Accessible Cruises: What To Expect In An Accessible Stateroom

Curious about accessible cruises and what to expect in an accessible stateroom? Wider doors, roll-in showers and grab bars are among the special features.

By Donna Heiderstadt | Published on September 2, 2025

The ease — and, of course, excitement — of taking a cruise vacation is well known. That said, can every traveler say "bon voyage" with equal ease and comfort? In other words, are cruise ships handicap accessible?

The answer is yes! Cruises can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages and physical abilities thanks to accessible staterooms. All ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet offer rooms designed to accommodate guests with limited mobility. Every accessible stateroom is equipped with features that allow those who use walkers, wheelchairs and scooters to book accessible cruises all around the globe.

This means multigenerational families can all enjoy a cruise together — even if someone in your crew uses mobility assistance. Lifelong friends, some of whom may now use a wheelchair or scooter to get around, can also book a voyage and visit the world's top destinations as a group. A couple with one partner who is disabled can book an accessible stateroom and celebrate an anniversary or milestone birthday in total comfort.

While onboard, guests with limited mobility will enjoy a comfortable, well-designed home away from home that's just as inviting as a traditional stateroom — but with important added features. What staterooms are designed for guests with disabilities? And what features can you expect to find in an accessible stateroom? Guests sailing will find accessible options that range from budget-friendly Interior and Ocean View staterooms to Balcony staterooms and Junior Suites — many located near elevators.

Read on for a look at what guests booking a cruise for people with disabilities can expect in their staterooms.

1. Wider Doors

Accessible cruises for wheelchairs or scooters must have staterooms with wider doors to make room for these mobility devices. Accessible stateroom doors on all ships in the fleet are 32 to 34 inches wide, depending on the ship. And don't worry about getting the wheels over the threshold — accessible staterooms don't have one.

2. A Five-foot Turning Radius

Those looking for accessible cruises will be excited to hear that wheelchairs and scooters also have plenty of space to properly maneuver around the stateroom, thanks to a five-foot turning radius in sleeping areas, bathrooms and sitting areas. The square-footage of an accessible stateroom varies by ship and stateroom category, but cruise accommodations for people with disabilities range from 159 to 298 square feet.

3. Wide Bathrooms And Showers

No area is more important to wheelchair and scooter users than the bathroom, where navigating the space can be a real challenge. Fortunately, your ship has you covered. Accessible staterooms feature wider bathroom doors (once again, 32 to 34 inches in width, depending on the ship), as well as ramped thresholds and roll-in showers for easy entry and exit.

4. Grab Bars And Benches

Other bathroom amenities designed to assist guests with disabilities who have booked an accessible stateroom include strategically placed grab bars, fold-down benches and hand-held showerheads. With the necessary space and these additional accessories at hand, travelers who need them can feel confident that their cruise vacation will be relaxing and stress free.

5. Lower Sinks And Closet Rods

Stretching for items that are just out of reach is not only frustrating for those who use wheelchairs and scooters, but it can also lead to falls. Guests in accessible staterooms do not need to test their reach because these spaces have been designed with lowered sinks and vanities as well as lowered closet rods and safes — features that make getting ready in the morning each day easier.

6. Well-Designed Toilets

The cruise ship designers haven't forgotten the importance of raised toilet seats. On these ships, most toilets in staterooms are 17 to 19 inches high. In addition, high commode chairs are also available if requested before your sailing. All you have to do is fill out a special needs form at least 30 days before your sailing.

7. Improved Balcony Access

Guests who book an accessible Balcony stateroom or Junior Suite will also find it easy to enjoy fresh air and ocean views from their private balcony, where the sliding doors have been designed with fold-down threshold ramps to allow roll-out access. If you're onboard celebrating an anniversary or a birthday, an accessible balcony is the perfect spot to pop the cork on a bottle of Champagne and enjoy a sunset toast.

8. Accessible Spaces And Tours

Guests who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids will be well taken care of from the moment they board until they depart and head home, since spacious corridors, automatic doors, gently inclined ramps and other accessibility features complement the well-designed staterooms on accessible cruise ships. These are some of the best accessible cruise ships at sea, with an array of dining and entertainment options available to everyone. It's easy to enjoy access to a pool or hot tub outfitted with a lift, wheel up to lowered playing tables and slot machines at Casino Royale℠, catch a hit Broadway musical or original production show in the Royal Theater or marvel at the skills of high-divers and acrobats in the AquaTheater (on Oasis Class ships). Go ahead and request a favorite tune from the piano man in the Schooner Bar or belt out your favorite song at Spotlight℠ Karaoke. It's all possible — and accessible.

Mobility assistance also extends beyond the ship to time onshore. This includes accessible airport transfers (arranged in advance), extra assistance when boarding (requested 30 days prior to your sail date) and accessible shore excursions. These special shore excursions are available on demand in more than four dozen ports in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and northern Europe and can be booked by completing the Accessible Shore Excursions form. While out and about, guests will travel in vehicles with wheelchair lifts or ramps, visit accessible attractions with flat or ramped entrances and accessible bathrooms, take routes that avoid stairs and curbs, and be guided by experienced local operators versed in accessibility needs. Best of all, these excursions are small group tours meant to be experienced with loved ones and friends.

Excited to discover all the ways that accessible cruises can create lasting vacation memories? Find your perfect itinerary and get ready to sail.