Getting on and Off the Ship

From “Bon Voyage” to “Bye For Now”

Our accessibility services extend beyond the time you spend on board. We’re here to help before you even get to the ship, getting on and off, and getting to shore during your voyage. Just let us know in advance—the more notice we have, the more prepared we’ll be when you join us for your immersive cruise.

Airport Transportation

If requested in advance, Azamara^® can arrange for accessible transportation to transfer guests between the airport and the pier. This service is offered at no extra charge to our air/sea guests or those who have purchased cruise-only transfers. Accessible airport transportation may be limited or not available outside the U.S. See a travel agent or contact us for details.

Extra Assistance at the Pier

We offer boarding and departure assistance with wheelchairs for guests with mobility disabilities. While we ask that you let us know if you need this service in advance of your sailing date, you may request it once you arrive at the pier. During peak times there may be a wait for assistance.

While many ports provide easy access for wheelchairs and scooters, conditions may preclude guests using assistive devices from getting on or off the ship at certain ports. These conditions include: steepness of gangways, tendering, weather, tidal and sea conditions, and shore-side facilities.

We will make every reasonable effort to assist our guests, but for safety reasons, our staff is not permitted to lift guests or equipment. Assistance with manual wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. will be provided.

Traveling From Ship to Shore

At some ports, the ship anchors offshore, and guests will be taken to shore by small boats called tenders. Even if the ship is scheduled to dock at a pier, it can change to tendering at any time.

Guests using assistive devices who are unable to take a few steps will not be able to board tenders. In order to safely board most tenders, guests must be able to take steps and use a collapsible manual wheelchair. Additionally, motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters can not be taken on tenders.

Weather, sea conditions, and other factors may preclude tendering. The safety of our guests and crew is our primary consideration, and the Captain and his staff will make the final decision regarding transferring guests and their assistive devices based on safety reasons.

If guests are unable to tender or disembark because of due to these circumstances, there will be no refund or credit for missed ports. While we recognize your disappointment, the safety of our guests and crew is our primary concern.