Cruise Travel for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Passengers

A cruise ship is a busy, noisy world. Announcements, drills, shows, and shore trips all use sound. Good planning makes cruising easier. This guide covers requests, safety, devices, and packing.

What Should You Know Before Booking a Cruise?

Every cruise line sets its own services. Ships also differ within one line. Do not assume. Ask.

• Contact the line by email or an online form.
• Say you are deaf or hard of hearing.
• List each item you need.
• Ask for written confirmation.
• Save every reply.

Many lines ask for requests at booking. Some need notice for interpreters and equipment. Plan early.

What Does the ADA Say About Cruise Ships?

The Department of Justice reports on a 2005 Supreme Court ruling. It found that foreign-flag cruise ships in U.S. waters are covered by Title III of the ADA.

The ruling has limits. Rules do not apply where they would interfere with a ship's internal affairs. How lines meet their duties varies.

This guide gives general information. It is not legal advice.

Which Accommodations Do Cruise Lines Offer?

These examples come from the cruise lines themselves. Check your own line for current details.

Carnival also says it cannot take requests for a specific interpreter. It makes reasonable efforts to find one.

How Do You Request Accommodations?

• Find the accessibility or special needs page for your line.
• Submit the form when you book.
• Request a room kit, a TTY, and captions, if needed.
• Request an interpreter well ahead of sailing.
• Ask for written confirmation of each item.
• Write again a few weeks before you sail.

Royal Caribbean asks for interpreter requests 60 days before sailing. It asks for equipment requests 30 days before sailing. Other lines may differ.

Royal Caribbean also says relay users can reach it by dialing 711.

What Should You Ask the Cruise Line?

• How will drills and emergency announcements reach me?
• Is the room kit tested before I board?
• Are shows, talks, and safety videos captioned?
• Can I get written daily schedules?
• Can staff use written notes at dining and guest services?
• How do shore excursions handle deaf and hard of hearing guests?

Keep a list of answers with names and dates.

How Do Safety Drills and Announcements Reach You?

Drills and announcements are safety matters. Ask about them before you sail.

• Ask how the drill is shown to you in a visual way.
• Ask if staff can tap you or use written cards.
• Ask what the room kit alerts you to.
• Find your muster point on the first day.

A room kit is a helpful tool. It does not replace ship alarms or crew instructions. Follow crew guidance at all times.

How Do You Wake Up on Time on a Ship?

Port days start early. Time can also change between ports. A phone alarm may not be enough.

The Vibio Bed Shaker wakes you with strong, silent vibration. It connects to your phone or tablet by Bluetooth. You control it with a free app for iOS or Android.

You can set up to 10 alarms. You choose the vibration strength from soft to strong. It runs on saved settings if your phone is off.

Check the time zone and alarm time each night. Set a backup alarm on your phone too.

How Can You Hear Better at Shows, Dining, and Ports?

Busy dining rooms and ports are hard places to hear. Try these free steps first.

• Choose a quiet table.
• Ask staff to face you and speak clearly.
• Use typed notes on your phone.
• Ask for captions at shows and talks.

Some travelers also use a personal amplifier. The Mino Personal Amplifier is pocket-sized with dual microphones. It has omnidirectional and directional microphones. It also has a built-in telecoil.

On guided tours, the Domino Pro Listening System may help. A wireless transmitter picks up sound at a distance. A receiver delivers it to you. Ask the guide before you use it.

The Mino and Domino Pro are personal listening products. They are not hearing aids. They are not intended to treat, correct, or diagnose any medical condition.

What Should You Pack for a Cruise?

Check your cruise line's rules on power strips and other items. Rules differ by line.

What Are the Battery Rules for Flying to the Port?

The FAA says devices with lithium batteries should go in carry-on bags. If you check one, it must be fully powered off and protected. Airlines may add their own rules.

How Do You Plan Shore Excursions?

• Ask for tour details in writing.
• Ask if captions or written scripts are available.
• Carnival says it provides interpreters for its excursions if you ask ahead.
• Confirm the meeting time and place in writing.
• Keep your phone charged and your ship contact saved.

Plan how you will get back to the ship on time. Ask the line what to do if you are delayed.

What Is a Simple Cruise Checklist for Hearing Loss?

People Also Ask

Written by

The Bellman Team

Bellman makes alerting and listening products for deaf and hard of hearing people. The aim is safety, independence, and social connection. This guide draws on public agency sources and Bellman product documentation.

Sources used in this article:

• Department of Justice, ADA Status Report, April to June 2005, archive.ada.gov/aprjun05.htm
• Cornell Legal Information Institute, Supreme Court opinion, law.cornell.edu/supct/html/03-1388.ZS.html
• Carnival Cruise Line, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Guests, carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs/deaf-hard-of-hearing
• Royal Caribbean, Guest Special Needs, royalcaribbean.com/resources/guest-special-needs
• Royal Caribbean, Guide to Accessible Cruising, royalcaribbean.com/guides/guide-to-accessible-cruising
• Federal Aviation Administration, PackSafe: Portable Electronic Devices Containing Batteries, faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe

This article is for general information only. It is not medical or legal advice. Cruise policies change and differ by ship. Confirm current details with your line. Alarm products do not replace ship alarms or drills.