Can I Take a Power Chair on a Cruise?

Cruises offer one of the best ways to see the world. You can explore multiple destinations (without the hassle of changing hotels), enjoy on-ship entertainment, activities, and dining, and benefit from easy trip planning. A cruise is the perfect way to get out and explore with a Travel Buggy.

Many cruise lines provide additional accessibility services for those with mobility challenges, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about bringing your power chair on board!

Cruising with a Power Chair

Pre-Cruise Preparation

Before booking your cruise, spend some time researching accessible cruise lines. Certain cruise ships, especially larger ones, are designed for accessibility with larger hallways and spaces. Knowing which cruise lines will work for an electric wheelchair can make your trip much more enjoyable.

Once you’ve decided on a cruise line, make sure to book an accessible cabin. Look for roll-in showers, grab bars, wide doorways, and enough space in the room. Accessible cabins can vary in size, so ensure that there is enough space when booking. Bear in mind that cruise ships have limited accessible cabins, so it is best to book as early as possible to ensure you get a room that works for your wheelchair.

Finally, ensure you have all your medical documentation and prescriptions with you before you leave for your cruise. Keep these, along with other important documents, such as your passport, with you. Having this information nearby can be useful in case of any health complications while traveling. Most cruise lines will have an accommodations form or contact available on their website—use this to inform the cruise line of any specific medical needs or other accommodations prior to your trip.

Boarding a Cruise with an Electric Wheelchair

It’s finally departure day! Be sure to arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure a straightforward boarding process. Most cruise lines will have special assistance available to help your boarding go smoothly. Waiting to board and boarding a cruise ship can involve a lot of walking and standing in lines.

Priority boarding is regularly available for passengers with mobility needs. This can ensure your trip gets off to a good start by alleviating the stress of boarding. When booking, make sure your suite includes priority boarding.

Onboard Accessibility

Locate elevators, ramps, and accessible routes on the ship as soon as possible. Use a map or explore the ship so you know how to get around!

When booking, make sure restaurants and dining areas are accessible. Inform staff of dietary restrictions, seating preferences, and other things that will make your dining experience positive.

 

 

 

 

Along with food services, verify that there are accessible activities and entertainment venues onboard. Pay attention to who the activities of each cruise are targeted towards. Some cruises are designed for families, others for young couples or for seniors. The cruise's target audience plays a big role in the kinds of activities offered.

Shore Excursions in a Power Chair

Cruise ships often stop for travelers to explore the destinations off-ship. Researching and booking excursions that are suited to wheelchair users is the best way to make use of this time. Look into what is offered by your cruise, as well as what activities you will need to book on your own.

Transportation can be a tricky piece of shore adventures. Contact your cruise line to see what transportation is available and to get details on the accessibility of on-shore transportation and activities. Lightweight, folding wheelchairs are incredible for cruises because they are easy to bring on and off the ship as needed.

Safety Tips

It is always beneficial to familiarize yourself with the ship’s emergency protocols. Furthermore, make sure you know wheelchair-accessible evacuation routes, especially if they are different from the main evacuation routes.

Nothing can ruin a day quite like running out of batteries in the middle of the day. To prevent this, make sure you keep your chair charged. Before arriving for the cruise, ask how to charge your power chair on the ship.

Keep contact information handy, including contacts for the ship’s medical staff and your emergency contacts. In case of an emergency, these are helpful to have with you.

Tips from Experienced Travelers with Disabilities

There are so many online communities, forums, and experts with many more tips to share about traveling with a wheelchair. Seeking advice from community forums, such as Reddit, and reading blogs from travel experts can really help you feel prepared for your cruise.

Once you have gone on a cruise, you can add your feedback, stories, and experiences to these forums to encourage others to go on a cruise.

Cruising is a great option for traveling and seeing the world again, especially for wheelchair users. With some preparation and planning, research into boarding accessibility and off-ship adventures, and knowledge about basic safety and what has worked well for others, you are prepared for a great cruise!

Visit our website for more information on our travel-friendly power chairs and accessories. Remember to share this blog with others, and get ready to see the world again with Travel Buggy!