I recently went on my first cruise and, needless to say, I was very nervous at the start. My immediate thought is always how I will be able to access the important things like getting onboard, getting around the bathroom/bedroom and getting from level to level.

I was pleasantly surprised with Royal Carribeans Independence of the Seas! My room was near an elevator, my shower, toilet, and sink were accessible. Additionally, the interior room came with a vanity which was easier to sit at and the mirror was lower [I am short]. There was enough space provided by the bed to get to one side and the closet space was within reach. There was a small bump at the entrance but nothing that could not be managed compared to most. However, if this were inconvenient there was a number provided which I could call any time for assistance.

As with most large attractions, the elevators saw a lot of traffic but they were very spacious. I felt like I struggled to get access as much as the next person during busy hours.

The public bathrooms were clearly thought through. There were handicap buttons at the entrance door on both sides to help assist getting in and out of the bathroom. The handicap stall even has a button to aid those getting in and out of the individual stall [which is plenty spacious if you need to turn around or settle in next to the toilet. I dont know about you but I cannot do the 180° acrobatic turn without landing on my face in tighter spaces]

The sinks were just as accessible, my knees didnt hit the edge.

The pools.. I will say, were not very accessible. I was far too distracted with the rest of what this first time cruise had to offer that I did not get a chance to further inspect accessibility. From what the mind can recall, the hot tubs were not easily reachable. There were a few steps to climb. Some pools were up on a sub-level that could only be reached by a small flight of stairs. This, in addition to tue adult bar on the top level were not accessible.

When we arrived at Coco Cay there was some confusion about where the shuttle pick up was. The walk from the ship to the entrance is a little long. But the walkway was very smooth and spacious. The shuttle was there to pick us up and was handicap accessible. Additionally, there was free access to beach wheelchairs [There are so many chairs to use. It was impressive to see when there are so few along Florida beaches, all of which are sold at a ridiculously high price for ridiculous time intervals.]

Nassau welcomed the same ease of access when leaving the ship. Unfortunately, I didnt do much walking around the city streets. I was able to bargain a half tour with one of Nassau’s three handicap transportation vans [A half tour allowed me to save time as it was not a full tour and, since no one wanted just half a tour, I got a ‘private’ tour for half the cost of a full tour. Additionally, they did not charge for a private tour.]

Our guide, Sandy, was very knowledgeable about the areas history and could even point me in the right direction for access ramps or locations that would provide easier accessing where ramps were not an option. I was grateful for her ability to advocate for me when the handicap spaces were blocked. From the window of our tour van, the streets looked outdated and a little crumbled but I was assured, after Nassau’s port renovations that they were updating the walkways soon. The community seemed more than willing and patient to help out if needed.

The cruise ended too soon. It was the most accessible trip/stay I have ever experienced. A cruise ship of all things!

The level of accessibility with Royal Carribeans Independence of the Seas surpassed my expectations. They went beyond what most attractions on land, let alone day to day establishments, could provide. I cant wait to cruise with Royal Caribbean again.