Many travelers require mobility support while cruising, whether due to age, medical conditions, temporary injuries, or long-term mobility limitations. Holland America Line is known for offering a high level of accessibility, ensuring that every guest—regardless of mobility needs—can enjoy a comfortable, seamless, and enjoyable voyage. The cruise line provides wheelchair assistance during embarkation, debarkation, and throughout various aspects of the journey, while also allowing guests to rent mobility devices or bring their own equipment aboard.
This guide explains how Holland America Line supports wheelchair users, what services are included, mobility device policies, and what guests should know before sailing.
Holland America Line offers complimentary wheelchair assistance at the cruise terminal for guests who need help boarding or leaving the ship. This is one of the most requested services and is available on every itinerary. Terminal staff use push wheelchairs to escort passengers from the check-in area to their stateroom and later from their cabin to the exit during debarkation.
Once onboard, the ship offers numerous accessibility accommodations designed to make movement easy for guests with limited mobility. Each vessel in the fleet includes public spaces, dining rooms, elevators, and entertainment venues that are designed for wheelchair accessibility.
The cruise line offers multiple categories of wheelchair-accessible staterooms, including inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite accommodations. These cabins allow wheelchair users to move comfortably without obstacles.
Guests can request wheelchair support during the booking process, after booking through customer service, or directly at the cruise terminal. Holland America encourages travelers to request assistance early to ensure staffing teams are prepared on embarkation day.
Terminal personnel help with:
Guests are transported from the check-in area to the gangway and then to their cabin.
While staff do not move personal luggage, they direct guests to porters who can assist.
Mobility-assisted guests often receive boarding priority, easing congestion and reducing waiting time.
Debarkation can be physically demanding, especially early in the morning. Wheelchair teams help guests disembark smoothly by:
Crew members guide wheelchair users from their room to the exit deck.
Debarkation time can be crowded, but staff assist guests through lines safely.
Once off the ship, terminal workers continue guiding guests to the pick-up area.
Guests may bring their own manual wheelchair, mobility scooter, or power wheelchair onboard, provided the equipment meets safety and size guidelines.
Only dry-cell or gel batteries are permitted for safety reasons.
Scooters must fit through standard or accessible stateroom doors; accessible cabins provide larger doorway widths.
Mobility devices should be stored inside staterooms—not in hallways or public areas—to avoid obstruction. Guests may charge devices in their cabins using standard outlets.
Holland America does not directly rent wheelchairs but works with approved vendors who deliver equipment to the stateroom before embarkation.
Manual wheelchairs
Standard scooters
Heavy-duty scooters
Power wheelchairs
Vendors bring the device to your cabin before you board and collect it after the cruise ends.
Holland America’s vessels incorporate accessibility into their core layout. Public areas are intentionally designed with clear paths and ramped zones for smooth mobility.
Multiple elevators are located centrally and near stateroom corridors, reducing travel distance for guests with mobility limitations.
Ships feature wheelchair-friendly restrooms with:
Allows easy entry for manual chairs and scooters.
Provides support for guests transferring from wheelchairs.
Improves reach for seated guests.
Dining venues offer:
Chairs can be removed to make space for mobility devices.
Tables are spaced to create maneuverable pathways.
Buffet staff can assist guests who cannot self-serve.
Some ports offer accessible shore excursion options with wheelchair-capable vehicles.
Guests must book these early due to limited availability.
Manual folding wheelchairs are accepted on most accessible tours; scooters may be restricted depending on vehicle type.
Some destinations require tenders—small boats used to transport guests from ship to shore.
Guests using manual wheelchairs may board tenders depending on weather and crew approval.
Scooters are generally not permitted on tenders for safety reasons.
Crew evaluate sea conditions to determine whether transfers are possible.
Put in your wheelchair assistance request as early as possible to ensure availability on embarkation day.
Accessible cabins fill quickly due to limited inventory.
Wider doors
Roll-in showers
Raised toilet seats
Grab rails
Sufficient turning space
Tours offering wheelchair space typically have limited seating.
Make sure your personal wheelchair or scooter fits through your stateroom door and adheres to ship policies.
Guests using motorized devices should bring:
Voltage is standard on most vessels.
Easily misplaced and hard to replace onboard.
Minor adjustments may be needed during the voyage.
Holland America Line provides a strong range of wheelchair assistance services—from terminal support to onboard accessibility and mobility-friendly staterooms. While guests must bring or rent their own mobility devices, the cruise line ensures comfortable movement throughout the vessel through spacious public areas, ramped zones, and attentive crew assistance. Whether you need help boarding, navigating the ship, or participating in activities, Holland America aims to create a smooth and accessible cruise experience for every traveler with mobility needs.
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