Hearing and Vision Access
Services that are usually available on request — and how to ask for them.
Get Free Accessible Cruise QuotesCruise ships offer a range of services for guests who are Deaf or hard of hearing and guests who are blind or have low vision. Most are available on request, so ask early.
For Guests Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Visual alert kits
Many ships can supply a kit for your cabin with visual or vibrating alerts for the door, the phone and the alarm. Request it in advance.
Assistive listening
Main theaters on many ships have assistive listening systems. Ask at guest services for a receiver.
Captioning
Cabin TVs often support closed captions, and safety videos are often captioned.
Sign language interpreters
Some lines provide ASL interpreters for key events, such as main shows and the safety briefing, when requested well in advance. Ask the line how much notice it needs.
Tell the line about your hearing needs on the special-needs form, so the crew knows to alert you personally in an emergency. Bring spare hearing aid batteries or chargers, and a waterproof case if you plan to swim.
For Guests Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
- Many ships have Braille and raised lettering on cabin doors and elevator buttons.
- Large-print or Braille menus and daily programs may be available on request.
- Ask guest services for an orientation tour of the ship on embarkation day.
- Cruise line apps can be used with your phone’s screen reader and zoom features.
- Ask your cabin steward to keep furniture in the same place throughout the voyage.
A sighted travel companion helps in busy places such as the buffet and the tender platform, but many blind travelers cruise independently.
Service Animals
Most major ocean lines accept trained service dogs, with advance notice and documentation. Emotional support animals are generally not accepted. The bigger challenge is often the ports: each country sets its own rules for animals coming ashore, which may include health certificates, microchips and vaccination records, and some ports do not allow animals ashore at all. Ask the line about relief areas on board and start the paperwork early.
Cognitive and Sensory Needs
Some lines offer quieter options for guests with autism or sensory sensitivities, such as early boarding, priority services and sensory-friendly activities in youth programs. Ask what is available on your ship.
The Safety Briefing and Emergencies
The safety briefing on embarkation day is announced and shown on video, which can be hard to follow if you cannot hear the announcements or see the screen. Ask guest services for a personal briefing, a captioned or described version, or written instructions in large print. Make sure the crew has recorded your needs, so that someone will come to your cabin to alert and guide you if the alarm sounds. Walk the route from your cabin to your assembly station with a crew member or companion on the first day, and count the doors or turns if that helps you remember it.
Plan a Cruise That Fits Your Needs
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will request hearing, vision and service-animal arrangements with the line and send free quotes.
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