Expedition cruising once meant boarding repurposed (and tired) ships originally designed for scientific research and other non-leisure activities, worlds apart from the new fleet of expedition vessels.
I have cruised on both basic repurposed ships as well as on the next-generation ships, and I can tell you that this is a unique and exhilarating way to travel. You’ll travel in comfort and, in many cases, enjoy fine dining and top-notch expedition staff while being able to get up close to nature and visit some off-the-beaten-path destinations.
If you’re interested in this type of cruise but have mobility/physical challenges, there are a number of cruise lines that can accommodate you. I’ve had the pleasure of travelling on a few of these ships myself, so I can give you my first-hand experience as well.
#1: Viking Expedition Cruises
The Bonus: Submarines and Special Operations Boats
Viking Cruises recently introduced its new expedition ship, Viking Octantis, for use in the polar regions and Great Lakes. Similar to their ocean and river ships, passengers who are 55 plus and up tend to have an interest in up-close nature and cultural adventures. Viking Octantis delivers both in abundance. The ship has elevators serving all passenger decks with loads of indoor and outdoor viewing and dining areas.
The ship features the best of a traditional cruise with comfortable cabins, walk-in showers with large nozzles, well-positioned grab bars, and easy-to-open toiletries suitable for the average Zoomer.
The expedition equipment includes kayaks, six-passenger submarines, special operations boats and Zodiacs.
For adventures on land, hiking poles are available. On one of my excursions, there were many passengers with canes and hiking poles enjoying the hike in the provincial park and a visit to a rustic fishing lodge.
I should note that winds and waves can make the transfer from the ship to the tenders challenging. Plenty of crew are on hand to assist with the transfers.
It is also possible to travel in the ship’s submarines, however this would not be suitable for those with claustrophobia, motion sickness or the inability to climb a ladder. While this might all sound scary, my husband and I (both in our late 60s) enjoyed our sub dive and with the assistance of the Zodiac driver and the submarine captain we managed the transfer, and the embarkation and disembarkation from the submarine without difficulty.
Viking commits to providing as much flexibility as possible for their guests, and the activities of the ship are entirely optional. Those opting to stay on the ship can enjoy being in nature and seeing wildlife from the ship, attend seminars, relax in the Nordic Spa, and read books from the extensive collection of books about expeditions and explorers. There’s something for everyone on Viking Octantis.
In terms of wheelchairs, Viking’s policy states that guests must travel with their own wheelchair and an able-bodied companion. This is because the staff cannot lift guests or push wheelchairs. Be sure to reach out to Viking before booking to ensure there are no new requirements.
#2: Hurtigruten
The Bonus: Focus on Older Experienced Adventurers
Hurtigruten Expeditions attracts explorers of all ages but guests are mainly over the age of 60. Their expedition fleet, including MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, have accessible cabins with the exception of Santa Cruz II, which is part of their subsidiary Metropolitan Touring, operating in the Galapagos, and has no accessible cabins. All ships except for the Santa Cruz II have guest elevators.
Guests who use walkers embark the same way as other passengers. Hurtigruten staff are available around the ships to assist guests. However, guests with low mobility are advised to bring a fellow traveller who can offer additional assistance.
Guests who are able to take a few steps can easily use the tenders and Zodiacs. Walking poles can be rented on board for no fee and are mainly used for landings, excursions and hikes. All you need to do is make a request at reception. Excursions are described with varying degrees of difficulty and mobility in mind, and guests can choose excursions that best suit their situation.
#3: Quark Expeditions
The Bonus: Multi-generational appeal
Quark Expedition’s Ultramarine and World Explorer are both ideal vessels for accommodating guests with limited mobility. The ship layouts facilitate meals and presentations on one deck, with access to Zodiacs on another, reducing the need to go up and down stairs. While both ships have elevators, they may not always be available and could be closed during inclement weather. Accessible cabins geared towards the mobility challenged are available, with extra space and grab bars in the bathrooms.
Getting in and out of a Zodiac can be compared to getting in and out of a bathtub. In terms of mobility, those who have a level of fitness where they can walk their dog once a day are completely suitable for a voyage to the polar regions with Quark Expeditions.
Noting that both active and adventurous travellers, as well as more relaxed leisure travellers are onboard Quark Expeditions, Cara Matthews, Regional Sales Director and Public Relations at Quark Expeditions noted:
“The great thing about Quark Expeditions is that we have a little something for everyone. Minimum age is 8 years old. I was on board with an 86-year-old woman on my Greenland voyage in 2016, and she didn’t get off the ship once. She loved having the ship as a great platform for viewing wildlife and scenery and enjoying the onboard experience. One of my colleagues also had a 99-year-old male travelling on his Antarctica voyage who enjoyed our contemplative walks and our paddling program”.
Quark’s voyages are wonderful for intergenerational family travel. Because if one family member is active one family member enjoys more creature comforts and leisure activities. They both can travel to the polar regions with Quark Expeditions and do what interests them individually on their adventure. Yet still come together for meals and onboard programming.
The adventure options and activities are described with the level of fitness so guests can choose the outing that best suits them. Walking poles are available for all landings for those guests wishing to use them on hikes.
#4: Silversea Cruises
The Bonus: Next-Level Luxe
Known best for their impressive fleet of luxurious all-suite ships, Silversea Cruise’s expedition ships, including Silver Explorer, Silver Origin, Silver Wind and Silver, provide opportunities for the mobility challenged to enjoy expedition cruising in style. Every Silversea excursion has a clear description to indicate the level of mobility required in order to enjoy the excursion.
Their newest ultra-luxury expedition ship, Silver Endeavour, even has options for Fly-Cruise voyages to both polar regions. While some people consider “crossing the Drake Passage” to Antarctica a rite of passage. Others will find it easier to fly to a local air base at the start or end of their cruise. Silversea has Fly-Cruise options from Puerto Williams, Chile and King George Island to Argentina.
Silver Cloud, Silver Wind and Silver Endeavour offer accessible cabins.
Their expedition ships frequently embark with a zodiac, which may not be suitable for those with a walker. That said, the vast majority of embarkation on Silver Endeavour and Silver Explorer is done via a staircase, with crew assistance or via Zodiac in King George Island for Antarctic itineraries. Only about one percent of their ports embark via ramp.
Silver Origin sails year-round in the Galapagos Islands, and embarkation is always by Zodiac. At times, these seas have swells, so to embark via zodiac, guests must be able to hold their body weight and be able to make a positive step up. They explain that “expedition staff does assist guests, but embarkation can be challenging at times even for able-bodied guests.”
All Silversea ships have elevators. However, Silver Endeavour’s elevator does not extend to her top deck, deck 10.
You can rent trekking poles for a small fee through our expedition outfitting partner.
#5: Adventure Canada Expedition Cruises
The Bonus: Top-Notch and in our own backyard
Family-owned Adventure Canada offers expedition cruises aboard Ocean Endeavour to the Arctic, Antarctic, Canada, South and Central America and Europe. The majority of clients are age 60+ with an adventurous spirit. Guests with very limited mobility who use canes and walkers are welcome, and ideally should be able to navigate at least one flight of stairs.
Unfortunately, they could not accommodate wheelchairs on the vessel.
A variety of guided experiences are available in destinations and range in difficulty and distance. This is to assist guests in choosing appropriate excursions. They created smaller groups were made for a better experience. They got to experience everything from beachcomber walks to challenging 10km hikes.
In discussing the itineraries, Cedar Swan, CEO of Adventure Canada, explained:
“It’s easier to accommodate limited mobility on Atlantic Canada and European programs in communities where infrastructure and transportation are provided. The physical landscape In the Arctic, combined with the Zodiac ship-to-shore landings, can create some challenges. Some guests are fearful for the first time. However, they find their rides on Zodiacs to be unexpected highlights and a lot of fun. There are 6 steps from the Zodiac platform into the ship, and then the majority of clients take the stairs up to their cabins. There is an elevator serving decks 3 through 6, but not 7 through 9.”
She added that for couples with a big discrepancy in their mobility. There are options for both to experience a guided experience. Onboard education is always provided for those choosing not to go ashore.
While cabins are not accessible, they have walk-in showers and safety grab bars for stability. There was also lots of room to move around comfortably.
Tips:
If you are dreaming of an expedition cruise to a polar region or another far-flung destination, check with the cruise lines on how they can assist in turning your dreams into memories. Be sure to request passenger forms so you can understand the restrictions before booking travel. And remember to ask ahead of time if cruise staff are available to assist with embarkation and disembarkation.
For travellers with an adventurous spirit, be realistic about your abilities while making your expedition experience. Make it as challenging and enriching as you can. Passengers can enjoy many of the destinations and wildlife experiences on expedition cruise itineraries from the lounges and decks on the ship.
Before you over-pack, check with the cruise line. Many expedition cruise companies offer a range of complimentary expedition gear. This may include a parka, backpack, water bottle, boots, waterproof pants, and walking poles for use during the cruise. Some of the parkas are yours to take home after your adventure!
Cruise line ships are introducing new expeditions each year. Your travel agent can provide the most current offerings.