On its small ship cruises, the Tauck guides help passengers figure out their expedition gear, for example, or coordinate logistics on a charter flight. On board, youll find beautifully appointed accessible staterooms and public spaces on our easy-to-navigate cruise ships. Royal Caribbean International is a leader in providing disabilities-friendly ships that can accommodate those with special needs. There are only four wheelchair adapted cabins, all on Deck 7, all Terrace Balcony category. Heavy rocking and vibrations. You will be cared for off the ship just as well as you are on the ship since Royal Caribbean tours are guided by a local Adventure Specialists. 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. 8. Choose from seven different guided tours on the 11-day trip. 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. On these small ships, every suite has an ocean view from its private teak veranda. Fuel supplement may apply. If you need assistance getting to the boat, please contact us in advance. Enjoy a flightseeing trip over a glacier in Juneau or have a crab feast in Ketchikan. The Alaska Ferry System is an affordable alternative to a cruise. Call us at 1-888-441-7575 or book online. Our goal is to give the best life experience to our consumers by promoting independence and inclusion through travel. Accessible staterooms are held for travelers with disabilities until all other non-accessible staterooms in that category are fully booked. Travelers with physical limitations, but who do not rely on a wheelchair or scooter, have many options. The quaint, historic village of Talkeetna is the base of activity for North America's tallest peak, Denali (formerly McKinley). Princess Cruises Diamond Princess Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Sun Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Princess Cruises Regal Princess Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Royal Caribbean International Mariner of the Seas Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska. 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 All access to the quayside is by a narrow, stepped gangway. Cruise Critic is not responsible for content on external web sites. GOOD FOR: easy pace, low to high activity level. 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 Denali Husky Homestead tour, which takes guests to a working sled dog kennel, requires light walking and standing. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Terrific itinerary and amazing service on NCL Jewel. Tauck also often includes pre- and post-cruise trips within its fare with logistics covered. Here are some great ideas for vacations for handicapped seniors to help inspire your next vacation! 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. Excursions are included in each port, with a focus on food and beverage tours and educational explorations of each destination. Alaska cruises are popular for travelers of all ages, especially senior cruisers and multigenerational families. The lovely ship feature accessible staterooms and can accommodate passengers with vision and hearing impairments as well as mobility concerns. 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. The ships pharmacy is stocked with basic medications, including seasickness medicine, aspirin, and other common remedies. Royal Caribbean. Each year we serve over 600 teenagers, adults and seniors who have brain impairments such. Because the ship is a new build, accessible cabins will be custom-designed, rather than adapted. EF Go Ahead Tours, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers small group tours with 14 to 38 guests. 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. With so much of the state untouched and untamed, it is no surprise that Alaskas trails, beaches, and waterfalls appeal to the adventurous, Seward, situated on the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage, is a popular tourist destination. Celebrity Cruises does not have the ability to administer hemodialysis treatments or provide assistance for dialysis treatments needed while on board. Born in south, she spent her childhood hopping around the U.S., even venturing as far away as Kodiak, 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. Saga holidays are specifically for the over-50s and the ships are known for their fine food and friendly, caring atmosphere. 1. You can travel 30 miles on the Natural History Bus Tour, 62 miles on the Tundra Wilderness. Because it begins and ends in Vancouver BC there is no need for a stop in Victoria. Norwegians Free at Sea program lets you choose the most cost-effective cruise options for you, such as adding Free Dining or Free Shore Excursions to your voyage. The cruise was actually 9/25 to 10/2/2022 round trip from Seattle. 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. Reduced hours for some holidays. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 1: Alaskan Cruise with Holland America. Advantages of booking early include having the choice of cabin grades, low deposits and much more. The deck plans on the Saga website are not especially helpful if you're planning a cruise; its easier to call the cruise line. 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. http://www.seward.com Look under Top Questions and read thru some of the 2012 trip reports to get some ideas for an itinerary. Azamara Club Cruises has been named one of the top cruise lines for seniors, and one of the reasons for this honor is that they provide senior discounts. Learn More >, Alaska Tour & Travel
Shore excursions focus on historical sites, battlefields and museums, as well as natural wonders. Men of a certain age are onboard many cruises to serve as gentlemen hosts, socializing, dining and dancing with the single ladies onboard. One of the most luxurious cruise lines available, Holland America goes above and beyond to show its guests a great time. Alaska Tour & Travel uses cookies to track your trip selections and favorites. 6 Cruise Memories That Will Warm Your Heart, Accessible Cruise Ships (Photo: Ivan Cholakov/Shutterstock). On your cruise to Alaska, you can explore the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park and all Alaska has to offer. As a retired person, you probably have more time on your hands to travel and experience the world at a more leisurely pace than you did during your working years. 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. Spa Holidays, Package Tours, City Breaks, Cultural Holidays. From theme parks to national parks, Alaska to Hawaii, cruises and international destinations . Extravagant Sunday brunches include Champagne and caviar. After 12 adventure-filled days of up-close photo encounters with calving glaciers, grizzly bears, moose, singing whales, bald eagles, Dall sheep, and that mellow, neighborly creature known as "The Local," our Celebrity Alaska Cruise tour was already the vacation of a lifetime. Columbus, the flagship has six wheelchair-adapted cabins. Saga currently operates two ships, the contemporary and very smart Saga Sapphire and the more intimate, traditional Saga Pearl II. Trips, Inc. provides all-inclusive vacation packages for travelers 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. . The line's older ships, Astoria and Astoria, don't have any adapted cabins. Its ships sail to more than 900 destinations on all seven continents and provide many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Flightseeing and driving tours are an excellent option for travelers who have some mobility. A cruise is also a great way for seniors to journey through scenic swathes of Germany, Austria, and Hungary, courtesy of iconic European waterways such as the Danube and the Rhine.. "River cruises allow you to have a more intimate experience and see more places," the AARP's Gillen points out, referring to itineraries that string together . The Alaska Railroad provides wheelchair lifts at all stations. These cruises are only available on Holland Americas mid-sized ships, which are the ideal size for getting close to Alaskas natural beauty. 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! 805 964 7344. Off-boat excursions can also fill your days! Tauck river cruises are just one part of a travel company that made its name in land tours. Monday - Sunday: 8am - 5pm HST. All scheduled rest stops are also wheelchair accessible. All Summit Excursion trains are wheelchair accessible. And for AARP members, it offers a 5 percent discount on any cruise booked at least nine months in advance. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. I know, it's early. Youll be impressed and amazed by whats aboard these ultra-luxurious ships. The line offers all-suite, ultra-luxury ships in both ocean and expedition categories. Silversea was known for its expedition-style cruises before it even had a true purpose-built expedition ship (Silver Explorer). However, some needs require adequate time to prepare for a guest's arrival. 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. Wheelchair seating is available in their show . Play games in the onboard casino at lowered tables and lowered slot machines. Guests using peritoneal dialysis should have all the required solutions and equipment delivered to the ship at least two hours prior to sailing on embarkation day. We are regular cruisers and for our cruise to Alaska we felt we would benefit more from the small ship experience. On a cruisetour visit Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Anchorage & more. Regent Seven Seas Cruises' five all-suite ships travel to more than 450 destinations around the globe and boast the world's most inclusive cruise experience. 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. 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. 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. Even a year or more in advance is great, especially for cruises to Alaska. Guests choose between regular-paced walking tours, gentle-paced walking tours, and tours with full transportation provided. On the rivers, Tauck guides will even give passengers euros for lunch. Silversea is famed for its personalized treatment, and more open itineraries. For 2018, Fred. The boats cannot accommodate motorized wheelchairs or scooters. . All of Celebritys ships have accessible features, which allow seniors with disabilities to move around the ship and enjoy all of the activities and amenities offered on board. And no one wants to miss the traditional tea in the Queens Room, or the fish and chips in the Golden Lion Pub. The main dining room and themed dining options are impressive. The company rolls out adventures that last for 10 days with activities that include flightseeing and landing on a glacier . Although I like Victoria, some of the cruise ship stops are at bad times. Chair hoists are available at the pools on Ventura, Aurora, Azura and Britannia. Assistance dogs are allowed on board cruises where all ports of call fit into the EU's Pet Passport scheme. Virtual Ship Tour of Riverboat Cruise Ship with Award Winning Amenities. One of the most peaceful places to live in Alaska is also one of the safest - Ketchikan. (The transpacific crossing in this review heading was actually the following week from 10/2 to?? Cruise on Six Star Luxury Liners! Because seating needs to be reconfigured, travelers should notify the Park Connection at least 48 hours in advance if wheelchair accessibility is required. 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. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. You can take your time drifting on the Rhine through the Black Forest in Germany or pass castles on the Danube River in Austria. Many can also accommodate limited mobility issues with advanced notice. While onboard, youll be able to sample some Alaskan tastes, such as exquisite salmon and other seafood. 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. Then select the date for . 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. Related: What It's Like to Sail American Queen's First Expedition Ship. In cabins with balcony, there's a ramp to access the outside space. 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. Now that you know all about our cruises for seniors with disabilities, browse our cruise itineraries and book your next trip online, or call one of our vacation specialists today at 1-800-852-8086. Shore excursions to historical sites and museums are common. Your email address will not be published. The $750 deal expired. The atmosphere is more country club casual than formal. 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. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. We also offer extra assistance for those who want to reach areas of the ship that are not easily accessible. Black Watch, being an older ship, has steps on the pool deck, but there are ramps for wheelchair users. Contact us to find out more information on our policies and procedures regarding dialysis on board. 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. 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. The line earns top ratings from websites like Special Needs at Sea, ensuring they provide an enjoyable experience for all passengers. Find a Cruise; Mississippi River Cruises; More information! King's, Rolling Stone and Oprah's Book Club. Everything is carefully thought out, right down to highlighting which excursions are best for those who are less mobile. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. No prices currently available for this sailing. The same applies to destinations like Greenland and Iceland, South America, and the South Pacific. All of Celebritys luxurious cruise ships have accessible staterooms, and each is specially designed for travelers with disabilities. 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. 3900 Arctic Blvd, Ste 304
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. 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. 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. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? You can choose an all-inclusive option, you wont have to worry about money and can instead simply focus on the vacation. Our accessible staterooms have carefully considered features, such as wider doors with removed door sills, which make for convenient wheelchair and power scooter access. 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. This Alaska cruise is one of my favorite Alaska itineraries. 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. Alaska is a pristine state with unparalleled natural beauty that draws thousands of travelers from all over the world every year. Some cruise lines stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to catering for disabled guests. Ship was in good shape, staff was excellent, food ok, entertainment ok with a couple of excellent people.