Cruising is a popular vacation choice for wheelchair users and slow walkers, however, some cruise destinations are just more accessible than others. Take Hawaii, for example. For starters, the eight Pacific islands make up the 50th U.S. state, so shore-tour operators are bound by strict U.S. access laws. Granted, not every shore excursion is wheelchair accessible, however, you’ll find more accessible transportation options in Hawaii than you will in the Caribbean or Mexico.

The bathroom in an accessible stateroom on the Pride of Aloha

Of course, it goes without saying that as an island state, Hawaii is perfectly suited for cruises. Perhaps that’s why Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has two American-flagged vessels stationed there: Pride of Aloha and Pride of America.

The Pride of Aloha first entered service as the Norwegian Sky in 1999, but it was retrofitted and re-flagged in 2004. It features six accessible inside staterooms located near the elevators on decks 8 and 9. The larger Pride of America was launched in 2005, and includes 22 wheelchair-accessible staterooms in a variety of configurations.

The accessible staterooms on both ships feature wide doorways, level thresholds and bathrooms with a roll-in shower, a fold-down shower seat, a hand-held shower head, grab bars in the shower and around the toilet, and a roll-under sink.

Since both vessels are registered in the U.S., they aren’t required to call on foreign ports while they cruise the Hawaiian Islands. This results in an all-Hawaii itinerary with more time ashore, including overnight stops on two islands. This is especially good news for wheelchair users and slow walkers, because with more time in port there’s no need to rush. Passengers can relax and take things at their own pace, yet still have plenty of time to see the sights.

Both vessels sail seven-day Hawaiian Island cruises from Honolulu on Oahu, and the Pride of Aloha also offers a Maui embarkation option. As far as shore excursions go, there is at least one accessible NCL shore excursion in every port. And thanks to NCL’s 2004 acquisition of Polynesian Adventure Tours, all accessible shore excursions feature lift-equipped transportation.

If you’d like to set out on your own, the local gift-store chain Hilo Hattie has free accessible shopping shuttles at all the ports, and Wheelchair Getaways has adapted rental vans available on Maui, Kauai and in Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Additionally, the major rental-car agencies can provide vehicles with hand controls with 48 hours notice.