Tips for Passengers with Disabilities

Officially, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) does not apply to cruise lines. Most ships are not subject to adherence and regulation with U.S. construction and design laws. However, most cruise lines, including RCCL Celebrity, Carnival, Princess and Norwegian Cruise Lines make special accommodations for individuals with disabilities. RCCL and Celebrity, for example, have specially designed staterooms with wider doors, level entrances and wheelchair accessible showers. Be sure to check with your travel agent about a cruise line’s rules regarding passengers with physical disabilities—they do have the right to refuse passage to anyone they deem could be a hazard to other passengers. Travelers who require service animals also should verify rules regarding such situations. RCCL and Celebrity allow approved service animals for the visually impaired. Pregnant women have special consideration and may be considered a person with a disability and denied passage should she be in advanced stages of pregnancy.