Fantastic news for disabled holidaymakers planning a cruise next year: New EU legislation is about to bring cruise holidays in line with air travel to ensure a better experience for disabled passengers.

The disabled passenger rights legislation which will come into force on 18 December will apply to all cruises departing from the EU. The new rules mean that travel agents will be required by law to notify cruise lines of any special arrangements required by their disabled customers at the time of booking.

The aim is to improve the cruise experience for disabled passengers by improving communications between travel agents and cruise holiday operators, enabling staff on-board cruise ships to be fully prepared and provide any special requirements at the right time.

Travel agents will be required to inform cruise operators if a disabled passenger requires a specially adapted cabin, assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation, whether they will be bringing any medical equipment on board and if they require a wheel chair.

The new disabled passenger rights legislation is great news if you are planning a cruise holiday and are disabled or have a pre-existing medical condition which results in you requiring some extra help on holiday.

Disabled travel insurance

If you are disabled, have reduced mobility or a pre-existing medical condition it is very important to get the right travel insurance for your holiday. Goodtogoinsurance.com can cover all types of medical conditions and includes cover for mobility aids and loss of medication.

Find out more about disabled travel insurance >>

Cruise insurance

If you are going on a cruise holiday, you should make sure that you have cruise insurance which includes cover for you to be airlifted to a hospital on land if you become ill on-board.

Find out more about cruise insurance >>