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As I walked into the main dining room of the Emerald Princes during a recent trans-Atlantic cruise, I was amazed to find 10 empty scooters parked just inside the doors. At that point, it suddenly dawned on me just how popular cruising had become for people with disabilities.

While cruise lines have not always built ships to be disability friendly, they have made significant improvements over the past 10 years. In fact, just about every ship built in the last five years by a major cruise line now comes with a good selection of special features for the physically challenged.

So if you or someone you know has a physical disability, there’s no need to stay in dry dock. But there are some things you should know in order to make the most of your vacation at sea. For example:

Cabins: Most ships have a small selection of cabins designed for people with mobility issues. These cabins are roomier, have wider doorways for wheelchair access and can come equipped with features like grab bars, raised toiled seats and wheel-in shower stalls. If you need one of these cabins, make sure you request it, and enquire about its various features.

Hearing impairments: Many new ships have a variety of aids for the hearing impaired including in-cabin alert kits and special headsets in the main theatre. The alert kits provide visual and physical notification of things like someone knocking at the door, the smoke alarm, alarm clock and phone. And the in-theatre headsets provide direct sound from the show at various volume levels.

Service dogs: Dogs that have been certified to provide assistance for a variety of physical impairments (sight, hearing, mobility, etc.) are allowed on every ship. However, some ships have a limit on how many service dogs can be on board during the same voyage, and some foreign ports do not allow the dogs to go ashore. The cruise line will provide helpful items like a “porta pottie” for the dog (usually a 4 by 4 ft box with absorbent filler) that you can use in the cabin. Some will also place a pottie box on the deck in an obscure area of the ship for outdoor use. But you must advise the cruise line in advance before bringing a service dog aboard.

Shore Excursions: There are usually a number of shore excursions in every port that are less strenuous and more suitable for people who can’t do a lot of walking or are in wheelchairs. The ship’s shore excursion brochure will usually have symbols next to each excursion that ranks the level of activity it requires and explains the type of terrain to be covered (e.g. uneven surfaces, steps, steep terrain, etc.). The excursions and their degree of difficulty will also be explained during the port talks on board the ship. If uncertain about an excursion, find a member of the shore excursion staff, tell them about your physical limitations, and ask if they think it would be appropriate for you.      

Dock or tender: A few ports are too small or too busy for every ship to tie up at the dock. When this occurs, ships have to tender people ashore on small boats that can be difficult to board, especially for people in wheelchairs. The crew will gladly help disabled people board the tender, and they will place wheelchairs or walkers on the boat with them. But it’s much safer and easier just to roll off the gangplank onto a dock. So if that’s an issue for you, choose a cruise itinerary with few or no tender calls. One of the few exceptions to this rule is Holland America Line, which has made its tenders accessible to the disabled with a special boarding ramp and scissor lift.

Wheelchair/scooters: If you need a wheelchair, bring it with you as ships have a limited supply for emergencies. You can also rent an electric scooter from an onshore provider who will deliver to the ship on your departure date. Given the size of some mega-ships, electric scooters have become a popular option. On the newer ships, you’ll find lots of dedicated positions to park your wheelchair or scooter at venues like the theatre and show lounge. And most (if not all) of the elevators will have wide enough doors to accommodate your chair or scooter.  

Pool access: Many ships built or refitted in the last five years now have an electric pool access lift so that disabled people can more easily enter and leave the swimming pool. Ask about it in advance, especially if you’ll be on a warm-weather cruise where cooling off in the pool is more important.

Medical care: All but the smallest vessels have a doctor and some kind of medical facility. The newer and bigger ships tend to have better facilities and more equipment. Some even have helicopter landing pads for emergency medical evacuation. But if you have special medical needs, it’s worth enquiring to see if they have what you may require (e.g. defibrillators, dialysis, etc.). If you take prescription medicines, remember to bring them with you as the ship cannot fill prescriptions.

For more information about cruising with disabilities, please check with your cruise line. Most have information about their policies and services posted on their websites, and some have personnel assigned to deal with the needs of disabled passengers.

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