Cruises are an excellent choice for an accessible vacation, as most of the newer cruise ships have good wheelchair access. Additionally, you can do as little or as much as you want to on a cruise, and you only have to unpack once. With that in mind, here are a few cruise tips for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

• Contact the cruise line’s Special Needs Department for detailed access information or special access requests.
• Remember to request pier assistance when you book your cruise. Disabled passengers are given priority boarding upon advance request.
• Most ships have wheelchairs that can be borrowed for embarkation, but if you need one full-time or ashore, you need to arrange for a rental to be delivered to your cabin. Contact the cruise line for a list of their approved vendors.
• Some cruise lines can also provide special equipment, such as commode chairs or shower chairs, upon advance request.
• Don’t assume all accessible cabins are the same. If you need a specific feature, such as a roll-in shower, ask if it’s available.
• Plan ahead! Accessible cabins are in short supply so try to book at least 6-9 months in advance to get your first choice of sailing dates. Accessible balcony cabins on Alaska cruises go like hotcakes, so book those as soon as they become available.
• Slow walkers who use scooters and don’t have the need for an accessible cabin need to make sure that standard cabin doorways are wide enough to accommodate their equipment. Most cruise lines don’t allow scooters to be parked in hallways.
• If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, make sure the electrical supply on the ship is compatible with your battery charger. It’s also a good idea to pack an extension cord and a power strip, as electric outlets are limited.
• If you take along a manual wheelchair, mark it clearly with your name or personalize it in some way, so it won’t be mistaken for one of the ship’s wheelchairs.
• Take a tour of the ship on the first day and locate the accessible restrooms on each deck. Make note of the locations for future use.
• Become familiar with the tendering procedures of your preferred cruise line. Some cruise lines hand-carry wheelchair-users aboard tenders, some use mechanical devices and some do not permit power wheelchair-users to tender at all.
• Ask a lot of questions about ship sponsored shore excursions. In some cases you have to be able to climb up the steps of a tour bus in order to participate. Do your research and plan your own accessible shore excursions if possible.
• Last but not least, if you use a power wheelchair or scooter, bring along a manual wheelchair for use in port. This is especially helpful in Caribbean ports, where it’s difficult to find lift-equipped transportation.