Travel options for all

The cruise industry and various partner organizations have done much over the years to ensure accessible travel. Its not 100% yet, but the industry continues to improve with options for more of us to still enjoy travel. Below are several things you may consider to enhance or even may possible your travel.

A variety of mobility aids are available as rental equipment. 

Wheelchairs can be pushed or self-propelled. They are often collapsible, and most will fit through standard cabin doors.

Transport/Companion Chairs cannot be self-propelled. These can be used by individuals who either cannot walk or have a great deal of difficulty in walking.

Scooters are availabe in 3-4 wheel models and are a popular option for those who cannot walk long distances or simply have trouble keeping up. (Bariatric chairs require an accessible cabin.)

Power Chairs are operated using a joystick but are only recommended for those who have used one prior. They do require use of an accessible cabin.

Walkers and Rollators can add stability and provide added confidence. Rollators can be used to provide temporary seat for short rests, but should not be used in place of a wheelchair.

Patient Lifts (6 point) enable an individual to be lifted and and transferred. Clients are required to provide their own lings or chains when renting this option.

Portable oxygen concentrators (pos), cylinders and liquid oxygen may also be rented. This rental equipment does require a medical prescription.

Most US cruise lines will provide sign language interpreters, large print and braille options. Portable room kits, visual/tactile alerts and TTY devices, amplification devices and more, can be requested for your accessible travel needs.

Hearing-loss friendly cruise lines include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Holland America and Carnival. 

Dialysis  aboard cruise ships  requires additional  planning but it does not take travel off the table! DialysisatSea.com works to make accessible travel. They coordinate with Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Celebrity Cruise lines  to provide  hemodialysis treatments for those wishing to  travel to Europe, Asia,  Australia and the Americas. MSC may have some routes where treatment is available. 

For patients requiring peritoneal dialysis, few cruise lines are equipped to support their needs at the ship's medical centers. However, cruisers can arrange for and bring their equipment and medicines on board with them on Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Holland American, Norwegian and Princess.

As always, consult your nephrologist prior to booking travel.