Everything You Need to Know About Wheelchair Accessible Cruising

If you're a wheelchair user who loves to travel, cruising is a great way to see the world. However, planning a wheelchair accessible cruise can be a bit more challenging than planning a regular cruise. Here's everything you need to know to make your next cruise a success.

Choosing a Cruise Line

Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to accessibility. Some cruise lines have a better reputation for accommodating wheelchair users than others. When choosing a cruise line, be sure to do your research and read reviews from other wheelchair users.

Some of the most wheelchair-accessible cruise lines include:

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Norwegian
• Holland America
• Princess

Choosing a Ship

Once you've chosen a cruise line, you'll need to choose a ship. Not all ships are created equal when it comes to accessibility. Some ships have more accessible cabins, while others have more accessible public areas. When choosing a ship, be sure to contact the cruise line and ask about the accessibility features of the ship you're interested in.

Booking Your Cruise

When booking your cruise, be sure to let the cruise line know that you're a wheelchair user. This will help them to make sure that you're booked in an accessible cabin and that you're provided with the necessary accommodations.

When booking your cruise, you'll also need to book your shore excursions. Be sure to let the shore excursion operator know that you're a wheelchair user. This will help them to make sure that you're able to participate in the excursion.

Packing for Your Cruise

When packing for your cruise, be sure to pack everything you need to make your trip comfortable. This includes:

• A wheelchair
• A wheelchair cushion
• A wheelchair bag
• A portable ramp
• A shower chair
• A toilet seat riser
• A grab bar

Getting to the Ship

On the day of your cruise, you'll need to arrive at the port early to allow for extra time to get on the ship. When you arrive at the port, you'll need to go to the designated wheelchair accessible entrance. The staff at the port will help you to get on the ship and to your cabin.

Onboard the Ship

Once you're on the ship, you'll be able to enjoy all of the amenities that the ship has to offer. Most ships have accessible pools, restaurants, bars, and theaters. You'll also be able to participate in most of the ship's activities.

If you need any assistance while you're on the ship, don't hesitate to ask a crew member. The crew members are trained to help wheelchair users and they will be happy to assist you with anything you need.

Disembarking the Ship

On the day of your disembarkation, you'll need to follow the same procedure that you did when you got on the ship. You'll need to go to the designated wheelchair accessible exit and the staff at the port will help you to get off the ship and to your transportation.

Tips for Wheelchair Accessible Cruising

Here are a few tips for wheelchair accessible cruising:

• Book your cruise early to get the best selection of accessible cabins.
• Contact the cruise line and shore excursion operators in advance to make sure that they can accommodate your needs.
• Pack everything you need to make your trip comfortable.
• Arrive at the port early to allow for extra time to get on the ship.
• Don't hesitate to ask a crew member for assistance if you need it.

Wheelchair accessible cruising is a great way to see the world. By following these tips, you can make your next cruise a success.