INTRAVELREPORT: The cruise lines taking accessibility seriously

How are cruise lines meeting the needs of customers with accessibility and mobility requirements? Jeannine Williamson rounds up the cruise lines making strides in this burgeoning area

Clia’s latest State of the Cruise Industry Report found that 82 per cent of survey respondents with limited mobility, who have cruised in the past year, say that cruise is the only holiday option available for them.

There was a similar response from those with sensory and cognitive considerations.

“Accessibility is a growing need, and cruise lines are fulfilling the need of travellers and those who are travelling with others with mobility challenges,” says Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland managing director. “The number of accessible cabins across the cruise line fleet is also increasing.”

Princess Cruises

Princess has accessible staterooms on all ships and is among the lines that has partnered with Mobility at Sea, a company which provides mobility equipment to help facilitate cruising.

Swimming pool lifts are available across the fleet and most theatres are equipped with assistive listening devices. There is Braille signage on cabin doors and Braille and large print menus are available. The screen reader-friendly MedallionClass App can help passengers navigate ships with its GPS tracking technology, and is handy for ordering drinks and other services.

Sassy Wyatt, who writes the Blind Girl Adventures blog and is an advocate for disability awareness, recently cruised on Sky Princess with her service dog Ida. “Sky Princess cruises are brightly lit and have lots of contrast, allowing those with low vision to be able to target signs or stations,” says Sassy. “I was beyond excited to see that Braille was everywhere, from the lifts and staterooms to restaurants and facilities. Even if you are not a Braille reader, tactile signage and audio announcements are on every lift, giving me autonomy wherever I was on the ship.

“The crew were truly remarkable. They were not only attentive and friendly but also well-trained in assisting guests with disabilities. Whenever I needed assistance or had questions, they were there with a warm smile and a guiding arm. I believe cruising is for everyone, and Princess has gone above and beyond to make people with disabilities feel included and welcomed.”

Princess has partnered with Mobility at Sea for mobility equipment. Image: Princess Cruises

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean was the first in the hospitality industry to offer complimentary access to The Autism Channel on most of its ships. The line works with the Autism on the Sea organisation to train staff and also screens autism-friendly films in a low-lit, low-volume environment. Ships also have sensory toys and dietary menu options for specific needs.

From airport to shore, Royal also provides free accessible transport to the ship and boarding and departure assistance. Once the cruise is underway, there are dedicated accessible shore excursions to accommodate wheelchairs and walking frames incorporating fully accessible vehicles and step-free routes.

Loft Suite bathroom on Anthem of the Seas. Image: Royal Caribbean

P&O Cruises

The line’s new flagship Arvia tops the fleet for wheelchair users and passengers with mobility needs who can choose from a suite, balcony, sea view and inside cabins. There are 35 accessible cabins, 21 partially accessible rooms and 24 adapted staterooms for guests not requiring wheelchairs.

P&O’s 2024 sailings include new ex-Southampton itineraries, such as northern European city breaks, which are perfect for clients that don’t want to fly. Adult-only ship Aurora has a new 18-night Mediterranean itinerary in April 2024 and, along with the line’s other cruises, assistance dogs can be taken on sailings that start and finish in Southampton.

Celebrity Cruises

A pioneer for every aspect of all-inclusive cruising, the line’s recently appointed president Laura Hodges Bethge joined Royal Caribbean in 2000 to lead the fleet wide accessibility programme for Royal and sister brand Celebrity. The line’s website has extensive reference resources to help agents book for passengers with mobility and other needs.

Promoting cruising “without boundaries,” these include ports where accessible shore excursions are available. On the ships, sign language interpreting services are available along with a visual-tactile alert system in the cabin which provides alerts for door knocking, telephone ringing, alarm clock, and smoke detector.

Marella Cruises

The cruise arm of Tui is very well set up to cover any questions before booking a client on one of its ships. These include the recently launched Marella Voyager which has had a complete makeover and, with the rest of the fleet, has wheelchair accessible and adapted inside and outside cabins.

Tui has a dedicated Assisted Travel team to match cruises, such as ones with accessible-friendly ports of call, with customers’ specific requirements and can help with topics including which shore tours are most suitable for the less mobile. For those looking to fly-cruise, there’s also a useful video on assisted travel which can be viewed below.

Marella Voyager has a choice of accessible cabins. Image: Marella Cruises

Agent view

Travel Counsellor Sheila Stamp, an expert in accessible travel, says lines have made strides but can improve. She said: “The issues are tendering ports where people cannot get off as the tender cannot take a wheelchair, and accessible cabins being designed for two people not families – except for Disney Cruise Line – which means a family of four would need two cabins which doubles the price.

“Pool hoists would be useful too, as standard. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are great as they understand children’s needs if they have autism. The shortage of accessible cabins means people need to book very quickly to ensure getting one.”