Cruise West Special Needs Programs

Due to the expedition-style, small-ship aspect of the Cruise West experience, guests must have their AlaskaCruises.com Cruise Specialist notify Cruise West in writing at the time of booking their cruise of any accommodations needed as a result of a disability or medical condition. Also, Cruise West should be notified of any other condition that may render the guest unfit for travel or constitute a risk or danger to the guest or anyone else on board so that we can determine whether travel is appropriate. In certain cases it may be advisable to request guidance for a medical expert.

Guests in need of assistance with personal care (such as toileting, eating or dressing) should travel with a companion for that purpose.

Wheel Chairs

Guests requiring a wheelchair must provide their own collapsible wheelchair. Please be aware that some ports of call, shore excursions, docks, gangways, and other ship requirements may preclude a wheelchair guest from leaving the vessel; this decision will be made by the ship's Captain and is binding.

Also, there may be certain physical conditions, including raised doorway thresholds from 2 to 16 inches, within the ship that may limit the accessibility of wheelchair guests to some areas. In many instances, staff members will be available to assist passengers so that access is possible.

Medical Facilities, Pregnancy, Serious Medical Conditions

Cruise West ships are equipped with limited medical supplies. Each cruise sails with a trained First Aid responder. Due to limitations of medical facilities, passengers with serious medical conditions or women with pregnancy complications or in their 24th week of pregnancy may wish to consult a physician to determine whether travel is appropriate.

Insurance Policies

Passengers should also review their insurance policies to determine whether treatment occurring onboard the vessel while traveling is covered. Travel Protection Insurance is strongly recommended.