Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
Azamara Cruises is renowned for offering intimate, destination-focused voyages that take guests deeper into the heart of each destination. With smaller, elegant ships, immersive cultural experiences, and award-winning hospitality, Azamara consistently delivers an upscale cruising experience. However, beyond its luxurious appeal, Azamara also prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility for all travelers — including those who require mobility assistance.
A common question from travelers planning to sail with Azamara is: “Does Azamara provide wheelchair assistance?”
The answer is yes — Azamara provides comprehensive support for guests who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or need extra assistance moving around the ship and during embarkation or disembarkation. While the cruise line does not supply permanent wheelchairs for personal use, it ensures accessibility through special accommodations, trained crew members, and partnerships with trusted mobility equipment providers.
This in-depth guide explores Azamara’s wheelchair assistance services, how to request them, what to expect onboard, and tips for a stress-free accessible cruising experience.
Azamara’s philosophy revolves around the idea that every guest deserves the chance to explore the world comfortably and confidently. The cruise line has implemented extensive measures to make its ships and services accessible to passengers with mobility limitations, disabilities, or special needs.
Azamara has worked diligently to enhance accessibility across all areas of its ships — from stateroom design and public spaces to tendering and shore excursions. The company’s Special Needs Department ensures that every request related to accessibility or mobility is handled with care and professionalism.
Each Azamara ship — Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward — features accessible accommodations and facilities that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and international accessibility standards.
Yes, Azamara provides wheelchair assistance to guests who need help moving around the ship, embarking, or disembarking. However, there are some important details to understand about how this assistance works.
Azamara offers crew-assisted wheelchair service for:
Embarkation and disembarkation at the cruise terminal
Emergency or short-term assistance onboard (for medical or mobility reasons)
Tender operations (at ports that require smaller boats to reach shore, subject to safety feasibility)
However, Azamara does not provide wheelchairs for personal or full-time use during the voyage. Guests who require a wheelchair throughout the cruise are encouraged to bring their own or rent one through Azamara’s approved mobility partners.
Azamara offers several forms of wheelchair-related support to ensure guests with mobility challenges can enjoy their journey without stress. Below is a detailed breakdown:
At the start and end of your cruise, Azamara provides crew-assisted wheelchair transfers between the terminal and the ship. This ensures passengers with limited mobility can board and leave the ship safely and comfortably.
Crew members will escort guests from the port terminal to their cabin using an Azamara-provided wheelchair.
On disembarkation day, guests can request assistance from their cabin to the terminal or waiting transportation.
Guests should notify Azamara or their travel agent at least 48 hours before embarkation to ensure the service is ready.
This service is complimentary, though it is designed for short-distance use only.
For temporary needs — such as moving from your stateroom to a medical facility or dining area — Azamara’s staff can provide short-term wheelchair assistance.
However, this service is intended for brief transfers or emergency cases. Guests who rely on a wheelchair full-time must have their own device or a rented one.
Some ports require passengers to reach shore via tenders — small boats used when docking directly is not possible. In such cases, Azamara offers wheelchair assistance whenever safety allows.
The crew will help transfer passengers into the tender using a manual wheelchair.
Wheelchair tendering availability depends on local port conditions and weather.
For safety reasons, motorized scooters and power wheelchairs may not be permitted on tenders at certain ports.
Guests should discuss tender accessibility with Guest Relations early in the voyage.
Azamara’s Destination Immersion® experiences are designed to help guests explore destinations deeply. For passengers with mobility needs, Azamara provides accessible shore excursion options through trusted local operators.
Wheelchair-accessible transportation may be arranged at select ports.
Some excursions include minimal walking or are specially adapted for wheelchair users.
Guests are advised to book accessible excursions in advance through the Special Needs team or Destination Services desk onboard.
Each Azamara ship has a limited number of wheelchairs available in the onboard medical center. These are intended for short-term or emergency use only — for example, if a passenger is injured or falls ill.
These wheelchairs are not for personal use throughout the cruise, so passengers who regularly need one must make independent arrangements prior to sailing.
To ensure a smooth experience, guests should request wheelchair assistance well before their cruise. Here’s how to do it:
Email: access@azamara.comPhone (U.S. & Canada): 1-855-292-6272International: +1-305-541-1575
When contacting them, provide:
Your booking number
Ship name and sailing date
Nature of your mobility needs
Type of assistance required (embarkation help, accessible cabin, tender assistance, etc.)
If you booked through a travel agent, they can coordinate directly with Azamara on your behalf. Many agents have dedicated contacts within Azamara’s accessibility team.
Reconfirm your wheelchair assistance request two to three weeks before departure. This ensures all arrangements are properly noted in your reservation.
Once on the ship, visit Guest Relations or the Accessibility Officer to confirm your requirements, mobility device storage, or assistance schedule for disembarkation.
As Azamara doesn’t provide wheelchairs for long-term personal use, guests can rent mobility equipment through authorized vendors that deliver directly to the ship.
Special Needs at Sea (SNG)
Website: www.specialneedsatsea.com
Phone: 1-800-513-4515
Scootaround
Website: www.scootaround.com
Phone: 1-888-441-7575
Both companies offer a wide range of rental equipment, including:
Manual wheelchairs
Electric scooters
Power chairs
Walkers and rollators
Accessible bathroom equipment
Delivery and pickup are handled directly between the vendor and Azamara’s staff, ensuring your rented wheelchair is ready in your stateroom upon boarding.
Each Azamara vessel is designed with accessible features to make mobility easier and safer for guests using wheelchairs or scooters.
Azamara’s accessible cabins include:
Wider doorways (minimum 32 inches)
Roll-in showers with handrails
Fold-down shower seats
Raised toilets with grab bars
Lowered closet rods and vanities
No-step balcony access (on select staterooms)
Accessible rooms are available in multiple categories but are limited in number, so early booking is essential.
Elevators provide access to all public decks.
Corridors are wide enough for standard and electric wheelchairs.
Ramps and automatic doors are located at key entry points.
Public restrooms have wheelchair-friendly layouts.
Dining venues, lounges, and theaters have accessible seating.
While pool lifts may not be available on all ships, the crew is trained to assist guests entering and exiting pool areas safely. Sun decks feature ample space for wheelchair movement.
All dining venues — including the Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants, and casual eateries — accommodate wheelchair users. Theaters and lounges also feature accessible seating sections.
At tender ports, accessibility depends on port conditions, but Azamara makes every effort to accommodate wheelchair users whenever it is safe to do so. Crew members assist with boarding and disembarking tenders, prioritizing passenger safety.
Guests are welcome to bring their own mobility device on an Azamara cruise, provided it meets the following guidelines:
Must fit through stateroom doors (minimum 32 inches wide).
Mobility scooters must use gel or dry cell batteries (no wet batteries).
Devices must be stored inside the stateroom — not in hallways.
Guests are responsible for maintenance and charging.
Bringing your own wheelchair eliminates rental costs and ensures comfort with familiar equipment, though it requires arranging transport to and from the ship.
Here are practical steps to make your voyage smoother and more enjoyable:
Book Early: Accessible staterooms and rental equipment are limited and sell out quickly.
Notify Azamara in Advance: Inform the Special Needs Department of your mobility requirements at least 60 days before sailing.
Plan Your Excursions: Choose excursions labeled as “accessible” or “minimal walking.”
Check Power Supply: All ships have both 110V and 220V outlets — confirm your charger compatibility.
Travel Insurance: Consider coverage for mobility equipment in case of loss or damage.
Communicate with Crew: Upon boarding, let Guest Relations know about your preferred assistance times and locations.
Azamara has a limited number of wheelchairs for temporary use (embarkation, disembarkation, or emergencies), but not for full-time personal use.
Yes. You can rent one from authorized vendors like Special Needs at Sea or Scootaround, who deliver directly to your stateroom.
Yes. All ships feature accessible staterooms, elevators, ramps, and wide corridors. However, some older ports and tenders may have limited access.
No. Basic wheelchair assistance during embarkation and disembarkation is complimentary.
Yes, provided it fits through your stateroom door and is stored inside the room. You must notify Azamara in advance for approval.
Some excursions are accessible. Always verify excursion accessibility before booking, as terrain and infrastructure vary by destination.
Email: access@azamara.comPhone (U.S. & Canada): 1-855-292-6272
Azamara Cruises goes above and beyond to ensure every guest — regardless of physical ability — can enjoy a seamless and luxurious vacation. While Azamara does , it offers wheelchair assistance for embarkation, disembarkation, tendering, and emergencies. The line also partners with reputable vendors for rental equipment, ensuring you have access to reliable mobility aids throughout your voyage.
With accessible staterooms, wide corridors, attentive crew, and personalized care, Azamara ensures you can explore the world comfortably and confidently. Whether you bring your own wheelchair or rent one through a trusted partner, Azamara’s dedicated accessibility support will help you focus on what truly matters — embracing every unforgettable destination and moment at sea.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
