Cruising with mobility needs requires advance planning and an understanding of how accessibility varies by cruise line, ship, itinerary, and port. While many cruise lines offer accessible staterooms and onboard features, accessibility is not standardized, and ADA regulations do not apply outside of the United States.
Below is a practical overview of accessibility offerings by major cruise line. I use this information to help travelers choose the right ship, stateroom, and itinerary based on their specific mobility needs.
Accessibility Department: (866) 592-7225
After booking: Guest Special Needs form required
Royal Caribbean is widely considered one of the most accessible cruise lines, particularly for full-time wheelchair and scooter users. Accessibility features are generally consistent across the fleet.
Early boarding, boarding and departure assistance, and accessible cruise transfers with lifts or ramps may be requested. Ships include at least one pool and one whirlpool with a lift, accessible casino tables, and an accessible Guest Relations desk.
Accessible staterooms range from approximately 159–298 square feet and include a five-foot turning radius in sleeping, bathroom, and sitting areas. Doorways are typically 32–34 inches wide with no raised entry threshold. Features include lowered closet rods, raised toilets (17–19 inches), and commode chairs available upon request.
Ships feature wide corridors, elevators and ramps throughout, gradual inclines into public spaces, and automatic public doors on most ships.
The private island offers paved wheelchair-accessible pathways, accessible tram service, and beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. Key accessible features include:
Oasis Lagoon pool with two pool lifts and a sloped entry
Thrill Waterpark wave pool with a sloped entry
Captain Jill’s Galleon with a wheelchair lift
Coco Beach Club with pool lift, ramps, lowered bar counters, accessible restrooms, and accessible cabana routes
Accessible shore excursions are limited and must be requested at least 10 business days before sailing. Mobility device details are required, and full-time wheelchair users must travel with an able-bodied companion. Crew members cannot lift guests or equipment.
Best for: Strong onboard accessibility and an accessible private island experience.
Accessibility Department: 1-800-438-6744 ext. 70025
After booking: Guest Special Needs form required
Carnival offers accessible staterooms across its fleet, though accessibility varies by ship. Understanding stateroom categories is important when booking.
Most ships offer accessible routes in public areas and dining venues. Raised door thresholds are common, and some elevators may be narrow or located near staircases.
Fully Accessible Cabins (FAC): Designed for wheelchair or scooter users
FAC – Single Side Approach (FAC-SSA): Accessible space on one side of the bed or between two beds
Ambulatory Accessible Cabins (AAC): Intended for guests using canes or walkers; may include steps into bathrooms or balconies
Carnival Liberty and Carnival Glory do not have built-in shower seats; shower stools are available upon request.
Scooters must fit through stateroom doors. Oversized devices may be denied boarding if accommodations cannot be made. Approved battery types are required; removable batteries are recommended.
Wheelchair assistance at embarkation is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some ports require water shuttles. Pool lifts are available on select ships, including Mardi Gras, Vista, Horizon, and Panorama.
Best for: Travelers comfortable with some physical limitations who book early and understand stateroom types.
Accessibility Department: 1-877-794-8567
After booking: Guest Special Needs form required
Norwegian offers accessible staterooms across its fleet and access to an Accessibility Coordinator.
Accessible staterooms typically include wider doorways, grab bars, and accessible routes, though layouts vary by ship. Shore accessibility depends on destination and may involve tendering or uneven terrain.
Best for: Travelers who want flexibility and planning support.
Accessibility Department: 954-628-9708
After booking: Guest Special Needs form required
Celebrity provides accessibility accommodations within a more upscale onboard environment.
Priority boarding is often available. Devices up to 23 inches wide fit standard stateroom doors; devices up to 32 inches wide fit accessible staterooms. Accessible staterooms may include roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered sinks, raised toilets, and a five-foot turning radius.
Tendering may require steps and a collapsible manual wheelchair. Power wheelchairs and scooters are permitted only when roll-on access is available. Shore excursion accessibility assistance is available via shorexaccess@celebrity.com.
Best for: Travelers comfortable with advance planning and potential tender limitations.
Accessible cruising works best when details are handled correctly upfront. Choosing the right ship, confirming stateroom features, and understanding port limitations can prevent issues later.
If you’d like help selecting the best cruise line, stateroom, or itinerary for your mobility needs—and making sure accessibility requests are handled correctly—I can assist with planning and booking.