My experience cruising with P&O Cruises as a wheelchair user

There’s a tension that comes with accessible travel; a need to anticipate problems before they arise. As a wheelchair user with complex PTSD, I’ve spent years looking for step-free routes, tracking down accessible toilets and pre-empting failure. But on a supported group cruise organised by accessible holiday experts Limitless Travel aboard P&O Cruises’ Arvia, I hoped that load would be lifted.

Over two weeks, as I explored a floating city and joined excursions in Spain and France, I tested how well this model delivers, from pre-cruise preparation to disembarkation and everything in between. Here’s my play-by-play of our time on board, revealing what the line got right – and where there’s room for improvement.

Before the cruise

A care call with the cruise line prior to departure covered everything from wheelchair dimensions and emergency evacuation procedures to medication and access needs. I was added to a WhatsApp group with the other guests and staff, which helped break the ice. On departure day, an adapted vehicle arrived at my hotel and drove me straight to Southampton.

Embarkation was calm and quick. The Limitless team met us at the terminal and guided us through check-in, using priority lanes reserved for those with mobility needs. Within an hour, I was in my cabin, with my luggage already waiting.

Arriving at my cabin

My cabin on Deck 15 was genuinely accessible: wide doorways, turning space, a roll-in shower with a bench, grab rails, and automatic doors to the cabin, bathroom and balcony. The wardrobe had a pull-down rail I could reach, which is a rare occurrence on most cruise ships. Every detail said: ‘you’re welcome here’.

Lighting could be controlled from the bed, and I appreciated how clearly placed the emergency cords were. It was one of the few accessible rooms I’ve stayed in where I didn’t have to rearrange the furniture to function.

Exploring the ship

At more than 1,100 feet in length, Arvia is big, but most areas were reachable with lifts and clear signage, though there were often long waits for lifts at peak times. I took time on day one to explore key venues with the help of the Limitless team.

Some outer decks had tight furniture layouts, and at breakfast and lunch times, the buffet became congested, but the crew were present and proactive. For example, buffet staff wore bright yellow aprons that read ‘how can I help?’, which was a small thing that made a big difference when I needed assistance carrying a tray or navigating queues.

Dining and service

Limitless reserved accessible tables in one of the main restaurants for group meals, with the seating plans taking both space and comfort into account. Whether I joined them or opted for room service, the food was of high quality, with plenty of vegetarian and allergy-friendly options clearly marked.

P&O’s crew made a visible effort to connect with guests. They remembered preferences, and adjustments were made discreetly and with quiet efficiency. I enjoyed genuine conversations with waiters and entertainers who took the time to get to know us, not just serve us.

Entertainment and downtime

Entertainment ranged from theatre and movie nights at the cinema to quizzes and spa sessions. There was always something to do, which Paula, another guest, summed up perfectly: “I love cruises,” she said. “Everything’s in one place, and there’s always something going on.”

Accessible facilities were available at every venue we visited. Some needed pre-booking, like the pool hoist I used with support from crew, while others I could wheel straight into, like the wheelchair spaces in the theatre.

Excursions and shore support

According to Limitless Travel’s founder, Angus Drummond, making cruise holidays accessible isn’t just about removing the physical barriers. “We set out to remove the emotional and logistical barriers, too,” he explains. "That’s why our team travels alongside guests to offer consistent support and peace of mind.”

And it showed. Port days, from bustling Alicante to historic Toulon, were planned with bathroom stops and access-checked venues. The day before each excursion, we were briefed on weather and timings and there were walking tours, cultural visits and market stops, too. If anything didn’t go to plan, someone was already solving it before I even had to ask.

I also booked myself onto one of P&O’s accessible excursions in Marbella, which was separate from the group. While the line’s options were limited, the booking team on board were helpful, informed and honest about potential issues like the terrain, which gave me the confidence to explore on my own.

Disembarkation and the journey home

When it came time to disembark, I was met at my cabin door and guided through the process. My bags were taken, transport confirmed and staff stayed with us until everyone was safely underway. That level of end-to-end support isn’t just a luxury, it’s what makes travel possible for many of us.

My verdict

Admittedly, this wasn’t a perfect cruise – buffet congestion and deck layouts could be improved – but it was the most relaxed I’ve felt at sea. Travelling in a group can feel risky when your access needs are unique, but it felt as if the group understood one another.

With 14 guests – some needing full care, others just wanting reassurance – and five staff, the balance worked. When travel stops being a challenge and starts feeling like a choice again, that’s when you know someone got it right.

Get on board

P&O and Limitless Travel have partnered to provide accessible cruises to destinations such as Spain, France, Portugal, the Canary Islands, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands and more.

Carrie-Ann was a guest of Limitless Travel, supported by P&O Cruises, Avanti West Coast and Transmobility.