Traveling with a Disability or Health Issue

Disabilities rarely are an issue in a cruising environment, but -- 

iIt's incumbent upon you to let the cruise line know in advance; 1) what is the nature of the disability (sight, hearing, mobility, etc.), 2) what special needs must be fulfilled (oxygen tank, wheelchair access, etc.), 3) any special excursions in which you would like to participate so that arrangements can be made with the tour companies in ports of call. This includes any other major health issues such as sever arthritis that can impact mobility, recent severe heart attacks, restricted diets, and so on.

In short, cruise lines require notification of any major passenger health issue. Says US Lines, "If you have severely impaired sight, hearing and/or mobility and will not be accompanied by, and share the same cabin with an able-bodied adult, please contact us prior to your cruise, so that all necessary safety arrangements can be made." They may impose special requirements; i.e. a blind cruise passenger traveling solo was recently turned away at the dock (!) by one line because they felt he couldn't safely travel (and that he was a potential liability) without a companion. And most do not take responsibility for missed port-of-call visits that you can't be safely delivered to (particularly when ships tender, rather than dock).

You will find that cruise lines bend over backwards for all passengers, and even more so for those with disabilities or health issues. They will do whatever they can to make special arrangements (i.e. the purser will arrange, in advance, for assistance on gangways, reservation agents can forward your info to the doctor onboard your ship). Travel with a pal if you can - and if you can't be sure to mention it to the cruise line. Choose cruises based on itineraries that are more accessible (ask ahead if the ship docks or tenders in the ports-of-call); ask in advance about tours best suited to your needs. And choose your cruise line carefully: some are more sensitive - and even innovative - than others. Holland America, for instance, recently announced upgrades to tenders that will make it easier for passengers with disabilities to see ports-of-call. Other cruise lines are introducing state-of-the-art technology into medical facilities; these features, which mostly are available on lines' newer ships (such as Grand Princess, Renaissance's R-class vessels and Carnival's Spirit) offer satellite communication with prestigious on-shore medical partners, from L.A.'s Cedars-Sinai to Baltimore's Johns Hopkins. And don't forget to request, if appropriate, one of your ship's cabins that are specifically designed for passengers with disabilities (especially those in wheelchairs); typically, these cabins have wider doors, more open space, and bathrooms with roll-in showers.

Special Diets

Many people have dietary restrictions that can have a physical, ethical or religious foundation. Cruise lines are more than pleased to satisfy these dietary requirements, provided that they have advance notice.

For example, most cruise lines require advance notification of at least a couple of weeks for the more challenging restrictions, such as kosher or salt-free. Most offer at least one vegetarian selection on every menu. While cruise lines won't, for instance, be able to create a kosher kitchen in your honor, they can, according to Radisson Seven Seas, request in advance some "special pre-packed kosher meals."

The easiest of all is the low-fat or vegetarian diet; nearly every cruise menu features options there (Celebrity's Millennium even has a spa cafe); the menu even offers calories and fat content. For other dietary restrictions, follow the rules and alert your cruise line in advance. Make sure you get confirmation about your request in writing (and take it with you just to be safe).

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