Disney Cruise Line has announced 46 new accessible shore excursions in 39 ports around the world, making cruise vacations more accessible to people with disabilities.
Wheelchair users will now be able to see the iconic windmills in Amsterdam, the Pantheon in Rome, the D-Day Beaches in Normandy, the Mayan Ruins in Cozumel and more.
The accessible shore excursions, offered in partnership with Accessible Travel Solutions, are led by professional tour guides and feature accommodations to make the experiences accessible to people with disabilities. Specialized vehicles with wheelchair ramps or lifts are provided, and the tours follow step-free routes to ensure access for people with limited mobility. Accessible itineraries include stops at many of the most popular tourist attractions, historic sites, monuments and museums.
A list of Disney Cruise Line’s accessible shore excursions, organized by port, is provided below:
To reserve a spot on an accessible excursion, cruise goers are asked to e-mail Disney Cruise Line’s Special Services team at SpecialServices@disneycruise.com, after the cruise has been paid in full.
A minimum number of participants are required for the excursion to operate. If that minimum is not met, customers will be given the option to book a private tour at a higher price point. In my view, this signals that Disney still has a long way to go on equal access. People with disabilities should not have to pay more to have the same experiences as other cruise passengers, but that is where we are currently.
Although more work on accessibility in cruising must be done, Disney’s inclusion of accessible shore excursions is a positive step forward.
h/t wdwinfo
Have you booked an accessible shore excursion with Disney Cruise Line?
Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Featured image courtesy Disney Cruise Line/Todd Anderson, photographer.
