Have you ever wondered how accessible cruises are as a wheelchair user? Well, I am happy to share that cruising really can be a great fit for everyone! After taking several cruises both before my injury and as a wheelchair user, I've learned that the overall cruising experience can be just as enjoyable with the right planning.
Booking Your Cruise
Personally, I am not tied down to one cruise line specifically, but I have been cruising with Carnival Cruise Lines since I was a kid, so that has been where I am most comfortable. I also feel like Carnival Cruise Lines is a more budget-friendly option, especially as someone on disability. But I am looking forward to cruising with other cruise lines in the future like Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Lines.
It's important to book early when you need an accessible stateroom. If possible, I would book 1-2 years in advance because accessible staterooms sell out quickly. If you are planning on shorter notice, it is important to have flexible dates if having an accessible room is a must for you.
Newer ships tend to have more updated accessible features, including automatic room doors and wheelchair lifts at the pools. These are things to take into consideration when choosing a cruise ship to sail on.
Staterooms
When it comes to booking a room, there are many different room categories to choose from: Interior, Ocean View, Balconies, or Suites. Within each room category there are different accessible rooms – Ambulatory Accessible and Fully Accessible. The biggest difference between the ambulatory rooms and the fully accessible rooms is that the ambulatory rooms usually still have a step into the bathroom.
If you are a full-time wheelchair user and can't stand or walk, make sure to always book a fully accessible room. The non-accessible rooms on cruise ships are not like hotels – if the room isn't accessible, you will more than likely not even fit through the door with a mobility aid because of how narrow they are.
Excursions
The one area in which Carnival Cruise Lines is really lacking in my opinion is accessible excursions. The only destination that had truly accessible excursions was Alaska. But there are a lot of private companies with good reviews that have accessible excursions available. It is important to do your research and not book with anyone unless you trust the company and the reviews from others. All cruise lines are different, but you can usually look at excursions offered at each port through the cruise line's website.
Cozumel, Mexico has accessible shuttles and Mr. Sancho's All-Inclusive Beach Club has beach wheelchairs available. In Aruba, Chogogo Tours has an accessible bus and offers beach wheelchair rentals with transportation to the beach. Progreso, Mexico has a free public beach with multiple beach wheelchairs. Skagway, Alaska has an accessible White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Tour. Victoria, Canada has a city bus from the cruise port that has an accessible ramp and straps when boarded. These are just a few excursions I have participated in and had an absolute blast!
If excursions aren't your thing, the cruise ports themselves are usually accessible with ramps in most stores, but the commonly used cobblestone may be difficult for some to navigate.
Tender Ports
I have had luck with all the tender ports as well. A tender port is a location where a cruise ship can't directly dock at a pier and instead must anchor offshore, with cruise passengers taking smaller boats to get to land. I have not yet come across a tender port that didn't allow me to get off as a full-time wheelchair user, but there are some ports that state wheelchair users may not be able to get off without taking a few steps, and some places might not allow it if the seas are rough.
Onboard Activities
When I say cruising is for everyone, I really mean it! There are endless activities onboard that cater to all kinds of travelers: comedy shows, live performances, mini golf, waterslides, big-screen movies, night clubs, trivia, karaoke, and kids' clubs. It is really your choice to fill your day with as much excitement or relaxation as you choose. You can even completely unwind in the adults-only area and watch the ocean waves for hours.
Food
All cruise lines are different in their own ways, but one thing they have in common is a lot of different food options. Most cruise lines have a buffet if going casual is more your style, or there is always a main dining room if you prefer to have a more structured meal. The staff is always around the buffet to help those who may need it, and they also have menus labeled for gluten-free and vegetarian options as well as labels in the buffet to help navigate those food sensitivities as well. There are also dining options, depending on the cruise line, that you can pay a little extra to enjoy a different cuisine. I almost always splurge a little extra to have sushi night!
Vacation Protection
I highly recommend paying for vacation protection/insurance when it comes to booking a cruise or any travel. Although we hope to never need medical attention, you just never know what will happen. Having the insurance will save you a lot of money if something does happen. Although you should read the fine print, cruise vacation protection should cover you both before and during a cruise. If you had to cancel at the last minute due to anything medical, travel, or weather related, you would need this protection to get your money back.
Cruising has given me a piece of freedom and the ability to relax and enjoy a vacation without having to constantly worry about accessibility barriers. If you have ever thought about taking a cruise, I would recommend going on a cruise at least once in your life!
About the author
Aspen Baxter is passionate about promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and mental health awareness. Living as a paraplegic with Autism, Aspen has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of multiple disabilities. Following a medication injury in 2021 that resulted in her paralysis, Aspen has become an advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of life.
Aspen's ride is a Quickie Nitrum with an Empulse R90.