Accessible shore excursions
The short answer
Most lines rate their shore tours by activity level. Choose easy or accessible-rated tours, ask about steps, surfaces and time on your feet, and remember that old towns with cobblestones and hills are harder than beach or panoramic tours.
What the rules say
Royal Caribbean: Because of historic sites, uneven ground, steps and narrow sidewalks at some ports, not every shore tour can take wheelchairs or scooters.
Source: Royal Caribbean, checked September 21, 2026
Questions to ask before you book a tour
- How long will I be on my feet?
- Are there steps, hills or uneven ground?
- Does the vehicle have a lift or ramp?
- Is there a restroom stop?
- Is this a tender port?
Rather talk it through? Kathryn Lyn answers the phone.
Call (239) 357-0814Types of tours that tend to be easier
- Panoramic or scenic drives — most of the time is spent seated in a vehicle.
- Boat or train tours — sightseeing without much walking.
- Beach days — ask whether there is a ramp or a path to the sand.
- Private car or van tours — you set the pace and the stops.
Tender ports make tours harder
What the rules say
Virgin Voyages: To board most tenders you must be able to take steps. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters are not allowed on tenders unless the ship and tender allow roll-on boarding.
Source: Virgin Voyages, checked September 21, 2026
MSC Cruises: Where tenders are used, guests must be fit and mobile enough to get on and off the tender without assistance. Crew may not carry wheelchairs or scooters onto the tender.
Source: MSC Cruises, checked September 21, 2026
If a port uses tender boats, check first that you can get ashore at all. See tender ports.
Booking through the ship or on your own
- Through the ship: if the tour runs late, the ship knows where you are.
- On your own: often more flexible, but ask the company about vehicle lifts, steps and restrooms, and leave plenty of time to return.
Common questions
Questions, answered.
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