alaska cruises for handicapped seniors
There are six wheelchair-adapted cabins on Deck 8 (two balcony suites, four with picture window) and three interior cabins on Deck 9. AmaWaterways African safari cruise tours have also been added to its European river cruise roster, as have cruise tours on the Nile and in Asia. Explore Glacier Bay, Alaska Alaska Up Close Deepen your connection to this incredible land with our exclusive Alaska cruise programming. Royal Caribbean International is a leader in providing disabilities-friendly ships that can accommodate those with special needs. Trivia takes place at all hours, and HAL has onboard partnerships with BBC Earth, Lincoln Center, B.B. Accommodation details for the new Spirit of Discovery have not yet been released, but we do know that all 540 cabins have a private balcony and there will be wheelchair-accessibility across most grades. You'll also find resident historians that give lectures that relate to Viking's ocean itineraries. . Spouses/dependents do not qualify for Alaska cruise discounts for military and . Hop on board a senior-oriented tour through Alaska Adventure Unlimited. Reduced hours for some holidays. Silversea is famed for its personalized treatment, and more open itineraries. LEARN MORE Denali Exclusives Royal Caribbean offers a variety of options for seniors who want to see some of the Last Frontiers most beautiful scenery. New Directions is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization providing high quality national, and international travel vacations and holiday programs for people with developmental disabilities. Fuel supplement may apply. There may be local culinary experiences like a lobster bake while on American Cruise Lines coastal New England cruise, or a Cajun cooking demonstration on Mississippi River cruises. For the hard-of-hearing, there's a hearing loop facility at Southampton cruise terminals and at the reception desks on each ship, as well as an 'infra-red' hearing support system in some of the show lounges. On your cruise to Alaska, you can explore the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park and all Alaska has to offer. Viking River Cruises Accessibility. Today, travelers come in search of other riches - to experience yesteryear along Skagway's charming boardwalk lined with buildings that . Knowing that the specifics of physical access are particularly important for travelers with limited mobility, Alaska Tour & Travel reservation agents are available to answer questions and help plan an inclusive and bucket-list-worthy travel package. > Alaska. Youll enjoy a huge HD television in your cabin, as well as a balcony, mini bar, and a bathroom with a warm heated floor. Visitors with physical limitations can discover the town's rich history aboard an authentic sternwheeler on a fully narrated three-hour river cruise. If you require the regular use of a wheelchair during the cruise, you would need to bring your own or rent one from a service provider. Silversea cruises are all-inclusive senior-friendly cruises at their best. These include Prince William Sound Flightseeing from Anchorage (requires getting in and out of a small plane), Turnagain Arm Tour (requires stepping in and out of a van, limited walking), and the Chinitna Bay National Park Bear Viewing Flight from Anchorage (requires getting in and out of a plane, limited walking on slightly uneven terrain). Tauck also often includes pre- and post-cruise trips within its fare with logistics covered. Ship was in good shape, staff was excellent, food ok, entertainment ok with a couple of excellent people. All links to Amazon should be considered affiliate links and the owner will receive a commission for each item purchased. If you need to hire any equipment, call the cruise line -- items like shower chairs and raised toilet seats can be provided, or larger items that meet the requirements of the International Maritime Organisation can be hired via Mobility at Sea (mobilityatsea.co.uk), which, incidentally, works with all the major cruise lines. If you're looking for a traditional, British cruise experience, aimed at more mature passengers, with comfortable rather than ultra-modern ships, and some imaginative itineraries, Fred. You can choose an all-inclusive option, you wont have to worry about money and can instead simply focus on the vacation. Queen Mary 2, meanwhile, has 15 ocean-view single-occupancy cabins. Exclusive savings for Seniors, age 55 and older check the calendar below to find Carnival's best Senior fares, by date, for any stateroom type, departure port or destination. Then select the date for . On board, you'll find beautifully appointed accessible staterooms and public spaces on our easy-to-navigate cruise ships. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Please view our. And while it is still a remote, and oftentimes, wild place to visit, our tourism infrastructure has grown to accommodate travelers with mobility limitations. You wont have to leave the ship to see spectacular sights. Wi-Fi is complimentary, and each ship has several libraries and chart rooms for browsing. During dinner hours, you can order meals from the dining room directly to your suite through room service. The onboard pharmacy does not have the ability to fill prescriptions, so make sure to bring a sufficient supply of your medication and place it in your carry-on luggage so that youll have access to it as soon as you board. It marks the entrance to Denali National Park and is host to most activities both outside and within the park. Accessible cabins on Black Watch have a small lip in the shower, to keep the water in, which may be challenging to a wheelchair user. Personalize your cruise experience with tasty Drink Packages, delicious Specialty Restaurants, exciting Excursions, pampering Spa Treatments and Internet Packages to share your adventures. There are not only accessible accommodations on offer but also accessible excursions! Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The same applies to destinations like Greenland and Iceland, South America, and the South Pacific. Each year we serve over 600 teenagers, adults and seniors who have brain impairments such. You may also combine a cruise with a ground trip to explore more of the area, from wildlife such as eagles and bears to learning about the gold rushs history. Seniors who like the arts and the finer things in life may enjoy a cruise to Alaska on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. Azamara Club Cruises has been named one of the top cruise lines for seniors, and one of the reasons for this honor is that they provide senior discounts. Find a Cruise; Mississippi River Cruises; Ketchikan Pub Crawl This tour is rated 'easy' in regards to activity level but guests must be able to walk (or wheelchair) over the course . Treat yourself to a magnificent trip aboard this ship, which has a guest-to-staff ratio of 684 to 400, guaranteeing that you are pampered to your hearts content. Youll appreciate learning about Alaskas rich history and Native traditions, feasting on some of the best Alaskan seafood, and visiting places you never thought youd see! All access to the quayside is by a narrow, stepped gangway. Scooters up to 56cm wide will only be allowed in cabins suitable for non-collapsible wheelchairs and scooters, while larger scooters will only be allowed in fully adapted cabins. All wheelchairs and scooters will have to be stored in cabins, rather than left in corridors, and no storage will be provided onboard anywhere else for mobility devices. Celebrity Cruises does not have the ability to administer hemodialysis treatments or provide assistance for dialysis treatments needed while on board. Overall we had a good cruise but I think all the cruise lines have some work to do to earn back the loyalty of their customers. Fairbanks, Alaska's "Golden Heart City," is the last stop on the northbound Alaska Railroad. CMV recommends Mobility at Sea as a supplier of equipment for disabled passengers, but includes a fairly strongly-worded warning on its website that older ships can be challenging for wheelchair users and passengers with other disabilities. Destinations are both popular and exotic, ranging from Alaska to the Mediterranean and Iceland. The line earns top ratings from websites like Special Needs at Sea, ensuring they provide an enjoyable experience for all passengers. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. The line does warn, however, that its wheelchair accessible cabins are adapted from the original specification, rather than purpose-built, so depending on your needs, ask very specific questions when you book. You can take your time drifting on the Rhine through the Black Forest in Germany or pass castles on the Danube River in Austria. Alaska Tour & Travel uses cookies to track your trip selections and favorites. As the states largest, Alaska is known for its natural beauty. Monday - Sunday: 8am - 5pm HST. "Oh, mother nature now you're just showing off.". Maybe we just expected to much. There are wildlife/glacier cruises (Kenai Fjords) from Seward, about 125 miles south of Anchorage. On Braemar, the adapted rooms are very small for a passenger who is completely wheelchair bound. Even a year or more in advance is great, especially for cruises to Alaska. Contact us to find out more information on the oxygen storage requirements of each ship, since our policies differ depending on the ship. To ensure that your cruise experience is perfect from beginning to end, youll get help with transportation from the airport to the pier, during boarding, and when departing the ship for cruise excursions. You can customize your Alaskan experience by taking interesting excursions like the flightseeing safari in Anchorage. Brilliance Of The Seas 7 NT ALASKA GLACIER EXPERIENCE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Apr 2023 - Apr 2023) Norwegian Spirit 16 Night Alaska - Other (HNL/VAN) Departing From Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii (Apr 2023 - Apr 2024) Eurodam 7-day Alaskan Explorer Departing From Seattle, Washington (Apr 2023 - May 2023) Magellan only has one and Marco Polo, two. There's a planetarium onboard, with star shows three times a day. Wheelchair accessible toilets are on Deck 10, by the Avon restaurants, and Deck 7, by the Neptune Lounge. The Alaska Railroad provides wheelchair lifts at all stations. Alternatively, cruisers can bring their own wheelchairs or scooters onboard. Viking Cruises Viking Cruise Lines is a privately held company. Cruises for seniors arent that different from cruises for younger generations. Oh, and like everyone else, seniors want cruise deals. Norwegian also has specific employees that assist seniors and other travelers who require special assistance. P&O Cruises' homeport is Southampton, so there are year-round departures from here, as well as a comprehensive fly-cruise programme. For seniors cruising solo, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria each have nine midship single-occupancy cabins; eight are ocean-view cabins, while the ninth is a standard inside cabin. All of Celebritys luxurious cruise ships have accessible staterooms, and each is specially designed for travelers with disabilities. The ships are easy to get around, and typically do not have many young children (although Holland America Alaska cruises attract multi-generational families cruising together). For those with a disability, cruises offer a hassle-free and relaxing way to enjoy a far-flung holiday. From a Princess cruise ship, youll be able to see everything from massive glaciers to wildlife, whether youre lounging on the deck or relaxing in your beautiful suite. All four ships have different configurations, too. CRUISE DEALS FOR SENIORS. Since I spent a good portion of my childhood living in The Last Frontier, I, There are so many destinations when it comes to Alaskan travel, but one that seems to be at the top of many peoples lists is Anchorage. Culinary experiences include a partnership with America's Test Kitchen, up to five specialty dining venues, and on three ships you'll find innovative BLEND by Chateau Ste. With advance notice, the tour operators can provide a manual wheelchair for use onboard as well as for assistance boarding. And Princess' Midnight Sun Express railcars offer wheelchair. Regent. P&O City Breaks - UK & Mini Cruises UK Full board City Breaks, Countryside Cruise liner Regents newest ships, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur are well known for their extravagant and massive Regent Suites. As one of the most disability-friendly lines in the industry, accessible staterooms are available on all Holland America cruise ships. Program? Cruise Critic is not responsible for content on external web sites. Oriana, an older ship, only has eight, all on F Deck, with a window but no balcony. Although I like Victoria, some of the cruise ship stops are at bad times. Viking River Cruises is a top recommended river cruise line for accessible travel. Most cruises depart from U.K. ports, although fly-cruises are also offered. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Terrific itinerary and amazing service on NCL Jewel. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. View All Deals. (The transpacific crossing in this review heading was actually the following week from 10/2 to?? There are only a limited number of accessible rooms on board, so its always a good idea to book early and fill out the required special needs form or when you book with one of our vacation specialists. Mechanical issues caused us to leave in the middle of the night causing us to miss Icy Strait Point, our whale watching port. The Alaska line is considered their crown jewel. Dinner off the ship might be held at a Michelin-starred restaurant in a vineyard. Can they easily take a shower? Guests are strongly encouraged to advise their agents of any accessibility requirements prior to booking so we can work with Viking to determine if reasonable . Valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on airfare or extensions, and may not be combinable with other offers. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. No prices currently available for this sailing. This is what Earth must have looked like before the human footprint. Throughout the ship, youll find wide corridors that can accommodate wheelchairs and power scooters, conveniently located elevators, and power doors on Solstice-class and Edge-series ships. This website is a participant in the Amazon Associates affiliate program. Columbus, the flagship has six wheelchair-adapted cabins. Passengers who are heavily reliant on the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooter may be severely restricted in embarking and disembarking at ports of call because Adonia doesn't have a low-level ramped gangway. Wheelchair-accessible cabins book up very quickly so please always book in advance. The $750 deal expired. One of the most luxurious cruise lines available, Holland America goes above and beyond to show its guests a great time. Discover all the arctic allure and outdoor adventure of Alaska! Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of 4th March 2023. Regent Seven Seas Cruises' five all-suite ships travel to more than 450 destinations around the globe and boast the world's most inclusive cruise experience. But we had really hoped to learn more about Alaska: its native culture, industry, and current issues and were disappointed that Royal Caribbean had nothing at all on board, either live or on the tv, for us to learn more. Here is our pick of the best. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Celebrity ships are updated and stylish, with spacious accommodations and a variety of dining options, such as the Grand pernay Restaurant. American Queen Voyages, formerly American Queen Steamboat Company, now includes coastal ships formerly sailing under the brand of Victory Cruise Lines. Not only are there accessible staterooms, but there are even accessible excursions! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Cruise Classes: 21 Things You Can Learn on Your Next Cruise, Viking Explorer Society Cruise Loyalty Program, What Lines Are Doing With Next-Gen Cruise Technology, 12 Things You Don't Need to Take on a Cruise, Sail Here, Not There: Avoiding Overtourism in Cruise Ports, 8 Reasons to Cruise on a Refurbished Ship, How to Navigate the Airport on Cruise Turnaround Day, The Pros and Cons of a Port-Intensive Cruise, Senior couple on a cruise (Photo: The Art of Pics/Shutterstock.com), The Owner's Suite's Living Room on Silver Muse (Photo: Cruise Critic), Compass Rose on Seven Seas Navigator (Photo: Cruise Critic), Tauck ms Emerald (Photo: Tauck River Cruises), American Duchess (Photo: American Queen Steamboat Company), Main Dining Room on American Constellation (Photo: American Cruise Lines). You will be cared for off the ship just as well as you are on the ship since Royal Caribbean tours are guided by a local Adventure Specialists. Our partners who list cruise pricing on Cruise Critic are required to provide prices for cruise only or cruise packages, per person, double occupancy, and are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. Top Accessible Cruise Vacations from Rome. Combine your Alaska cruise with an enriching multi-night escorted land tour. Off-boat excursions can also fill your days! Celebrity Cruises not only offers stellar trips to Alaska, but seniors with special needs will love the fact that this cruise line has been awarded for taking care of its special needs passengers. Call us at 1-888-441-7575 or book online. Get up and go glacier-gazing . The river cruise ships in particular lean toward the luxury end of the spectrum, with drinks, Wi-Fi, transfers, excursions and gratuities included in the fare. On Braemar and Balmoral, collapsible scooters will be permitted in most cabins, while non-collapsible scooters will only be allowed in fully adapted cabins, or depending on the size of the scooter, cabins suitable for non-collapsible wheelchairs. While the Queen Mary 2 specializes in crossings between New York and Southampton, the other two ships in the fleet bring the line's British flavor to other regions of the world. You can travel 30 miles on the Natural History Bus Tour, 62 miles on the Tundra Wilderness. Whether youre admiring the green hills of Ireland, getting up close to koalas and kangaroos down under in Australia, seeing the magnificent mountains and glaciers of Alaska, exploring the temples of busy Hong Kong, or unwinding on the white-sand beaches of a sunny Caribbean Island, youll sail to your destination on one of our luxury ships with fully-equipped and thoughtfully designed accessible features for seniors with disabilities. On the rivers, Tauck guides will even give passengers euros for lunch. Passengers are allowed to bring on their own equipment but it must be approved by the cruise line in advance. Many visitors opt to experience the park's coastal fjords, tidewater glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife aboard a day cruise. American Cruise Lines sails two types of riverboats -- traditional and modern -- as well as coastal cruise ships. Senior cruisers want a memorable experience with cultural enrichment, sophisticated dining, a bit of low-impact adventure and bucket list destinations. Everyone on board enjoyed VIP service from the friendly, attentive crew. Shore excursions focus on historical sites, battlefields and museums, as well as natural wonders. Black Watch, being an older ship, has steps on the pool deck, but there are ramps for wheelchair users. We are regular cruisers and for our cruise to Alaska we felt we would benefit more from the small ship experience. Fred. Why Regent Seven Seas Is Great for Seniors: Regent offers a true luxury experience, with personalized service, the convenience of all-inclusive pricing and a high ratio of staff members to passengers to increase the pampering factor. There are rails to assist with use of the toilet and fixed seats in the showers. Cabins with sunrooms and windows that lower for fresh air, as opposed to balconies, mean that senior cruisers can stay cozy, even in chilly conditions.