Cruise deals for Alaska, Hawaii, Bahamas, Europe, or Caribbean Cruises. Alaska cruisetour passengers will find the line's wilderness lodges meet ADA guidelines, with accessible rooms and public spaces. 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. Cruise travellers with disabilities have concerns that other cruisers might never consider. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. 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. This department will provide several outside companies the line works with and help coordinate the process before departure. Senior cruisers want a memorable experience with cultural enrichment, sophisticated dining, a bit of low-impact adventure and bucket list destinations. 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 . Cruise Day 5: Skagway, Alaska (Saturday: August 5, 2023 / 7:00 am 5:00 pm) In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. In cabins with balcony, there's a ramp to access the outside space. As one of the most disability-friendly lines in the industry, accessible staterooms are available on all Holland America cruise ships. On its small ship cruises, the Tauck guides help passengers figure out their expedition gear, for example, or coordinate logistics on a charter flight. However, should you choose to take a tour off-boat, you could experience the beauty of the totem poles in Ketchikan, pan for gold in Skagway, or tour the town in Victoria. American Cruise Lines sails two types of riverboats -- traditional and modern -- as well as coastal cruise ships. Silversea cruises are all-inclusive senior-friendly cruises at their best. Oh, and like everyone else, seniors want cruise deals. 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. You can travel 30 miles on the Natural History Bus Tour, 62 miles on the Tundra Wilderness. Accommodations and transfers are included in the package. Hop on board a senior-oriented tour through Alaska Adventure Unlimited. Excursions are included in each port, with a focus on food and beverage tours and educational explorations of each destination. You can pack your camera and snap photos of the mountains towering over the ship. Wheelchair-accessible cabins book up very quickly so please always book in advance. CMV operates a fleet of older ships from its home base, London's Tilbury, as well as other U.K. ports. 1-808-690-9990. 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). Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Regent Seven Seas dining options are top notch and plentiful, with all dining options included in the fare. Chair hoists are available at the pools on Ventura, Aurora, Azura and Britannia. 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. This is what Earth must have looked like before the human footprint. > Alaska. Many visitors opt to experience the park's coastal fjords, tidewater glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife aboard a day cruise. 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. They appeal to the mature, discerning traveler in search of an upscale experience with highly personalized service. Disabled visitors to Europe will encounter challenges during their travels, but nearly all can be avoided or overcome . 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. Men of a certain age are onboard many cruises to serve as gentlemen hosts, socializing, dining and dancing with the single ladies onboard. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of March 4th, 2023. Renting a mobility scooter with Scootaround is easy. Enjoy the perks of traveling on a cruise ship for guests with disabilities. 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. 1. 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 . There's a planetarium onboard, with star shows three times a day. Contact us to find out more information on our policies and procedures regarding dialysis on board. Dine on five-star cuisine in one of the many restaurants and view Broadway-quality plays and performances. There are rails to assist with use of the toilet and fixed seats in the showers. On cruises for seniors with disabilities, you can travel around the world and visit multiple destinations all in one tripwhile only having to unpack once. All Viking ships are adults-only, making them ideal senior cruises for those looking to escape the more child-friendly vibe of other lines. . Extravagant Sunday brunches include Champagne and caviar. Considering accessibility when accessing Alaska. Silversea was known for its expedition-style cruises before it even had a true purpose-built expedition ship (Silver Explorer). Viking Cruises Viking Cruise Lines is a privately held company. Many of our onboard activities can be enjoyed by all guests, from trivia challenges and wine pairing classes to destination seminars, thrilling entertainment, and silent meditations. Princess Alaskan Cruises Alaska Full board Cruise liner Explore the rugged Inside Passage and breathtaking Gulf of Alaska, and marvel at spectacular marine life and dazzling glaciers from the vantage of a magnificent Princess cruise ship. European River Cruises are great for seniors who want an easy way to see many countries in one trip. Discounts are available for seniors and side trips in many port cities are available as well. The two largest day tour operators both run boats accessible to manual wheelchairs. 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. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. No prices currently available for this sailing. Cruises for seniors arent that different from cruises for younger generations. Call a tour coordinator to help plan your Alaska Senior Tours package today. Although there are many stops for photo opportunities, less mobile guests on Denali Highway Jeep Excursions can still enjoy the sights from the jeep. 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. 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. Other, more adventurous, accessible travel activities in the area include a Talkeetna Wilderness Jetboat tour along the Susitna River, or, for those who cannot walk long distances but have better upper body mobility, a relaxed Denali Kayak Trip on Byers Lake. EF Go Ahead Tours, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers small group tours with 14 to 38 guests. European River Cruise The European river cruise is a leisurely way to see the back waterways of Europe. The line's four original paddlewheel ships ooze charm, with Victorian touches and history-heavy itineraries. Even a year or more in advance is great, especially for cruises to Alaska. Disabled access provisions by cruise line Five of the Best Disabled Friendly Cruise Ships Tips Modern cruise liners are equipped with a comprehensive range of facilities to accommodate disabled or less mobile passengers - including specially adapted cabins, Destinations are both popular and exotic, ranging from Alaska to the Mediterranean and Iceland. The Myth of Europe in Accessible Travel Often when considering an accessible vacation, travelers can make the mistake of thinking "western world" equals comfort and ease for wheelchairs, walkers, and senior travelers. Several of the city's favorite cultural sites and outdoor areas are fully accessible. but Cruise Critic was a bit off.) The Alaska line is considered their crown jewel. However, some needs require adequate time to prepare for a guest's arrival. All of Silversea's ships (except expedition vessels) accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. 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. While onboard, youll be able to sample some Alaskan tastes, such as exquisite salmon and other seafood. 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. Visit exclusive locations that were the recipients of the New Testament letters. 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. Viking Cruises to Alaska provide opulent cruising to some of the worlds most picturesque places. Cruise on Six Star Luxury Liners! 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. Travelness is reader-supported: When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Its ships sail to more than 900 destinations on all seven continents and provide many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. When looking for the best cruise lines for senior travelers, Cruise Critic sought out lines that cater more to adults than children, though several of our choices feature activities for seniors as well as families. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of 4th March 2023. 1. (Photo by Teddy Sczudlo/Getty Images) Disney. The accessible bathrooms are smaller, which means wheelchair users may require more assistance than usual to manoeuvre once inside. The best way to experience the mountain is via a fixed wing flightseeing tour. Seniors who like the arts and the finer things in life may enjoy a cruise to Alaska on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. Each motorcoach can accommodate up to two wheelchair passengers at one time. But we may travel with 2 other couples so I'm trying to get as much information right now as possible. While any cruise line could be a great choice for seniors, here are our picks for the five best cruise lines for senior citizens. The line earns top ratings from websites like Special Needs at Sea, ensuring they provide an enjoyable experience for all passengers. And no one wants to miss the traditional tea in the Queens Room, or the fish and chips in the Golden Lion Pub. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees. 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 By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Choosing a Cruise Ship Room: What to Expect. For added leisure, seniors will be able to unwind on the Retreat Deck, which has a private restaurant. Ship was in good shape, staff was excellent, food ok, entertainment ok with a couple of excellent people. At every port destination on your cruise itinerary, you can book shore excursions that cater to your specific interests and activity level. 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. From your veranda, you can go whale watching as you sail through the Alaskan waters! These hour-long flights work well for travelers with limited mobility, although they do require two or three steps up into a small plane. Each year we serve over 600 teenagers, adults and seniors who have brain impairments such. You'll also find resident historians that give lectures that relate to Viking's ocean itineraries. GoldStar Dome Alaska Railroad cars, and the Wilderness Express and McKinley Explorer private dome cars all have elevators to their second-level seating areas. Take a helicopter ride over the city to see whales playing in the freezing waters, or go into the forest for a closer look at flora and fauna. More information! There are only four wheelchair adapted cabins, all on Deck 7, all Terrace Balcony category. 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. 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. This includes the Anchorage Museum, which can be visited at your own pace. 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). Here are the story and our tips for the best Alaska tours for . You wont have to leave the ship to see spectacular sights. Top Accessible Cruise Vacations from Rome. 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. Fuel supplement may apply. 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. 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. With a combination of advanced planning and the special features available on the following ships, a physical disability should not prevent you from cruising. In general, the cruise lines will only allow the military discount to be applied to the cabin which contains the member of the military or to just the military member themselves. On board, youll find beautifully appointed accessible staterooms and public spaces on our easy-to-navigate cruise ships. 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. Seeing Alaska by rail is a real treat for seniors with mobility issues or not. An accessible stateroom can also be customized for guests with sight or hearing special needs. All scheduled rest stops are also wheelchair accessible. Alaska Railroad Corporation. Britannia has 33 wheelchair accessible cabins across all grades, from insides to suites. 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. The hop-on, hop-off buses used by American Queen Voyages continue the leisurely paced experience, allowing passengers to go at their own pace (a near-perfect option on Mississippi River cruises for seniors). Indulge on decadent food prepared by top chefs Experience impeccable service and pampering Enjoy overnight stays in ports around the world 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. One of the most luxurious cruise lines available, Holland America goes above and beyond to show its guests a great time. Most passengers are upward of 55 years, although you will see an occasional family traveling with younger children, making it one of the best cruise lines for seniors who want to take along the grandkids. Equipment like commodes, raised toilet seats and shower stools can be supplied if you request it at the time of booking. The ship only has one accessible toilet in the public areas, outside the Neptune Lounge on Deck 6. Cruise fares include a pre-cruise night at a hotel, transfer to the ship, dining (including alternative venues and 24-hour room service), soft drinks, coffees and bottled water and complimentary wines and beers at dinner, as well as use of the line's hop-on, hop-off bus in ports and unlimited Wi-Fi onboard the ship. Trivia takes place at all hours, and HAL has onboard partnerships with BBC Earth, Lincoln Center, B.B. The Cunard cruise fleet appeals to traditionalists, but that doesn't mean the experience isn't modern and fun. Rugged luxury geared towards families, individuals or small groups, we cater to every skill level and tailor for flexibility! DH and I are hoping to go on our first Alaska cruise next May 2024. Celebrity ships are updated and stylish, with spacious accommodations and a variety of dining options, such as the Grand pernay Restaurant. The Oceania Regatta ship, which is the cruise lines flagship, is famed for its trips to Alaska. Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and home to about 40 percent of the state's population. Guests choose between regular-paced walking tours, gentle-paced walking tours, and tours with full transportation provided. 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. Travelers with physical limitations, but who do not rely on a wheelchair or scooter, have many options. Seward, a small port town on the Kenai Peninsula, is the gateway to the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park. California. Alaska Tour & Travel uses cookies to track your trip selections and favorites. 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. Alaskan cruises cater to a wide range of interests, and Royal Caribbean is noted for its senior-friendly policies. 805 964 7344. 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). The cruise was actually 9/25 to 10/2/2022 round trip from Seattle. 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. 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. Food and entertainment onboard the ship reflect the areas where the ship is sailing, with guest entertainers and lecturers coming on board at various times during the cruise. Viking River cruises include bucket-list experiences. The warm weather is a great appeal and many different cruise lines offer trips in the Caribbean so there's a lot of choice. Ventura has 22; while the adults-only Arcadia has 18, including two massive forward-facing balcony cabins on D Deck. I would like to receive electronic Promotional messages from Celebrity Cruises Inc. You can unsubscribe at anytime. For visually impaired passengers, assistance at check in, embarkation and disembarkation can be provided. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. 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. Passengers requiring a wheelchair for excursions but not for use onboard can ask for the chair to be stored. Olsen says: On Black Watch, scooters of any type are only permitted in fully adapted cabins. 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. Princess ($) Princess Cruise Lines is considered by many to be one of the best cruise lines for seniors offering many options and including things to do onboard and off, multiple restaurants and shows, and ships are easy to navigate with a wheelchair. The cruise lines all have different rules on who qualifies for their military rate. 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! This Alaska cruise is one of my favorite Alaska itineraries. Norwegian also has specific employees that assist seniors and other travelers who require special assistance. Everything is carefully thought out, right down to highlighting which excursions are best for those who are less mobile. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, What It's Like Sailing the Great Lakes With Viking, What to Know About HAL's Private Island, Half Moon Cay, Regent Seven Seas' Loyalty Program Explained, What It's Like to Sail American Queen's First Expedition Ship, On AmaWaterways, the Transformative Impact of Wellness. The ships pharmacy is stocked with basic medications, including seasickness medicine, aspirin, and other common remedies. Olsen recommends Boudicca as the most wheelchair-friendly of its ships, as the adapted cabins are larger. Here are some great ideas for vacations for handicapped seniors to help inspire your next vacation! Once your equipment has been ordered, we deliver your cruise mobility scooter rental directly to your ship, cabin, port, hotel or residence. 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.