The line's four original paddlewheel ships ooze charm, with Victorian touches and history-heavy itineraries. Then select the date for . Raised toilet seats and extra mattresses can be requested at the time of booking. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and historic sites along the White Pass Railroad. Here are seven great destinations where handicapped seniors will be welcome and comfortable. The Denali Park area is one of Alaska's most popular places to visit. Passengers can tour the pilot house with the captain while onboard. 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. 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. Viking takes you on an incredible journey from the mountains to the rainforest. 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 . . Silversea is famed for its personalized treatment, and more open itineraries. Silversea has even been named the best cruise line for senior citizens, and the service is sure to leave you speechless. Before you book your cruise, you can review the ships deck plans to see where theyre located and select one thats nearest to the public areas youre most interested in. The ships themselves are gorgeous, with high-end artwork and sumptuous furnishings. 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. Weekend getaways and great cruise specials. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. View our itinerary pages for more exclusive 2023 offers, including family and solo traveler savings. 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. but Cruise Critic was a bit off.) 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. Most cruises depart from U.K. ports, although fly-cruises are also offered. There's a planetarium onboard, with star shows three times a day. Call now on 0161 260 0224 Found 6 exact matches Princess Alaskan Cruises Alaska P&O Cruises' homeport is Southampton, so there are year-round departures from here, as well as a comprehensive fly-cruise programme. Dinner off the ship might be held at a Michelin-starred restaurant in a vineyard. Read on for our list of the best cruises for seniors and find the line that checks all of your boxes before booking your next cruise. The Constellation Class cruises New England, Hudson River, Puget Sound and Alaska. This was our first post-pandemic cruiseso, there I will be making some comparisons - especially because (in September 2019) we took a HAL Triple Denali land/sea trip, which ended with a 7 Day (southbound) cruise in the same suite (7088) on, We chose this cruise for access to glaciers and we're not disappointed in this regard. Current Local Time: Mar 1, 2023 1:25 am HST. Regent only has a few accessible cabins, so make sure you book yours in advance of your trip - likely as soon as you book, just to be on the safe side. 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. Ship was in good shape, staff was excellent, food ok, entertainment ok with a couple of excellent people. 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. 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. All four ships have different configurations, too. Britannia has 33 wheelchair accessible cabins across all grades, from insides to suites. Equipment like commodes, raised toilet seats and shower stools can be supplied if you request it at the time of booking. The main dining room and themed dining options are impressive. 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. Save up to 15% Drinks Packages Save up to 20% Internet Packages Save up to 40% Specialty Dining Norwegian also has specific employees that assist seniors and other travelers who require special assistance. Indulge on decadent food prepared by top chefs Experience impeccable service and pampering Enjoy overnight stays in ports around the world Shore excursions to historical sites and museums are common. 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. Enjoy Freestyle cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line. GoldStar Dome Alaska Railroad cars, and the Wilderness Express and McKinley Explorer private dome cars all have elevators to their second-level seating areas. Taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Fairbanks, Alaska's "Golden Heart City," is the last stop on the northbound Alaska Railroad. Excursions are included in each port, with a focus on food and beverage tours and educational explorations of each destination. Related: What Is Silversea's S.A.L.T. Imagine an alpine frontier, where jagged peaks descend to cool, clear waters. 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. If you require the regular use of a wheelchair during the cruise, you would need to bring your own or rent one from a service provider. 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. All Viking ships are adults-only, making them ideal senior cruises for those looking to escape the more child-friendly vibe of other lines. You can choose an all-inclusive option, you wont have to worry about money and can instead simply focus on the vacation. Celebrity Cruises not only offers stellar trips to Alaska, but seniors with special needs will love the fact that this cruise line has been awarded for taking care of its special needs passengers. If youre in a wheelchair, Princess Cruises are easy to maneuver. For visually impaired passengers, assistance at check in, embarkation and disembarkation can be provided. 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. GOOD FOR: easy pace, low to high activity level. 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. Why Silversea Is Great for Seniors: Silversea's suites come with a dedicated butler that handles everything from unpacking luggage to making dinner reservations and keeping your preferred beverage well-stocked during the cruise. Princess also runs special pricing promotions from time to time, including complimentary gratuities, free Wi-Fi, and other discounts. Here are some great ideas for vacations for handicapped seniors to help inspire your next vacation! Adapted cabins across the fleet have handrails in the bathroom area, but not the cabin itself. Dialysis stations are located onboard, although only ambulatory peritoneal dialysis can be administered. In fact, a cruise might just be one of the best vacations you'll ever experience. The staff treats passengers like royalty on this cruise line, and offers exclusive encounters. 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. 1: Alaskan Cruise with Holland America. You can pack your camera and snap photos of the mountains towering over the ship. Many cruise ships are specifically designed to accommodate cruises for seniors with disabilities. 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) Ketchikan Alaska Tours for Seniors. 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). Celebrity welcomes service dogs aboard for seniors with disabilities. Aurora is an older ship, launched in 2000, with a more intimate feel, as it only carries 1,874, but there's still a good selection of 18 wheelchair-accessible cabins, from insides to balcony accommodation. Mechanical issues caused us to leave in the middle of the night causing us to miss Icy Strait Point, our whale watching port. When youre ready to enjoy the sun, a chair lift will help you get into the pool or hot tub. Knowing that the specifics of physical access are particularly important for travelers with limited mobility, Alaska Tour & Travel reservation agents are available to answer questions and help plan an inclusive and bucket-list-worthy travel package. 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. These hour-long flights work well for travelers with limited mobility, although they do require two or three steps up into a small plane. Our goal is to give the best life experience to our consumers by promoting independence and inclusion through travel. Braille signage is included in elevators and public areas throughout, while Celebrity Today, our daily newsletter, is available in Braille and large font. Saga currently operates two ships, the contemporary and very smart Saga Sapphire and the more intimate, traditional Saga Pearl II. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour This tour is wheelchair accessible and scooters are allowed onboard as the main deck area is all one level. It was our first time to Alaska and we are already planning another so we can, We got a deal on this cruise because they canceled their Tokyo/Vancouver cruise in 2020 because of Covid. Staterooms specially . 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 . The same is true on a Denali Wilderness Side by Side ATV Tour. If you're looking at a well-known Alaskan city that's safe, head to Juneau. Top Accessible Cruise Vacations from Rome. Some cruise lines stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to catering for disabled guests. For smaller crowds, cruise during shoulder season months in April or May. Seward, a small port town on the Kenai Peninsula, is the gateway to the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park. Our accessible staterooms have carefully considered features, such as wider doors with removed door sills, which make for convenient wheelchair and power scooter access. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Related: What to Know About HAL's Private Island, Half Moon Cay. Chinitna Bay National Park Bear Viewing Flight, Traveling with Limited Mobility in Alaska. Can they easily take a shower? 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. Viking River Cruises is a top recommended river cruise line for accessible travel. The same applies to destinations like Greenland and Iceland, South America, and the South Pacific. Saga holidays are specifically for the over-50s and the ships are known for their fine food and friendly, caring atmosphere. 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. The Park Connection, a deluxe motorcoach transportation service, running between the Denali Park area and Seward, operates lift-equipped buses. While any cruise line could be a great choice for seniors, here are our picks for the five best cruise lines for senior citizens. Chair hoists are available at the pools on Ventura, Aurora, Azura and Britannia. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. 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. 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. Everything is carefully thought out, right down to highlighting which excursions are best for those who are less mobile. Alaska Cruises for Seniors Thanks to the personalized service and ability to connect with other passengers during activities, every cruise with Princess can feel like your own senior cruise - especially in Alaska where you can experience all the excitement of exploration without the hassle of having to coordinate a jam-packed itinerary. 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. Adonia, the smallest ship in the fleet, has particularly high door thresholds and steep ramps. NOTE: Azamara paused cruises to Alaska due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they should offer Alaskan destinations again soon! Silversea Alaska cruises allow active seniors to enjoy hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac tours with the onboard expedition team included in the fare. Seeing three glaciers up close was just great! You wont have to leave the ship to see spectacular sights. A lot of cruises depart from British ports, so there's no need to fly, and there are some long voyages in winter to exotic destinations, again, with no need to board an aircraft. 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. Cruises. One of the most luxurious cruise lines available, Holland America goes above and beyond to show its guests a great time. Traveling to this city, Accounting for two-thirds of Americas national parklands, Alaska offers natures beauty in her truest form. Renting a wheelchair for your cruise couldn't be easier. So sit back, relax, and get ready to book the best Alaska cruise of your life. MORE INFORMATION Call our Access Department at (866) 592-7225, or send an e-mail to special_needs@rccl.com, or have your local travel agent or International Representative contact us. On Braemar, the adapted rooms are very small for a passenger who is completely wheelchair bound. Oriana, an older ship, only has eight, all on F Deck, with a window but no balcony. 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. 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. Fuel supplement may apply. . Carnival provides unique senior rates to passengers aged 55 and over, as well as accessible accommodations. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway, or an extended vacation, an accessible Mediterranean cruise from Rome is a great way to see some of Europe's finest cities, experience fantastic accessible shore excursions, and relax knowing your cruise ship is waiting to take you to your next destination! Why AmaWaterways Is Great for Seniors: Senior cruisers on AmaWaterways will appreciate the extra attention taken to offer tours for every ability. And for AARP members, it offers a 5 percent discount on any cruise booked at least nine months in advance. Queen Mary 2, meanwhile, has 15 ocean-view single-occupancy cabins. 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 Legal Information | Privacy Policy. American Cruise Lines sails two types of riverboats -- traditional and modern -- as well as coastal cruise ships. American Queen Voyages, formerly American Queen Steamboat Company, now includes coastal ships formerly sailing under the brand of Victory Cruise Lines. Wi-Fi is complimentary, and each ship has several libraries and chart rooms for browsing. All of Silversea's ships (except expedition vessels) accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. The onboard pharmacy does not have the ability to fill prescriptions, so make sure to bring a sufficient supply of your medication and place it in your carry-on luggage so that youll have access to it as soon as you board. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. And if you're 65 or older you can travel at half fares during off-season months. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Travel with Alan had a killer deal on a 21 day Panama trip. Trivia takes place at all hours, and HAL has onboard partnerships with BBC Earth, Lincoln Center, B.B. 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. European River Cruise The European river cruise is a leisurely way to see the back waterways of Europe. Renting a mobility scooter with Scootaround is easy. Advantages of booking early include having the choice of cabin grades, low deposits and much more. We live in South Florida and flew to Seattle for the 20 day cruise back to Miami. Men of a certain age are onboard many cruises to serve as gentlemen hosts, socializing, dining and dancing with the single ladies onboard. 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. 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. Book Now with no risk, your deposit is fully refundable until 31 days prior to travel with the purchase of our Worry-Free Cancellation Waiver. 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 deck plans on the Saga website are not especially helpful if you're planning a cruise; its easier to call the cruise line. 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. Silversea Cruise line has smaller ships making your holiday to the Last Frontier less crowded and a much more intimate experience. From theme parks to national parks, Alaska to Hawaii, cruises and international destinations . 23 Senior Citizens Vacation Ideas. Youll also get assistance from ship to shore, making the boarding experience as easy and comfortable as possible for seniors with disabilities. Call our local Hawaii specialists for any questions about our island tours and activities. Azamara is known for long port visits, fantastic accommodations for its passengers while in port, and a variety of onboard amenities that turn your cruise into a dream holiday. Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise. The gorgeous state capitol is home to just under 33,000 and had only 134 violent crimes in 2013. But the following are some great cruises for seniors to consider. There are six wheelchair-adapted cabins on Deck 8 (two balcony suites, four with picture window) and three interior cabins on Deck 9. 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 . Assistance dogs are permitted, although not emotional support dogs. Related: What It's Like Sailing the Great Lakes With Viking. 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. 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! 1. 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. Reduced hours for some holidays. They tried to fix it by blowing hot air around the cabin! 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. The Alaska Railroad provides wheelchair lifts at all stations. A partnership with BBC Earth on some voyages brings extra enrichment on board. Celebritys luxury cruise ships sail to over 300 destinations and 79 countries on all seven continents of the world. Glaciers advancing and retreating in an endless cycle of rebirth. In order to use some future cruise credits (before they expire) we booked the 14-Day Great Alaskan Explorer, Noordam Neptune Suite 7088. Passengers can make arrangements ahead of time with the Access & Compliance Department to secure wheelchairs, scooters and other amenities to support any disability issues. The line targets well-traveled adults 50 years of age and older who are interested in history, art, science, local culture and cuisine. All public spaces, dining venues, bars and casinos are also easy to navigate and accessible. Our activity-driven itineraries and majestic beauty are all a part of our adventures. Contact us to find out more information on the oxygen storage requirements of each ship, since our policies differ depending on the ship. Passengers need to share the type of oxygen cylinder, quantity, and delivery schedule before boarding. This includes the Anchorage Museum, which can be visited at your own pace. Hopping on a cruise in Alaska and exploring the frozen north can be exciting whether you are headed out alone, with a spouse, or with a group of friends. The cruise line Royal Caribbean is known for innovation, and their trips to Alaska do not disappoint. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. 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. From your veranda, you can go whale watching as you sail through the Alaskan waters! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What to Expect on a Cruise: Boarding a Cruise Ship, Windstar Yachts vs. Windstar Sailing Ships. The atmosphere is more country club casual than formal. Its ships sail to more than 900 destinations on all seven continents and provide many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But we may travel with 2 other couples so I'm trying to get as much information right now as possible. Cruise travellers with disabilities have concerns that other cruisers might never consider. Extravagant Sunday brunches include Champagne and caviar. You can customize your Alaskan experience by taking interesting excursions like the flightseeing safari in Anchorage. 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. There are not only accessible accommodations on offer but also accessible excursions! Regent. There are accessible suites as well as suites with a gorgeous balcony where you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Observe the ruins of the early Church and imagine the struggle they faced in the years after Jesus' death. 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. Alaska is a pristine state with unparalleled natural beauty that draws thousands of travelers from all over the world every year. 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. With advance notice, the tour operators can provide a manual wheelchair for use onboard as well as for assistance boarding. Be among the first to know about special offers, exclusive sailings, and much more. 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. EF Go Ahead Tours, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers small group tours with 14 to 38 guests. All dining, bar, and lounge venues offer wheelchair seating, as do our onboard theaters. For those with a disability, cruises offer a hassle-free and relaxing way to enjoy a far-flung holiday. This is what Earth must have looked like before the human footprint. There are wildlife/glacier cruises (Kenai Fjords) from Seward, about 125 miles south of Anchorage. 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). 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. 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. Choose a cruise line that works for you The accessible bathrooms are smaller, which means wheelchair users may require more assistance than usual to manoeuvre once inside. During dinner hours, you can order meals from the dining room directly to your suite through room service. The lovely ship feature accessible staterooms and can accommodate passengers with vision and hearing impairments as well as mobility concerns.