Depending on the ship, specialty restaurants include the French fare at Le Dame by Relais & Chateaux; Indochine and Seishin, serving Asian-inspired cuisine; or La Terrazza, honoring the Italian heritage of the family-owned cruise line. American Cruise Lines sails two types of riverboats -- traditional and modern -- as well as coastal cruise ships. Visit exclusive locations that were the recipients of the New Testament letters. Regent is our favourite cruise line and we chose this cruise to coincide with the celebration (a year late due to Covid) of our Golden Wedding Anniversary.Having flown into Calgary we stayed over before transferring to the Rimrock Hotel enjoying a day in the Banff national park before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer for a two day journey from Banff to Vancouver prior to our Alaskan cruise. They can help you rent wheelchairs and scooters to get on and off the ship, as well as provide accessible accommodations if you let them know your needs ahead of time. Contact us to find out more information on our policies and procedures regarding dialysis on board. Moved to worse cabin location at the very aft of the ship. Olsen recommends Boudicca as the most wheelchair-friendly of its ships, as the adapted cabins are larger. 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. However, we found the standard of the food to be dissapointing, the main difference in mainline cruises and, Cruises for the Disabled Cruise Reviews to Alaska on Other Cruise Ships. Ship was in good shape, staff was excellent, food ok, entertainment ok with a couple of excellent people. Advantages of booking early include having the choice of cabin grades, low deposits and much more. (Photo by Teddy Sczudlo/Getty Images) Disney. Heavy rocking and vibrations. The ships pharmacy is stocked with basic medications, including seasickness medicine, aspirin, and other common remedies. CRUISE DEALS FOR SENIORS. Traveling to this city, Accounting for two-thirds of Americas national parklands, Alaska offers natures beauty in her truest form. 3900 Arctic Blvd, Ste 304 Tauck river cruises are just one part of a travel company that made its name in land tours. Youll also get assistance from ship to shore, making the boarding experience as easy and comfortable as possible for seniors with disabilities. Dinner off the ship might be held at a Michelin-starred restaurant in a vineyard. Fairbanks, Alaska's "Golden Heart City," is the last stop on the northbound Alaska Railroad. Silversea was known for its expedition-style cruises before it even had a true purpose-built expedition ship (Silver Explorer). The line targets well-traveled adults 50 years of age and older who are interested in history, art, science, local culture and cuisine. Our fax number is ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE On your cruise to Alaska, you can explore the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park and all Alaska has to offer. Imagine an alpine frontier, where jagged peaks descend to cool, clear waters. Because seating needs to be reconfigured, travelers should notify the Park Connection at least 48 hours in advance if wheelchair accessibility is required. Disabled Holidays The all-inclusive costs allow you to relax and enjoy your journey. A cruise is an excellent way to visit the Last Frontier. Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Valdez, Seward, Kenai Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Regions Western USA, Alaska Travel Style Family, Group +4 more Operated in English Operator Trafalgar -10% Tour length 10 days Price per day $382 From $4,239 US $3,815 You save: $423 Download Brochure View tour View Map Explorer Grand Alaskan Adventure They offer lots of different deals and specials, such as creating a land and sea trip like this 10-day cruise with rail service to Denali National Park. Seeing three glaciers up close was just great! In order to use some future cruise credits (before they expire) we booked the 14-Day Great Alaskan Explorer, Noordam Neptune Suite 7088. Bigger room and balcony, but all the suites on the 11th floor are the noisiest on the whole ship! Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Summer cruises to Alaska are great for a memory-making multigenerational vacation when the kids are out of school and parents can use up their vacation days. Enjoy the perks of traveling on a cruise ship for guests with disabilities. If you would like to have a wheelchair or scooter during the cruise, you are welcome to bring your own or rent one from of the companies below who will deliver it your stateroom on the ship: Scootaround (formerly CareVacations) Phone: 888-441-7575 Local: 204-982-0657 Fax: 204-478-1172 E-mail: info@scootaround.com Special Needs at Sea Assistance dogs are allowed on board cruises where all ports of call fit into the EU's Pet Passport scheme. The $750 deal expired. 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. Current Local Time: Mar 1, 2023 1:25 am HST. All of Celebritys luxurious cruise ships have accessible staterooms, and each is specially designed for travelers with disabilities. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Trying to find accommodation that meets accessibility needs, let alone the suitability of the surrounding area, can be long and tiring, particularly when so many holiday venue owners aren't equipped to deal with even the simplest of needs that a Disabled holidaymaker may have - cruises for . Viking Cruises Viking Cruise Lines is a privately held company. Customers can arrange cruise mobility rentals 24/7 by booking online or calling 1-888-441-7575. EF Go Ahead Tours, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers small group tours with 14 to 38 guests. You can pack your camera and snap photos of the mountains towering over the ship. Fuel supplement may apply. Alaska cruises are notorious for selling out of accessible staterooms in record time, so keep an eye out for on-sale dates if there's a specific cruise you'd like to book. The all-inclusive pricing covers all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and wines, onboard lectures, gratuities and -- on expedition cruises only -- excursions. The Constellation Class cruises New England, Hudson River, Puget Sound and Alaska. If relaxing is not what you had in mind, spend your days enjoying the onboard activities by having a few laughs at the Punchliner Comedy Club or watching one of the ships productions. So sit back, relax, and get ready to book the best Alaska cruise of your life. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Silversea cruises are all-inclusive senior-friendly cruises at their best. Learn More >, Alaska Tour & Travel 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. What's interesting is that although this cruise line offers luxury service, they are listed in the class of small ships. On Balmoral, the pool on deck 11 has a shallow 'end', as it were, making it easier for a person with mobility issues to be lowered gently into the water. Why Tauck River Cruises Are Great for Seniors: Tauck prides itself on doing everything for its guests, from the time you touch down to the time you leave. Enjoy the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary in Ketchikan or go on the Chilkoot Horseback Adventure in Skagway the choices are nearly endless! The line's low single supplement is an attractive incentive for widows and widowers, and anyone else traveling solo. 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). On Boudicca, no scooters will be allowed in cabins on decks 3 and 4. 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. Accessible staterooms are held for travelers with disabilities until all other non-accessible staterooms in that category are fully booked. .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}P&O Cruises operates eight ships, with a ninth, a megaship, due in 2020. All Viking ships are adults-only, making them ideal senior cruises for those looking to escape the more child-friendly vibe of other lines. Top Accessible Cruise Vacations from Rome. Choose a cruise line that works for you Cruise on Six Star Luxury Liners! 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. The ship only has one accessible toilet in the public areas, outside the Neptune Lounge on Deck 6. 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. All four ships have different configurations, too. Each motorcoach can accommodate up to two wheelchair passengers at one time. The accessible bathrooms are smaller, which means wheelchair users may require more assistance than usual to manoeuvre once inside. Likely black mold! Columbus, the flagship has six wheelchair-adapted cabins. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Terrific itinerary and amazing service on NCL Jewel. These Tauck guides also perform multiple duties onboard, giving daily briefings, attending shore excursions and handling the lagniappe extras. In addition, Arcadia has a number of partially accessible cabins; there's less manoeuvring room in these, so they aren't suitable for full-time wheelchair users. There are rails to assist with use of the toilet and fixed seats in the showers. In 2019, Saga Pearl II will retire and be replaced by a new flagship, the 55,900-ton Spirit of Discovery, carrying 999 guests in luxurious, modern style, with a second new ship on order, Spirit of Adventure. Your underneath the Spinnaker Lounge which goes on until 11PM and the maintainable work goes in until 12.30 AM, but thats not the, We lucked out with this cruise. Renting a wheelchair for your cruise couldn't be easier. Disabled Tours in Alaska Natural Habitat Adventures The official conservation travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, offering custom and small group tours to nature's greatest sites. Enjoy exclusive senior savings and rates when you book a vacation with Carnival Cruise Line! View our itinerary pages for more exclusive 2023 offers, including family and solo traveler savings. You'll also find resident historians that give lectures that relate to Viking's ocean itineraries. Accommodations and transfers are included in the package. If you wish to accommodate a service dog, arrangements can be made in advance with our Access Department. Guests choose between regular-paced walking tours, gentle-paced walking tours, and tours with full transportation provided. For smaller crowds, cruise during shoulder season months in April or May. Adapted cabins across the fleet have handrails in the bathroom area, but not the cabin itself. At an American cemetery in Luxembourg, for example, passengers may be given a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran. Black Watch, being an older ship, has steps on the pool deck, but there are ramps for wheelchair users. Oh, and like everyone else, seniors want cruise deals. Guests using peritoneal dialysis should have all the required solutions and equipment delivered to the ship at least two hours prior to sailing on embarkation day. Most cruises depart from U.K. ports, although fly-cruises are also offered. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Choosing a Cruise Ship Room: What to Expect. > Alaska. 805 964 7344. 800-208-0200 or 907-245-0200. All Rights Reserved. Our Top 5 Picks for Best Cruises for Seniors: 1. California. Wheelchair bound travelers can also experience Alaska's vast backcountry on a narrated bus tour inside Denali National Park. FREE live planning advice, book now or learn more about our Alaska cruise vacations. 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). We chose the trip for the itinerary: starting in Vancouver, to Alaska, then south to San Francisco and LA - a nice variety of ports and scenery. Princess also runs special pricing promotions from time to time, including complimentary gratuities, free Wi-Fi, and other discounts. Although I like Victoria, some of the cruise ship stops are at bad times. 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. Norwegians Free at Sea program lets you choose the most cost-effective cruise options for you, such as adding Free Dining or Free Shore Excursions to your voyage. Olsen is branching out into river cruising with one ship, Brabant, but this is unsuitable for those with mobility issues as it has no lift and no adapted cabins. For smaller crowds, cruise during shoulder season months in April or May. Rugged luxury geared towards families, individuals or small groups, we cater to every skill level and tailor for flexibility! Princess Cruises Diamond Princess Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Sun Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Princess Cruises Regal Princess Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Royal Caribbean International Mariner of the Seas Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska. 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. Dont let this discourage you from exploring this town full of amazing views. There are two wheelchair-adapted cabins on Saga Pearl II -- 232 and 233 on A deck -- and six on Saga Sapphire -- 8061 and 8563 (Deck 8), 7080 and 7580 (Deck 7), 10536 and 10538 (Deck 10). European River Cruise The European river cruise is a leisurely way to see the back waterways of Europe. 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. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. Alaska cruises will do it with quaint seaside towns like Ketchikan and Skagway, and with stunning harbor vistas like Juneau's. Cruising Alaska will also give you a first-row ticket to the best of nature including fjords, wildlife and mountains galore. One of the most luxurious cruise lines available, Holland America goes above and beyond to show its guests a great time. Being late in the season, there was only half the capacity of guests. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Your dining options include flavors from all over the world at restaurants like Manfredis Italian and the Chefs Table. Related: What Is Silversea's S.A.L.T. And no one wants to miss the traditional tea in the Queens Room, or the fish and chips in the Golden Lion Pub. One of the most peaceful places to live in Alaska is also one of the safest - Ketchikan. Not only will you get to see everything Alaska has to offer, but youll also enjoy all the onboard pampering. Sitemap. 1. Took friends on a 12 day of Alaska to show them the advantages of ocean cruising and show off Alaska. Partly because of the weather, the ping pong table, pickleball court, and rock climbing wall, This cruise was our third cruise since the restart. At every port destination on your cruise itinerary, you can book shore excursions that cater to your specific interests and activity level. Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. Equipment like commodes, raised toilet seats and shower stools can be supplied if you request it at the time of booking. AmaWaterways' ships are elegantly appointed with expansive public areas for enjoying views of the rivers and shorelines. The expanding coastal fleet takes cruisers on Alaska small-ship cruises, as well as cruises in the Great Lakes, the Coastal waters of the U.S. and Canada, and even the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. They tried to fix it by blowing hot air around the cabin! While onboard, youll be able to sample some Alaskan tastes, such as exquisite salmon and other seafood. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. No prices currently available for this sailing. And while it is still a remote, and oftentimes, wild place to visit, our tourism infrastructure has grown to accommodate travelers with mobility limitations. As the states largest, Alaska is known for its natural beauty. Each ship has a few wheelchairs that can be borrowed, but they can't be reserved. For seniors, there are numerous advantages to sailing Carnival. Additional features, like lowered clothes bars in the closet, a roll-in shower with handheld showerheads, grab bars, and a fold-down shower bench are standard in accessible rooms, as are lower sinks and vanities, higher toilets, and ramped thresholds in the bathroom. For hard-of-hearing passengers, visual alarms can be requested in cabins, while most entertainment areas have hearing loop systems installed. All ships hold under 200 passengers and most have cabins and suites that are among the largest among river ships. The line is also great for solo travelers, with a nice variety of single cabins without a single supplement. Youll love that heated floor as your ship journeys from Vancouver up the inside passage, where you can take in an abundance of magnificent sites. Youll find accessible seating in most of the ships lounges and theaters, making it easier for seniors with disabilities to enjoy the journey. 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. Public areas feature open and inviting spaces with gradual inclines for easy access, as do our public bathrooms. They also make sure that the mostly American passengers are comfortable; on a Ponant-chartered ship, this means having menus that appeal more to U.S. tastes than French, for example. Tauck also often includes pre- and post-cruise trips within its fare with logistics covered. The line's older ships, Astoria and Astoria, don't have any adapted cabins. Trips, Inc. provides all-inclusive vacation packages for travelers 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Royal Caribbean. Alaska cruises are popular for travelers of all ages, especially senior cruisers and multigenerational families. Monday - Sunday: 8am - 5pm HST. As one of the most disability-friendly lines in the industry, accessible staterooms are available on all Holland America cruise ships. There's a planetarium onboard, with star shows three times a day. The line also has a fair number of bucket-list trips through the Panama Canal, South Pacific, Australia and Africa, as well as a World Cruise that is more affordable than most. Related: On AmaWaterways, the Transformative Impact of Wellness. They include entryways that are a minimum of 32 inches wide, emergency call buttons, open bed frames, ramped bathroom thresholds, bathroom and shower grab bars, roll-in . Accompanied by a knowledgeable Tour Director, every detail is taken care of as you explore this magnificent land. Once your equipment has been booked, we will deliver your cruise wheelchair rental directly to your ship cabin, port, hotel or residence - whichever is most convenient for you. Legal Information | Privacy Policy. All links to Amazon should be considered affiliate links and the owner will receive a commission for each item purchased. You can take your time drifting on the Rhine through the Black Forest in Germany or pass castles on the Danube River in Austria. Because a lot of the passengers are elderly, the crew are used to dealing with passengers with different abilities and are kind and sympathetic. The ships themselves are gorgeous, with high-end artwork and sumptuous furnishings. Theyre particularly known for their cruises to Alaska, so you know youre in good hands here in fact, theyve won awards for their Alaskan cruises! 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. There are so many great ship options when it comes to sailing the Inside Passage, and you can choose the one that hits the spots you want to see most. But the following are some great cruises for seniors to consider. Our goal is to give the best life experience to our consumers by promoting independence and inclusion through travel. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Discover the rich history, fascinating culture, Cruise Critic Award for Best Cruise Service, Complimentary 65 pp Shore Excursion Discount, Admire stunning landscapes and explore Greek. Shore excursions on Tauck river cruises are thoughtful and interesting, and often go a step beyond what you might find on other lines. On Braemar, the adapted rooms are very small for a passenger who is completely wheelchair bound. In addition, average cruise prices are updated nightly. Many cruise ships are specifically designed to accommodate cruises for seniors with disabilities. While most people tend to budget one or two days in Seward on their first Alaska, Best 20 Things To Do in Juneau (Must-Live Experiences), 15 Most Stunning Glaciers in Alaska That Will Take Your Breath Away, Itinerary: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Anchorage, Denali (rail). These cruises offer a variety of activities and amenities that are perfect for those who are looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Alaska. Glaciers advancing and retreating in an endless cycle of rebirth. River cruises . Expect a more traditional cruise experience, with dressing up in the evenings, food and entertainment geared to a British audience and all the quirks that come with older ships; the adapted cabins won't be as fancy as those on a new vessel, for example, and there won't be such a choice of cabin grades if you require wheelchair accessibility. Wheelchair accessible toilets are on Deck 10, by the Avon restaurants, and Deck 7, by the Neptune Lounge. The friendly Europe accessible trip planners at Sage Traveling use our expertise in European accessible travel to create custom accessible holidays for people with all types of mobility issues, including wheelchair and scooter users, cane and walker users, and senior travelers. These hour-long flights work well for travelers with limited mobility, although they do require two or three steps up into a small plane. AmaWaterways does allow children over age 8, allowing for multi-generational river cruises with the grandkids as well. Dara is a travel writer, political news junkie, and part-time actress. 8. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What to Expect on a Cruise: Boarding a Cruise Ship, Windstar Yachts vs. Windstar Sailing Ships. Can they open their stateroom door and smoothly roll a wheelchair in? Here are some great ideas for vacations for handicapped seniors to help inspire your next vacation! Cruises. 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. The boats cannot accommodate motorized wheelchairs or scooters. Oriana, an older ship, only has eight, all on F Deck, with a window but no balcony. "Oh, mother nature now you're just showing off.". Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Viking does not have casinos, and much of the onboard entertainment focuses on cultural enrichment (not to mention one of the best spa thermal suites at sea). .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Viking Cruises offers river, ocean and expedition sailings.