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As I’m about to cruise around Norway for 14 days and have everything on this list, I thought I would share with you my personal must haves for a cruise for disabled people! After all, no one wants to be left on board without the items that make cruising life that little bit easier.
Cruising for the first time? Whether you’re ready to set sail to far-off exotic destinations or island-hop around the Mediterranean, packing the right essentials is key to making the experience smooth and enjoyable. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and let’s dive into the best products that every savvy first-time cruiser should bring. (And yes, even your Guide Dog needs a few essentials!)
This will be my third time cruising and I am so excited about it. It will also be my third time choosing Princess Cruising because their cruise are amazing and so accommodating for people with disabilities, like me.
Must haves for a cruise for disabled people
Suitcase Essentials
Packing Cubes
The secret to organised packing? Packing Cubes. These gems let you separate your clothes, toiletries, and accessories into neat sections so you’ll never be digging around your suitcase like a magician looking for a rabbit. Packing cubes are especially helpful for me as a blind traveller, making it easy to separate and locate items without hassle. One of the absolute must haves for a cruise for disabled people to stay organised.
Pro tip: Colour code your cubes to save time. Black for day outfits, blue for evenings… Even handier if you are sharing the suitcase! As a blind person I also have a system where I use the largest packing cubes for day outfits, the second largest for even outfits, and pack swimsuits/underwear in the smaller packing cubes. That way, even though I can’t see the different colours, I will always know which is mine just by touch
Universal Cruise Luggage Tag Holders
Don’t leave anything to chance at the terminal! Universal Cruise Luggage Tag Holders will keep your tags safe and secure, ensuring your luggage actually follows you to your cabin. These holders ensure I don’t have to check and recheck my bags constantly, which is especially helpful when managing my guide dog and other items. Waterproof and durable, these holders are a must for making sure your bags don’t end up on a different deck.
AirTags
For the extra cautious, AirTags give you peace of mind. In my opinions this is one of the must haves for a cruise, when you are disabled. Track your luggage, backpack, or anything else that may wander off during your travels. Just pop one in your bag and you can locate it via your phone – great for avoiding any post-cruise hide and seek games. Blind girl pro tip: if you get the online Wi-Fi package, activating your AirTags can help you locate your room pretty quickly because we all know everyone gets lost on a cruise ship, not just blind people!
Electronics
Universal Travel Adaptor
Cruise cabins are notorious for their limited plug sockets. Avoid the chaos with a Universal Travel Adaptor. Make sure it has multiple USB ports so you can charge your phone, camera, and portable charger all at once. Because you never want to be the one hogging the only plug socket available. If you’re like me and rely on assistive tech or medical devices, this is a must-have to keep everything charged and ready to go.
Portable Charger
Speaking of power, a Portable Charger is a lifesaver when you’re out on an excursion and your phone battery is dropping faster than you’d like. Ideal for all your gadgets – because, let’s be real, no one wants to be on 5% halfway through snapping pictures of dolphins! For disabled travellers, having a portable charger is essential for keeping devices like screen readers or GPS apps working on long excursions.
Cabin Essentials
Strong Magnetic Hooks
Cruise cabins are small, so making the most of every inch of space is a must. Can you guess what your ship walls are made out of? That’s right, metal! Enter Strong Magnetic Hooks. Stick them to the walls, doors, or even the ceiling if you’re feeling adventurous! Great for hanging your 25 handbags, or even your guide dog’s harness and lead, assistance. Dog owners: thank me later!
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Cruise bathrooms are tiny, and let’s face it, there’s no counter space for your bits and bobs. A Hanging Toiletry Bag keeps everything organised and in one place, without cluttering up the bathroom. Just hang it on a door hook or, better yet, pair it with one of the Magnetic Hooks I mentioned earlier. Stick the hook onto the bathroom wall, and you’ve got all your toiletries at eye level, ready to go!
As someone who’s visually impaired, this is a real game-changer. No more fumbling around for bottles and brushes. Everything’s within easy reach, making it one of the must haves for a cruise for disabled people.
Wrinkle Release Spray
Let’s be honest – no one wants to iron on holiday, and cruise ships aren’t exactly known for offering irons in every cabin. That’s where Wrinkle Release Spray comes to the rescue. Just a few sprays, a quick shake, and your clothes are fresh and ready to wear, without the hassle of ironing. And, if like me, you’ve packed multiple outfits into those Packing Cubes, this spray will save you from dealing with creases as soon as you unpack!
For those with limited mobility or anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary effort, this is an absolute lifesaver. It’s one of the top must haves for a cruise for disabled people, making sure you stay wrinkle-free with minimal fuss.
Over-The-Door Organiser
If you’re like me and bring everything but the kitchen sink, an Over-The-Door Organiser will be your new best friend. Keep your toiletries, accessories, and any other bits in order, and avoid that “where did I put my sun cream?” moment.
This organiser helps me keep everything in one place, avoiding unnecessary clutter in the cabin, which is super important in smaller spaces and for anyone with sight or mobility issues.
Travel Alarm Clock
Ship time can be confusing, and your phone might not always adjust properly. A Travel Alarm Clock ensures you wake up for your early excursions – especially those dawn dolphin-watching tours. You’ll thank me later. having no vision whatsoever, an alarm clock seems pretty useless but not every visually impaired person sees absolutely nothing, plus it will keep Grant from checking his phone in the middle of the night and realising two hours later he’s wide-awake and scrolling on Instagram.
Bathroom Spray
We all know what happens in the bathroom, especially in close quarters. Be a considerate cabin mate and bring a Bathroom Spray. It’ll make sure no one suspects that an atomic bomb has gone off after you’ve done your business.
Liquid Level Indicator
For my fellow blind and visually impaired cruisers, the Liquid Level Indicator is a must have for a cruise game-changer. Pop it on your cup or glass, pour away, and this nifty gadget will beep to let you know when to stop before you end up wearing half your tea!
Pop-Up Wash Basket
Keep your dirty clothes from taking over the cabin with a Pop-Up Wash Basket. It’s foldable, lightweight, and ensures your husband’s smelly socks don’t take over your cabin space! If you do plan on doing laundry on your cruise, this will make everything easy to carry around two.
Post-It Notes
Yes, Post-It Notes! Stick them on your door, mirror, or anywhere else to remind yourself of excursions, dinner reservations, or to leave a message for your cabin mates. They are great for communicating with particularly for anyone with memory challenges or cognitive impairments, especially if this is a brand-new environment for them. Trust me, you’ll wonder how you lived without them.
Ship Essentials
Towel Clips
There’s nothing worse than your towel blowing away on a windy deck. Towel Clips keep your towel secure while you sip cocktails or take a dip in the pool. Plus, they come in fun colours and shapes like flamingos or pineapples. Although, if you do opt for flamingos or pineapples, you may get some extra attention from certain passengers. 😉
The ball the towel clip stand out the easier it is for visually impaired family members to spot your sunbathing area. they are also easy to grip and use which I particularly find helpful having arthritis in my hands.
Seasickness Tablets
Even if you don’t think you’ll get seasick, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Pack Seasickness Tablets to keep the nausea at bay. Nothing ruins a cruise faster than spending it hanging over the side of the ship. I’ve found that For those with medical conditions that make you more prone to motion sickness, these are a must-have.
Sun Cream
Cruising usually means a lot of sun exposure. Protect yourself with high-factor Sun Cream and reapply regularly, essential for anyone, especially if you have sensitive skin, ginger like me or have medical conditions requiring extra sun protection. The last thing you want is to come back looking like a lobster!
First Aid Kit
A basic First Aid Kit is a must for any traveller. From blisters to small cuts, it’s always handy to have one on board. Plus, there’s no need to waste time hunting down the ship’s medical centre for something minor. Pro tip: if you are intending on creating your own first-aid kit, make sure you include other essentials such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines and indigestion/diarrhea remedies. separate from any medication you would usually take on holiday. I’m not suggesting you’re going to party as hard as I do, but you never know!
Reusable Straws
If you are a disabled traveller, you’ve probably already got this one down. But just in case: Let’s do our bit for the planet! Many cruise lines are cutting back on single-use plastics, so bring your own Reusable Straws. They’re eco-friendly, and you won’t be left slurping your drink awkwardly.
Insulated Travel Mug
For those of us who are committed to our tea-drinking habits, an Insulated Travel Mug is a must. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or heading off on an excursion, it keeps your Yorkshire tea piping hot. The perfect antidote for a cold climate cruise holiday or if you have dexterity issues and find certain cups or glasses hard to hold.
Scented Dog Poo Bags
Travelling with your assistance dog like Ida? I’m sure this isn’t something you need reminding of, but Scented Dog Poo Bags. are an absolute necessity, and can always double up as a way to discreetly get rid of sanitary needs, and they can also double up as light water-resistant protection for those essential electronics.
Collapsible Dog Bowls
Collapsible Dog bowls especially those that are silicone are bloody fantastic for Travel, not only do they come in different sizes and colours (great for those of us with visual impairment or dexterity issues) the silicone dog bowls come with carabinas so you can attach it to your Day bag or dog food pouch like I do.
Canvas Bag
Lastly, pack a Canvas Bag for shore excursions. Lightweight and easy to fold, it’s perfect for carrying water, snacks, and souvenirs without taking up too much space in your suitcase.
Packing the right essentials can make or break your cruise experience, but with these must have products for disabled people, you’ll be ready for smooth sailing, especially if it’s your first time cruising. Don’t forget to share this post with your fellow cruisers and spread the love – after all, no one wants to forget their portable charger or take out a mortgage just to buy some sea sickness tablets on their first cruise!
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