Straight to your inbox
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.
My Cruises
$7,000 bonus value+ low deposit on Mediterranean cruise + flights
Sail date is on 21 March 2021 with Norwegian Cruise Line. Package includes economy flights to Dubai returning from Rome, 22 night cruise, onboard meals, activities and entertainment, and all port taxes and charges.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - Cruises
Mediterranean cruises from just $99 with MSC
Available March-May 2020 in Italy. Sample cruise is a 1-night sample sailing from Genoa. Also book 2-night cruises from $239, 3-night cruises from $339 and 5-night cruises from $694.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - Cruises
Up to $900 off cruises + $200 OBC with Carnival Cruises
Available on select travel dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Pacific, New Caledonia, Australia and New Zealand. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - Cruises
$1 deposits + onboard credit with P&O Cruises
Available on select sailings until December 2020 to Vanuatu, New Zealand, Tasmania, Whitsundays, Fiji and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to $900 off + 50% reduced deposits with Carnival Cruises
Available on select travel from 24 January 2020 - 30 June 2021. Destinations include New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to $3,500 per couple on flight credits, OBCs and upgrades
Available on select dates and voyages when you book a luxury cruise during Wave Season. Sail with Silver Sea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Cunard, Seabourn and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Australia Day sale: Up to 40% off + up to US$550 OBC with Royal Caribbean
Available on select voyages in 2020 and 20201. Destinations include Asia, Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Australia Day sale: Up to 50% off + $10 deposit with Regent cruises
Available on select travel dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include South America, Pacific, Australia, Asia, Alaska, Africa and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Save up to $900 + 50% off deposit with Carnival cruises
Available on select cruises from 6 January 2020 - 30 June 2021. Destinations include Australia Pacific, New Zealand, and South Pacific. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Exclusive cruise tours + flights from $1,699
Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Asia, Pacific, Mediterranean, Alaska, West Canada, North America, Middle East and more. Sample rate is for a 12 night cruise in China with Yangtze Cruise Line.
Last verified
Deal ends
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.
Last verified
Flight Centre - Cruises
Princess Cruise sale: Worldwide cruise from $1,139
Available on select travel dates from February - November 2020. Destinations include Australia, Pacific, Japan, Mediterranean, North America and more. Sample fare is for a 6-night Southern Australia cruise. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - Cruises
Summer sale: Free WiFi + drinks + OBCs and reduced deposits
Available on select travel dates in 2020 with P&O Cruises, Princess Cruise and Carnival Cruises. Destinations include New Zealand, Solomon Sea Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Hokkaido and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
My Fast Ferry
Australia Day cruise from $49
Available on 26 January 2020 with Ferrython Cruise. BYO food and drink is allowed.
Last verified
Deal ends
My Cruises
20 night cruise + flights + 2 bonus nights & $6000 bonus value
Sail date is on 1 March 2021 with Norwegian Cruise Line. Package includes accommodation, return economy flights, on board meals and more. Destination includes Africa, Mauritius & Seychelles.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 48% off + 10% reduced deposits with Regent
Available on select voyages in 2020 - 2021. Destinations include Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, South America, Africa and the South Pacific. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
$1 deposit + up to $450 OBC on P&O cruises
Available on select travel dates from February – November 2020. Destinations include Australia, Pacific, New Zealand, Asia and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 47% off last-minute deals
Available on select voyages departing until 29 February 2020. Destinations include Australia, Pacific, Asia, Indian Ocean, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and more.
Last verified
CruiseAway
Up to 45% off + free upgrade + up to US$500 OBC with Holland America
Available on select voyages in 2020. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
My Cruises
$99 deposit + up to $8,000 bonus value
Available on select 2020 - 2021 voyages with Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Celebrity Cruises. Destinations include Hawaii, New Zealand, South Pacific, Caribbean, Europe and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
CruiseAway
Up to 49% off + free upgrade + OBC + internet with Seabourn
Available for select cruises on 2020-2021. Destinations include North America, Alaska, West Canada, Mediterranean Sea, Middle East, Red Sea, Asia and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 40% off + US$400 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.
Last verified
Deal ends
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.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cruise Direct
Europe 7-night cruises from US$318 with Costa
Available for travel on February - December 2020. Package includes accommodation, onboard meals, port charges and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Cruise Direct
Up to 60% off 2nd guest + kids sail free with Royal Caribbean
Available for travel on February - December 2020. Package includes accommodation, onboard meals, port charges, kids club and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - Cruises
Up to 25% off Antarctica cruise
Available on select travel dates in 2021 and 2022 with Intrepid and Peregrine. Package includes onboard meals, services of experienced leaders with expert knowledge in marine biology, glaciology and history and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to 25% off with Oceania Cruises
Available on select voyages from May - December 2020. Destinations include Australia, Pacific, Mediterranean, Europe, North America and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Cruise Direct
11-night Europe cruises from US$599 + free drinks and WiFi @Sea on MSC
Available for travel from February - December 2020. Package include accommodation, onboard meals, entertainment and activities onboard and more. T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
My Cruises
Fiji Island cruise with 1 bonus night including $2,000 bonus value + flights
Sail date is on 30 October 2020 with Blue Lagoon Cruises. Package includes return flights to Nadi, 7 nights cruise, on board meals, scheduled excursions and activities, and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
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.
Last verified
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.
Last verified
Flight Centre - Cruises
$1 deposit + bonus savings + OBC on cruises
Available on select travel dates with Carnival Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruise and Holland America Line. Destinations include Pacific, New Zealand, Mediterranean, Hong Kong and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - Cruises
Australian Open Tennis cruises with P&O Cruises
Available on sail dates departing from 16 - 20 January 2021. Destinations include Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Last verified
Deal ends
Nexus Holidays
Up to $800 off 16-day Europe cruise with flights
Available on select travel dates from May - August 2020. Package includes accommodation, flights, meals, transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Nexus Holidays
16-day Canada and Alaska cruises + flights from $4,499
Valid for travel on select dates from May - August 2020 with Celebrity Solstice. Package includes airfare, cruise and hotel accommodation, transfers, onboard meals, tour guide and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Destination International
8 days Egypt Nile River cruise from $899
Available on select dates from February - June 2020. Package include 5-star Nile river cruise, accommodation, on board meals, transfers and guide. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Destination International
10 nights South Pacific cruise from $999
Available sail date is 23 March 2020 with Royal Caribbean to New Caledonia and New Zealand. Package include cruise accommodation and on board meals.
Last verified
Deal ends
CruiseAway
Up to US$2,000 OBC with Norwegian Cruise Line
Available on select cruises departing from 15 April 2020 onward. Destinations include Caribbean, Asia, Pacific, North America, Hawaii and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
P&O Cruises
Last minute Australia cruises from $349
Available for cruises on select 2020 dates. Destinations include Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Kangaroo Island, Noumea and more. Sample price is for a 3-night cruise aboard Pacific Explorer. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Nexus Holidays
Singapore & China 22-day cruise with tours and flights from $2,499
Departure date on 29 April 2020 with Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Sea. Package includes airfare, accommodation, meals, airport and hotel transfers, high-speed bullet train from Beijing to Suzhou and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Jan 2020 | $7,000 bonus value+ low deposit on Mediterranean cruise + flights | ******** |
| 16 Jan 2020 | Mediterranean cruises from just $99 with MSC | ******** |
| 15 Jan 2020 | Up to $900 off cruises + $200 OBC with Carnival Cruises | ******** |
| 15 Jan 2020 | $1 deposits + onboard credit with P&O Cruises | ******** |
| 24 Jan 2020 | Up to $900 off + 50% reduced deposits with Carnival Cruises | ******** |
Latest sales from P&O, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and more.
Get the best weather and the best price with these tips.
Compare top luxury liners for your river cruise.
Make sure you're covered and compare your options before you set sail.
