Your Accessible Cruising Specialist

10 Alaskan Cruise Essentials

Raquel Molina
May 13, 2024

Are you getting ready to cruise to Alaska but are not quite sure what you should pack? Cruising to Alaska is quite different from your typical Caribbean or Bahamian cruise and making sure that you have packed the right items can be the difference between comfort and misery. Below are my top 10 items that I believe will help you cruise to Alaska in comfort and make memories of a lifetime.

A few months ago, I took a Princess cruise to Alaska on the Ruby Princess. This was my first sojourn to Alaska so I was not sure of what I should pack. I knew that it would be colder and rainier than my usual cruises and that had me a bit concerned. I have rheumatoid arthritis and my joints get a little stiff and achy when the weather is damp and/or cold. So when I began packing, I definitely had my health and comfort top of mind. Therefore, this packing list highlights the items that I feel really made this cruise comfortable for me, and I hope it will do the same for you. Let’s get into it.

#1 Shawl/Blanket

One of my most used items on my Alaskan cruise was my shawl (which can also be used as a blanket). I almost didn’t pack this item because I thought it would be too bulky but I sure am glad that I brought it along. A tip for bringing bulkier items is to actually wear the item if you can. This will help you save precious luggage space. This shawl was perfect for sitting on the balcony while viewing Glacier Bay. I wore it countless times while exploring the ship – especially the outdoor areas. It also was a great addition to the bed at night for extra coziness.

#2 Puffer Jacket/Coat

On any given day I tend to be colder than anyone else in the room, which is why I was particularly concerned that I wouldn’t be able to keep warm on my Alaskan cruise. My puffer jacket was a godsend. What I love about the puffer is that it can be folded to be really compact for efficient packing, yet offer full protection from both the rain and cold weather. The weather on an Alaskan cruise can be erratic ranging from very hot to very cold. Even if you are visiting in the summer, you will likely cruise through Glacier Bay which will have a cooler temperature.

#3 Umbrella

Honestly, I pack an umbrella even for a Caribbean cruise because you just never know when you will be blessed with a rain shower. However, your chances for experiencing rain increase exponentially when cruising to Alaska. I am not a big fan of the rain poncho. Somehow, I feel that I get just as drenched as I would if I didn’t wear one at all. I prefer to pack an umbrella. You can find very compact umbrellas that are surprisingly sturdy and I definitely recommend that you be sure to pack one for your Alaskan cruise.

#4 Hand Warmers

Keeping my hands warm is essential to keeping my hands from becoming stiff and achy and I find that the pre-packaged hand warmers do the trick of quickly warming up my hands. A pair of lightweight gloves can also come in “handy” to keep your fingers nice and toasty.

#5 Bathing Suit

It might seem counter-intuitive to think about packing a bathing suit for an Alaskan cruise but this is something you don’t want to forget. As I mentioned, I’m almost always cold but one of my favorite ways to warm up on the Ruby Princess was to visit the thermal suite. The thermal suite is located beneath the spa and there you have access to the steam room, sauna, heated tile loungers and aromatherapy showers. The thermal suite was an additional charge but for me it was well worth it as a place to warm up and recharge. There are also hot tubs available for everyone to use at no additional charge so pack your bathing suit and prepare to relax.

#6 Binoculars

Your Alaskan cruise is going to present you with numerous opportunities to experience amazing views so bringing a pair of binoculars is a must. Weather you are trying to gaze upon a grizzly in the Inside Passage or watching a whale splash in the Pacific Ocean, you will want to see them up close and personal and a pair of binoculars will allow you to do just that. I brought a small, inexpensive pair and they worked quite well. I saw a lot of whales on my cruise but from what I understand, they sometimes won’t come very close to the ship because of the vibration. However, with binoculars you won’t miss a thing. Pro-tip-when trying to spot a whale, first look for a spout of water rising from the surface and a whale is soon to follow.

#7 Water Resistant Shoes

Cruising to Alaska is not your typical flip-flops and sandals sort of vacation so you want to be sure that you have shoes that will allow you to explore this beautiful state in comfort. Depending on the types of excursions you are planning, you want to be sure to pack a pair of shoes that are designed for cold and wet climates and long walks/hikes. For me, rain shoes weren’t necessary but you may want to consider them if your specific excursion involves boating or walking in water or mud. Also, don’t forget to pack a pair of warm socks.

#8 Layered Clothing

As I previously stated, the weather in Alaska can be erratic so you want to be prepared for the hot and cold of it all. For that, I suggest packing clothes that can be worn in layers as needed. Undershirt, t-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, sweater, jacket. You may also want to bring a pair of shorts in addition to your long pants. You might consider purchasing some of these items while on your cruise so they can double as souvenirs. One of my favorite purchases was a hoodie I bought in Ketchikan. It was warm, cozy and perfect for relaxing sea days.

#9 Pain Relief Aids

As I mentioned, I have arthritis so I always want to be prepared for the unexpected ache or pain. Most cruise ships offer at least a small selection of pain remedies but they are usually priced pretty high and they might not have exactly what you want. Most pain remedies come in travel sizes for easy packing. I make sure to pack a few Tylenol, some Icy Hot patches and a little Tiger Balm but you should pack what works best for you.

#10 A Flexible Attitude

Cruising to Alaska is something that most of us will probably do only once in our lifetime so of course we have high expectations for our vacation. However, it is important to know that things often will not always go according to plan but that doesn’t have to ruin your vacation. On my cruise, we found out at the last minute that we would not be able to stop in the port of Juneau because of bad weather. People had to get their excursions refunded and I’m sure there were a lot of disappointed people. What I noticed though was that the general attitude of people on the ship remained upbeat. I heard few, if any, complaints and most everyone seemed intent on having a good time. Within a few hours, the captain announced that he had been cleared for Juneau after all. Even though it was too late to do any excursions, we were able to disembark and make the most of the small amount of time we had there. This brief stop ended up being one of the highlights of my trip mainly because of all the good vibes.

I hope you find this list helpful and that it at least nudges you in the right direction of what to pack for your Alaskan cruise.

The Passport Predicament

Raquel Molina
April 29, 2024

Are you a U.S. citizen going on a cruise soon and not quite sure if a passport will be required? Have you heard conflicting information regarding certain destinations or unfamiliar terms such as “closed loop”? Passport requirements can be a little tricky but the answers to the following frequently asked questions will help you ensure that you are prepared so that your cruising won’t be denied.

What is a “Closed Loop” Cruise?

A cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port is considered a closed loop cruise and a passport is usually not required for cruisers on this type of voyage. An example of a closed loop cruise would be one that begins in New Orleans, stops in Cozumel and then ends back in New Orleans. By contrast, an open loop cruise is one that begins in one U.S. port and ends in another. For example, a cruise beginning in New Orleans, stopping in Cozumel and ending in Miami would be an open loop cruise. Please note that there are some exemptions to the closed loop rule such as:

Closed loop cruises with ports of call in Barbados, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, St. Barts and Trinidad and Tobago may require a passport for U.S. cruisers so be sure to check with your cruise line or travel agent to make sure you have the documents that you need. Also, be sure to determine if excursions at your ports of call will require a passport. On my recent cruise to Alaska, one of the excursions in Skagway included a brief border crossing into Canada and therefore a passport was required.

My grandchild is 10 years old. Will they need a passport to cruise?

While it is true that cruisers 15 years and younger will not need a passport to cruise if the cruise is closed loop, they will need an original, notarized or certified copy of their government issued birth certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a U.S. Certificate of Naturalization. Newborns can cruise with a hospital issued birth certificate if their official birth certificate has not yet arrived.

Cruisers 16 and older without a passport will need either an enhanced driver’s license, or a government issued birth certificate AND a government issued driver’s license, or picture i.d. including physical descriptors, name and date of birth. If the cruise is open loop, a passport is required – no matter the age.

Keep in mind that international air travel requires a passport so even if air travel is not part of your cruise itinerary, a passport may be needed should an emergency occur requiring you to fly from an international port.

Can I Take My Minor Grandchild on a Cruise Without Their Parents or Legal Guardian?

The short answer is yes, but there are things you will have to put in place prior to doing so. Most cruise lines will require you to present an original, notarized letter signed by the child’s parents or legal guardian authorizing you to travel with the child. The specifics of the letter are specific to each cruise line so be sure to check with the cruise line or your travel agent to be sure that you have what you need to travel with a minor child.

My Passport doesn’t expire until a month after my cruise, why won’t the cruise line let me use it to cruise?

As a rule, most foreign countries require that your U.S. passport not expire for at least six months from the date your trip ends. There are a few exceptions but most cruise lines will enforce the six month expiration policy. So if your cruise ends on May 15th your passport would need to be valid at least through November 16 of the same year. Also, be sure that your passport book has at least two blank pages available for stamps.

I am a Senior Citizen, can I get a discount on passport application fees?

AARP offers their members exclusive discounts on passport processing. For more information check out their website at ww.aarp.org. Currently the U.S. passport book fees are as follows:

16+ first time applicant: $130 ($35 acceptance fee)
16+ renewal: $130
-16 first time or renewal: $130 ($35 acceptance fee)

I am recently married/divorced and my current name is different from the one on my passport. Will this present a problem when boarding?

As long as you can provide documentation showing your name progression your name change should not present a problem. To be sure, please verify with your cruise line or travel agent to be sure you will have what you need to board. However, it would be best to update your passport as soon as possible with your current legal name.

In my opinion, leaving the United States without a valid passport is a risk that I’d rather not take. Even on a closed loop cruise, situations can arise that can be further complicated by not having a passport. Be sure to apply for your passport or renewal well in advance of your trip. The general rule of thumb is to renew your passport about nine months prior to its expiration.

Mobility Scooter Etiquette on a Cruise

Raquel Molina
April 20, 2024

Using a mobility scooter on a cruise can be a wonderful option for SWANs (Seniors With Accessibility Needs) who want freedom and flexibility onboard but are limited by mobility issues. However, as more and more cruisers are utilizing scooters onboard, issues regarding scooter etiquette and safety have arisen. In an effort to keep the cruising experience enjoyable for both scooter users and pedestrians, here are five tips to keep in mind while onboard.

#1 – Elevators

Elevators on cruise ships can be crowded and the wait can be long, especially during the embarkation and debarkation process. Keep in mind that people in mobility scooters do not have the option of taking the stairs so the courteous thing is to let the scooter enter first and then fill the elevator with pedestrians. Also, if you are using a scooter and are not in a rush, it might be helpful for you to wait until the crowd lessens before using the elevator. If you are physically able to take the stairs, that option might be quicker for you and free up more room on the elevators for the mobile impaired. My mom and I usually wait to debark on port days until most people have already gotten off board so we don’t have to deal with crowded elevators or long lines.

#2 – Parking

When parking a mobility scooter, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Be careful to not block the corridors (which are often very narrow), or park in front of doorways. Most cruise lines do not allow you to park your scooter outside of your cabin. If you will be using a mobility scooter onboard, be sure to book a cabin that will safely fit your scooter inside. When dining in the main dining room or restaurants, ask the maitre’d or head waiter where the scooter should be parked. Often, they will park the scooter for you after escorting you to your table. Parking at the buffet can be a little trickier as space is more cramped but you do have options. Ask staff which tables are designated for the mobility impaired. These tables will be better suited to accommodate your mobility scooter. Another option is to ask staff for the best location to park your scooter in the buffet area. Keep in mind that staff will be more than happy to get your buffet items and bring them to your table if you need assistance in that way.

#3 – Speed

Some mobility scooters are able to get up to a pretty high speed but it’s best to keep it at a slower pace while onboard the cruise ship. Remember that your scooter is technically a vehicle and therefore you should yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections. Always be mindful of obstacles and potential hazards and look both ways before making turns. Another thing to be aware of is steep inclines. My mom was almost jolted from her scooter when she went up an incline too fast. These steeper inclines are usually found in doorways leading to the outside deck areas.

#4 – Crowds and Courtesy

With people cruising now more than ever, it is very likely that your next cruise will be fully booked. For passengers using scooters this can mean navigating through crowded areas all around the ship. One area of the ship that is notoriously cramped and crowded is the casino. If possible, you might prefer to park your scooter just outside of the casino and use a cane while inside. Aisles may be congested so don’t be afraid to communicate to your fellow cruisers who may be caught up with their own fun that they are simply unaware of how they can be helpful. Usually, if you signal your intentions or politely ask others to move, you will find that they are eager to comply.

#5 -Agony of De-feet

One of the most common “accidents” involving scooters is the rolling over of a passenger’s foot. This often happens when scooters are entering or exiting the elevator. The best way to avoid this is to allow plenty of space between your scooter and your fellow passengers. Also, keep in mind that most scooters don’t have a brake mechanism so allow time for your scooter to stop once you release the accelerator.

My First Alaskan Cruise on the Ruby Princess

What I loved and what I Didn’t

Raquel Molina
April 11, 2024

San Francisco has always been one of my favorite cities, and I even called it home for several years, so I knew that embarking the Ruby Princess from the port of San Francisco would be a treat. The port is located on the embarcadero at Pier 27 and there was plenty of officers directing traffic to the drop-off and parking areas. If you choose to park, the closest parking is at Bo Francisco Street and at the time of this video it is $18 per day.

The embarkation process was very smooth, and the mobility accessible areas were clearly marked.

Pro Tip: If possible, order your cruise medallion ahead of time and have it mailed to your house. I believe you can do this up to two weeks prior to embarkation. After that deadline you will have to pick it up during embarkation. Having it prior to boarding will expedite your embarkation.

Upon embarking my bestie and I immediately headed to the bar to meet our other partner in crime. The bar was called Crooners and you can’t miss it when embarking the ship on level 7. We received wonderful service, and my espresso martini addiction was born.

We are in our 50’s and 60’s and fit right in with the demographic of the cruisers on board even though we seemed to be on the younger side when compared to other cruisers.

We then headed to our cabin which was a mini suite. It was quite large with a full bath including a soaking tub. There was also a separate seating area with its own TV and of course a balcony. We used this room for two people, but I feel that it could easily accommodate three.

The sail away from the port was amazing. There is truly nothing like cruising under the beautiful golden gate bridge.

For this cruise we were upgraded to Reserve dining which allowed us to bypass the long main dining room line and instead be seated in a special reserved dining room. The dining room staff really made us feel taken care of. The food was always on point and the staff was really good about encouraging us to try new things.

The entertainment on the cruise was not the best I’ve experienced but I didn’t mind because I was there for the ports of call. However, there was no shortage of trivia games and my buddy Leslie was unstoppable. She won just about every game she played!

I must admit that after a week on board the entertainment felt quite redundant, but one highlight was their take on the competition show “The Voice”. It was a top-notch production and I loved it.

One disappointment was specialty dining in the Crown Grill. The service by the wait staff was awesome but several of our food items were served cold. Not room temperature but flat out cold. The chowder and the French fries were both inedible.

Of course, the main draw of an Alaskan cruise is the ports of call. This cruise stopped at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan as well as cruising Glacier Bay. I will do additional videos highlighting the accessibility of each port but they were all amazing.

Overall, I think this cruise had something for everyone. While there were not a lot of kids on board, there were activities to keep them entertained. The age range definitely skewered older and the cruise had a relaxed, chill vibe. This was exactly the vibe I was looking for so that was not a problem. And don’t get me wrong, there was a nightclub on board so you could get your dancing on if you wanted to but the entertainment definitely leaned more towards bingo, trivia and shopping.

3 Ways Norwegian Breakaway Fell Short For The Mobility Impaired

Raquel Molina

April, 2024

#1 – Parking/Drop-Off

On December 12, 2023, my mom and I boarded the Norwegian Breakaway sailing out of New Orleans, LA for a five night Caribbean cruise. Since there was also a Carnival cruise leaving out of the port on the same day, the traffic was an absolute nightmare. There were no signs directing you to the correct area to drop-off or park and there was no designated area for disabled drop-off or parking. I did not see where any accommodations were made for a disabled solo traveller and it seems as if it would have been almost impossible for someone in a wheelchair or scooter to park anywhere near the embarkation area. Some may argue that this is a port issue and should not reflect on Norwegian, however it is a part of the cruising experience and therefore I feel it should be mentioned.

Once inside the port, things moved a little more smoothly but I must admit that by this point I was a little cranky and ready to take a breather in our cabin. Luckily, our cabin was ready but upon entering it I was a little disappointed. I booked an accessible cabin for my mom and I and in that respect it met our needs. However, our beds barely looked made up and our toilet only flushed after pressing the button numerous times.

#2 – Narrow Corridors

The Norwegian Breakaway is an older and smaller ship which might account for why the corridors were more narrow than what we were used to. In some instances we could not use the hallway at all if another scooter or room attendant was in the same hallway. Also, Norwegian does not seem to have, or at least enforce, the policy of not parking a mobility scooter outside of your cabin. We noticed at least three scooters on our floor that were parked outside of the cabin. This made it even more difficult to traverse the narrow corridors. One fun thing to note about the carpeting in the corridors is that the fish will be swimming towards the front of the ship. This can be really helpful with figuring out which direction you are heading.

#3 – Poor Customer Service

Perhaps the most frustrating way that Norwegian fell short with addressing their cruisers with accessibility needs was with customer service. During this cruise my mom’s scooter malfunctioned. We went to guest services and waited in a very long line to see if there was a manual wheelchair that we could borrow for the one night remaining on the cruise. We were told that there were none that could be used without Norwegian staff accompanying us. I understood this policy but stated that we would need assistance disembarking because her scooter would start and stop at random and we didn’t know how we would get it off of the ship. We were told (with an attitude, might I add) that it would be up to us to get my mom to the disabled meeting area which was on the opposite end of the ship from our room. We decided to just take our chance with the broken scooter and it was an absolute nightmare.

This was our first time on a Norwegian cruise and even though there were some shortcomings, it was not all bad. The onboard live entertainment was pretty good and I really enjoyed being able to see the Broadway play “SIX” which was awesome. Also we saw “Stomp the Floor” while dining in the Manhattan Room which was really a treat.

Overall, I would not recommend Norwegian Breakaway for SWAN cruisers at this time. This is just my opinion based on my most recent experience. In addition to not meeting our accessibility needs, I feel that a lot of things were not communicated by staff and cruisers were left to seek out pertinent information on their own. For example, we had no idea how the disembarkation process worked or where we should pick up luggage tags, etc. However, it was not so bad that I would not give them another chance at some point in the future.

8 TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY SCOOTER

Do you love to travel but have been putting it on the back burner because you’re not sure how manageable it will be while using a wheelchair or scooter? Does the thought of arriving at a destination rife with accessibility challenges make you shudder? Traveling with mobility challenges can be a little scary but with proper planning and a little flexibility, you can have the vacation of your dreams. I am Raquel Molina and I have limited mobility due to rheumatoid arthritis. I also frequently travel with my mom who must use a scooter whenever more than a short walk is required. Below are my eight favorite tips for traveling with a wheelchair or scooter that can make your journey less stressful and more fun!

TIP 1

RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION

One reason that I love cruising is that as a person with mobility concerns, I am confident that the cruise ship will be able to accommodate my needs. Even though my mom owns her own scooter, sometimes when sailing she will rent a scooter and have it delivered to her cabin just for the sake of convenience. However, whether you use your own or rent one, be sure that your mobility scooter meets the size requirements of your cruise cabin. Many cruise lines do not let you store your scooter in the hallway so you must be sure that it will safely fit inside your cabin.

For land based vacations, you want to research things like the terrain, elevator access, ramp access and distance between the things you want to see and do. This is especially important when traveling out of the United States as many other countries do not have the same level of accessibility accommodations that we have come to expect in the U.S.

Pro Tip

I use Google Maps to get an actual street view of the location I am planning to visit. This has been extremely helpful in the past. Using Google Maps helped me rule out an Air BnB in London that I was considering with my mom. Even though it was listed as a first floor unit, upon looking at the street view I noticed that there we actually steps going down from the street to the front door. There is no way that we would have been able to get my mom’s scooter down those stairs.

TIP 2

REQUEST “SPECIAL ASSISTANCE” WHEN BOOKING

When booking your flight or train travel, be sure to indicate that you will be traveling with a wheel chair or scooter and also state what type of assistance you will need from staff once you arrive. This helps the airline or train operator ensure that they will have staff there to meet your needs. Some train stations in Europe will have a special attendant with a moveable ramp ready and waiting for you but you MUST let them know ahead of time or you may not be able to board the train. Also, all rail cars are not accessible so you want to be sure that you are ticketed in the right type of seat.

Pro tip

Many railways offer a special “companion” ticket for someone traveling with a person with disabilities. These tickets are usually offered at the same price as the “accessible” ticket which is usually less than the standard fare.

TIP 3

HAVE YOUR DEVICE INFO HANDY

When traveling with a wheelchair or scooter, at some point you may be asked to provide a description of the device including the measurements and total weight. Many airlines also want to know what type of battery your devices uses (wet cell, dry cell, etc.) and whether it is removable or not, so it’s good to have this info at the ready.

Pro Tip

If traveling out of the country, it may be a good idea to have the specs for your mobility device in metric in addition to imperial. In London I was asked to give my mom’s wheelchair info in kilograms and I’m sure that my on the spot conversion in my head that I provided was far from accurate.

TIP 4

TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR DEVICE

It is a good idea to take pictures of your device with your cell phone before handing it over to the airline crew. These time-stamped pictures will help you in case you have to submit a claim for damage to your device. If you do have to submit a claim, be sure to do it BEFORE leaving the airport. This types of claim is usually initiated in the baggage claim office for the airline.

Pro Tip

Remove accessories from your device before handing it over. This can include the basket, cupholder or any item that can be easily damaged in transit. When traveling with a wheelchair, I remove the footrests as well because even though they can be secured to the chair, I have still had them damaged beyond repair in the past.

TIP 5

WAIT ON AIRCRAFT FOR YOUR WHEELCHAIR OR SCOOTER

If you decide to check your wheelchair or scooter at the gate, be sure it has a special tag on it indicating that it should be brought to the gate upon arrival at your destination. My past experience has shown that things often go awry during this process and mom and I have had to wait thirty minutes or more for them to “find” her scooter. Waiting on the aircraft however, seems to help them connect the dot that the wheelchair or scooter should be brought to the gate.

TIP 6

PRE-ARRANGE GROUND TRANSPORTATION

When possible, it is usually a good idea to pre-arrange your ground transportation. This is particularly important if you are traveling to a foreign country. However, even here in the U.S. not all airports and cruise ports are created equal. Most major cities will have taxis on hand that can handle wheelchairs and scooters. If you are traveling to a smaller city or a destination abroad, it is probably better to have your transportation pre-arranged with a company that you have verified can handle your accessibility needs.

TIP 7

DON’T FORGET CHARGERS AND ADAPTERS

When traveling with your mobility scooter, be sure to keep your charger with you at all times. Batteries can sometimes be finicky and you want to be prepared should you experience an unexpected dead battery. If you are traveling outside of the U.S., be sure to keep an adapter with you as well just in case you need to give your scooter a recharge on the go.

TIP 8

SPEAK UP

Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself when traveling with accessibility needs. The more we speak up, the more modifications will be made to make traveling accessible to everyone.

Cruising Tips for Seniors With Accessibility Needs

Let’s face it, travel can be difficult – even for those who are young and healthy. However, for most of us, the the challenge of travel is well worth it even- into our senior years when we may begin to experience mobility and stamina issues. Cruising is a great way for seniors to travel because it minimizes exertion while maximizing destinations and experiences.Below are some tips to help make travel a bit more manageable for people with accessibility needs.

When booking a cruise cabin (or hotel room), be sure to request an accessible room. These rooms are often more spacious and have widened doorways to make using wheelchairs and scooters easier to maneuver. If you don’t see an accessible room advertised on their website, call their customer service number for your request.
Most cruises will allow you to reserve a scooter (or wheelchair) for use during your cruise. This is a great option for those who do not travel with their scooter. The scooter will be delivered directly to your cabin and you simply leave it there at the end of your cruise. I have used Scootaround for several cruises with my mom.
When booking excursions, be sure to pay attention to the difficulty level. Most excursions will detail the level of difficulty and whether it is wheelchair/scooter accessible or not. Also, be sure to check if the transportation to the excursion can accommodate your accessibility needs. My mom and I had to back out of an excursion in Brugge because even though we were told that the bus could accommodate a scooter, her scooter would not fit in the designated space. So give them the dimensions, folding capability and any other important detail about your mobility device so that you won’t run into any unfortunate surprises.
Buffets can be full-service for those with mobility issues. When my mom and I first started cruising, we did not realize that the cruise staff would bring buffet items to your table if you are unable. We would juggle plates, utensils, drinks until we were informed that staff was there to help.
If you travel with a cpap machine, let the cruise line know ahead of time that you will need distilled water and they can provide it for you. Some cruise lines will also set your cpap machine up for you in your cabin.
Research destinations with mobility in mind. My mom and I had the best time in Amsterdam but it could have been a lot better if I would have known how treacherous the cobblestone streets would be on her wheelchair. Some places will be better suited for a scooter while others will be easier to manage with a wheelchair. Knowing which device to use at each destination time will make getting around easier.
Be flexible. When mom and I had to forego the Brugge tour, we were disappointed but didn’t let that stop us from having a nice time. We explored the area in Zebrugge and had a lovely time shopping and walking along the pier. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan for when life throws a little kink your way.
Purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance is usually a good idea for anyone’s vacation plan but especially so for seniors and/or travelers with health concerns. Most cruise lines offer some sort of vacation protection plan but you are not limited to using their plan. Feel free to research the best coverage for your specific vacation and rest easier knowing that your trip is protected.
Talk to your doctor. I always make sure that my mom visits her doctor before we embark on any cruise to make sure that she is healthy enough to travel. We also check to make sure that we have enough medication to last well beyond the trip. It is a good idea to pack a little first aid kit with the emergency supplies of your choice. I also pack cold medicine, Neosporin and Benadryl.
Book early. Accessible staterooms and excursions are highly desirable and likely to sell out. To be sure you get the room and excursions of your choice, make your reservations as far ahead as you can.

Are Disney Cruises Senior Friendly?

Disney cruises have a reputation for being the premier choice for family fun at sea but are they a good choice for older sailors as well? I recently returned from a five day Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic departing from New Orleans with my seventy-eight year old mother so I’d like to let you know what I believe are the pros and cons for older adults and those traveling with special accessibility needs.

PROS

The Ship is Accessible

From the moment we arrived at the port, my mom’s accessibility issues were addressed. My mom has mobility impairments which require her to use a wheelchair or scooter whenever walking more than a few steps is required. She cruised with her own scooter and she was able to easily access the elevator to the main level for boarding. Once on the main level, we were directed to a special counter that was a lower height so that she could easily present her boarding documentation. Also, the shuttle bus at the New Orleans port was equipped with a hydraulic wheelchair ramp.

Onboard the ship, I paid special attention to how easy it was to enter/exit doorways. There was no location on the Disney Magic that was completely inaccessible to scooters. However, there were a couple of instances where my mom’s scooter had a bit of difficulty getting over a steep ramp but with a little push it was no problem.

Tip

Be sure to book an accessible room if you will be traveling with a wheelchair or scooter. The room will be larger and the door to your room will have an automated open/close feature. You will not have the split bathroom feature that Disney cruises are known for but your bathroom will be very large.

Bonus Tip

If attending Pirate night or a deck party, check to see if there is a designated area for wheelchairs and/or scooters.

Adult-Only Activities

You may be pleased to know that even though Disney speaks to the inner-child in all of us, the cruise will have many activities and locations that are adult-only. Whether you want to enjoy a hand-crafted latte at the 18+ Cove Cafe or enjoy an evening of dancing at one of the adult-only night-clubs, or maybe just slip away for some quiet time at the Quiet Cove Pool, the Disney Magic has you covered.

Tip

Beverages at the Cove Cafe are at an additional charge (the pastries are included in your fare) so be sure to ask for a Cafe Fanatic punch card and your sixth drink will be free!

Entertainment for Everyone

Whether you are eight or eighty, you are very likely to enjoy the Broadway style live shows put on by Disney cast members. There is a section in the back of the theater for people with mobility concerns. You can park your scooter or wheelchair just outside of the theater and then walk to your seat, or you can wheel to your seat and a Disney member will park your chair or scooter for you. We sat on the very last row and had a very good view of the production.

Tip

The later show usually has fewer kids so choose the later show if you want more of an adult vibe.

CONS

Limited Excursions

Most of the excursions were marked as “moderate” which, in my opinion, would have been too difficult for my mother or anyone with very limited mobility. Another concern was that most of the excursion busses were not equipped to handle scooters (wheelchairs were accepted in most cases). For this reason, we opted to not purchase any excursions and instead we explored the port on our own. The Disney Magic docked at Cozumel’s Punta Langosta pier. This port is easily accessible for cruisers using scooters or wheelchairs. Once off the ship, it is about a ten minute flat walk to the main shopping area. There are also cycle taxis for hire for anyone who wants a brief ride from the boat to the shopping area. My mom used her scooter and we were in the shopping area in about ten minutes. If you want to go to the main shopping area across the street from the pier, access it from the second level. There is an elevator across from the convenience shop at the end of the pier. Otherwise, crossing at street level will be a challenge because there are no curb cutouts for scooters or wheelchairs.

Tip

Cozumel’s streets didn’t seem to be as ADA compliant as what we may be used to here in the United States. Crosswalks and curb cutouts are at a minimum so keep this in mind if traveling with a scooter or wheelchair.

Long Elevator Wait Time

The elevators on the Disney Magic were always in high demand and especially difficult if you are trying to squeeze in with a scooter or wheelchair. There were three sets of elevators (forward, mid-ship and aft) and unless it was very early or late in the day, we had to wait while already full elevators stopped at our floor. Many people tired of waiting and took the stairs instead but of course this is not an option for those using wheelchairs or scooters.

Tip

After leaving a show or dining, explore the area a bit before trying to get in an elevator. Mom and I found several hidden gems while letting the elevator crowd die down.

There Will Be Kids….Lots of Kids

Is this a con? Maybe not, I mean kids can be super cute and this is a Disney cruise after all. Just be prepared for occasional cries, screeches and a temper tantrum or two. Having said that, there was a baby crawling contest that was one of the most adorable things ever. Mindset is everything.

Tip

Longer cruises seem to have fewer kids than shorter trips so if being around a ton of kiddos isn’t your jam, maybe opt for a fall cruise of six or more days.

Conclusion

Overall, in my opinion, Disney is a good choice for seniors and travelers with disabilities. Even though the excursion offerings for those with mobility impairments were limited on our cruise, the ship itself offered ample entertainment and truly provided a magical experience. All of the Disney cast members went above and beyond to make sure that our needs were met and we never felt that any of our special requests were a problem. The debarkation process could have been better streamlined, especially for travelers with disabilities. It took us over an hour to get off of the ship but I am hoping that was an anomaly.