Will Payne meets the founder of Limitless Travel Angus Drummond to ask whether cruise truly is an accessible holiday option for disabled travellers

For many years it was a widely held assumption that cruise wasn’t for fit for purpose if you had a mobility issue, with narrow walkways, steep gangways and snug cabins preventing guests with accessibility needs from fully enjoying a holiday at sea.

For Angus Drummond and his disability-friendly holiday provider Limitless Travel, however, demand for cruising has been growing since it was added to the firm’s product line-up in 2022. “We have run many successful trips since we added cruise breaks to our portfolio and have been receiving rave reviews,” he says.

Earlier this year, Limitless announced it had partnered with Celebrity Cruises to launch four new sailings in 2025. However, despite positive signs, cruise still has a long way to go before it can fully meet the needs of Drummond’s clientele. Some lines, he claims, have refused to update security policies or introduce more accessible cabins.

“While cruise ships are inherently more accessible than some other travel options, offering step-free access across the ship and facilities that cater to a range of needs, there is still plenty of room for improvement,” he adds.

A positive start

Drummond – who was the recipient of Cruise Trade News’ inaugural DEI Award at last month’s Wave Awards – says he was delighted to see the growth of cruise in the travel industry last year, explaining how the sector has gone “from strength to strength” in a post-pandemic world.

“Now that more cruise operators have reviewed their accessibility policies and are making more accessible accommodation available, it’s proving to be hugely popular with our customers,” he continues.

While cruise ships are inherently more accessible than some other travel options, there is still plenty of room for improvement

So far in 2024, Limitless has doubled the number of passengers it is taking on cruises and will begin working with new lines such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises next year. Drummond, who founded Limitless in 2014 following his muscular dystrophy diagnosis, believes holidays at sea can make for an ideal holiday for disabled passengers, even those travelling solo.

“Pairing overseas destinations with excellent cuisine, memorable excursions and a whole host of activities on board makes days at sea a joy,” he adds.

Room for improvement

However, challenges remain. “Policies around evacuation procedures, restrictions on mobility aids and limited support for boarding due to low availability of carers can create barriers.

“Additionally, the number of accessible cabins on many ships is disproportionately low – sometimes only 1-2 per cent of total capacity, which does not reflect the broader demand from travellers with mobility requirements.”

Drummond says Limitless has had to “campaign hard” with cruise lines on behalf of its customers, with some operators making it more difficult than others for disabled travellers to sail with confidence.

Greater attention needs to be paid to accessibility during the design and construction phases of new ships

“Particularly post-Covid, there were a lot of new restrictions put in place which meant that some passengers were excluded,” he explains. “More accessible cabins and more equipment would mean that more disabled passengers – and their families and carers – would be able to book these trips.”

Drummond advises that, as with many cruise holidays, it’s wise to book early to secure an accessible cabin as capacity is even more restricted than standard options. “It’s something that is out of our hands. It has been getting better, but we always encourage our customers to book early to avoid disappointment,” he says.

Leading by example

Drummond praises lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Marella Cruises for their accessibility initiatives. NCL, for example, offers guests hoists and mobility aids, while Marella has collaborated with AccessAble to create detailed access guides. “These efforts are steps in the right direction,” he says.

The key to making a vessel suitable for travellers with accessibility needs must start, Drummond says, at the drawing board. “As the industry evolves, greater attention needs to be paid to accessibility during the design and construction phases of new ships,” he explains.

“This needs to not only include increasing the number of accessible cabins, but also addressing the diverse needs of guests with disabilities, from those with visual impairments to individuals with neurodiverse conditions.”

On the horizon

Since its inception, Limitless has developed a positive reputation amongst its customers which has been reflected in its 40 per cent repeat booking rate. “

For the disabled community, the prospect of booking an overseas trip can seem overwhelming and sometimes impossible,” Drummond adds. “We’ve been able to prove time and again that by providing a higher level of service with appropriate equipment and care, the world of travel, and even solo travel, is accessible to everyone.

“And when our guests understand that they are being well cared for, they can focus on the important business of enjoying their holidays. We’ll add more destinations to our offering in 2025.”