One of the toughest conversations our consultants have is with a traveller whose mobility has changed since they last took a trip. They want to keep travelling but they’re not sure what’s still possible.
The answer is: more than you think, with the right ship and the right trip. Here’s what we’ve learnt to recommend.
Accessible cruises that actually deliver
Princess Cruises and Holland America have the best wheelchair-accessible cabins on the bigger ships — wide doors, roll-in showers, lower bedside furniture. Their port-day excursion programmes have explicit accessible options on most stops.
River cruises are mixed. The newer Viking Longships have lifts to all decks; older boats sometimes don’t. Always ask. The Murray paddle-steamers are mostly single-deck and step-on / step-off, which works well for walkers but not for wheelchairs.
Land tours
The escorted-coach format gets a bad rap, but for travellers with a walking stick or walker it’s often the best fit. The bus pulls up to the hotel front door. The luggage is handled. The pacing is reasonable. Look for “comfortable pacing” or “leisurely” in the itinerary description.
Where to avoid (for now)
Cobblestoned old towns — Dubrovnik, Lisbon’s Alfama, much of Rome — are punishing on bad knees. The fjord-side villages on the Norway coastal route involve gangways that move with the tide. Most Greek-island shore excursions involve a steep climb. Ask us before you book if you’re uncertain.
Travel insurance — this is the one
If you’re travelling with a chronic condition or mobility limit, the right comprehensive travel insurance with explicit pre-existing-condition cover is the single most important thing you’ll book. It is more important than the upgrade to the balcony cabin. Buy it the day you put the deposit down.
Call 1300 414 198 and one of our consultants will walk you through the specific ships, cabin grades and itineraries we’d book for someone in your situation. We won’t talk you into a trip you can’t enjoy.