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Travelling with a disability or impairment can be daunting and stressful. Questions fly: Are there accessible rooms? Will I need to bring a carer to assist me? Are service animals allowed?
Don’t stress! Many major cruise lines are accessible to make your sail as smooth as possible. So whether you have reduced mobility or are hard of hearing, ramps to board the ship, wheelchair-accessible cabins and captioned movies can be available so you won’t miss out on a thing.
Searching for the best liner to look after you? Try these out:
| Cruise line | Accessible cabins | Accessible ship areas | Wheelchair accessible excursions | Wheelchair accessible tenders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holland America Line | Modified and wheelchair-accessible rooms across its fleet | Accessible routes are available through most of the ship | Alternate transportation can be arranged for a more accessible shore excursion | Guest must transfer out of wheelchair. |
| Carnival Cruises | Modified and wheelchair-accessible rooms available | Accessible routes are available through most of the ship | Yes | Guest must transfer out of wheelchair |
| P&O Cruises | Wheelchair-accessible rooms across its fleet | Accessible routes are available through most of the ship | Yes, specially designed limited mobility shore tours available | Guest must transfer out of wheelchair |
| Royal Caribbean | Accessible staterooms across its fleet | Accessible routes are available through most of the ship; some ships have pool lifts | Yes – shore excursions are given levels of difficulty to help determine suitability | Guest must transfer out of wheelchair |
| Celebrity Cruises | Accessible staterooms across its fleet | Accessible routes are available through most of the ship | Customised tours and easy excursions available | Accessible gangway to tender platform on select ships |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Accessible staterooms across its fleet | Accessible routes are available through most of the ship; pool lifts and barrier-free public toilets are available on all ships | Some | Guest must transfer out of wheelchair |
| Disney Cruise Lines | Accessible staterooms across its fleet | Accessible routes are available through most of the ship | Yes | Guest must transfer out of wheelchair |
| Cunard | Fully accessible cabins and non-adapted cabins across its fleet | Accessible routes are available through most of the ship | Yes, limited activity shore excursions are recommended | Guest must transfer out of wheelchair. |
Wheelchair-accessible rooms are designed for wheelchair maneuverability. They can include widened doorways throughout the cabin, wheel-in showers, lowered sinks and vanities, handheld showerheads, grab bars, shower seats, turning space, lowered dressing tables and wardrobes, ramped thresholds, benches, bath distress alarms and accessible balconies.
ADA compliance kits aid the deaf and hearing impaired. They may be available on cruise ships and in hotels and can feature telephone amplifiers, visual smoke detectors, door knock sensors and text telephones (TDD).
If you have reduced mobility and require aid, many cruise liners advise you bring a companion or carer with you to assist you on board and on shore. Depending on your level of mobility, companions may also assist you in embarking and disembarking from tenders for shore excursions.
Most tenders are not wheelchair accessible. If you have some level of mobility and can embark and disembark from the tender with minimal assistance, you may collapse your wheelchair to bring it on the tender for use on shore. Steps are usually present to embark and disembark from a tender.
If you require accessibility assistance during your cruise, contact the cruise line direct to acknowledge your needs. Cruise lines are more than happy to provide assistance to passengers with accessibility requirements with advance notice.
When contacting the cruise line, you will also need to advise of any equipment you plan to bring, or require on board, to aid you during your trip. This includes wheelchairs, scooters and hoists.
Not all ports will have the infrastructure to allow for mobile accessibility. If you have limited to no mobility, these are some of the most popular and wheelchair-accessible ports to consider including in your itinerary:
If you have limited to no mobility, you may consider avoiding cruises that dock at the following ports as they are either not accessible or require tenders to disembark, which can be a bit difficult depending on your condition:
There's a lot to consider when it comes to planning a holiday, and cruise travel insurance shouldn't be skipped over - especially if you're travelling with any sort of disability or have a pre-existing condition that compromises your ability onboard or may require some medical attention.
When it comes to manoeuvring into tender boats, getting around the close quarters of a ship while it's slightly moving with the sea or just enjoying the benefits a cruise has to offer it's important to make sure that you're covered in case anything doesn't quite go to plan on board. Medical care on a cruise doesn't come cheap, especially if there isn't a Medicare doctor on board, and having the right level of cover can really save you if something does happen.
Groupon
Get 12% off Sydney New Year's Eve cruise w/open bar
Save $84 on a six-hour New Year's Eve cruise with a buffet dinner, onboard DJ and open bar, complete with views of both the 9pm and midnight fireworks displays.
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Sydney New Year's Eve cruises from just $150
Cruise Sydney Harbour on NYE with 9pm fireworks cruises from $150 and midnight fireworks cruises from just $300. Select sailings include drinks and food.
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CruiseAway
$1 deposit + up to $450 OBC + extra $100 OBC on P&O cruises
Available on select voyages on 2020-2021. Destinations include Australia, Pacific, New Zealand, Asia and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 40% off + US$550 OBC with Royal Caribbean
Available on select voyages departing until 21 April 2020. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 30% off worldwide cruises + free items in extras
Available on select travel dates with Norwegian Cruise Line. Destinations include Hawaii, Pacific, Asia, Mediterranean, Rome and more. T&Cs apply.
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P&O Cruises
$1 deposit + up to $450 onboard credit
Available for cruises 11 February – 21 December 2020. Destinations include Moreton Island, Noumea, Hamilton Island, Vanuatu, Brisbane, Sydney and more. Onboard credit varies depending on the length of the cruise. T&Cs apply.
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Cudo
Boxing Day cruise for $45
Cruise will be on 26 December 2019 from 11am – 2:30pm. T&Cs apply.
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Uniworld
Up to 30% off 2020 voyages worldwide
Available for cruises from 5 November 2019 – 3 January 2020. Destinations include Asia, Central Europe, France, India, Italy and more. T&Cs apply.
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Uniworld
Up to 50% off solo travel
Available on select 2020 cruises. Destinations include Amsterdam and Budapest. T&Cs apply.
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My Cruises
Up to $6,000 bonus value
Available on select travel dates in 2020 with Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. Destinations include Japan, Alaska, Europe, China, Africa and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 49% off cruises with Princess Cruises
Available for cruises on select 2020 and 2021 dates. Destinations include Australia, North America, South America, Asia, Pacific and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Free upgrade + up to US$1000 OBC with Silversea sailings
Available for cruises on select 2020 – 2021 dates for Vista or Veranda suites. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Pacific, India, Middle East and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
16-nights Southeast Asia cruise + flights from $2,099
Available on travel date 5 November 2020. Package includes accommodation, return flights from Sydney to Singapore, meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
20-night USA cruises + flights from $3,799
Valid for travel on select dates in 2020. Destinations include Honolulu, Hawaii and more. Includes flights from Sydney, accommodation, daily meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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7-night Pacific Island cruise from $849
Available on travel date 22 May 2021 with P&O Cruises. Package includes accommodation, meals and more.
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7-night Meditereanean cruise from $805
Departing on 1 November 2020 with MSC Grandiosa. Package includes meals, drinks, onboard entertainment and more. T&Cs apply.
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7-night Caribbean and Mexico cruise from $855
Departing on 30 October 2020 with MSC Seaside. Package includes meals, drinks, onboard entertainment and more. T&Cs apply.
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Princess Cruise Lines
Become a Princess Cruises member to receive added benefits
Members can receive discounts, deals, special upgrades on amenities and vacation protection. T&Cs apply.
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Free drinks package with MSC cruises
Available for cruises from February – November 2020. Destinations include Copenhagen, Barcelona, Lisbon, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and more. T&Cs apply.
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Let's Ferry
20% off Blue Star Ferries
Valid in economy class for limited number of tickets on selected routes. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Free upgrade + drinks + bonus OBC on Celebrity Cruises
Available on travel dates from 7 February – 31 December 2020 on select Celebrity Australia and New Zealand cruises. T&Cs apply.
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Nexus Holidays
North America: 16-day cruise with flights + free upgrade to Qantas
Available on select travel dates from May – June 2020. Package includes flights, accommodation, transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
Up to 40% off Azamara cruises
Available on select voyages and travel dates from 14 April 2020 – 21 November 2021. Destinations include Asia, Australia, Indian Ocean, South America, Western Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
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Cudo
Sydney: Christmas lunch or dinner harbour cruise from $69
Valid for travel on select dates in November and December 2019. Upgrade for free-flowing beer, wine, summer cocktails, sparkling wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee, as selected upon purchase. T&Cs apply.
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Uniworld
Up to 30% off worldwide cruises
Valid on select 2020 departures across Asia, Europe, Egypt, Russia and more. T&Cs apply.
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CruiseAway
50% off on 2nd suite
Available on select voyages on SIlversea Cruises from December 2019 to April 2020. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 42% off cruises + free upgrade with Seabourn
Available for cruises on select 2020 dates. Destinations include Rome, Barcelona, Ibiza, Athens, Mykonos and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 50% off on kids on worldwide cruise + $400 OBC
Available on select travel dates with Celebrity Cruises. Destinations include Asia, New Zealand, Pacific, Hawaii, North America and more. T&Cs apply.
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My Cruises
Pay only $200 deposit for cruises
Valid on select 2019 and 2020 cruises. Destinations include Hawaii, Sydney, Barcelona, Dubai, Tokyo, Italy, Greek Isles and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 40% off Miami cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 and 2020. Other destinations include New York, Europe, the Caribbean and more. T&Cs apply.
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P&O Cruises
Up to $200 onboard credit on last-minute cruises
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Moreton Island, Noumea, Hamilton Island, Vanuatu, Brisbane, Sydney and more. Cruises start from $315 per person for 3-night comedy cruises. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 50% off Africa cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019–2021. Includes free meals and drinks in select destinations across Africa. T&Cs apply.
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Cudo
Sydney Harbour Cruise with lunch for $29
Offer valid until 29 February 2020. Voucher valid for 80 minutes with 3-course lunch. T&Cs apply.
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MSC Cruises
Free drinks of up to $1,000 value on worldwide cruises
Valid for travel between January and April 2020. Destinations include the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Grand Voyages and more.
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My Cruises
Up to $4,000 in free extras cruises + flights worldwide
Valid on select 2019 and 2020 dates with MSC, Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, P&O and more. Destinations include Vietnam, Philippines, England and Dubai. Inclusive of additional bonus nights, return flights, onboard meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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U River Cruises
Europe river cruises from $245 per day
Valid for travel on select dates between December 2019 and October 2020. Destinations include Budapest, Regensburg, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Brussels, Vienna and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to $500 OBC with New Zealand and Australia cruises
Valid for travel on select dates with cruises like Carnival, P&O and Royal Caribbean. Destinations include Sydney, Tasmania, Hobart, Vanuatu, Mystery Island, Port Vila and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 46% off Celebrity cruises
Valid for travel on select 2020 dates. Destinations include Mediterranean Sea, Southern Europe, Pacific, Hawaii, Canada, USA East Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Free 2-category cabin upgrade with Azamara Cruises
Valid for travel on select dates in 2020. T&Cs apply.
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Cudo
Sydney: Harbour cruise from $29
Valid for travel on select dates. Includes a three-course lunch. T&Cs apply.
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| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Dec 2019 | Get 12% off Sydney New Year's Eve cruise w/open bar | ******** |
| 28 Nov 2019 | Sydney New Year's Eve cruises from just $150 | ******** |
| 13 Dec 2019 | $1 deposit + up to $450 OBC + extra $100 OBC on P&O cruises | ******** |
| 12 Dec 2019 | Up to 40% off + US$550 OBC with Royal Caribbean | ******** |
| 12 Dec 2019 | Up to 30% off worldwide cruises + free items in extras | ******** |
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