Cruise travel accessible to all: what do you need to know?

It is the high season of summer and that calls for long vacations, excursion trips, days off from work and a time filled with absolute happiness surrounded by family and loved ones.

While most people can plan their vacation without too much planning, people with special needs have a lot to think about before they can finalize their vacation. While it may take some extra planning and organization, it is certainly possible for people with special needs to travel and enjoy themselves just like everyone else.

One of the best vacations for people with physical restrictions is a cruise vacation. Many major cruise lines offer accessible travel for people with limited mobility. From the port to the cabins and everything in between, every element of the ship is accessible to people with special needs.

Accessible Travel with Seniors

If you’re traveling with seniors who may have special needs, here are some tips to keep in mind to plan an accessible, smooth and fun cruise trip:

1. Call ahead – Check with the special needs provider for equipment rentals, well in advance of your trip, that you or your elderly family member may need. This gives them a margin to prepare and organize the equipment in time: wheelchairs, electric scooters, oxygen equipment, beds, walking aids, etc.

2. Be clear – clearly mention and specify your needs to the service provider to ensure you get the right type of equipment and preferred size (for example, electric mobility scooters are available in different sizes).

3. Stock up on medications – Carry extra medications on board, you don’t want to miss a dose in case there is a detour and the journey takes longer than the arrival time to reach the destination port.

4. Special Rooms – When booking your cruise, be sure to request rooms that are easily accessible to people with special needs. Also, they should be large enough for you to easily maneuver your electric scooter or wheelchair.

Accessible Travel with Children

1. Accessible Travel Agent – ​​Find travel agents who can arrange travel for people with disabilities. Since they are experienced in making arrangements for disabled people of all ages, they can suggest the best one for you and your child with special needs.

2. Look for bigger ships: When choosing affordable cruise ships, make sure you choose newer and bigger ones as they have more facilities; Spacious entrances, roll-in showers, open theaters, easy pool entrances, etc.

3. Service Dogs – If you have a service dog for you or your loved one, be sure to check with the cruise line to see if they accept one on board. All major cruise lines accept, but it’s always good to check. You may need to have your service dog vaccinated and have documents on hand before booking your trip.

Knowing the details and requirements before planning an accessible trip can make travel enjoyable for both the person with a disability and their loved ones. Special Needs at Sea understands the needs of those with physical restrictions or disabilities and therefore provides special needs equipment on board to help those individuals become independent, confident and relaxed.

People with special needs can make use of wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, electric scooter rentals and other special equipment on board Special Needs at Sea and enjoy their cruise like able-bodied people.