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If you or someone in your party has a medical condition, reduced mobility, dietary restrictions, or other special assistance requirements, Silversea offers services to help. But these services often must be arranged ahead of time. Early contact ensures that they can plan ship accommodations, crew assistance, port/transfer support, medical supplies, and safety measures in compliance with regulations. Failing to notify them in advance can severely limit what they can do.
“Special needs” in this context includes a range of requirements such as:
Wheelchairs (folding or motorized), assistance boarding the ship, accessible staterooms, companion help, assistance moving around common areas.
Chronic conditions requiring medical devices (e.g. oxygen, CPAP), allergies, dietary restrictions, visual or hearing impairments, cognitive or developmental conditions, or need for medical staff or pharmacy supplies.
Injuries, recent surgeries, broken limbs, or other temporary limitations.
Sign language interpreters, large‑print or braille material, hearing assistive devices, etc.
Special dietary needs, religious observances, emotional support, dietary allergies, service animals, etc.
Safety rules, ship design, port rules, crew training, and international regulations require knowing guest needs in advance to ensure legal and safe arrangements.
Accessible cabins, special equipment, ramps, dedicated crew are limited. If not requested early, they may be unavailable.
Customizing meals, arranging medical or transfer support, or prepping medical devices takes time. Last‑minute requests may be partially fulfilled or denied.
If documentation (medical certificates, devices, required paperwork) is missing or incorrect, you could face delays or even be prevented from boarding.
To arrange special assistance with Silversea, there are specific contact channels. Knowing which department handles what will help your request reach the right people and be processed faster.
For special requests including medical, mobility, dietary requirements, the main email contact is specialservices@silversea.com. Use this to describe your needs, send documentation, and request accommodations.
If you prefer to talk to someone or need clarification, contacting Silversea Guest Experience via phone is useful. Have your booking information ready. Silversea Cruises
If you booked via an agent or local office, they can help liaise with Silversea. They often have experience submitting special needs cases and can ensure your request is properly logged.
When you reach out, including detailed information will help Silversea assess and respond efficiently.
Voyage code / sailing name, dates, ship, booking reference, suite type, contact email / phone.
What condition or limitation, what assistance is needed, whether it's permanent or temporary, mobility, medical, dietary, etc.
Doctor’s note or medical certificate, prescriptions, mobility device specifications, dietary allergy verification, etc.
Indicate when you first became aware, when you need the service, and whether you have submitted before. Early requests give better options.
Indicate how you prefer to be contacted (phone, email), language needs, and whether you want follow‑up confirmation.
Once you have reached out, here is what usually happens, and what you should monitor to ensure everything is arranged properly.
Usually you’ll receive an acknowledgment (email or phone) that your request was received and is being reviewed.
Silversea will assess whether your request can be accommodated (based on ship layout, legal/safety constraints, available crew, etc).
If available, assignment to or confirmation of an accessible stateroom or suite, or a suite with features like wider doors, roll‑in showers, grab bars.
Permission to bring medical devices, supply of certain shipboard aids, or arrangements for additional staff assistance.
Customized meals, safe preparation zones, allergy protocols.
Assistance with embarkation/disembarkation, wheelchair access at port, special transport to/from ship, etc.
Some ships or ports may have design limitations that cannot be altered. Staircases, thresholds, deck access, etc., may limit full accessibility.
Some devices (motorized scooters, certain medical devices) might not be provided; you may need to bring or rent them in advance.
Requests made too close to sailing may have fewer options. Some things may not be possible or may incur additional cost.
Here is a structured workflow so your request is handled properly and in time.
Read Silversea’s special needs or disability policy sections, accessibility information for your ship and itinerary (bathroom type, accessible decks, etc).
Send an email to specialservices@silversea.com with your booking details and a full explanation of needs.
Tell your agent about your needs so they can submit or escalate the request properly.
Doctor’s notes, medical device specs, mobility device dimensions, etc.
Wait for Silversea to respond with what accommodations are possible, any limitations, and costs if any.
Ask whether the suite assigned is accessible, whether certain crew assistance will be available, whether any fees apply, whether there are form‑factors or restrictions.
Ensure that your assigned cabin matches accessible features you need (widths, bathroom access, etc).
Ask how boarding will work at the port, whether they provide wheelchair transfers or need you to rent/purchase device.
Bring spare batteries, adaptors, backup prescriptions, and ensure devices are transportable aboard. Also carry your documentation (doctor’s letters, etc) in original form.
When you board, check with staff (guest services, medical, hotel manager) to confirm what was arranged: medical support, accessible facilities, etc.
To make sure your request is heard, understood, and accommodated, these best practices help.
Instead of “I need wheelchair access,” say “I require a roll‑in shower, wheelchair‑friendly corridor, grab bars in bathroom, etc.” More specific details reduce misunderstandings.
As soon as you know you’ll travel and have your booking, contact Silversea. The more lead time, the better.
Emails are better than phone calls for detailing what you need and having a record. If phone calls are needed, follow up with an email confirming what was discussed.
If you don’t hear back in a reasonable time (often a week or few business days), send a polite reminder. Sometimes requests get forwarded or buried.
Some special assistance or accommodations may incur extra charges (e.g. medical staff, special equipment). Also ship or port constraints may limit what can be done.
A few days before boarding, double check everything: cabin assignments, medical provisions, dietary plan, assistance at port, contacts onboard.
Even with arrangements, bring spare supplies, backup medical gear, copy of physician’s letter, contacts for medical help, etc.
Understanding what is in their Terms and Conditions helps you know your rights and what they commit to do.
Silversea states they “seek to assist those persons with medical conditions, disabilities, and reduced mobility” by making reasonable endeavours to provide safe and comfortable travel, including liaising with airlines, port agents, hotels, transport companies and crew. Silversea Cruises+1
You are generally responsible for providing full and accurate information at time of booking, providing medical documentation, ensuring your devices or supplies are usable, and ensuring any required safety or regulatory compliance.
Some things cannot be provided due to regulatory or ship‑design constraints. For example, certain door widths, thresholds, or safety evacuation paths may restrict what can be done. Also, bringing certain medical substances or equipment may be subject to rules.
Once Silversea has your request, here's how things often play out.
Typically you will get an acknowledgement of your request and possibly a request for more information.
They will evaluate feasibility, review whether they can meet your needs given the ship, itinerary, and facilities.
You should receive confirmation of the specific accommodations that will be provided, any limitations, and instructions for arrival, embarkation etc.
Wheelchair escorts, priority boarding, lifts or ramps.
If arranged, use of accessible or modified rooms, safety rails, roll‑in showers etc.
Trained staff (housekeeping, medical, hospitality) to be aware of your needs, possibly extra help during embarkation/disembarkation, during emergencies, or with daily mobility.
Be prepared that certain requests might incur a fee. Also, some equipment or services may have limited availability.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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