Australian disability advocate and influencer Shane Hryhorec, known as @wheelaroundtheworld, encountered accessibility challenges aboard MSC Grandiosa during his first-ever cruise.
Hryhorec, who boarded the 6,334-guest ship in Marseille for an 8-night sailing, found that his cabin was far from the accessible accommodation he had expected.
Hryhorec documented his experience on social media, highlighting inaccessible features in his cabin, including a heavy door, limited maneuvering space, and a bathroom with steps and a high-sided tub obstructed by a glass partition.
His initial reaction, shared in a TikTok video with over 10 million views, expressed his frustration: “This is not what I booked… It is absolutely not fine.”
@wheelaroundtheworld Can u cruise the world in a wheelchair? ♿️🛳️🫣 Come with me as I embark on my first-ever cruise experience. I’m excited but also a bit nervous! This video series will dive into everything from checking in to attempting day adventures (if they’re accessible), figuring out how to get around the ship, and exploring what is and isn’t accessible onboard. Plus, there’ll be plenty more along the way! Have you been on a cruise? Share your tips and tricks! I’d love to hear about your travel experiences. If you have a disability or know someone with a disability and are planning on going on a cruise, you must watch these videos first! #CruiseLife #WheelchairTravel #AccessibleTravel #DisabilityAwareness #Cruising #TravelWithPurpose ♬ original sound – WHEEL AROUND THE WORLD – SHANE
Despite considering disembarking in Barcelona the next day, Hryhorec chose to stay and adapt, using a public shower in the gym, which was also not fully accessible. The situation underscored significant communication gaps in the booking process.
Hryhorec had booked the cruise through a travel agent three weeks before departure and submitted an assistance form to MSC Cruises detailing his needs. He claims confirmation of the form took over a week of follow-up, and no issues were flagged.
However, MSC Cruises later stated that Hryhorec was informed there were no accessible cabins available and was offered a full refund or the option to reschedule his trip. This account contrasts with Hryhorec’s videos, leaving the exact details of the miscommunication unclear.
@wheelaroundtheworld When your accessible shower isn’t so accessible 🛁😭♿ Part three of my cruise adventure: A morning workout and a discovery that even the “accessible” facilities have their flaws! After a rough first night on a bed designed for someone a foot shorter, I decided to hit the gym to sweat out the frustration. While the workout was good, the gym itself showed signs of wear and tear, from dodgy mats to bolts coming loose from windows. But the real kicker? The public wheelchair accessible shower was far from it. A shower chair here, a handrail there, and the soap dispenser somewhere out of reach. It’s like accessibility was an afterthought. Does MSC even care about accessibility? This experience has me questioning it. Have you encountered similar challenges? Stay tuned for a tour of the ship to uncover more about its accessibility or lack thereof. #AccessibleTravel #CruiseLife #DisabilityAwareness #WheelchairTravel #CruisingTips #TravelWithPurpose ♬ original sound – WHEEL AROUND THE WORLD – SHANE
Out of the 2,421 cabins onboard MSC Grandiosa, only 60 are accessible, and all were booked by other passengers. Guest services onboard eventually managed to arrange a cabin swap with another group on the second day of the voyage, allowing Hryhorec to move into a fully accessible room.
Relieved to be in a suitable cabin, Hryhorec shared his appreciation:
“You have no idea how happy this makes me,” he said, touring his new room. “The difference to be in a room made for a person with a disability is out of this world.”
@wheelaroundtheworld A Moment I Didn’t Expect: Things Are Finally Changing 🙌♿ Part 5 of my cruise experience aboard the MSC Grandiosa takes a surprising turn! After a challenging start, something unexpected happened that could completely change the rest of my trip. From inaccessible facilities to a whirlwind of emotions, this cruise has been a real test so far. But what happens next might just make up for it. Have you faced accessibility challenges while travelling? Share your experiences in the comments. #AccessibleTravel #CruiseLife #DisabilityAwareness #WheelchairTravel #cruise ♬ original sound – WHEEL AROUND THE WORLD – SHANE
Hryhorec used his experience to highlight systemic issues in cabin allocation, noting that accessible cabins are often booked on a first-come, first-serve basis and not reserved for passengers with disabilities.
He advocated for more accessible cabins on cruise ships, citing the aging cruising demographic and the 5.5 million Australians living with disabilities.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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