Comfort is key when onboard a ship, and cruise lines are especially aware of the comfort of their passengers with disabilities or impairments. Most cruise lines offer the technology and facilities to cater for deaf passengers or those who are hard of hearing. Take a look below to see what they offer.
Royal Caribbean International – If passengers require assistance from a trained hearing dog then they are welcome onboard the ship. You must inform Special Services at the time of booking who will then be able to make arrangements. Care and supervision of the animal is the sole responsibility of the owner.
Celebrity Cruises – Guests will need to complete the Guest Special Needs form. A portable kit is available on request which provides assistance with various alerts such as a knock on the door or fire alarm. Other facilities such as sign language assistance, teletypewriters and assisting listening systems are also available.
Norwegian Cruise Line – Guests are asked to contact the Access Desk prior to departure if they are deaf or hard of hearing to ensure the correct facilities are available for them. Sky, Sun and Pride of America all have staterooms which are fitted with hard wired visual alert systems and a portable kit is available on other ships. Other services available include sign language assistance, assisting listening services and pagers to alerts deaf or hard of hearing guests to ship announcements.
Carnival Cruise Line – Cabin alert systems are available on request for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. The main lounges onboard certain ships have infrared systems installed.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines – Infrared hearing loops are fitted on all ships and headsets are available from reception for use in the main lounges. Cabins are not fitted with emergency equipment, therefore it is recommended deaf passengers are accompanied by a companion to assist them.
MSC Cruises – Guests with hearing disabilities must travel with a carer. For passengers with partial hearing disabilities, a TDD system can be made available in their cabin on request. Other facilities available include wireless amplifiers and indicator lights in the theatres. Passengers with certified guide dogs are able to board the ship as long as all documentation is provided. Owners are responsible for the care and supervision of the animal at all times.
Princess Cruises – All ships are equipped with facilities designed to assist passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing. These include infrared listening assistance systems in the onboard theatres and ADA all in one kits are available on request for use in cabins. Hearing assistance dogs are welcome onboard.
Cunard – Wireless head phones are available on all ships and can be collected at the Pursers Desk. The safety drill can be provided in a printed format upon request prior to departure. Hearing assistance dogs are welcome onboard however are not permitted to disembark at any ports of call.
Holland America Line – All ships have TTY/TDD equipment available upon request. Hearing assisted dogs are allowed with advance notification. Convenient dining tables can also be made available for those passengers travelling with a service animal. However, the animals are not able to disembark the ship at any ports of call.
P&O Cruises – P&O offer a hearing loop facility at reception desks onboard. An infrared hearing support system is also installed in most theatres and show lounges – with headsets available at reception. Limited numbers of wireless visual alert systems and texphones are available onboard.