• For best access choose a large ship built in the past three years and a cruise line that has a dedicated Special Needs Department.
  • Don’t assume all accessible cabins are the same. If you need a specific feature, such as a roll-in shower, ask if it’s available.
  • Slow walkers who use compact folding scooters need to make sure cabin doorways are wide enough to accommodate them, as most cruise lines don’t allow scooters to be parked in hallways.
  • If you need wheelchair-accessible airport transfers, be sure to buy these in advance from the cruise line.
  • Remember to request pier assistance when you book your cruise. Disabled passengers are given priority boarding upon advance request.
  • If you’re traveling with extra equipment, such as an additional wheelchair or a Hoyer lift, try to take it aboard yourself instead of leaving it with the rest of your luggage. That’s the best way to make sure all of your equipment makes it onto the ship.
  • Most ships have wheelchairs that can be borrowed for embarkation, but if you need one full-time or ashore, arrange for a rental to be delivered to your cabin. Some cruise lines can also provide special equipment, such as a commode chair or a shower chair, upon advance request.
  • If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, make sure the electrical supply on the ship is compatible with your battery charger. It’s also a good idea to pack an extension cord and a power strip, as electric outlets are limited.
  • If you take along a manual wheelchair, mark it clearly with your name or personalize it in some way so it won’t be mistaken for one of the ship’s wheelchairs. 
  • Through the Special Needs Department, request accessible dining room seating, either near the door or close to an accessible pathway.
  • Take a tour of the ship on the first day and locate the accessible restrooms on each deck. Make note of the locations for future use.
  • Become familiar with the tendering procedures of your preferred cruise line. Some cruise lines hand-carry wheelchair users aboard tenders, some use mechanical devices, and some do not permit power wheelchair users to tender at all. Remember, even docked ports (such as Ketchikan) can be tender ports during times of high traffic. 
  • Very few ship-sponsored shore excursions are truly accessible. Ask a lot of questions, because in most cases “accessible” means you have to climb up the tour bus steps and store your wheelchair or scooter below.

    Sometimes it’s better to plan your own accessible shore excursions. 
  • Alaska is a great choice for a first cruise, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the ADA. Additionally it’s well touristed by wheelchair users, which makes a difference in local attitudes.
  • Last but not least, if you use a power wheelchair or scooter, bring along a manual wheelchair for use in port. This is especially helpful in Caribbean ports, where it’s difficult to find lift-equipped transportation.


Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Visit her blog at http://www.barrierfreetravels.com/ for access news, resources and industry updates.

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Read ADA Access Guidelines on Cruise Ships to learn more about your rights as a passenger before you board the boat.

If an Alaskan cruise is your style for future travel adventures, see Barrier-Free Alaskan Ports to learn more about accessible ports.