Everybody loves an escape from reality; when you have a disability even more so. And a cruise ship is one of the best ways to delve into a luxurious world and forget your problems, if only for a few days. And even better if you use a wheelchair, you don’t have to resort to a blasé, ho-hum accessible room.

If you have the means, you can experience an amazing extravagant accessible suite, the kind the upper crust of society considers standard. While it may be a short-term experience, it will be one you surely remember. From celebrating your honeymoon to planning a vacation of a lifetime, here are six stunning cruise ship suites that will take your vacation over the top.

1) Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas – Accessible Spa Junior Suite with Balcony

On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class series ship, The Anthem of The Seas, which is complete with crazy activities like bumper cars and skydiving, it also has two very cool features – two of the most beautiful accessible rooms you’ll ever see on a cruise ship.

These fully accessible Junior suites that are 354 square feet, which is quite large for a cruise ship suite, and each of these suites comes with concierge service and a spacious 109 sq ft balcony. Total luxury by the sea.

Within each suite you’ll also find an automatic entry door, an accessible soaking bathtub and roll-in shower, a lowered sitting area with an accessible vanity and in-suite breakfast served daily.

2) Royal Caribbean Oasis of The Seas – Accessible Crown Loft Suite

For one of the most luxurious accommodations offered to wheelchair-users on any cruise ship, it can’t get any better than an Accessible Crown Loft Suite on The Oasis of The Seas by Royal Caribbean, which is one of the biggest cruise ships ever built. This 542 sq. ft two story suite comes with a private elevator and panoramic views, and there is only one of these suites available on the ship.

There’s both a master bedroom on the second floor and accessible bathroom, with a king size bed. On the main level you’ll find a dining area with a dry bar, another accessible bathroom (this one has the shower), a living room with a hide-a-bed for two and a stunning private balcony with patio furniture.

Other amazing amenities on the ship includes pool and hot tub lifts, seven distinct “neighborhoods,” mini golf, a carousel, a zip-line and a full size basketball court.

3) Celebrity Solstice Class – Accessible Sky Suite with Butler Service

In this 362 square foot suite found on the Celebrity Solstice Class ships. you’ll find a suite full of amazing amenities. First and foremost, it comes with a European style butler service 24 hours a day, helping you pack/unpack, schedule excursions, etc. The suite also has automatic doors, a 57 sq. ft. balcony, a private mini bar and interactive flat screen television system to select shore excursions and a private safe.

You’ll also find several other extras such as a daily fruit platter, fresh flowers, a Bulgari bath robe, a pillow menu, afternoon canapes and tea service, 2:1 employee/guest ratio, shoeshine, complimentary daily in-suite espresso and cappuccino, reserved theater seating and custom blended bath products.

As for other rare amenities offered on Celebrity Solstice Class, you’ll find lawn decks (for green grass relaxing), live glass blowing, private outdoor alcoves and art classes.

4) Celebrity Solstice – Accessible Aqua Class Stateroom with Balcony

If you’re a fan of going to the spa, then this over-the-top accessible stateroom on the Celebrity Solstice is perfect for what you crave. Each of these rooms are 299 square feet and come with a 80 square foot veranda, and when you stay in one of the Aqua Class staterooms you get unlimited access to the ship’s AquaSpa, Persian Garden and on-demand access to yoga and meditation.

The Aqua Class stateroom also has a roll-in shower and handheld shower heads, a sitting area with a sofa and a 32 inch LCD TV. But what’s visually stunning about these rooms are the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to the accessible veranda. You’ll also be on the same deck as the spa for easy access, and you’ll receive priority seating at their “clean cuisine” restaurant Blu.

5) Holland America ms Volendam – Neptune Suite

For one of the most extravagant wheelchair accessible accommodations at sea, it doesn’t get any better than the Neptune Suite on Holland America’s Volendam. This deluxe verandah suite offers floor-to-ceiling windows and is a huge 560 square feet.

The accessible features are plentiful as well. It comes with two lower beds that can be converted to a king size bed, a separate bathtub and roll-in shower, a huge interior/area, a sofa bed that can sleep two people, a mini bar and a refrigerator. The private veranda is accessible and is teak-lined, giving it an amazing smell.

In addition, access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge (Wi-Fi, drinks, plush sofas) is included, massage shower heads, fresh flowers, umbrellas, high tea, a premium duvet, a flat-panel TV and a DVD library in each room for those nights you can’t sleep.

6) Regent Seven Seas Voyager/Navigator – Penthouse Suite

For an all inclusive cruising experience on a smaller ship (around 700 passengers) and a crew member designated to each individual disabled passenger to make sure they’re ok in the case of emergency, the Region Seven Seas Voyager and Navigator ocean liners need to be seen to be believed.

On both of these ships there are two accessible Penthouse Suites that are situated right next to the elevator, and each penthouse is 320 square feet with a fully accessible 50 square foot balcony. Their rooms are immaculately designed and come with power-sliding doors, a personal butler, free business class air service from select destinations, daily canapés, Hermes amenities and an iPad.

The bathrooms in these suites include a roll-in shower instead of a tub, however there is a pool and hot tub on the ship. Interesting lectures, interactive dining experiences and balconies on every room also make these cruise ships quite special.

So there you have it. Accessible cruising has come a long way, and the elevated accommodations just keep getting better. Just remember to book early if you want to experience these luxurious accommodations. With only 1-4 accessible suites typically offered on each ship, booking way ahead is an absolute must.

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