Deaf or Low Hearing

At Norwegian Cruise Line, we will attempt to provide our Deaf or Low Hearing guests with an enjoyable cruise, which means making every attempt to make the technology available to assist Deaf and Low Hearing guests during your Freestyle cruise experience. We strongly encourage Deaf or Low Hearing guests to contact the Access Desk prior to cruising so that your specific needs can be discussed prior to your cruise. Many different options are available prior to the cruise and needs vary from guest to guest.

• Embarkation day meeting with staff member who will see to your accessibility needs during the cruise
• The Sky, Sun and Pride of America have staterooms that are hard wired for Deaf and Low Hearing guests which includes a visual-tactile alert system to alert you if there is knocking at the door, telephone ringing, alarm ringing or smoke detection. Please note these rooms are limited and based on a first come first serve basis
• On those vessels where rooms have not been hardwired, a portable kit is available upon request in your stateroom that includes a visual-tactile alert system to alert you if there is knocking at the door, telephone ringing, alarm ringing or smoke detection
• Pagers are available upon request on all Norwegian Cruise Line vessels to alert Deaf or Low Hearing Guests to vessel announcements and a manual for same can be provided in advance
• Assistive listening devices are available on many vessels in the main theatre through the Guest Service Desk
• Closed-captioned televisions may available for your state room, dependent on the ship's location.
• Closed-captioned movies are available on the ‘New Movie Release’ channel. A DVD player may be requested if a guest wishes to bring their own DVD movies from home
• Sign language interpreting services may be provided for Deaf guests if that is their primary means of communication. A request for sign language interpreting, only on sailings that depart from and/or return to a port in the United States, can be made with the Access Desk through the Accessibility & Medical Questionnaire, no later than 90 days prior to sailing. Requests are subject to a number of considerations, including but not limited to, the availability of interpreters and cabin space. A request for an interpreter with less than 90 days’ notice may still be granted but cannot be guaranteed
• TTY Phones are available onboard all ships except Norwegian Spirit that use handy phones and text messaging. The guest can request that the phone in their room be replaced with a TTY phone and this will enable them to communicate with the Guest Services Desk staff by teletype.

Our Accessibility Coordinators, known as “The Access Desk,” are here to assist guests with disabilities and special needs before, during, and after your cruise. Please contact the Access Desk at least 90 days before your cruise for interpreters and 45 days for other needs. It’s important to inform us about any medical or physical requirements, including any medical equipment or scooters you plan to bring.

Providing detailed information will help us meet your needs and enhance your cruise experience. In some cases, you may need to make alternative travel arrangements if safety criteria aren’t met, even with assistance. Guests who can’t care for their basic needs (like dressing or eating) must travel with a capable companion. To ensure smooth travel, arrange special assistance when booking. We encourage you to fill out the Accessibility & Medical Questionnaire or call us for more information.