Accessibility & Inclusion Commitment

In the Wake exists to ensure that every traveler — regardless of ability, age, or circumstance — can explore the wonder of cruising without barriers. Accessibility isn't a checkbox; it's a promise kept over time.

We continually test and refine our website against WCAG 2.1 Level AA and the ADA, ensuring full keyboard navigation, assistive technology support, and clear, readable design. When feedback comes, we listen—because accessibility is not a finish line, but a voyage we're on together. Our ship reviews, packing guides, and planning resources all consider accessibility needs.

Planning your first cruise? Start with our beginner's guide, then return here for accessibility-specific resources.

Ensuring Access for Every Voyager

From visual clarity to cognitive simplicity, every choice we make—from color contrast to content structure—aims to serve travelers of every ability. We strive for pages that are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Whether you're researching dining options, planning port excursions, or sailing solo, our content is designed to be fully accessible.

Provider Spotlight: Autism on the Seas

We're proud to recommend Autism on the Seas, partnering with major cruise lines to provide dedicated services for travelers with autism and other cognitive or developmental disabilities.

Mobility Equipment Rentals

You don't have to bring your own wheelchair, scooter, or medical equipment on a cruise. Several reputable companies specialize in delivering rental equipment directly to your stateroom before embarkation.

Recommended Rental Providers

  • Special Needs at Sea — The industry leader, delivering wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen concentrators, hospital beds, and more to cruise ships worldwide. Equipment is waiting in your cabin when you board.
  • Scootaround — Offers scooter and wheelchair rentals with delivery to cruise ports and hotels. Good option for Caribbean and Alaska itineraries.
  • CareVacations — Full-service accessible travel agency that arranges equipment rentals alongside cruise bookings and shore excursion planning.

What to Know

  • Book early — Equipment availability is limited, especially for popular sailings and larger scooters.
  • Measure your cabin door — Standard stateroom doors are approximately 22-24 inches wide. Accessible staterooms have wider doors (32+ inches).
  • Notify your cruise line — Always inform the cruise line's access department when booking, even if renting privately.
  • Confirm delivery timing — Reputable providers coordinate with the ship to ensure equipment arrives before passengers board.

Tender Port Accessibility

When a ship anchors offshore and uses small boats (tenders) to transport passengers to shore, accessibility becomes significantly more challenging. Mobility device users should plan carefully.

Key Considerations

  • Wheelchair users may be unable to tender — Most tender boats require stepping down into a rocking vessel. Some cruise lines can assist ambulatory passengers who can transfer, but powered wheelchairs and scooters typically cannot be accommodated.
  • Weather can cancel tendering — Even if you can tender, rough seas may suspend operations entirely.
  • Check your itinerary — Before booking, review which ports are tender-only. Our port guides note tender status where known.
  • Contact the access desk — Cruise lines may offer priority tendering or alternative arrangements. Ask before you sail.

Common tender ports include: Santorini, Mykonos, Grand Cayman, Belize City, Catalina Island, Bar Harbor, and many smaller Caribbean islands.

Sensory-Inclusive Cruising

Several cruise lines have earned KultureCity certification, training crew members to better assist guests with sensory sensitivities, autism, PTSD, and dementia.

KultureCity Certified Lines

  • Carnival Cruise Line — Fleet-wide certification. Sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards available at Guest Services.
  • Royal Caribbean — Autism-friendly programming through partnership with Autism on the Seas on select sailings.

Tips for Sensory-Sensitive Travelers

  • Request a cabin away from high-traffic areas (elevators, pool deck, nightclubs).
  • Visit the buffet and entertainment venues during off-peak hours.
  • Bring familiar comfort items and noise-reducing headphones.
  • Inform Guest Services of specific needs upon boarding.

Contact & Feedback

If you encounter any accessibility barrier while visiting our site, please let us know so we can correct it promptly.

accessibility@cruisinginthewake.com

We typically respond within 48 hours.