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River Cruises for Disabled Adults: Empower your Cruising with 11 Key Considerations
Introduction
Planning a memorable river cruise for an adult with slightly limited mobility involves careful consideration of the cruise company, itinerary, and the specific needs of your travel companion. Here’s a complete guide to finding the best river cruises for disabled adults.
Criteria for choosing River cruises for Disabled Adults
It’s often difficult to find detailed information about facilities for passengers who use mobility aids, on cruise line websites and brochures. River ships might look similar on the outside but can be very different on the inside. Here are some key criteria to consider for finalizing river cruises for disabled adults.
Criterion #1: Stairs and Accessibility
River cruise ships often require passengers to navigate flights of 12-15 steps, as elevators typically only serve certain floors. This is because of the requirement that ships be low enough to pass under bridges.
Access to the sun deck is usually only via stairs, although a few newer ships, like some Uniworld vessels, offer chair lifts.
Criterion #2: Boarding via Gangplanks
Boarding and disembarking can be tricky for those with mobility challenges because, river cruise ships involve using narrow gangplanks that may lack sturdy handrails, often replaced by ropes. Water levels can affect boarding decks, resulting in sloping gangplanks.
Additionally, when ships are moored alongside each other, passengers may need to cross multiple gangplanks on the top deck. Wheelchair users are often advised to travel with someone who can assist them, although crew members may help when available.
Criterion #3: Cabin Size and Storage for Mobility Aids
Cabins on river cruise ships are generally smaller than hotel rooms. Ensure there is enough space to store mobility devices and easily access the room with a wheelchair. Due to space limitations, storing mobility aids like wheelchairs in cabins can be challenging.
Most river cruise lines require wheelchairs to be collapsible and stored under the bed to comply with health and safety regulations.
Criterion #4: Limited number of accessible cabins
Accessible cabins with wider doors are limited and in high demand, so early booking is essential for those requiring such accommodations.
Criterion #5: Need for Assistance
River cruise lines often require wheelchair users to travel with a companion who can assist them. Crew members may help with embarkation and disembarkation, but personal assistance is needed for tasks like folding and storing wheelchairs.
Criterion #6: Accessible Bathrooms
Most river ships don’t have bathtubs, and bathroom accessibility can vary. Some showers have fixed doors with limited access, while others have fold-back doors to create a larger space.
Raised floors in bathrooms may require modifications for wheelchair accessibility. When in doubt, request exact information.
Criterion #7: Elevators On Board
Most modern ships have elevators, but their accessibility varies. Some vessels have elevators serving all decks except the sun deck, which may be accessible only by stairs. A few ships, like Uniworld’s Super Ships, have special chair lifts to the top deck, though these are rare.
Criterion #8: Planning Accessible Excursions
Excursions are generally included in the cruise fare, but not all are accessible. Here are some tips:
Tip #1: Close Proximity of Attractions
Europe’s historic riverside towns often have attractions close by, reducing the need for bus transfers. Search for cruise lines that grade their guided walking tours by fitness level and include options for disabled adult customers.
Tip#2: Alternative Transport Options
For longer trips involving bus travel, check if coaches are adapted for wheelchair use. Alternatively, ask if you can join a tour via taxi or rideshare to see primary attractions.
Tip#3: Independent Exploration
If tours don’t suit, many riverfront towns are flat and easy to explore independently. However, since many tours are included in the fare, decide if the trip is worth it if you can’t participate in the excursions.
Tip#4: Cost Considerations
Excursions are typically included in the cruise price, so those unable to participate may find their money wasted. For travelers preferring not to take excursions, options like Amadeus or CroisiEurope cruises, which do not include excursions, might be better.
Tip#5: Selecting the Right Itinerary
For disabled adults choosing an itinerary with extensive sailing time and fewer port days is advisable. Popular options include the Danube and the Rhine, offering long stretches of scenic, UNESCO-listed landscapes ideal for disabled adult river cruisers.
Criterion #9: Wheelchair Accessibility on Land
Many cities in the itineraries feature cobblestone streets and uneven paths, making wheelchair navigation challenging. Motor coach tours involve steep steps, adding to the difficulty.
Criterion #10: Medical Facilities
European river cruises lack onboard medical facilities, though shore-based services can be called. Southeast Asia and Africa itineraries have no onboard medical staff, relying on local facilities in emergencies.
Criterion #11: Weather Conditions
The time of year (late spring) can bring intermittent rain, complicating navigation with a walker and umbrella. The conditions can make streets and stairs slippery.
Specific Cruise Experiences
- Danube Cruise:
- 7-Day Itinerary: The Danube cruise includes two excursion options per port.
- The “slow walkers” tour includes bus service to main locations, which reduces the need for long walks.
- Weather Challenges: While visiting Christmas markets, travelers might encounter drizzle or snow, making surfaces slick. Proper attire and caution are essential.
- Paris to Normandy, Bordeaux Wine Region, and Rhone/Saone Cruises:
- Central Docking: These itineraries often dock in the heart of cities, allowing easy access to cafes, shops, and local attractions.
- Excursions: Highlights include the Pope’s Palace in Avignon, lavender fields, and visits to renowned vineyards like Georges Duboeuf. These tours are designed to be both interesting and manageable for those with limited mobility.
Accessibility Policies of Different River Cruise Lines
Here’s how major cruise lines stack up in terms of accessibility.
AmaWaterways Accessibility
Amawaterways is highly recommended for disabled adult travelers due to its excellent accessibility features. AmaWaterways strives to provide a memorable vacation for all guests, including those with special needs or accessibility concerns.
It is essential that you inform your cruise consultant as soon as possible to ensure that your requirements are addressed.
Shore Excursions
The company offers gentle shore excursions specifically designed to accommodate those who need extra assistance.
Wheelchair Accessibility Onboard
Wheelchair accessibility on AmaWaterways is limited. While some ships have elevators between main decks, staterooms are not designed for wheelchair use, and guests must navigate without wheelchairs in their rooms.
Boarding and disembarking also require mobility, often involving narrow planks and stairs.
Viking River Cruises Accessibility
Viking River Cruises endeavors to accommodate special access needs but cannot guarantee this in all cases. Guests should notify their agents about any accessibility requirements before booking.
There are no designated wheelchair-friendly cabins. Elevators are available on most ships but movement can be difficult due to split-level decks.
Mobility Assistance
Travelers with disabilities are encouraged to cruise with an adult companion for assistance, especially during walking tours on uneven, cobblestone streets. Some Viking ships have elevators, but this varies, and guests should consult their cruise consultant.
Viking cruises ensure safety despite the potential challenges at docking sites, which might have uneven concrete, non-uniform steps, and limited handrails.
Filling up Accessibility Form
Guests must complete and submit an accessibility form detailing any issues that might want professional attention or the usage of mobility equipment. Travelers are responsible for bringing necessary items related to their condition.
Avalon Waterways Accessibility
General Accessibility
Avalon Waterways generally does not provide wheelchair ramps or special accommodations. Guests with disabilities should review the cruise line’s terms and conditions before booking.
While Avalon attempts to accommodate disabled travelers, they cannot guarantee this in all situations. Most transportation services lack wheelchair ramps, and individual assistance is not provided.
Shore Excursions
Avalon provides accessible shore excursions and will assist in choosing the right tours based on individual mobility needs.
CroisiEurope Accessibility
Adapted Cabins
CroisiEurope welcomes passengers with reduced mobility, offering adapted cabins on some ships. Guests must inform their travel agent about specific needs to ensure suitable accommodations.
Ship Facilities
Three-deck ships feature lifts for access to different decks, including dining and lounge areas. Two-deck ships are designed with all common facilities on one level for easier access.
Emerald Cruises Accessibility
Lifts and Deck Access
Emerald’s Star-Ships have lifts servicing three out of four decks, with Sun Deck access only via stairs. Luxury yachts feature lifts servicing all decks.
Mobility Assistance
Disabled adult guests will need assistance from a companion, as crew help is limited. Docking alongside other ships may require accessing the shore via the Sun Deck.
Uniworld River Cruises Accessibility
Consultation Before Booking
Guests with mobility issues are advised to discuss their concerns with a river cruise consultant before booking. Using wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers may limit participation in some shore excursions.
There are no wheelchair-accessible staterooms on Uniworld River Cruises but grab bars in showers and chair lifts to the sun deck on some ships.
Slow Walkers Tour
Uniworld offers a specific tour designed for disabled adult guests, called the “slow walkers” tour. This option ensures a more comfortable experience by providing a bus that picks up passengers directly at the dock and takes them to key attractions.
During the tour, travelers can explore, shop, visit churches, and take photos at a relaxed pace. A tour guide and driver accompany the group, providing assistance and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Scenic Cruising
- For those with severely restricted mobility, itineraries with plenty of cruising time allow you to enjoy the sights from the Scenic River Cruise ships. Top options include the Rhine and Danube Rivers in Europe, offering scenic stretches like the Middle Rhine and the Wachau Valley.
- On Scenic river cruises limited mobility suites are available. Elevators serve passenger decks but not the sun deck.
U.S. River Cruise Lines
U.S. river cruises often offer better accessibility due to ADA compliance. Popular routes include the Mississippi River, with attractions like the ADA-compliant French Quarter in New Orleans.
- American Cruise Lines (ACL): Offers 17 river and coastal ships with large staterooms, wide doors, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible staterooms. Crew members assist on gangways and tour coaches.
- American Queen Voyages (AQV): Operates seven vessels with accessible staterooms and elevators. Many excursion buses feature lifts.
In Summary
- Accessible river cruising requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, from cabin configurations to excursion options.
- By asking the right questions as per the criteria given in this article and researching specific cruise lines and destinations, you can find a river cruise that meets your needs and offers an enjoyable experience.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a professional travel consultant can assist you select the finest ship and itinerary.
- River cruise lines have unique policies and accommodations for guests with accessibility needs.
- It is crucial for disabled adult travelers with special requirements to communicate these needs early and consult with cruise consultants to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- By selecting a river cruise for disabled adult with limited mobility, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, creating lasting memories of the trip.