The accessible bathrooms are smaller, which means wheelchair users may require more assistance than usual to manoeuvre once inside. The Endicott Arm scenic cruising was a fabulous day. LEARN MORE Denali Exclusives The ships pharmacy is stocked with basic medications, including seasickness medicine, aspirin, and other common remedies. 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. All of Celebritys luxurious cruise ships have accessible staterooms, and each is specially designed for travelers with disabilities. Disabled Holidays 8. One of the most peaceful places to live in Alaska is also one of the safest - Ketchikan. Choose a cruise line that works for you The 3,100-passenger Azura has 25 adapted cabins, including one of the top suites on Riviera deck, while the 2,016-passenger Oceana has 17, again, across all grades. Dara is a travel writer, political news junkie, and part-time actress. 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. Braemar has four wheelchair-adapted cabins, two inside on Deck 7 and two outside on Deck 6, and one accessible toilet midship on Deck 5. The same applies to destinations like. Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise. NOTE: Azamara paused cruises to Alaska due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they should offer Alaskan destinations again soon! Then select the date for . Royal Caribbean. Why Cunard Is Great for Seniors: Cunards Queen Mary 2 is built for leisurely sea days, with a full array of lectures, films and onboard activities, as well as one of the largest libraries at sea. The Cunard cruise fleet appeals to traditionalists, but that doesn't mean the experience isn't modern and fun. On these small ships, every suite has an ocean view from its private teak veranda. Traveling to this city, Accounting for two-thirds of Americas national parklands, Alaska offers natures beauty in her truest form. 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. 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. Why American Queen Voyages Is Great for Seniors: While some cruises can be hectic, river cruises in the U.S. are generally more leisurely affairs, with a focus on relaxing and soft sightseeing. 1. Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. Considering accessibility when accessing Alaska. Passengers requiring a wheelchair for excursions but not for use onboard can ask for the chair to be stored. Tauck also often includes pre- and post-cruise trips within its fare with logistics covered. Call a tour coordinator to help plan your Alaska Senior Tours package today. Likely black mold! Can they easily take a shower? Ventura has 22; while the adults-only Arcadia has 18, including two massive forward-facing balcony cabins on D Deck. 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. 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. The cruise was actually 9/25 to 10/2/2022 round trip from Seattle. There's a planetarium onboard, with star shows three times a day. Related: What It's Like to Sail American Queen's First Expedition Ship. Chair hoists are available at the pools on Ventura, Aurora, Azura and Britannia. Silversea Alaska cruises allow active seniors to enjoy hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac tours with the onboard expedition team included in the fare. The current fleet varies from the small, 790-passenger Adonia (until March 2018, when it leaves the fleet) to the flagship, Britannia, carrying 3,647 passengers. 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. See Alaska small ship cruises The Caribbean is another popular cruise destination for senior travelers. Oxygen cylinders are allowed on board. Mechanical issues caused us to leave in the middle of the night causing us to miss Icy Strait Point, our whale watching port. There are wildlife/glacier cruises (Kenai Fjords) from Seward, about 125 miles south of Anchorage. Advantages of booking early include having the choice of cabin grades, low deposits and much more. .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. 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. 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. Olsen recommends Boudicca as the most wheelchair-friendly of its ships, as the adapted cabins are larger. The Silver Shore Concierge can make arrangements for individually curated tours as well as Mid-Cruise Land Adventures tours that are arranged between ports of call so cruisers can meet the ship at the next destination. Princess ships offer a variety of activities for seniors, including multiple restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, shows to see, spas, and numerous areas to simply sit and relax while sailing the ocean. At CruiseExperts.com, you can find the best cruises for seniors with destinations that include North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Seniors who like the arts and the finer things in life may enjoy a cruise to Alaska on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. 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. If you wish to accommodate a service dog, arrangements can be made in advance with our Access Department. Oriana, an older ship, only has eight, all on F Deck, with a window but no balcony. We upgraded to a balcony suite. Teletypewriters (TTY), portable room kits with a visual-tactile alert system for door knocking, telephone ringing, alarm clocks, and smoke detectors are all available onboard. Taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Each motorcoach can accommodate up to two wheelchair passengers at one time. Personalize your cruise experience with tasty Drink Packages, delicious Specialty Restaurants, exciting Excursions, pampering Spa Treatments and Internet Packages to share your adventures. Observe the ruins of the early Church and imagine the struggle they faced in the years after Jesus' death. Book online and take advantage of pre-boarding prices. On Boudicca, no scooters will be allowed in cabins on decks 3 and 4. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Norwegian Cruise Line provides discounts to U.S. and Canadian military vets on select sailings. Passengers can tour the pilot house with the captain while onboard. Cruises for Seniors With Disabilities: Everything You Need to Know Cruises for seniors with disabilities are an enjoyable, comfortable, and hassle-free way to vacation. There are rails to assist with use of the toilet and fixed seats in the showers. Related: What Is Silversea's S.A.L.T. The Alaska Railroad provides wheelchair lifts at all stations. All Celebrity ships have a clinic onboard with a doctor and two nurses on call 24 hours a day. GoldStar Dome Alaska Railroad cars, and the Wilderness Express and McKinley Explorer private dome cars all have elevators to their second-level seating areas. Braille signage is included in elevators and public areas throughout, while Celebrity Today, our daily newsletter, is available in Braille and large font. All access to the quayside is by a narrow, stepped gangway. We live in South Florida and flew to Seattle for the 20 day cruise back to Miami. Is it possible to get off the ship in port or hear the evening show? Senior cruisers want a memorable experience with cultural enrichment, sophisticated dining, a bit of low-impact adventure and bucket list destinations. Top Accessible Cruise Vacations from Rome. Cruise Critic is not responsible for content on external web sites. The deal was a $750 credit for both of us plus beverage package. Anchorage, AK 99503 The Constellation Class cruises New England, Hudson River, Puget Sound and Alaska. Norwegian also has specific employees that assist seniors and other travelers who require special assistance. These hour-long flights work well for travelers with limited mobility, although they do require two or three steps up into a small plane. There's a special seating area in each theatre for wheelchairs, and across the fleet wheelchair-accessible loos are featured in all the main public areas. Hop on board a senior-oriented tour through Alaska Adventure Unlimited. Visit exclusive locations that were the recipients of the New Testament letters. Be among the first to know about special offers, exclusive sailings, and much more. The cruise lines all have different rules on who qualifies for their military rate. Celebrity ships are updated and stylish, with spacious accommodations and a variety of dining options, such as the Grand pernay Restaurant. > Accessible Cruises 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. From 2018, passengers with collapsible wheelchairs or scooters will be allowed to book non-adapted cabins, while those with non-collapsible wheelchairs will only be allowed to book adapted cabins. Onboard, the ships have a so-called riverlorian who gives lectures about historical topics, such as the Mississippi River or Lewis and Clark. Televisions in all staterooms have closed captioning. Dine on five-star cuisine in one of the many restaurants and view Broadway-quality plays and performances. As with most European river cruises, beer and wine are included with dinner, as are bottled water and specialty coffees onboard. Seniors, experience an Alaska cruise in 2023. Staterooms specially . Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Because a lot of the passengers are elderly, the crew are used to dealing with passengers with different abilities and are kind and sympathetic. Chinitna Bay National Park Bear Viewing Flight, Traveling with Limited Mobility in Alaska. Nightly entertainment is lively, and often embraces American classics. Disney Cruise Line offers both pre- and post-cruise transfers with lifts if requested in advance.. All of the line's ships offer accessible staterooms in a variety of categories. Take in everything there is to see in Alaska, including the Tongass National Forest, the Hubbard Glacier, and the celebration of other cultures. Accessible shore excursions in private, adapted vehicles can be arranged via the cruise line, but you need to send in a questionnaire in good time before cruising. This is what Earth must have looked like before the human footprint. Olsen's fleet of four classic, mid-sized ships could be the answer. Choose from seven different guided tours on the 11-day trip. When not bent over her laptop or prancing around on stage, Dara can be found binge-watching Netflix, making endless to-do lists, or reading a sci-fi book. In cabins with balcony, there's a ramp to access the outside space. 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. The Alaska line is considered their crown jewel. Partly because of the weather, the ping pong table, pickleball court, and rock climbing wall, This cruise was our third cruise since the restart. 800-208-0200 or 907-245-0200. Related: On AmaWaterways, the Transformative Impact of Wellness. The line also has gentlemen hosts to act as dancing and dining companions for single ladies. 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). > Alaska. Select staterooms have a five-foot turning radius for easy navigation, while our accessible veranda staterooms have wheelchair-accommodating balconies so you can enjoy the view. Many can also accommodate limited mobility issues with advanced notice. 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. 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) It is recommended that guests make every effort to contact our Guest Accessibility Department and to submit a Special Requirements Information (SRI) Form well in advance of the departure of their cruise and/or cruisetour. Viking Cruises to Alaska provide opulent cruising to some of the worlds most picturesque places. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. On all ships, cabin numbers are in Braille, as are lift buttons, and the daily programme and restaurant menus can be provided in large print. Silversea was known for its expedition-style cruises before it even had a true purpose-built expedition ship (Silver Explorer). The Denali Husky Homestead tour, which takes guests to a working sled dog kennel, requires light walking and standing. Dialysis stations are located onboard, although only ambulatory peritoneal dialysis can be administered. AmaWaterways has a fleet of 26 river ships, focusing primarily on the Danube and the Rhine rivers in Europe, but also offering sailings in France and Portugal. Whether you're looking for a cruise with great food, amazing views, or plenty . Cruise deals for Alaska, Hawaii, Bahamas, Europe, or Caribbean Cruises. Indulge on decadent food prepared by top chefs Experience impeccable service and pampering Enjoy overnight stays in ports around the world What to Wear on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide, The Complete Guide to Taking a Cruise With a Toddler, The Only Cruise Packing List Youll Ever Need, 17 Invaluable Cruise Tips From a 20-Year Cruise Veteran, What to Expect Your First Time on a Cruise, Solo Cruises: The Ultimate Guide to Cruising Solo, 13 Sustainable Shore Excursions to Add to Your Bucket List, Exciting Cruise Nightlife Options on Celebrity, 2022 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. Ships Registry: Malta and Ecuador. Some cruise lines stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to catering for disabled guests. Everything is carefully thought out, right down to highlighting which excursions are best for those who are less mobile. 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! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Travel with Alan had a killer deal on a 21 day Panama trip. Our activity-driven itineraries and majestic beauty are all a part of our adventures. One feature of all Cunard cruise ships is the more formal vibe. At an American cemetery in Luxembourg, for example, passengers may be given a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran. 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. Heavy rocking and vibrations. 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. Saga currently operates two ships, the contemporary and very smart Saga Sapphire and the more intimate, traditional Saga Pearl II. On Alaska cruises to Glacier Bay National Park, enjoy privileged park access and talks from rangers and Huna Tlingit guides. Alaska is a pristine state with unparalleled natural beauty that draws thousands of travelers from all over the world every year. For example, you can book a Viking Rhine River cruise that starts in Paris, sails both the Moselle and the Rhine, then ends in the Swiss Alps. Wheelchair accessible toilets are on Deck 10, by the Avon restaurants, and Deck 7, by the Neptune Lounge. Azamara also accommodates special needs passengers with accessible cabins. 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. The gorgeous state capitol is home to just under 33,000 and had only 134 violent crimes in 2013. 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 line's older ships, Astoria and Astoria, don't have any adapted cabins. Visitors with physical limitations can discover the town's rich history aboard an authentic sternwheeler on a fully narrated three-hour river cruise. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. No prices currently available for this sailing. 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). Why AmaWaterways Is Great for Seniors: Senior cruisers on AmaWaterways will appreciate the extra attention taken to offer tours for every ability. 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 . And while it is still a remote, and oftentimes, wild place to visit, our tourism infrastructure has grown to accommodate travelers with mobility limitations. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Tour Director, every detail is taken care of as you explore this magnificent land. 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. Why HAL Is Great for Seniors: THolland Americas shore excursion program, EXC In-Depth Voyages, appeals to well-traveled individuals looking for more comprehensive information about a destination, the local culture and customs. 1-808-690-9990. Alternatively, cruisers can bring their own wheelchairs or scooters onboard. The warm weather is a great appeal and many different cruise lines offer trips in the Caribbean so there's a lot of choice. With advance notice, the tour operators can provide a manual wheelchair for use onboard as well as for assistance boarding. Shore excursions focus on historical sites, battlefields and museums, as well as natural wonders. CRUISE DEALS FOR SENIORS. View our itinerary pages for more exclusive 2023 offers, including family and solo traveler savings. Your email address will not be published. Discounts are available for seniors and side trips in many port cities are available as well. Cruises for seniors arent that different from cruises for younger generations. Passengers can make arrangements ahead of time with the Access & Compliance Department to secure wheelchairs, scooters and other amenities to support any disability issues. Glaciers advancing and retreating in an endless cycle of rebirth. Onboard entertainment is often geared to the ship's itinerary. Wheelchair seating is available in their show . More information! Alaskan cruises cater to a wide range of interests, and Royal Caribbean is noted for its senior-friendly policies. Regatta offers an onboard day spa, lounges, cocktail bars, a casino, and suites with your own private balcony to enjoy the ocean air for a more intimate experience. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Enable Accessibility; Log in; 1-866-234-7350 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969; Seeing Alaska by rail is a real treat for seniors with mobility issues or not. On Boudicca, there are four wheelchair-adapted Terrace Balcony cabins on the Lido Deck (7) but no wheelchair accessible toilets in the public areas of the ship. 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. There are six wheelchair-adapted cabins on Deck 8 (two balcony suites, four with picture window) and three interior cabins on Deck 9. 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. 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. Here are some great ideas for vacations for handicapped seniors to help inspire your next vacation! 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.