This year, cruise holidays are a top choice among families who wish to travel together. Travel Weekly reports that cruise sales are continuously increasing as more and more people want to see scenic destinations and experience a unique stay at sea. However, cruise lines have had a history of not being the most inclusive traveling option. Many travelers with disabilities feel that they aren’t catered to on a cruise due to significantly limited experiences.
Fortunately, many modern cruise companies, especially luxury cruise lines, are putting effort into overcoming this barrier by creating more accessible holidays. These luxury liners have expanded their services to be more wheelchair-friendly and accommodate those with reduced mobility. For a closer look at wheelchair accessibility on luxury cruise lines, keep reading below.
A brief background on accessibility issues with cruises
Cruises used to be very difficult and stressful for those with reduced mobility. Many of these individuals and their families had to take numerous precautions just to enjoy a trip that was supposed to be relaxing. As detailed in a previous article on “Safety Tips For Traveling With A Disabled Child,” parents, in particular, had to double-check everything before the cruise to make sure that necessary provisions were made for their child. Despite this preparation, issues continue to pile on once onboard.
Many cruise lines had limited space, even in their quarters, for wheelchairs to be moved around fully. There were also instances of a lack of ramps in some parts of the ship, so many of those in wheelchairs had no way to access several amenities that were included in the price they paid for. Shore excursions were also a big problem, as many cruises are unable to provide accessible transportation on land that could accommodate a wheelchair. All of these have led many disabled passengers to miss out on a huge chunk of their much-awaited cruise experience.
Luxury cruise lines are among the first to acknowledge these concerns. Many luxury liners are adapting to be more accessible throughout the entire cruise duration. Today, there are several ways that luxury cruise ships have adjusted to become more wheelchair-friendly.
How luxury cruise lines are addressing disability needs
Accessible suites
Luxury cruise lines have always provided some of the best ocean accommodations, with state-of-the-art suites and stunning views. Nowadays, upgrades have now been included to be more wheelchair-friendly, too. To illustrate, the suites at Explora Journeys instantly put their guests in the ocean state of mind upon arrival with in-suite perks like champagne, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and customized hospitality services. Designed to be a “home-at-sea” even for those with limited mobility, these suites are made more comfortable by providing bigger doors and a wheelchair-friendly bathroom with a bathtub. If needed, Explora can also help supply the necessary amenities like scooters and wheelchairs that can be used throughout the ship. As detailed, luxury cruise guests will have no problem navigating their suites with the amount of space they get.
Wheelchair-friendly excursions
Shore excursions are usually on another level with luxury cruises, as they provide exclusive activities and immersive experiences. Now, individuals with disabilities no longer have to stay behind on the ship or trim down their day plans because they, too, can participate in local culture. For instance, Silversea Cruises, known for its unique excursions, has partnered with Accessible Travel Solutions to offer accessibility-enhanced tours. Here, disabled guests can explore tourist sites freely with curated routes, enhanced vehicles, and a highly-trained guide. With these initiatives, mobility-reduced guests can enjoy their cruise both on land and at sea.
Attentive staff and crew
Part of a luxury stay is knowing that all of your needs will be met by the staff. However, those with disabilities may have more concerns than most. Cruises like Norwegian Cruise Lines, which is continuously in the process of improving its services, address these worries by having special accessibility coordinators. These travel professionals are dedicated and trained to assist guests with disabilities throughout their entire stay onboard. They’re in charge of supporting disabled guests with every aspect of their cruise. With their help, disabled luxury passengers are sure to be taken care of throughout the duration of their trip.
For more on accessible family adventures, please visit our blog at Wonders Within Reach.
Post in collaboration with Lucille Weems.