Cruising with Canes: A Real Talk on Accessibility and Mobility at Sea By Traveling Glamma™

I’ve sailed on more than 20 cruises across Europe, South America, and the Middle East—with two canes in hand and zero hesitation. If you’re wondering what it’s really like to cruise when mobility is part of your daily life, let’s get into it. This isn’t polished brochure speak. It’s real talk from someone who’s done it—again and again.

LET’S START WITH GOODNEWS:

Luxury cruise lines like Explora Journeys, Silversea, and Regent are genuinely trying. I’ve seen some wonderful efforts to make things easier for travelers who move differently—wider spaces, helpful crew, thoughtful support. But not everything is perfect, and that’s where the truth matters more than the marketing.

Here are a few of the practical, lived-in realities:

TENDER BOATS

This is where things can get dicey. Some ships have hydraulic platforms that make it smooth. Others? You’re faced with steep steps and a rocking platform. On one cruise, I skipped a whale-watching excursion because there just wasn’t a safe way to board. It happens. It’s frustrating. And it’s also part of the calculation when picking a ship.

HALLWAYS WITHOUT HANDRAILS

Minimalist design is gorgeous in theory. But when I’m walking with two canes and the ship is swaying, I’d trade a sleek hallway for a sturdy handrail any day. Some ships just don’t have them—and that can be a real issue on rougher seas.

CABIN THAT ACTUALLY WORK

Forget just reading deck plans—I’ve walked these ships. I know which cabins give you space to move and which ones will have you bumping into the furniture. And it’s not always the “accessible” rooms that work best. Sometimes it’s about knowing which layouts make life easier without sacrificing style.

So here’s what I’ve learned:

It’s not about what you can’t do—it’s about knowing what works for you.

Planning makes a world of difference. So does having the right information. If you’re traveling with mobility challenges—or planning for someone who is—don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions ahead of time. The right ship can make it not just possible, but joyful.

And if you're feeling unsure about where to start, or just want to talk through the options, reach out. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned—because cruising should feel accessible, empowering, and just plain wonderful.

This is Traveling Glamma™, signing off with two canes and plenty more stories to come.