information about the ship's features and offerings, so you can plan your cruise accordingly. Many cruise lines, such as Carnival, also offer detailed PDFs explaining each ship's accessibility features on their websites. You can print this PDF out and keep it on hand during the trip.
Experience Mobility Wherever You Go With Scootaround
Cruise ship wheelchair rentals can feel complicated, but they don't have to. Scootaround is a leading provider of wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices for over 20 of the largest cruise lines in the world. We also serve nearly 50 ports in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Whether you need a powerchair or a knee walker, we can make the rental process and your cruise as smooth and comfortable as you deserve.
Book your rental today or reach out to learn more.
