Valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on airfare or extensions, and may not be combinable with other offers. These hour-long flights work well for travelers with limited mobility, although they do require two or three steps up into a small plane. Viking River cruises include bucket-list experiences. If you're looking at a well-known Alaskan city that's safe, head to Juneau. 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. And no one wants to miss the traditional tea in the Queens Room, or the fish and chips in the Golden Lion Pub. Fares for the riverboats include a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, with luggage concierge and transfers, while all sailings offer at least one shore excursions in every port; complimentary evening cocktails and wine and beer at lunch and dinner; soft drinks, juice, water and snacks. American Queen Voyages, formerly American Queen Steamboat Company, now includes coastal ships formerly sailing under the brand of Victory Cruise Lines. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. In fact, a cruise might just be one of the best vacations you'll ever experience. The accessible bathrooms are smaller, which means wheelchair users may require more assistance than usual to manoeuvre once inside. This department will provide several outside companies the line works with and help coordinate the process before departure. Learn More >, Alaska Tour & Travel Silversea cruises are all-inclusive senior-friendly cruises at their best. Assistance dogs are allowed on board cruises where all ports of call fit into the EU's Pet Passport scheme. 1. AmaWaterways' ships are elegantly appointed with expansive public areas for enjoying views of the rivers and shorelines. Visitors with physical limitations can discover the town's rich history aboard an authentic sternwheeler on a fully narrated three-hour river cruise. Monday - Sunday: 8am - 5pm HST. Cruises for seniors arent that different from cruises for younger generations. At an American cemetery in Luxembourg, for example, passengers may be given a rose to place at the gravesite of a veteran. Silversea Alaska cruises allow active seniors to enjoy hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac tours with the onboard expedition team included in the fare. Ocean and River Cruises. On the rivers, Tauck guides will even give passengers euros for lunch. Discounts are available for seniors and side trips in many port cities are available as well. Rates are in GBP and valid for UK and Ireland residents only. Holland America cruise line (HAL) has long been popular with seniors, both for the destinations where they travel and entertainment options onboard. You can choose an all-inclusive option, you wont have to worry about money and can instead simply focus on the vacation. However, some needs require adequate time to prepare for a guest's arrival. The ships themselves are gorgeous, with high-end artwork and sumptuous furnishings. Cruises. 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. 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 Accessibility. Accessible staterooms are held for travelers with disabilities until all other non-accessible staterooms in that category are fully booked. Weekend getaways and great cruise specials. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. Sitemap. Because seating needs to be reconfigured, travelers should notify the Park Connection at least 48 hours in advance if wheelchair accessibility is required. The Denali Husky Homestead tour, which takes guests to a working sled dog kennel, requires light walking and standing. What's interesting is that although this cruise line offers luxury service, they are listed in the class of small ships. Which Royal Caribbean Suite Should I Book? Onboard entertainment is often geared to the ship's itinerary. These Tauck guides also perform multiple duties onboard, giving daily briefings, attending shore excursions and handling the lagniappe extras. 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. 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. Top Accessible Cruise Vacations from Rome. GOOD FOR: easy pace, low to high activity level. 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. 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. All of Celebritys luxurious cruise ships have accessible staterooms, and each is specially designed for travelers with disabilities. Imagine an alpine frontier, where jagged peaks descend to cool, clear waters. New ships boast S.A.L.T., a culinary adventure program that delves into local cuisines. Here are the story and our tips for the best Alaska tours for . The line does warn, however, that its wheelchair accessible cabins are adapted from the original specification, rather than purpose-built, so depending on your needs, ask very specific questions when you book. Theyre particularly known for their cruises to Alaska, so you know youre in good hands here in fact, theyve won awards for their Alaskan cruises! The two largest day tour operators both run boats accessible to manual wheelchairs. Although I like Victoria, some of the cruise ship stops are at bad times. Silversea was known for its expedition-style cruises before it even had a true purpose-built expedition ship (Silver Explorer). Senior cruisers want a memorable experience with cultural enrichment, sophisticated dining, a bit of low-impact adventure and bucket list destinations. If you wish to accommodate a service dog, arrangements can be made in advance with our Access Department. Scooters up to 56cm wide will only be allowed in cabins suitable for non-collapsible wheelchairs and scooters, while larger scooters will only be allowed in fully adapted cabins. 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. Travelers with physical limitations, but who do not rely on a wheelchair or scooter, have many options. 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. Alaska cruises are popular for travelers of all ages, especially senior cruisers and multigenerational families. European River Cruise The European river cruise is a leisurely way to see the back waterways of Europe. Passenger trains are wheelchair accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This Alaska cruise is one of my favorite Alaska itineraries. Royal Caribbean offer cruises to Alaska for 9, 10 or 15 nights. Tauck river cruises are just one part of a travel company that made its name in land tours. 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. Personalize your cruise experience with tasty Drink Packages, delicious Specialty Restaurants, exciting Excursions, pampering Spa Treatments and Internet Packages to share your adventures. One feature of all Cunard cruise ships is the more formal vibe. 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. You can customize your Alaskan experience by taking interesting excursions like the flightseeing safari in Anchorage. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. No prices currently available for this sailing. As the states largest, Alaska is known for its natural beauty. Here are some great ideas for vacations for handicapped seniors to help inspire your next vacation! Seeing Alaska by rail is a real treat for seniors with mobility issues or not. Discover all the arctic allure and outdoor adventure of Alaska! > Alaska. Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise. AmaWaterways has a fleet of 26 river ships, focusing primarily on the Danube and the Rhine rivers in Europe, but also offering sailings in France and Portugal. The cruise was actually 9/25 to 10/2/2022 round trip from Seattle. Dont let this discourage you from exploring this town full of amazing views. 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. In this article, Ill show you the top 10 best Alaska cruises for seniors that will be enjoyable and memorable. Visit Seward, Skagway and the breathtakingly beautiful Hubbard Glacier. The gorgeous state capitol is home to just under 33,000 and had only 134 violent crimes in 2013. 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 . Olsen says: On Black Watch, scooters of any type are only permitted in fully adapted cabins. You'll also find resident historians that give lectures that relate to Viking's ocean itineraries. For seniors, there are numerous advantages to sailing Carnival. Whether you're looking for a cruise with great food, amazing views, or plenty . While any cruise line could be a great choice for seniors, here are our picks for the five best cruise lines for senior citizens. Call our local Hawaii specialists for any questions about our island tours and activities. Black Watch, being an older ship, has steps on the pool deck, but there are ramps for wheelchair users. Celebrity Cruises not only offers fantastic trips to Alaska, but seniors will appreciate that it has been recognized for its exceptional service to guests. You may also combine a cruise with a ground trip to explore more of the area, from wildlife such as eagles and bears to learning about the gold rushs history. A cruise is an excellent way to visit the Last Frontier. THE 25 BEST Senior Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic Alaska Senior Cruises We found you 211 cruise s Filter Sort: Popularity Regatta Sep 26, 2024 7 Night Alaska. Here are seven great destinations where handicapped seniors will be welcome and comfortable. 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 . Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Chinitna Bay National Park Bear Viewing Flight, Traveling with Limited Mobility in Alaska. P&O Cruises' homeport is Southampton, so there are year-round departures from here, as well as a comprehensive fly-cruise programme. 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. Columbus, the flagship has six wheelchair-adapted cabins. To ensure that your cruise experience is perfect from beginning to end, youll get help with transportation from the airport to the pier, during boarding, and when departing the ship for cruise excursions. On its small ship cruises, the Tauck guides help passengers figure out their expedition gear, for example, or coordinate logistics on a charter flight. See Alaska small ship cruises The Caribbean is another popular cruise destination for senior travelers. Airfare, accommodations, all meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, gratuities and most shore excursions are included in fares. 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. 907.373.3494 Premium 10-Day Tours 10 Day Grand Discovery The line's low single supplement is an attractive incentive for widows and widowers, and anyone else traveling solo. "Oh, mother nature now you're just showing off.". All Celebrity ships have a clinic onboard with a doctor and two nurses on call 24 hours a day. As one of the most disability-friendly lines in the industry, accessible staterooms are available on all Holland America cruise ships. Norwegian also has specific employees that assist seniors and other travelers who require special assistance. Flightseeing and driving tours are an excellent option for travelers who have some mobility. Alaska cruises are popular for travelers of all ages, especially senior cruisers and multigenerational families. Fuel supplement may apply. Destinations are both popular and exotic, ranging from Alaska to the Mediterranean and Iceland. 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. Born in south, she spent her childhood hopping around the U.S., even venturing as far away as Kodiak, Alaska. Equipment like commodes, raised toilet seats and shower stools can be supplied if you request it at the time of booking. When you sail with Oceania, you can expect to have an elite experience on a smart, stylish ship. View our itinerary pages for more exclusive 2023 offers, including family and solo traveler savings. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Choosing a Cruise Ship Room: What to Expect. Alaskan cruises cater to a wide range of interests, and Royal Caribbean is noted for its senior-friendly policies. Being late in the season, there was only half the capacity of guests. Trips, Inc. provides all-inclusive vacation packages for travelers 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. For 2018, Fred. 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. Guests choose between regular-paced walking tours, gentle-paced walking tours, and tours with full transportation provided. 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 . 1. These cruises are only available on Holland Americas mid-sized ships, which are the ideal size for getting close to Alaskas natural beauty. And while it is still a remote, and oftentimes, wild place to visit, our tourism infrastructure has grown to accommodate travelers with mobility limitations. Oriana, an older ship, only has eight, all on F Deck, with a window but no balcony. 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. Youll also get assistance from ship to shore, making the boarding experience as easy and comfortable as possible for seniors with disabilities. Why AmaWaterways Is Great for Seniors: Senior cruisers on AmaWaterways will appreciate the extra attention taken to offer tours for every ability. Televisions in all staterooms have closed captioning. Holland America The main dining room on Nieuw Statendam. Seeing three glaciers up close was just great! Not only will you get to see everything Alaska has to offer, but youll also enjoy all the onboard pampering. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. Cruise Critic is not responsible for content on external web sites. Book by April 30, 2023, and receive a $700 air credit per person on select departures. Silversea Alaska cruises allow active seniors to enjoy hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac tours with the onboard expedition team included in the fare. The Alaska line is considered their crown jewel. 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. Related: What Is Silversea's S.A.L.T. Everything is carefully thought out, right down to highlighting which excursions are best for those who are less mobile. Take in everything there is to see in Alaska, including the Tongass National Forest, the Hubbard Glacier, and the celebration of other cultures. Find a Cruise; Mississippi River Cruises; Accessible shore excursions in private, adapted vehicles can be arranged via the cruise line, but you need to send in a questionnaire in good time before cruising. Seniors who like the arts and the finer things in life may enjoy a cruise to Alaska on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. Onboard, expect a contemporary setting with a choice of restaurants and plenty of entertainment, with everything geared to the tastes of British passengers.