Guide To Accessible Cruising

Adventure—without limits—awaits when you’re ready to explore the world on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. Our ships and private destinations provide access and accommodation, so everyone can make the most of their time off on board and ashore.

From a new safety briefing (Muster 2.0) that removes the need to gather in large crowds to a lineup of tasty dishes and drinks regardless of your dietary needs, to the thrills of rock climbing and experiencing shore excursions, there’s plenty to enjoy. You even have a dedicated team, our Access Department, that knows the ins and outs and can answer questions to help plan every aspect of your well-deserved getaway.

Here are seven ways a Royal Caribbean cruise is accessible, comfortable and memorable.

1. Access For All

Our longstanding work with Autism on the Seas began in 2007 to help build on the ways cruising is accessible for travelers with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities and their families. In February 2014, together with the organization’s team of specialists, we rolled out a comprehensive autism-friendly program that includes specialized youth staff training and additional customized experiences like karaoke, dance parties and group shore excursions.

The team arranges priority check-in and departure, accommodates dietary needs and provides personalized assistance for families. The Adventure Ocean kids program, as well as the teen spaces and activities, are accessible for all, complete with sensory-friendly movies, games and toys.

For families who would like more support from Autism on the Seas when they set sail, we also host and support dedicated cruises they plan throughout the year.

2. Accessible Staterooms

3. Accessible Shore Excursions

4. Perfect Day At Cococay

Everyone can chill or enjoy the thrills on our private island in The Bahamas. Not only are there paved routes throughout Perfect Day at CocoCay that connect places like the pier, restaurants and Thrill Waterpark, there’s also an accessible tram service that makes stops throughout the island. Attractions and features like the island’s Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Thrill Waterpark’s wave pool and the infinity pool at Coco Beach Club have either sloped entry, a lift or both too.

Pro tip: Labadee—Royal Caribbean’s private destination located on the northern coast of Haiti—also provides access for all. With a ship-to-shore pier, stable pathways and accessible cabanas, you’re free to explore what the island has to offer.

5. Mobility Assistance

6. Visual Accessibility Options

7. Hearing Accessibility Options

For travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are services and amenities on deck too. We have portable hearing room kits for visual and tactile alerts—to make any stateroom hearing accessible. Also available on your cruise are an Assistive Listening System in the main theaters, American Sign Language interpreters (on select sailings) and closed captioning on TVs and select programs.

Vacations should be seamless and worry-free as much as possible, so we pay attention to the details. From sailing on one of our largest ships, like Icon of the Seas, to exploring the world’s most beautiful destinations, we want to make your cruise vacation memorable no matter who you are. If you could use more information, contact our Access Department at 866-592-7225, and we can help plan a trip that is perfect for everyone.