Top five cruises for disabled passengers
It’s often said that there is a bewildering amount of choice available to first time cruisers – from destination and length of itinerary to size of ship and star rating.
Making the right choice isn’t easy – and if you have to accommodate a disability, it’s more difficult still.
However, if chosen correctly, a cruise can be the perfect holiday for a disabled person.
We asked DisabledHolidays.com – the UK’s largest accessible holiday company – to select the five best cruises for disabled passengers, and tell us why they were good options.
Cruise Line: P&O
Destination: Ex UK, Southampton – Norwegian Fjords
Duration: 7 nights
Date: 22 May, 2015
A Norwegian Fjords cruise acts as a fantastic confidence builder for the disabled traveller cruising for the first time as it stays close to the shore line. Sit back and watch the dramatic scenery come to you: glaciers, waterfalls and fjords pass by cabin windows like a personal slide show, every second is a picture postcard moment.
This large cruise ship also has accessible facilities and features such as exclusive theatre seating, a pool hoist and 25 wheelchair accessible cabins and wet rooms. There is the possibility of one tender port (whereby a smaller ship takes passengers ashore).
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Destination: Ex UK, Southampton – the Canaries
Duration: 10 nights
Date: 22 May, 2015
Before the British summer really gets underway, set sail for the sun to the sizzling Canaries. One of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, the amazing Anthem of the Seas, has excellent accessible facilities including pools with hoist, wide walkways and ultra modern fittings, with 34 accessible cabins.
Why not experience their unique, incredible ‘North Star’ glass capsule: it rises 300ft in the air, out over the ocean and has an amazing 360 degree view. Try it if you dare!
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Destination: Ex UK, Southampton – Baltic Heritage
Duration: 14 nights
Date: 1 August, 2015
Departing from the UK means no baggage limits or airports to negotiate. Passengers can absorb the culturally rich Russian city of St Petersberg with an overnight stay. (Visa entry to Russia arranged if passengers book on the excursion).
This cruise has 36 accessible cabins, 29 of which are balcony cabins and there are no tender ports, making this an extremely enjoyable and accessible cruise.
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Destination: Ex UK, Southampton – Med Cities of Distinction
Duration: 16 nights
Date: 2 September, 2015
A perfect blend of relaxing cruising and nine fascinating port visits. Explore some of the best European ports including beautiful Barcelona and laidback Lisbon. The ‘Explorer of the Seas is a fantastic, ultra modern cruise ship with plenty of amenities and 26 accessible cabins. There is only one tender port on this cruise too.
Cruise Line: Celebrity
Destination: Fly Cruise, Dutch Antilles Caribbean Cruise
Duration: 10 nights + overnight in Fort Lauderdale pre cruise
Date: 7 October, 2016
Explore the Dutch Antilles on the Infinity cruise ship; this delightful island combines Caribbean flair yet with a distinctly European feel. Picturesque pastel buildings and British red phone boxes await you in Aruba or follow in Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps in Key West. Excellent accessible onboard features and facilities include pool hoists and 26 adapted cabins.
Summary
With many varied destinations on one trip, accessible ports and onboard adapted facilities, cruising is a fantastic way for a disabled traveller to holiday.
These cruise lines feature cabins, restaurants, theatres and much more that are fully accessible for travellers in wheelchairs. Accessible cabins come complete with wide doorways, wet room showers, grab rails and lowered vanity surfaces. For travellers with visual or audio impairments, these cruises also feature onboard facilities such as Braille and audio deck announcements. It is advisable to book accessible excursions up to three months before sailing.
In addition to your cruise, DisabledHolidays.com can arrange for adapted transfers, equipment to be delivered to your cabin and anything else you might need before you set sail. All you need to do, therefore, is look forward to your fantastic cruise holiday while they do all the hard work for you!
Call 0800 993 0796 to speak to an expert today, or visit disabledholidays.com