If you are going to travel on a cruise ship and need it to be adapted, for example because your mobility is reduced and you need a wheelchair, no problem. All the pages of the shipping companies offer the option of accessible cruises. In general only you will have to check this option when you book the cruise, or at the same agency.
Now, there are different special needs, and sometimes you have to leave it written down or download a questionnaire and send it along with your reservation. Below we detail the services and information that you are interested in knowing if you want to go on a cruise and have a wheelchair.
A cruise with reduced mobility
In general, shipping companies have adapted for people who move in wheelchairs all bridges, common areas and auxiliary vessels. A detail in this regard, according to our experience, in the security drill that takes place the first day on board, they almost always forget to mention this group and point out which doors and exits they should follow.
Many companies offer the possibility that you have a companion if you need it during the journey. There are some passengers who embark and disembark in wheelchairs, since they are elderly people, with little mobility and their transfer is facilitated at this time, even if they do not use them on the ship later.
If you want to do excursions and you have reduced mobility, you have to say it when reserving them, since some may not be recommended in your case due to their level of difficulty, or you cannot do them directly. The best way to find out is by asking.
The modern ships of Royal Caribbean have hydraulic craness so you can take a good dip in the pool. You will not have a problem at the shows, because there are always seats reserved for people in wheelchairs, and the same goes for restaurants.
Cabins adapted for wheelchairs
Of course there are adapted cabins. They are wider and offer greater freedom of movement. As a standard, they usually measure between 14 m2 to 27 m2, they have with additional facilities and equipment, like a folding bench in the shower. They offer a turning radius of one and a half meters next to the bed, in the bathrooms and rest areas. The shipping companies are very careful in the use of these cabins, and they are very vigilant that fraud does not occur in this regard, and that they are used by the people who really need it.
Surely you know what is called scooter, a electric wheelchair, tiny, like a tricycle, that allows you to move from one place to another on the boat in a very comfortable way, and that is foldable, be careful! because not all companies let you embark with it, and they ask you for some kind of medical certificate so that you can get it on board.
Children with special needs
Of course you can travel with a child with a special capacity and enjoy a magnificent cruise. We have consulted several websites of large companies and although they do not offer a specific childcare service, the entertainment staff is trained to offer many activities, Among which this boy or girl will surely be able to participate.
In some cases, as children are usually grouped by age, whenever the parents wish they can be included with other children or young people younger than their own (I repeat, with the consent of the parents) or participate in specific activities with his family.
Other different capacities
In addition to reduced mobility, cruise companies offer their services and are adapted for people with hearing problems, they will provide you with a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) with light and vibration, a text telephone, vision problems (ask if you can bring your guide dog), special diets, dialysis ... or other needs.
As I said at the beginning, the best thing is that from the beginning you expose what your needs are. If you want to have more information on this topic, I recommend that you read this article.