Irish Cruise Ports: Dock or Tender?

Taking a cruise around Ireland is a wonderful way to explore our beautiful towns, cities and coastline. For wheelchair users, though, there is one detail that needs careful checking before you book:

Will your ship dock alongside, or will you need a tender boat to reach shore?

An accessible cabin and a wheelchair-accessible shore excursion do not automatically mean you can get off the ship at every port.

What is tendering?

When a cruise ship anchors offshore, passengers are brought to land in smaller boats called tenders.

Boarding a tender may involve steps, crossing a gap between the ship and the boat, and transferring while the boat moves with the sea. Some arrangements let you roll aboard in your wheelchair. Others require you to stand, take steps and transfer to a seat.

Rules vary between cruise lines, ships and ports. Royal Caribbean, for example, says passengers who cannot take steps need roll-on tender access, and that powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters also require it. Roll-on access is not always available.

Irish ports: what to check

The guide below is for planning only. Always confirm the arrangements for your own ship and sailing date. For official details on each port, see Cruise Ireland's Ports of Ireland directory.

Cork (Cobh / Ringaskiddy / City Quays)
Usually docks alongside.
Cobh has a dedicated cruise berth. Cork calls may also use Ringaskiddy or Cork City Quays, so confirm the exact berth, gangway access and accessible transport pickup point.

Belfast
Normally docks alongside.
Belfast has a dedicated cruise terminal. Check gangway access and onward transport. An accessible low-floor shuttle generally operates, but check it's running on the day your ship is in.

Dublin / Dún Laoghaire
Depends on the port and ship.
Cruise lines often list 'Dublin' on the itinerary, but there are two possible arrival points. Some ships berth at Dublin Port, close to the city. Others anchor out in Dublin Bay, and passengers go ashore by tender boat to Dún Laoghaire (pronounced "Dun Leery"), a harbour town about 12 km south of the city centre. Ask your cruise line which one applies to your sailing. If it's Dún Laoghaire, you'll need to check the tender is suitable for your wheelchair.

Waterford / Dunmore East
Depends on the location.
Larger ships at Dunmore East tender. Ships visiting Waterford can arrive at different places, including Belview. Confirm the actual arrival point before booking accessible transport or an excursion.

Galway
Larger ships tender.
Larger ships anchor in Galway Bay and bring passengers ashore by boat. Confirm the tender and landing arrangements suit your wheelchair and mobility needs.

Bantry, Co. Cork
Usually tenders.
Ships may anchor off Bantry or Glengarriff. Confirm the landing point, wheelchair access on the tender and where your accessible vehicle will meet you.

Dingle, Co. Kerry
Tender port.
Passengers are brought ashore by boat. If you cannot stand or take steps, get specific confirmation of suitable roll-on access before booking.

Foynes, Co. Limerick
Usually docks alongside, but some ships use tender boats.
A working commercial port. Confirm the berth, accessible gangway, shuttle arrangements and whether your booked vehicle can collect you at the quayside.

Killybegs, Co. Donegal
Normally docks alongside.
Killybegs has substantial quay facilities for cruise ships. Confirm your allocated berth, gangway access and accessible pickup point.

Derry / Greencastle, Co. Donegal
Tender port (Greencastle).
If your itinerary says 'Derry' or 'Londonderry', your ship could arrive at one of three places: Greencastle, Lisahally or Fort George. All three are run by Foyle Port. At Greencastle, in Co. Donegal, ships anchor offshore and passengers go ashore by tender boat. Ask your cruise line exactly where your ship will arrive, and if it's Greencastle, check that the tender is suitable for your wheelchair

Docking alongside doesn't guarantee access

Even when a ship docks, the gangway can be steep, and its angle can change with the tide. Weather, gangway design and shoreside facilities can all affect wheelchair access.

A scheduled docking can also change to tendering on the day. The captain and crew make the final decision about safe disembarkation.

What to ask your cruise line before booking

Contact the cruise line's accessibility team and ask for written answers to these questions:

• Will the ship dock or tender at each Irish port?
• Can I remain seated in my wheelchair throughout the transfer?
• Will I need to stand, walk, manage steps or cross a gap?
• What wheelchair size and weight limits apply, and does the weight limit include the passenger?
• Are powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters allowed on the tender?
• Is the whole route accessible, from the ship to the shore pickup point?
• What help will crew provide, and what will my travelling companion need to do?
• What happens to my excursion payments if I can't get ashore?

Explain your mobility needs clearly. Being able to transfer into a car seat does not necessarily mean you can safely board a moving tender.

Don't assume crew will lift you or your wheelchair. Some cruise lines expressly prohibit this, Royal Caribbean among them.

Planning an accessible shore excursion

Before booking, give your tour operator:

• Your ship name, arrival date and confirmed port or tender landing point
• Your wheelchair type, dimensions and weight
• Whether you will stay seated in your wheelchair during vehicle travel
• Any assistance, accessible toilet or other requirements
• The ship's all-aboard time or last tender departure time

Ask the operator to confirm suitable vehicle access and wheelchair restraints, the accessibility of the attractions, toilet stops, and the cancellation terms if you can't disembark.

Allow plenty of time for getting off the ship, tender queues, boarding assistance and the return journey. An accessible vehicle waiting ashore can't overcome an inaccessible transfer from the ship.

Our advice

If you cannot stand or take steps, favour itineraries with confirmed alongside berths and suitable gangway arrangements.

Pay particular attention to tender calls at Dún Laoghaire, Dunmore East, Galway, Bantry, Dingle and Greencastle. Get confirmation that the arrangements suit your individual needs before committing to a shore excursion.

Ireland has so much to offer. Checking the journey from ship to shore is the first step to enjoying it comfortably.

Planning an accessible shore excursion in Ireland? Our wheelchair-accessible minivans carry up to 4 passengers plus 1 wheelchair user, with manual and electric chairs welcome. Find out more at accessibilitytoursireland.com or get in touch at aboutirelandtaxitours@yahoo.com and we'll help you plan the day.

By Bob McAuliffe, About Ireland Taxi Tours