Know before you book.

• Icon/Oasis class (Icon, Star, Utopia / Wonder, Symphony, Harmony, Allure, Oasis — 5,000–7,600 passengers): The largest ships at sea. Best for families, first-timers, and groups. Perfect Day at CocoCay docks directly. Premium tier.
• Quantum/Radiance class (Anthem, Ovation, Odyssey / Serenade, Jewel, Brilliance, Radiance — 2,100–4,180 passengers): More manageable size, same strong family programming. Quantum class sails Alaska. Confirmed auto-doors. Good mid-range value.
• Freedom/Voyager class (Freedom, Liberty, Independence / Voyager, Explorer, Adventure, Navigator — 3,114–3,840 passengers): Caribbean workhorse fleet. Often the most price-competitive RC option. Many ships have had Royal Amplification refits.
• Vision class (Vision, Rhapsody — ~2,000 passengers): Oldest, smallest RC ships. Budget-friendly but limited amenities. Not a primary recommendation unless itinerary or price is the driver.

• Edge class (Xcel, Ascent, Beyond, Apex, Edge — ~2,908 passengers): Best for couples and adults. Premium dining, refined atmosphere. Magic Carpet = only wheelchair-accessible tender solution at sea. Auto-doors confirmed. Celebrity Xcite due 2028.
• Solstice class (Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette, Reflection — ~2,850 passengers): Strong Caribbean and Alaska. Celebrity Renewed programme refurbishing 2025–2026. Auto-doors confirmed.
• Millennium class (Millennium, Infinity, Summit, Constellation — ~2,158 passengers): Same premium Celebrity experience at a lower price. Good Med and European itineraries. Auto-doors assumed.

• Wish class (Destiny, Treasure, Wish — ~4,000 passengers): Newest, most feature-rich. Strongest accessibility and autism support at sea. Auto-doors confirmed. Premium tier.
• Dream class (Dream, Fantasy — ~4,000 passengers): Same strong Disney programming at a slightly lower price. The go-to for families who want Disney without the Wish class premium.
• Magic class (Magic, Wonder — ~2,400 passengers): Smaller, older ships. Magic sails Alaska and European itineraries. More intimate atmosphere.

• Prima Plus class (Norwegian Aqua — 3,571 passengers): Newest NCL ship (Apr 2025). Haven luxury enclave. Solo Studio staterooms available.
• Prima class (Prima, Viva — ~3,215 passengers): Modern design, strong for couples and adults. Good Med and Caribbean itineraries.
• Breakaway Plus class (Bliss, Encore, Joy — ~3,998 passengers): Best for groups — Freestyle dining suits mixed schedules. Great Stirrup Cay now docks directly.
• Jewel/Epic class (Jewel, Jade, Pearl, Gem / Epic): Mid-range older ships. Good value. Norwegian Epic has solo Studio staterooms with no single supplement on select sailings.
• Pride of America (single ship — 2,144 passengers): US-flagged, Hawaii inter-island only — the only ship visiting multiple Hawaiian islands in one sailing.

• Pinnacle class (Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam — ~2,666 passengers): Flagship HAL experience. Alaska specialist — more Glacier Bay permits than any other line. Strong enrichment programming. Loyal repeat-cruiser base.
• Signature class (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam — ~2,106 passengers): Core Alaska deployment ships. Same HAL quality at a slightly smaller scale.
• Vista class (Westerdam, Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Noordam — ~1,916 passengers): Primary Alaska workhorse fleet. Often the best value HAL Alaska option. Manual doors confirmed.
• R class (Volendam, Zaandam — 1,432 passengers): Smallest HAL ships. Access unique smaller ports. Best for Grand Voyages and adventurous itineraries.

• Sphere class (Sun Princess, Star Princess — 4,300 passengers): Newest Princess ships (2024–2025). 51 accessible staterooms. MedallionClass wearable. Manual doors confirmed.
• Royal/Regal class (Royal, Regal, Sky, Enchanted, Discovery, Majestic — ~3,560 passengers): Mid-tier Princess. MedallionClass across the fleet. Good Caribbean and Med itineraries.
• Grand/Crown class (Crown, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Caribbean — 2,600–3,080 passengers): Primary Alaska deployment fleet. Best Princess option for Alaska land+sea packages. Coral and Island Princess are canal-capable.

• Excel class (Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee — ~6,500 passengers): Best Carnival ships. Newest fleet (2021–2023), strongest entertainment, Celebration Key docks directly. Auto-doors confirmed entry and bathroom. Best value accessible option.
• Vista/Dream class (Horizon, Panorama, Vista / Dream, Breeze, Magic — 3,006–3,954 passengers): Solid mid-fleet Carnival. Good Caribbean options.
• Spirit class (Spirit, Pride, Legend, Miracle — ~2,124 passengers): Carnival Spirit sails Alaska from Seattle. Budget-friendly Alaska option.
• Sunshine/Conquest class: Caribbean from East Coast ports. Carnival Sunshine homeports seasonally in Charleston SC.

• World class (World America, World Europa — ~5,000–6,762 passengers): Newest MSC. World America (2025) homeported Miami. Ocean Cay private island docks directly. Power-assisted doors confirmed.
• Seashore class (Seashore, Seascape — ~4,500 passengers): Strong Mediterranean specialists. High accessible stateroom count (52+).
• Meraviglia class (Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa — ~4,500 passengers): Large modern ships primarily in Mediterranean. Auto-doors assumed.
• Musica class (Musica, Orchestra, Poesia, Magnifica — ~2,550 passengers): Older MSC ships. MSC Poesia is the Alaska 2026 deployment (homeporting Seattle, May–Sept). Manual doors confirmed. All 4 Alaska ports dock directly — no tendering.

• Viking Ocean — Explorer class (~930 passengers, adults-only): All-inclusive, one shore excursion per port, no casino, no kids. Best for experienced travelers wanting a quieter destination-focused experience. Dedicated solo staterooms at ~25% supplement — one of the best solo programs at sea. Luxury tier.
• Virgin Voyages — Lady class (~2,770 passengers, adults-only): All-inclusive dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities. No single supplement — solo travelers pay the same per-person rate as couples. Music-forward vibe. Manual doors confirmed. Brilliant Lady making Alaska debut 2026.
• Oceania — O class (Allura, Vista, Riviera, Marina — ~1,200 passengers): Culinary excellence is the primary draw — widely regarded as the best food at sea. Small ships, longer port stays. Luxury tier.
• Oceania — R class (Regatta, Nautica, Insignia, Sirena — 684 passengers): Smallest Oceania ships. Access unique smaller ports. Very limited amenities — for destination-focused itineraries only.

• Typical itinerary: 7 nights from Florida ports (Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa). Common stops: Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, Grand Cayman, Roatan.
• Tender risk: Grand Cayman and Belize City always tender — power wheelchair users cannot disembark at these ports without accessible tender (Celebrity Edge class only).
• Best season: November–April. Hurricane season runs June–November — risk is manageable but itineraries may be adjusted.
• Best lines: Royal Caribbean (Perfect Day at CocoCay), Carnival (Celebration Key), NCL (Great Stirrup Cay).

• Typical itinerary: 7 nights from Florida or New York. Common stops: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Nassau.
• Tender risk: All main Eastern Caribbean ports dock directly — generally safer for accessibility.
• Best season: November–April.
• Best lines: Celebrity Edge class, Royal Caribbean Icon/Oasis class, Princess.

• Typical itinerary: 3–5 nights from Florida. Ideal first cruises, celebrations, reunion warm-ups. Most include a private island stop.
• Best value per night in the cruise industry — good entry point for new cruisers.
• Best lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC World America.

• Typical itinerary: 7 nights, May–September. Ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Victoria BC, Glacier Bay (scenic cruising only). Icy Strait Point is the only common variable tender port.
• Tender risk: The most accessible cruise region — nearly all ports dock directly. Icy Strait Point may tender depending on the ship and day.
• Best wildlife: June–August. Best value: May and September.
• Specialist lines: Holland America (most Glacier Bay permits), Princess (most Alaska departures + land tours). Carnival Spirit, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, MSC Poesia, NCL, and Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady also sail Alaska.
• MSC Poesia 2026 note: All 4 Alaska ports are dock ports — no tendering required. 17 accessible staterooms confirmed (215 sq ft, 35" doors, 5-ft turning radius, manual doors).

• Typical itinerary: 7–12 nights, April–October. Ports: Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Athens (Piraeus), Dubrovnik all dock directly.
• Tender risk: Santorini and Mykonos always tender — factor in for any mobility needs. Celebrity Edge class Magic Carpet is the only accessible tender solution for these ports.
• Best season: May and September for best balance of weather and crowds. July–August is peak heat and congestion.
• Best lines: Celebrity Edge class (Magic Carpet for tender ports), Viking Ocean (destination focus), MSC (strong Med roots).

• Inter-island option: Pride of America (NCL) is the only ship doing inter-island Hawaii cruises — visits Maui, Kauai, Kona, Hilo in a single sailing.
• Round-trip from mainland: Princess and other lines offer round-trip Hawaii from the US mainland (15–16 nights) via specific deployments. Longer sea days — suits relaxation-focused travelers.

• Typical itinerary: 12–16 nights, April/May or October/November. Often 40–60% cheaper than Caribbean equivalents per night.
• Long sea days suit relaxation-focused travelers and those who want to enjoy ship amenities without rushing off at every port.
• Best lines: Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean.

• Accessible staterooms book out first on every major cruise line — aim for 6–12 months in advance, 12–18 months for Alaska peak season or groups.
• Always call the accessibility desk before finalizing any booking to confirm the specific ship's configuration, stateroom availability, and equipment (hoyer lift, shower bench, etc.).
• Repositioning cruises (April/May, Oct/Nov) offer 40–60% savings per night vs. Caribbean equivalents. Ideal for budget-conscious accessible travelers with flexible schedules.

• Groups of 8+ cabins typically qualify for a group contract: one free berth per 8 cabins, reserved dining tables, a group amenity (onboard credit or welcome event), dedicated group coordinator.
• Group pricing almost always beats individual bookings — and a specialist advisor can negotiate extras (onboard credit, free berths, dining packages) that aren't available booking direct.
• Book 12–18 months out for large groups. Adjacent cabins on the same deck sell out fast. A group contract locks in both rate and cabin cluster simultaneously.
• Freestyle dining lines suit large groups best — NCL and Virgin Voyages have no fixed dining time, so mixed schedules aren't a problem.
• Private island sailings anchor group itineraries well — Perfect Day at CocoCay (RCL), Castaway Cay (Disney), Great Stirrup Cay (NCL), Celebration Key (Carnival), Ocean Cay (MSC) all dock directly.

• Always included: Main dining room and buffet on all major lines.
• Extra charge: Specialty restaurants on most lines ($30–$60 per person). NCL charges for nearly all dining; Disney and Viking include more specialty venues.
• Drinks packages: $80–$120 per person per day on most lines. Viking includes wine and beer at lunch and dinner. Virgin Voyages includes all dining and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Gratuities: Auto-added at $18–$22 per person per day on most lines. Virgin Voyages and Viking include gratuities in the fare.
• All-inclusive lines: Viking (most inclusive), Virgin Voyages (dining + Wi-Fi + gratuities), Oceania (some packages).

• No single supplement: Virgin Voyages (best deal — same per-person rate as couples), NCL Studio staterooms on select sailings (Epic, Prima, Prima Plus, Breakaway Plus).
• Reduced supplement (~25%): Viking Ocean dedicated solo cabins — the best solo program at sea for premium travelers.
• Avoid: Disney Cruise Line (full single supplement, very limited solo options), Holland America and Princess (standard supplement applies).

• Beach access: Ask specifically whether there is a boardwalk or firm path to the beach, whether beach wheelchairs are available (complimentary or rental), and how far the accessible room is from the beach.
• Pool access: Ask whether the pool has a zero-entry (beach entry) section or a pool lift. Most resorts list pools as accessible without specifying either — always ask directly.
• Room door width: Standard ADA accessible rooms require a 32" clear opening. Power wheelchair users typically need 36"+. Ask for the exact clear width, not the stated door width.
• Resort terrain: Fully paved paths between buildings are not universal. Ask whether the route from your room to the beach, pool, and restaurants is fully paved or involves sand, gravel, or uneven surfaces.
• Roll-in shower: Confirm availability at time of booking and again 48 hours before arrival. Request a room number confirmation — not just a room type.
• Airport transfer: Most shared shuttle services are not wheelchair-accessible. Ask the resort specifically for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, or book through a verified accessible transfer provider.

• Sandals & Beaches: Phase 1 verification in progress. Beaches Turks & Caicos has a private island (Pirate Island) accessible by walkway.
• Hyatt Inclusive Collection (Secrets, Dreams, Zoetry, Sunscape, Now): Phase 1 verification in progress.
• Meliá / Paradisus: Phase 1 verification in progress. Paradisus La Esmeralda is in Playa del Carmen (CUN).
• Royalton Luxury Resorts: Phase 1 verification in progress.
• Iberostar: Phase 1 verification in progress. Note: Iberostar Grand Rose Hall (Jamaica) may have rebranded to JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar — confirm current name before booking.

Full verified profiles for all 15 Phase 1 properties will be published here following Pass 2 phone verification.

• Cancun (CUN) → Riviera Maya: 45 min–1.5 hrs. Many resort areas accessible by private van. Request accessible vehicle in advance.
• Montego Bay (MBJ) → Negril / Ocho Rios / Falmouth: 1–2 hrs. Roads are winding — confirm vehicle type and driver experience with wheelchair passengers.
• Bridgetown (BGI) → Barbados south coast: Short transfer 20–40 min. Accessible taxis available at BGI airport.
• Punta Cana (PUJ) → Punta Cana resorts: 20–30 min. Most resort transfers are shared coaches — request accessible vehicle directly with resort concierge before arrival.
• General guidance: Always contact the resort directly to arrange an accessible airport transfer. Do not assume shared shuttle services are accessible. Kilinski Travel advisors can coordinate verified accessible transfers at time of booking.