Ship travel is an excellent way to see some of the Pacific Northwest region's best sites, from wilderness trails to coastal shores. Those with mobility challenges can easily find cruises and excursions that accommodate their needs. Discover some of our favorite mobility-friendly destinations and cruise ship accessibility tips as you pack your bags and make your way to some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Accessible Cruises in the Pacific Northwest
There are more disability-friendly cruises out there than you may think! In many cases, all it takes is some prior planning with your cruise line to ensure they can account for your needs and provide adequate accommodations. These are our picks for the top accessible cruises in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
1. Alaska Inside Passage
Traveling through the waterways of the Alaska Inside Passage can get you up close with some of the region's most beautiful sites and interesting wildlife. With accessibility in mind, cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Viking Cruises, and American Cruise Lines all offer mobility-friendly features and staff.
2. The Puget Sound
Even smaller bodies of water have plenty of mobility-friendly activities! Many of the cruises mentioned above will embark from Seattle and pass through Puget Sound on their way to Alaska. If you're interested in a more intimate and detailed tour of the sound, considering checking out a local provider like Argosy Cruises. Either option will offer fantastic experiences on and around Puget Sound, allowing you to take in this incredible landmark from the comfort of your ship's deck.
3. San Juan Islands
Another one of our top picks for traveling with limited mobility is the San Juan Islands. Here, you can roll right up to some ADA-accessible trails and experience coastal whale watching, take in history at the San Juan Island National Historic Park, or visit the beach at Lopez Island. Get a two-for-one experience when you book the joint Puget Sound and San Juan Island cruise from American Cruise Lines or set sail on San Juan's own cruises. Many cruises traveling to the Alaskan Inside Passage from Seattle will also pass by the San Juan Islands.
Reserving Onboard Accommodations and Amenities
Once you've decided on your travel route, it's time to start homing in on the specifics. It can be helpful to communicate with your cruise line before your vacation to make sure they can provide you with the most seamless experience possible. You can also use this time to confirm the accessibility of your:
- Cabin: How large is your stateroom? Will a standard stateroom meet your needs or is an accessible stateroom be required? Will you have enough room to comfortably maneuver and store your mobility device? Will the bathroom accommodate you? Many standard cabin bathrooms may be too small or have a step up to enter. Ensure your room will be mobility-friendly before you embark.
- Dining: Some dining areas may be configured to accommodate as many people as possible, making it challenging for wheelchairs and scooters to maneuver. You may have to request accessible seating to ensure you can dine in comfort.
- Activities: Cruise ships have activities around the clock all over the ship. Most activities and events are mobility-friendly, but if you have concerns, reach out to a staff member — they may be able to accommodate you on the fly.
As for getting around the cruise ship and accessing amenities, these large vessels are designed with elevators and automatic doors for easy movement of all guests. Some ships also have pool lifts, lowered casino tables, and reserved wheelchair seating in lounges.
Ports of Call and Shore Excursions
Ports of call have their own accessibility requirements and concerns that will often be different than those on the ship. Try to find out beforehand if there is anything you'll have to prepare for — you might need assistance to disembark or have to cross challenging terrain to reach your excursion destination.
Many cruise lines will recommend certain fitness or mobility levels for excursions and attractions. This can help you find activities in advance that meet your mobility needs.
1. Victoria, British Columbia
As one of Canada's most scenic cities, this Pacific Northwest favorite readily accommodates wheelchair-accessible travel. Some of our accessible favorites in this city include the Queen Alexandria Center — which boasts a nice ocean walk built specifically for wheelchair use — and Caddy Bay Beach, where you can access pathways designed for wheelchairs to reach the sand.
2. Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is a great mobility-friendly location, from the easily accessible airport to the range of hotels and restaurants right along the coast. Check out both sides of the Columbia River to find exciting attractions like the Astoria Column, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and Fort Clatsop at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.
3. Anacortes, Washington
One of Anacortes' top features is its ferries, which take passengers to the San Juan Islands, Victoria, and more. Though all ferries are mobility-friendly, different ships may have varying accessibility features. If you want to stay in the area, check out the Tommy Thompson Trail or the Guemes Channel Trail, both of which are ADA-compliant.
Make Your Trip Even More Accessible With Scootaround Rentals
At Scootaround, our mission is “To Be the Provider of Mobility Services for Traveling Customers Worldwide.” Whether that's the Pacific Northwest's beautiful coasts, bustling streets of New York, or historical landmarks in Europe, our mobility rentals can put you on your way. With more than 2,500 locations across North America and Europe , along with the largest selection of wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and other mobility aids, you'll be sure to find the ideal solutions for your needs.
We are proud to make travel accessible to all. Book your rental online today and start preparing for your next adventure!
