If you have mobility issues or require a wheelchair, cruising can be a challenge… but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Accessible rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserve well in advance.

Although foreign-flagged cruise ships don’t have to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, big lines like Carnival, Holland America and Royal Caribbean have made the right modifications.

However, older ships had to be retrofitted, which can mean there are rooms with narrow doorways or raised ledges, inaccessible elevators, or hard-to-maneuver hallways.

Get the floor plans to find out how far apart public areas are from one another, and where your room is located.

If a port is not accessible, many cruise ships have hydraulic lifts to transport passenger onto small boats to get to shore.

Often times you have to reserve this in advance. And if the tide is too high or the captain deems it unsafe at the time, you may be stuck.

Check with the cruise line to find out about accessible shore excursions. Bus or van tours can be challenging, as are cities with narrow, cobblestone streets. Ask about specialized companies that offer wheelchair accessible transportation.

Although you’re likely to have better luck on cruises with fewer port stops or on U.S. and Canadian itineraries, it doesn’t mean you have to limit your travel. Ask lots of questions up front, make your needs known, and have a backup plan.

Find out more in our Accessible Travel section.

Or learn more in our Cruises section.

Looking for more advice? Click here for more Daily Travel Tips.