Cruising on my power chair.

Many will have read that my sea life started on my 16th birthday when I flew to New York to join my first ship the 'Queen of Bermuda' that was sixty years ago, in 2019 I had the opportunity to go on a cruise with a good friend to see the Northern Light in the artic circle and to experience the life of a passenger.

Since then I’ve been on another cruise solo, I often get asked “can you manage doing things alone my answer is always “Of course why shouldn’t I” I am fortunate that my stroke didn’t leave me needing a constant companion/carer although to be fare there are those who travel the world with a companion enjoy being on a ship as much as I do, therefore, I can only share my personal experiences on a cruise ship.

If you’re like me, a wheelchair user and are thinking about taking a cruise, a bit of preparation can make all the difference. Cruising can be a fantastic, accessible way to travel, and with the right choices it can be both relaxing and memorable. Here are a few things I’ve learned from my own experiences.

1. Do Your Cruising Research

Before booking anything, think about what type of cruise you want.

My first choice was to see the Northern Lights, followed by the Norwegian Fjords. Both were unforgettable experiences, but very different in feel depending on the ship and time of year.

2. Choosing the Right Cruising Ship

Cruise ships vary a lot, so it’s worth considering:

• Size of ship – large or small

• Cruise line style – American, Norwegian, British, etc.

When I went to see the Northern Lights, I was on a large American cruise ship with around 4,000 passengers plus crew. It was excellent in terms of facilities and organisation.

That said, I’ve since discovered I prefer smaller ships, as they tend to offer:

• A more personal service

• A quieter, less crowded atmosphere

• Easier navigation onboard in a wheelchair

3. Time of Year & Weather

To avoid stormy weather, many people choose to cruise in:

• Spring

• Summer

• Autumn

However, storms can happen at any time of year.

Personally, I don’t mind cruising in the winter months. Stormy seas can be exciting and are certainly something you’ll remember forever; it all depends on your comfort level and sense of adventure.

4. Insurance Is Essential

Alongside standard travel insurance, you’ll need additional cruise insurance.

This is really important because:

• Medical services on board cruise ships can be very expensive

• Cruise-specific insurance gives you extra protection if something unexpected happens at sea

Don’t skip this step.

5. Accessibility Onboard

Most modern cruise ships do have accessible cabins, but there are a few things to note:

• Accessible cabins are limited in number, so book early

• Some are standard cabins with widened doors for wheelchair access

• Others are fully adapted and may offer more space and facilities than you personally need

It’s worth speaking directly to the cruise line to find the best fit for you and your chair.

6. The Itinerary & Going Ashore

A few weeks before your cruise, you’ll receive:

• Your full itinerary

• A deck plan, which helps you understand the ship layout in advance

When it comes to ports:

• Occasionally you may not be able to get ashore if a tender transfer is used, as these can be difficult or impossible to board in a wheelchair

• When the ship is alongside the dock, gangways are wheelchair accessible

• If shuttle buses are required, they are usually wheelchair accessible too

So don’t worry, in most cases, you’ll still be able to enjoy your destinations.

7. Entertainment & Life Onboard

There’s plenty to keep you occupied on a cruise, including:

• Food available almost 24 hours a day

• Bars to quench your thirst

• Stage shows and live entertainment

• Talks and speakers covering topics like:

  • The stars and night sky

  • Nature and wildlife

  • The places you’re visiting

You can be as active or as relaxed as you like.

Me all ready to party

Final Thoughts

I’m sure there’s more I could add, but the most important thing is this: once you’re onboard, relax and enjoy the experience.

I’ve shared a few photos from the last two cruises I travelled on, and I hope my experiences help you feel more confident about choosing a cruise that works for you.

Happy cruising 🚢