Special Needs Cruises

Well equipped with roomy cabins and first-rate service, today’s modern ships offer excellent facilities for special needs passengers. Many cruise lines have adapted their cruise ships to cater for guests with special needs, featuring specially designed cabins, toilets, panic buttons, guide-dog facilities and hearing aids. Helpful crew and medical professionals onboard mean you can relax in very safe hands.

Special Needs Cruises Cruiselines

Celebrity Cruises ~ Hebridean International Cruises ~ Holland America Line ~ Island Cruises ~ NCL Freestyle Cruising ~ P&O Cruises ~ Princess Cruises ~ Silversea Cruises ~ Voyages of Discovery ~

Cruise Cabins

Most ships only have a handful of adapted cabins, so plan your special needs cruise well in advance. Look for features like doorways with ample room for wheelchairs, bathroom panic buttons, pull-down rails and low-level furniture. Choose a cabin in the centre of the ship for less sea motion.

Eat at Ease

Cruise lines serve meals geared to specific dietary requirements. If you have particular requests, inform your cruise ship in advance. Booking second seating for dinner gives you more time to get ready and eat at ease.

Essentials

Read more about which cruise ships best accommodate disabled passengers in Berlitz’s Complete Guide to Cruising. If you're taking a flycruise, advise the airline of your needs in advance.

Medical Facilities

With the latest medical facilities onboard, guests can rest assured that professional help is at hand for ongoing health problems. Many cruise ships also offer alternative treatments for all fitness levels, such as Reiki and thalassotherapy.

Public Areas

Many special needs cruises offer spacious public areas for those with mobility problems. When booking, check your ship offers features like low ramps and wide corridors to accommodate wheelchairs. The crew is on hand to assist passengers who need a lift up or down steps.