Wheelchair Access & Special Needs
NCL aims to provide a safe and accessible cruise experience for all guests with special requirements to the extent that is feasible. Guests or their travel agents must contact the Access Desk and provide a Special Accommodation Requirements Information Form in advance of their cruise. Access Desk coordinators need at least 90 days for interpreters and 60 days for all other requirements. Pre-arranging for special assistance helps travel proceed more smoothly. Assistance is arranged for at the time of booking upon identification of the guest's specific service request through the dedicated toll free Access Desk number (1-866-584-9756)
In limited situations (either on board or ashore), NCL may find it necessary to ask guests to make alternative travel arrangements, such as if a disabled guest is unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services. Guests who are unable to care for their basic needs (e.g. dressing, eating, and attending safety drills) MUST have a capable traveling companion. It is essential that NCL be notified of any special medical, physical, or other requirement guests may have as soon as possible, including whether the guest intends to bring a scooter with them.
Guests with Mobility Impairments
A wheelchair, scooter, or walker may be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship for guests who cannot walk on their own. Norwegian Cruise Line has a limited supply of wheelchairs onboard. In order to accommodate guests, Norwegian Cruise Line wheelchairs are reserved exclusively for embarkation and disembarkation situations. If a guest will require regular use of a wheelchair, it is strongly recommended that they bring their own. Guests may also make rental arrangements onboard from a limited supply of rental wheelchairs which are available onboard on a first come, first serve basis.
Motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed in accessible staterooms provided that they are powered by gel-cell batteries and the chargers must be adaptable to 110 volts. Should a guest choose a stateroom that has not been designated as accessible, they will need to bring a collapsible wheelchair. If the guest has a motorized wheelchair or scooter, the width must not exceed 21 inches to enter the stateroom door. All scooters and wheelchairs MUST be stored in the stateroom. Due to the safety requirements and regulations, they cannot be stored in the hallways, stairways, or any other public area. Beach wheelchairs can be rented for use on Norwegian Cruise Line's private island.
For additional details on the prearranged rental program, please contact NCL's authorized vendor, Special Needs at Sea, at (800)513-4515 or (954)585-0575, or via fax at (954)585-0577.
Hearing Impaired Guests
The following amenities and services may be provided for hearing impaired guests:
- Embarkation day meeting with staff member who will see to guest's accessibility needs during the cruise
- Individual and/or group emergency drills for all Deaf or Low Hearing guests upon request
- Pagers are available upon request on all Norwegian Cruise Line vessels to alert Deaf or Low Hearing Guests to vessel announcements and a manual for same can be provided in advance.
- Assistive listening devices are available on many vessels in the main theatre through the Guest Service Desk.
- Closed-captioned televisions are available for your state room.
- Closed-captioned DVD movies are available upon request prior to sailing.
- Sign language interpreting services may be provided for Deaf guests if that is their primary means of communication. A request for sign language interpreting should be made with the Access Desk at the time of booking through the Special requirements Information Form that can be obtained from the Access desk, but no later than 90 days prior to sailing. Requests are subject to a number of considerations, including but not limited to, the availability of interpreters and cabin space. Sign language interpreting services may be provided on cruises that depart from and/or return to the U.S.
- TTY Phones are available onboard all ships except Norwegian Spirit that use handy phones and text messaging.
Vision Impaired Guests
The following amenities and services may be provided for vision impaired guests:
- Embarkation day meeting with staff member who will see to guest's accessibility needs during the cruise
- A vessel orientation tour is available upon request
- Service animals allowed onboard and must be arranged through the Access Desk prior to the cruise
- Braille/tactile signage
Dialysis
Guests requiring continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis are welcome to board all vessels. However, Norwegian Cruise Line does not have the ability to assist or administer hemodialysis treatments. Those guests using peritoneal dialysis should have all solutions and equipment needed to perform the dialysis delivered to the vessel on the day of sailing at least two hours prior to sailing. Guests mustcontact the Access desk prior to the cruise for more information on Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures.
Oxygen
The ship is not equipped to provide guests with oxygen services other than on an emergency basis in the Ship's Medical Center. For security and safety reasons, NCL has selected Special Needs at Sea as the only outside vendor permitted to deliver oxygen supplies to the ship. Guests will need to contact the vendor - at (800)513-4515 or (954)585-0575, or via fax at (954)585-0577 - prior to the cruise, to make the necessary arrangements.
