How will I get on and off the ship with mobility equipment?
Answer: For individuals with limited mobility, the use of a wheelchair will be the primary mobility assistance aid for getting on and off the ship. Certain ship transfer operations (i.e. during tendering and at the gangways) may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Some guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times while tendering or while docked due to steep gangways and steps, particularly during low or high tide. Also, please note staff are not allowed to transfer scooters and wheelchairs which are more than 100 lbs. without the battery from the ship to tender and/or from tender to shore. Tender ports are noted in the itinerary detail of each voyage in the Plan A Cruise section of our website as well as the itinerary detail on your Booking Confirmation.
As to tenders, with the exception of the Volendam and Zaandam, Holland America Line vessels have elevators to the tender level that allow guests to roll directly on and off the ship’s tender platform. However, please be advised that adverse weather conditions such as wind, swells, or extreme tide levels may prohibit the ability to transfer from the platform to the tender. Additionally, some port facilities may not be accessible due to stairs or steep ramps. If you have questions regarding tendering procedures while on board, please speak with the Guest Services Manager.
Situations may occur in which guests with limited mobility may not be able to go ashore at the time they desire or are unable to go ashore at all in certain ports. For the safety of all concerned, the Captain shall make the final determination regarding whether or not it is advisable to provide assistance to guests with mobility limitations, or to carry their mobility assistance device (wheelchair, scooter, walker, etc.), taking into account all appropriate matters including, but not limited to, weather conditions, ship's location, weight of the guest or their mobility device, etc.