We are passionate about our service and ensure that guests with special requirements also enjoy their time on board. They should be able to get around as independently and without barriers as possible. Of course, we gladly support our guests and their accompanying persons as needed.
We are sensitive to our guests with food allergies or food intolerance. For example, our buffet restaurants always offer gluten-free and lactose-free options. In 2012, we developed an additional offering that far exceeded what we had at that time: Guests suffering from specific food intolerances can inform the AIDA Customer Center even before their trip. On the day of arrival, our reception staff then gives them a time to meet with the head chef who explains the various restaurants on board and also gives them valuable tips for enjoyable meals in spite of their particular food intolerances. This initiative is our way of offering safety, helpful information, and a comfortable vacation experience to our guests with food allergies. All dishes in the buffet restaurants on AIDA ships are labeled so that people with food allergies can easily select the options that will work for them. Our trained staff is happy to assist guests with any questions.
In order to make an AIDA voyage as comfortable as possible for guests with reduced mobility right from the start, we begin supporting them from the moment they start their journey. We believe that it should be possible for every guest to take an AIDA voyage without difficulties and additional costs. That is why we have been assuming the additional costs for special transfer arrangements (when an AIDA arrival/departure package is booked). We ensure short wait times at a special check-in counter and trained employees attend to the special needs of the guest. This naturally applies for all types of individual special needs.
Our barrier-free staterooms are available at no extra charge. More details about the features of these staterooms can be found on our 360-degree tour and in the FAQs.
Almost all areas on board are wheelchair accessible. Should detours be necessary, they are clearly marked with signage. Special seats are reserved for wheelchair users in the theater and buffet restaurants. Our staff members are happy to continue offering assistance during shore excursions. In 2013, we equipped all ships with wheelchair caterpillar lifts where technically possible to help transport wheelchair users on the occasionally steep gangways. Previously this had to be done manually.
Since 2014, we have been offering guests with reduced mobility the option to rent wheelchairs for a nominal fee. These wheelchairs can be used both on board and on shore excursions.
In our excursion brochures we identify the excursions that are best suited for people special requirements. We also provide information about our “barrier-free get-togethers”. When it comes to shore excursions, we always take local circumstances into account. Moreover, we continue to exert influence on our partners in the individual destinations to establish suitable requirements so that our guests can move freely without barriers on shore as well.
In order to support our guests with hearing impairments, we rely on the ideal combination of technology and people. We make cutting-edge technical devices available, while our AIDA service team naturally provides professional, personal assistance.
Since 2011, AIDA vacations have had even fewer barriers for guests with hearing impairments. We provide a stateroom set, which transforms the sounds of warning signals, door knocks, telephone rings, and alarm clocks into light or vibration signals. We have also installed inductive audio systems at the reception desk and in the onboard theater or “Theatrium” on all of our ships. They amplify the speech volume of reception personnel and the voices and sounds on the stage in hearing aids and implants.
Our trained employees also provide the following assistance:
Guests with visual impairments will find signage on board with high-contrast tactile lettering and Braille. The signage is located at a height of 1.22 meters. Almost all public areas on board, including bars, restaurants, elevators, stair handrails, public restrooms, and staterooms, are equipped with it.
The stairs and floor coverings have different aesthetics and textures. The main passageways are equipped with handrails. At least one handrail runs through all areas and continues up the stairs. The glass doors on board also feature contrast panels.
We provide our guests with key safety information and a deck plan in a font size they can read or in Braille.
Certified guide dogs may be brought on board under certain conditions and can replace a chaperone. In 2014, AIDA welcomed its very first couple traveling with a guide dog on AIDAsol.
Our trained employees also provide the following assistance:
Medical services is yet another area where we do everything we can to ensure that our guests travel as comfortably and safely as possible. Whether our guests suffer from a chronic condition or become sick during the trip: our ship doctors and nurses in our modern hospitals will see to it that guests are provided with reliable care. If an illness cannot be sufficiently treated on board, further care will be administered at a doctor’s office or hospital on shore. Our cooperation partners are available to provide patients with guidance and resources. If needed, we can also organize interpreters and attendants on site.
When they book their trip, guests who are receiving medical treatment or who have a special request should notify us about important issues such as medication requirements and the potential need for medical care while on board. We are happy to provide information and advise our guests on the extent to which it is possible to receive individually required health care on the desired voyage.
Cruises often travel to foreign countries. For this reason, we keep our guests well informed about which vaccinations and health measures are necessary or recommended for the respective destinations.
Physical therapy, including medical massages, is also available on board. Our guests can take advantage of these services in our Body & Soul spa areas. Furthermore, our onboard hospitals also offer additional services such as diving fitness examinations, chiropractic therapy, Kinesio taping, acupuncture, and first aid courses. More information is available for our guests on board.
