Miami and a Caribbean cruise in a wheelchair: what to know

This time my wheels are crossing the ocean. Four nights in Miami await us, and then a week aboard MSC World America, calling at Roatán, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Ocean Cay, in the Bahamas.

Day 1 Tuesday 21 AprilFrom Rome to Miami

Our journey begins at Rome Fiumicino airport, with the direct flight to Miami. For anyone travelling in a wheelchair, the departure deserves to be told too: the assistance, the transfers and the transport of mobility aids are all part of the experience.

Assistance on the plane and the Triride

For me we chose WCHC assistance, meant for passengers who cannot walk and need full assistance, including help with transfers all the way to their seat on the plane.

Accessibility · In-flight assistance

The assistance continues during the flight and includes help reaching the toilet, using the on-board wheelchair. An important service on a long journey like the one from Rome to Miami. Being accompanied to the toilet does not, however, include lifting the passenger or personal assistance inside it: for those you need a companion.

I also took my Triride with me, to use it with my wheelchair during the trip.

Accessibility · Triride and battery

At check-in we were asked to detach the battery from the Triride: the battery travelled in the cabin, while the Triride went in the hold.

My advice is to label everything you take on the plane with your name, address and phone number, especially mobility aids and any parts that can be separated: wheelchair, Triride, battery and the transfer board too, if you have one. A simple precaution, but a useful one at boarding and when your things are handed back.

Arrival and picking up the car

Once we had landed in Miami, we went to the car hire point near the airport and picked up the car. From there we set off for our hotel, the Pestana Miami South Beach.

Accessibility · Hire car

Hiring a car left me free to plan the excursions, choosing where to go and when to stop. With the transfer board, which I use to move from the wheelchair to the car seat, I can travel by car and reach the places I want to visit.

During our stay we found getting around Miami by car easy and straightforward.

Good to know before you go

The car parks are convenient, but really very expensive: a cost to budget for when planning the trip.

I did not use my Italian disabled parking permit because I didn’t know the local rules well and didn’t want to risk fines that could have complicated the trip.

I found out later that in Florida a valid foreign permit, showing the international wheelchair symbol, is recognised for using disabled parking spaces. Whether parking is free, however, depends on the rules of each car park. Something I wish I had known before leaving.

Our hotel: Pestana Miami South Beach

When we arrived at the Pestana, we dropped off our luggage and settled into our room.

Accessibility · Hotel

I checked the hotel’s accessible features in person: a platform lift to reach the floor, and a bathroom in the room with an adapted WC and a level-access shower.

There is also a beautiful outdoor pool with a hoist chair for getting into the water. These details matter to me, because accessibility also means being able to enjoy the spaces and the relaxing moments of a holiday.

Our first evening on Española Way

With the luggage sorted, we went out for a walk, leaving the car at the hotel. The Pestana is central, so we could reach the heart of South Beach on foot and with my wheelchair.

For dinner I had planned to go to Española Way, a little pedestrian street with a Mediterranean feel. The warm-coloured buildings, the palm trees and the outdoor tables are reminiscent of a small Spanish village, in the heart of Miami Beach.

In the evening it is especially charming: strings of lights illuminate the street, the bars and restaurants come alive and people stroll between them. We found it very lively and bright, a lovely setting for our first dinner in Miami.

A silver sculpture with the words “Española Way, Miami Beach”, among palm trees, signs and restaurants lit up in the evening. — Española Way all lit up, on our first evening in Miami.

After dinner we went back to the hotel. Between the flight, picking up the car and our first walk, it had been a long day: time to rest, before starting to discover Miami.

Day 2 Wednesday 22 AprilThe ocean, the colours of Wynwood and an evening in Little Havana

Breakfast at Rosetta Bakery

Our first full day in Miami starts with breakfast at Rosetta Bakery, an Italian-style bakery where we find a little corner of home even on the other side of the ocean. We had two excellent cappuccinos and two giant filled croissants: a pleasant, delicious stop before setting off to explore South Beach.

Two cappuccinos and two large filled croissants dusted with sugar, on a wooden tray. — Our breakfast at Rosetta Bakery: two excellent cappuccinos and two giant filled croissants.

The walk along the ocean

We head for the Beach Boardwalk, the seafront promenade, also known as the Beachwalk. From here we enjoy wonderful views of the ocean, between the beach and the palm trees.

Standing out on the sand are the iconic lifeguard towers, with their colours and unusual shapes: one of the most recognisable images of Miami Beach. Seeing them in real life, with the ocean behind them, makes us feel we are truly on our trip.

Anna’s companion in the foreground on the beach; behind him, a pink, yellow and green lifeguard tower. — A souvenir photo on the beach, in front of Miami Beach’s pink lifeguard tower.

An orange and yellow lifeguard tower with the words “Miami Beach”, in front of a choppy ocean. — One of the colourful lifeguard towers of Miami Beach.

A green and yellow lifeguard tower on the sand, with the turquoise sea behind it. — The green tower overlooking the beach at South Beach.

Anna and her companion smiling in a selfie on the beach, under a sky full of clouds. — The two of us on the beach at Miami Beach.

Ocean Drive and the Versace mansion

We carry on towards Ocean Drive, one of the landmarks of South Beach. The Art Deco hotels, the colourful façades and the bars and restaurants facing the street make up the Miami we have seen so many times in photographs and films.

A row of palm trees in front of the pastel-coloured Art Deco hotels of Ocean Drive. — Palm trees and Art Deco façades along Ocean Drive.

Anna sitting on a bench in front of the pale blue façade of the Colony Hotel, with its large vertical sign. — The Colony Hotel, one of the Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive.

Along the way we also come across Gianni Versace’s former home, Casa Casuarina, with its unmistakable entrance. A stop that catches the eye during our walk along this famous street.

The pale, Mediterranean-style Casa Casuarina mansion among the palm trees, seen from across the street. — Casa Casuarina, Gianni Versace’s former home on Ocean Drive.

South Pointe Park and the pier

We then reach South Pointe Park, at the southern tip of Miami Beach. Here the green spaces open onto the sea and the path leads us towards South Pointe Pier, the pier stretching out over the ocean.

It is a lovely spot for admiring the coast and the long beach of South Beach, from a different angle to the one we had in the morning.

A red-and-white striped lifeguard tower and an “Ocean Rescue” pick-up truck on the sand, by the sea. — The striped tower and the Ocean Rescue truck on the beach at South Beach.

For lunch we stop for a quick bite, giving ourselves a short break before carrying on with the day.

The afternoon at Wynwood Walls

We go back to the hotel and take the car out of the car park to visit Wynwood Walls. We find a convenient car park nearby.

From the ocean we move to a completely different Miami, made of urban art and huge painted walls. Wynwood Walls is an open-air street art museum, created in 2009, where international artists have turned the walls into works to look at one after another.

Among figures, geometric patterns and intense colours, each mural speaks its own language. It is a visit that invites you to linger over the details, and it adds another side to our discovery of Miami.

Anna and her companion, both in hats, in a selfie in front of a large, brightly coloured mural. — Among the colours and murals of Wynwood.

The evening in Little Havana

For the evening we move on to Little Havana, the heart of Cuban culture in Miami. We find a paid car park nearby, fairly expensive but convenient, and start our walk.

Along Calle Ocho, the neighbourhood’s best-known street, there is one cigar shop, little store, café and bar after another. The signs, the colours and the music tell of the bond with Cuba and give the walk a different atmosphere from South Beach.

Among the curiosities of the walk are the roosters and hens we meet along the street. Their presence goes back to the tradition of keeping poultry in family backyards, including families of Cuban and Latin American origin. Over time some of the birds started living and breeding freely in the neighbourhood, becoming a characteristic sight in Little Havana. We see them walking near the pavements and the parked cars, like little residents of the district. We stop to watch them and to photograph a rooster with red, golden and dark feathers: an unusual and charming detail that adds character to our visit to Little Havana.

A rooster and three hens crossing the road beside a pavement. — Roosters and hens strolling along the street in Little Havana.

A rooster with red, golden and dark feathers, seen up close. — One of the roosters we met during our walk in Little Havana.

Anna and her companion in front of a large mural with the words “Little Havana” in colourful letters. — A photo in front of the Havana mural, in Little Havana.

A large, brightly painted rooster statue on a mosaic pavement, in front of the signs of a cigar shop. — The signs and colours of Calle Ocho, in Little Havana.

We also pass the characteristic players’ meeting place, Máximo Gómez Park, known as Domino Park: a neighbourhood gathering spot, famous for its games of dominoes and the chatter around the tables.

Dinner and music at Old’s Havana

For dinner we choose Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, on Calle Ocho. The retro-style décor and the music accompany us through an evening with a Cuban flavour.

We start with a mojito, then enjoy the traditional dinner and the music. After the ocean in the morning and the murals in the afternoon, Little Havana gives us yet another picture of Miami, made of flavours and rhythms.

Two cocktails with mint leaves and straws on a small table, next to the bar’s drinks menu. — Our cocktails at Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina.

Day 3 Thursday 23 AprilThe Everglades, Bayside and Miami by night

On the third day we leave Miami in our hire car to reach Shark Valley, in Everglades National Park. The landscape changes completely: the buildings and streets of the city give way to a vast expanse of water and vegetation.

We leave the car in the car park and join a guided tour aboard a sightseeing tram, covered by a roof and open at the sides, which lets you watch the landscape and the animals along the route.

Accessibility · Tram

Accessibility of the tram — checked in person

The staff remove a few seats to make room for the wheelchair. You board by a ramp, and the wheelchair is hooked in and safely secured. I was able to take part in the tour staying in my own wheelchair, without having to transfer to another seat.

A member of staff helps Anna board the tram in her wheelchair, up a metal ramp. — Boarding the Shark Valley tram in my wheelchair, with help from the staff.

Anna, in a pink hat, sitting in her wheelchair aboard the open-sided tram; the road and the prairie roll past beside her. — Visiting the Everglades in my own wheelchair, secured aboard the tram.

I preferred this option to the typical airboat rides, the boats with the big propeller at the back. I was looking for a fuller visit, with the guide’s explanations and the chance to reach the viewpoint.

The guided tour through nature

The tram follows a loop of about 24 kilometres (15 miles), through marshy prairies and canals. Along the way, the guide tells the story of this unusual ecosystem and helps you recognise the animals that live in it, starting with the alligators.

The guide, holding a microphone, shows the tram passengers an illustration of an alligator. — The guide’s explanations during the Shark Valley tour.

Anna smiling in her pink hat, reflected in the tram’s mirror together with the other passengers. — A souvenir of our tour aboard the tram.

Several alligators lying on the bank of a canal, among grass and pale rocks. — Alligators among the canals and vegetation of Shark Valley.

Accessibility · Toilet

Accessible toilets at the starting point

At the Shark Valley Visitor Center, in the area where the tram leaves from, there are accessible toilets.

The observation tower

Halfway round we stop at the Shark Valley Observation Tower, the viewing tower from which you can take in the vastness of the Everglades.

From above, water and vegetation seem to spread out endlessly. It is a perspective that helps you understand this landscape, often described as a great “river of grass”.

The concrete observation tower and its long ramp, above the vegetation. — The Shark Valley viewing tower seen from the path.

Anna at the tower’s parapet; below her, a canal, the vegetation and the prairie stretching to the horizon. — The view over the Everglades from the observation tower.

The concrete ramp spiralling up among the trees, seen from above. — The ramp that leads up to the Shark Valley viewing tower.

Accessibility · Ramp

Accessibility of the tower

The viewpoint can be reached in a wheelchair by a ramp: I was able to enjoy this part of the visit too. The climb has a gradient to bear in mind and, depending on your needs, you may need help from a companion.

The visit continues on the footpaths

Once off the tram, you can keep exploring the area along the footpaths, taking in the landscape at a slower pace.

An alligator lying still in shallow water, beside a rocky bank. — An alligator spotted during our visit to the Everglades.

Anna’s companion crouching on the grass; behind him, near the water, an alligator can just be seen. — A souvenir of our walk in the nature of Shark Valley.

Accessibility · Paths

Accessible paths

The main road of the loop is paved and flat. Near the visitor centre there is also the Bobcat Boardwalk, an accessible boardwalk that lets you carry on discovering the Everglades. Not all the trails in the area have the same features, though.

Admission and the guided tour

Admission to the park, including access to the car park, costs 35 dollars per car, plus 100 dollars per person aged 16 and over for visitors who are not resident in the United States. The surcharge does not apply to anyone entering with a recognised park pass that covers it, such as the America the Beautiful pass.

The guided tram tour is paid for separately: 36 dollars per adult, or 27 dollars for those aged 62 and over.

The prices are fairly high, but for me it is worth it.

A stop at Bayside Marketplace

We get back in the car and, on the way back, stop for an early evening snack-cum-dinner at Bayside Marketplace, the open-air shopping centre overlooking Biscayne Bay, in the heart of Downtown Miami.

Shops and restaurants cluster around the marina, among moored boats, palm trees and glimpses of the water. Beside the bay rises the big Skyviews Miami observation wheel.

Accessibility · Toilet

Accessible toilet at Bayside Marketplace

During our stop I used one of the shopping centre’s accessible toilets.

An evening stroll on Ocean Drive

After calling in at the hotel, we go back to Ocean Drive for an evening stroll, among the illuminated hotel façades and the lively bars.

Art Deco hotels lit by blue and pink neon, with the palm trees wrapped in lights. — The illuminated façades of Ocean Drive during our evening stroll.

The façade of Casa Casuarina bathed in warm red light, at night. — Casa Casuarina lit up in the evening, on Ocean Drive.

Towards the southern end of the street, in the direction of South Pointe Pier, we stop at an Italian ice-cream parlour for a giant ice cream.

A huge glowing sphere with pink, iridescent reflections hanging between two buildings, above an alley with strings of lights. — A large light installation between the buildings of Miami Beach.

Then we take a little wander around the bridge area, among glimpses of the water and tall illuminated skyscrapers. The lights of the buildings trace the city’s skyline in the evening.

A waterfront walkway at dusk, with silhouetted palm trees and purple lights along the path. — The seaside walkway, among palm trees and coloured lights.

The city lights reflected on the water, seen from a walkway with colourful glowing columns. — The lights of Miami seen from the walkway overlooking the water.

Tall skyscrapers lit up at night and a glowing orange column along the walkway. — The illuminated skyscrapers and the colours of the evening in Miami.

Palm trees lit from below in front of a tall building, under a dark blue sky. — Illuminated palm trees and a building by the sea during our evening stroll in Miami.

Day 4 Friday 24 AprilThe Florida Keys and sunset in Key West

We devoted the whole of the fourth day to the Florida Keys, driving to Key West in our hire car and making several stops along the way.

Leaving Miami, we took the Overseas Highway, the road that links the islands by a succession of bridges, with the sea opening up on either side. The landscape changes slowly: the city gives way to tropical vegetation, small marinas and the countless shades of the water.

The road seen from the car: a long, straight bridge with turquoise sea on both sides, under a cloudy sky. — Driving along the Overseas Highway, with the sea on either side of the road.

Crossing Key Largo and carrying on towards Islamorada, we sank deeper and deeper into the atmosphere of the Keys, among palm trees, colourful little houses and bars overlooking the sea. Here even the drive becomes a wonderful part of the day.

Feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s

In Islamorada we stopped at Robbie’s, where you can feed the tarpon, big fish that gather in the water beside the pier.

Naturally we wanted to try it too! You hold the bait fish out over the water and the tarpon come close, ready to snatch it with a sudden lunge. Seeing them so near is truly impressive: an unusual, fun experience that made this stop one of the most memorable moments of the day.

Anna’s companion, kneeling on the pier with a bucket, stretches his arm out over the water where the tarpon surface. — At Robbie’s, on the pier, feeding the tarpon.

Anna leans out from the pier with a small fish in her hand; lots of big tarpon swim in the green water. — I have a go at feeding the tarpon from the pier at Robbie’s too.

Anna’s companion crouching beside a pelican on the wooden pier, under the “Robbie’s” sign. — An encounter with a pelican on the pier at Robbie’s, in Islamorada.

The setting has its own charm too, with the wooden piers, the boats and that laid-back, tropical air that accompanies the whole journey through the Keys.

The old bridge and the Seven Mile Bridge

Back on the road, we carried on towards Marathon, stopping in the area of the old Seven Mile Bridge.

Here you can see both the historic bridge and the modern one, crossing a wide stretch of sea to link the islands. The old bridge preserves the memory of the railway that once ran all the way to Key West; beside it, the new Seven Mile Bridge now carries the traffic of the Overseas Highway.

Two sections of the old bridge, broken in the middle, above the calm sea. — A broken stretch of the old bridge, in the waters of the Keys.

It is one of the most striking views of the route: a long line suspended over the water, with the sea all around and a horizon that seems never to end.

The old bridge on its piers, crossing the turquoise sea from one side of the picture to the other. — The old bridge stretching out over the sea of the Florida Keys.

Arriving in Key West and parking

Carrying on through the Lower Keys, we finally reached Key West, our furthest destination of the day.

We left the car at the Old Town Garage, the city car park, and from there continued towards the centre.

Accessibility · Toilet

In the car park I used the toilet, which I found fairly accessible.

Key West’s unusual cemetery

Leaving the car park, on the way to the centre we passed Key West’s unusual cemetery.

With its tropical vegetation, small mausoleums and many above-ground tombs, this place looks different from the cemeteries we are used to.

It holds a curiosity too: some gravestones carry unusual and even humorous inscriptions, such as “I told you I was sick” or “I’m just resting my eyes”. Little phrases that tell of the character of the people remembered and the nonconformist spirit of the island.

A late lunch at the Old Town Tavern

We stopped at the Old Town Tavern & Beer Garden, on Duval Street, when it was already quite late: more of an afternoon snack than a lunch!

The place was one of those recommended to us when we were looking for somewhere characterful to eat in Key West. An informal, unusual setting, with wooden features and an inner courtyard full of greenery.

We ate among palm trees and hanging ferns, surrounded by white balconies, well-worn tables and colourful chairs, with music accompanying this pleasant break. A little tropical corner to stop in and soak up the atmosphere of the island.

Hemingway’s house, unfortunately already closed

After eating we went to Ernest Hemingway’s house, now a museum.

Good to know before you go

We would have liked to visit it, but unfortunately we found it already closed: the house museum closes at 5 pm. With the drive and the various stops along the Keys, we got there too late. A small disappointment, and a useful thing to remember when planning the day.

The Southernmost Point and a stroll in the centre

Among the stops on our visit was the Southernmost Point, one of Key West’s most famous symbols: the big, colourful buoy-shaped marker with the words “90 Miles to Cuba”, a reminder of how close Cuba is, just 90 miles away.

Anna, in her wheelchair, and her companion beside the big red, black and yellow Southernmost Point marker. — Together at the Southernmost Point, one of the symbols of Key West.

Anna’s companion standing beside the buoy-shaped marker with the words “90 Miles to Cuba”. — A souvenir photo beside the famous “90 Miles to Cuba” marker.

We then strolled through the lively centre, among light-coloured wooden houses, verandas, shops, bars and venues full of music.

Key West has an atmosphere all of its own: lively, informal and relaxed, with an American character blended with a Caribbean air. We enjoyed the walk, looking at the buildings and the little details along the streets, before reaching the square by the sea.

A pale green wooden house behind a white picket fence, surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants. — A wooden house among palm trees and white picket fences, during our walk in Key West.

A large white house with verandas on two floors, lit up at dusk behind a garden. — A typical Key West house, lit up in the evening.

The famous sunset at Mallory Square

Finally we headed to Mallory Square, where people gather to admire Key West’s famous sunset.

We waited for the sun to sink towards the horizon, while the sky and the water took on ever warmer colours. After the stops and discoveries of the day, we paused to enjoy this spectacle: a beautiful moment with which to say goodbye to the island.

Anna’s companion under the entrance arch with the words “Welcome to Mallory Square”. — At the entrance to Mallory Square, before watching the sunset.

The dark silhouette of a sailing ship on the water, with the sun low and the sky orange. — A sailing boat against the colours of the Key West sunset.

The sun setting behind the silhouettes of palm trees, under an orange sky. — The sun among the palm trees, in the golden light of sunset in Key West.

The drive back to Miami

After the sunset we went back to the Old Town Garage to collect the car.

Accessibility · Toilet

Before setting off we went back to the car park toilet, which I had found fairly accessible, and I used it again.

Then we took the road back to Miami, crossing the islands and the bridges of the Overseas Highway once more.

We got back very late, tired but happy, with the views of the Keys and the colours of the Key West sunset still in our eyes.

Day 5 Saturday 25 AprilFrom Miami to MSC World America

On the fifth day we said goodbye to Miami to begin a new part of our holiday: the cruise on MSC World America.

Good to know before you go

We returned the hire car in the city centre and then took the taxi we had booked to reach the Port of Miami, planning to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

That turned out to be a really good decision: the port was extremely busy! Between taxis, cars, shuttles and passengers with suitcases, the movement never stopped.

That day, in fact, besides our MSC World America, which can carry up to 6,764 passengers, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was also due to sail: famous for having entered service as the largest cruise ship in the world, with a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers.

Two real floating cities: thinking of their size, it is easy to see how heavy the traffic around the port could be! Having left in good time let us face the transfer much more calmly.

Stepping on board: we were left open-mouthed

Once inside MSC World America, we were left open-mouthed.

Before us opened the World Galleria, a large indoor space on several levels, with bars, shops and the upper decks looking down onto it: it felt like walking into an elegant palace on the sea.

Looking up, we were enchanted by the enormous LED ceiling, showing a succession of images of the sea, with whales and turtles swimming above us. It felt like being underwater, gazing up at a moving ocean.

Anna looks up at the enormous LED ceiling, which shows a blue seabed with fish and a turtle. — Gazing up at the LED ceiling of the World Galleria.

The images, the colours and the play of light made the entrance even more spectacular. It was only our first encounter with the ship, but we were already full of wonder: we couldn’t wait to explore it!

A first look around and the view over Miami

While waiting to be let into our cabin, we used the time for a first look around.

Out on the open decks, we found ourselves facing a beautiful view over Miami: the skyscrapers, the water of the bay and the port, seen from above, gave us a new perspective on the city we had explored over the previous days.

The skyscrapers and beach of Miami Beach seen from high up on the ship, with a speedboat leaving a white wake. — Miami Beach seen from the open decks of MSC World America.

The skyline of Miami Beach’s skyscrapers beyond the channel, with boat wakes on the turquoise water. — The Miami Beach skyline and the wakes of the boats on the water.

The long beach of South Beach crowded with parasols, seen from above, with the buildings behind it. — The beach of South Beach and its buildings, seen from high up on the ship.

We stopped to enjoy the view, as we started getting to know what would be our home for the cruise.

The cabin and its enormous balcony

When we walked into the cabin, it was another “wow!”.

The cabin was accessible, of course, and what also won us over was the enormous balcony: a beautiful space from which to look out over the sea and enjoy the voyage.

A spacious cabin with a double bed, room to move around and a large glass door onto the balcony. — Our accessible cabin.

A wide balcony with two sun loungers and two armchairs, looking out over the open sea. — The enormous balcony of our cabin, overlooking the sea.

Good to know before you go

The shower seat was not very comfortable and had no armrests. Depending on your mobility and support needs, it may be worth asking the staff for a plastic chair with armrests suitable for use in the shower, checking that one is available and that it is stable. It is a detail to weigh up according to your own situation.

Exploring the ship

After the compulsory safety drill, we went back to wandering around the ship, very curious to discover it.

Between the indoor spaces and the open decks, every corner invited us to keep going. The size was astonishing and we had only just begun to find our bearings: there was still so much to see!

Then it was time for dinner, which was pleasant and let us relax before carrying on with our first evening on board.

An evening of music and lights

After dinner we went out onto the World Promenade, the outdoor promenade that for us was the most beautiful part of the ship.

Here we watched a sound and light show: the big palm-shaped structures lit up and changed colour in time with the music, turning the whole space into a glowing stage set.

The big palm-shaped structures lit up in red above the promenade, between the ship’s rows of balconies. — The World Promenade lit up on our first evening on board.

The promenade seen from a high deck at night, lit by blue lights. — The World Promenade seen from above, among the play of lights and the colours of the evening.

The cabin balconies overlooking the promenade, with green and purple lights in the night. — Another glimpse of the World Promenade and its evening lights.

With the sea all around and the show in front of us, we enjoyed this last moment of wonder of the day. After Miami and the Keys, our Caribbean adventure had only just begun!

Day 6 Sunday 26 AprilA day at sea, relaxing on board

The sixth day was spent entirely at sea, a chance to enjoy MSC World America at our leisure, alternating relaxation with exploring the ship.

For this cruise we had chosen the Aurea experience, which came with several benefits: access to the reserved sun deck on deck 20, access to the spa at no extra cost, and the option of dining at any time, without being tied to a fixed sitting. A convenience that let us organise our days at our own pace.

The morning on the sun deck

In the morning we went to our reserved sun deck, on the twentieth deck, to treat ourselves to a bit of relaxation.

Anna in the foreground with a glass in her hand; behind her, the sun loungers of the sun deck and the ship’s deck in the sunshine. — A relaxing moment on the reserved sun deck on deck 20.

With the sea all around and the ship under way, we enjoyed this first day with no excursions or transfers: just the pleasure of being on board and taking our time.

Lunch at the buffet and exploring the ship

For lunch we went to the buffet, then carried on wandering around to discover the ship.

After the wonder of embarkation day, we were starting to find our way around better, but there were still so many spaces to get to know. We made the most of the day at sea to explore them at leisure, letting curiosity guide us.

The attractions on the top decks

On our wanderings we also went up to the attractions area, on the ship’s top decks. Here is The Harbour, an open-air space that feels like a small amusement park at sea, with water slides, games and a ropes course suspended among ropes and walkways.

Most striking of all is the Cliffhanger, the big swing over the sea: its arms carry the seats out beyond the edge of the ship, swinging riders about 50 metres above the water. Just watching it is quite something!

This area is also home to the entrance of the big spiral slide, which drops a full eleven decks down to the World Promenade. Between these attractions and the view over the ocean, this part of the ship left us open-mouthed too.

The ropes course with poles, ropes and suspended walkways on the ship’s deck, under a blue sky. — The ropes course at The Harbour, on the ship’s top decks.

The big metal spiral slide dropping between the ship’s two rows of balconies. — The big spiral slide seen from the World Promenade.

Dinner and the evening show

In the evening we went to dinner, making the most of the flexible dining time included in our Aurea experience.

After dinner we watched the evening show, rounding off a day of relaxation, sea and new discoveries on board.

Day 7 Monday 27 AprilRoatán: views, sloths and the Caribbean Sea

On the seventh day we went ashore at Roatán, an island of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea.

The big “Roatán” sign beside a turquoise pool; in the background, the cruise ship. — The Roatán terminal, with our ship docked behind it.

The port seen from above, with colourful-roofed buildings on the water and green hills behind. — The port and landscape of Roatán, between sea and green hills.

Through GetYourGuide we had booked an excursion with Roatan Trips and Tours (RT&T), choosing a private car with a driver so we could visit the island at our own pace. The excursion included pick-up from and return to the cruise terminal, a scenic stop, a visit to an animal park and a beach break with a sun lounger included.

A scenic stop on the island

Before reaching the animal park, our driver took us to a viewpoint, from which we could see MSC World America docked in the port.

It was lovely to see our ship from a distance, set in the island’s landscape: a different perspective from the one we had got used to on board.

The big white MSC World America docked at the port of Roatán, seen from above through the vegetation; beside it, a second, smaller ship and, in the background, green hills. — The MSC World America seen from the Roatán viewpoint.

The visit to the sloth park

The next stop was Manawakie Park, where we saw parrots, sloths and monkeys.

Between the colours of the parrots, the slow movements of the sloths and the liveliness of the monkeys, it was an unusual and enjoyable visit. The most moving moment was being able to cuddle the sloths: having them so close, with their calm expression, is a special memory of the day.

Anna laughs with a blue and yellow parrot perched on her shoulder. — Up close with a parrot at Manawakie Park.

Anna’s companion smiles as he holds a sloth in his arms. — The thrill of cuddling a sloth during our visit to the park.

Anna, sitting in her wheelchair, laughs as a little black and white monkey climbs onto her shoulders, in front of the wooden “Manawakie Park” sign. — A close encounter with a monkey at the park in Roatán.

Good to know before you go

The park is accessible, but to reach the animal area you have to get up a very steep slope. The staff helped us with this stretch, so we could carry on with the visit.

The beach break

After visiting the park, we moved on to the beach at Foster’s West Bay Resort.

At the entrance there was an attendant checking who came in, and he let us through because we had already booked. We reached a lovely beach bar overlooking the sea, right in front of the beach and the sun loungers. Use of the sun lounger was included in the beach break that came with the excursion.

Here we treated ourselves to a pleasant break with a snack and a cocktail, enjoying the sea of Roatán, with its pale sand, turquoise water and tropical vegetation.

A boat moored beside a jetty, in shallow, clear water; in the background, the beach with palm trees. — Boats and clear water during our break at West Bay, Roatán.

The clear turquoise water of the bay, with a blue-roofed boat and the beach behind it. — The Caribbean Sea and the beach at West Bay.

Accessibility · Beach

The beach was accessible.

Back to the cruise terminal

At the end of the break, our driver took us back to the cruise terminal, as planned in the excursion, to go back on board MSC World America.

Anna’s companion lying in a white hammock hung above the water of a pool. — A relaxing moment in the hammock at the port of Roatán.

Day 8 Tuesday 28 AprilCosta Maya: Chacchoben and Mahahual

On the eighth day we went ashore at Costa Maya, in Mexico, for a day between the history of the Maya civilisation and the Caribbean Sea.

We had booked a private excursion with a car and driver, which included a guided visit to the archaeological site of Chacchoben and a stop on the beach at Mahahual, with a sun lounger included.

The first stop was Chacchoben, set deep in tropical vegetation. Ancient pyramids and stone buildings emerge among the trees: an atmospheric place, which we discovered thanks to our guide’s explanations.

The word “Chacchoben” in big colourful letters in front of a thatched-roof building. — Arriving at Chacchoben, among palm trees and colours.

A stepped Maya pyramid in grey stone, in a clearing surrounded by trees. — One of the pyramids of Chacchoben, surrounded by vegetation.

The visit was very interesting, even though it was in English rather than Italian. The explanations helped us understand the history of the site and of the Maya civilisation better.

Anna and her companion smiling in a selfie; behind them, the pyramid. — A souvenir together in front of the pyramid at Chacchoben.

A steep flight of dark stone steps climbing among the trees. — A stone stairway inside the Chacchoben site.

Anna and her companion in a selfie beneath large trees with hanging roots. — Among the great trees of the Chacchoben archaeological site.

Good to know before you go

I used the toilet at the site: it was basic and not adapted for disabled people, but the wheelchair could get in.

After the visit, our driver took us to Mahahual, where we had our beach break at the Maramao Beach Club, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Here we had a light lunch with a cocktail, and then treated ourselves to some relaxation by the sea, with the sun lounger included in the excursion. Our parasols were the palm trees: we settled in their shade, enjoying this Caribbean break.

The crowns of several coconut palms seen from below, their green and golden fronds against the blue sky. — Our parasols were the palm trees.

A performer in a large headdress of red and black feathers plays a drum at the water’s edge. — A performer in a large feather headdress on the beach at Mahahual.

Anna’s companion lying in the shallow, clear water near the shore. — A relaxing moment in the water at Mahahual.

Two cocktails on a blue table in the shade of the palm trees, with the beach and the sea in the background. — A cocktail in the shade of the palm trees, by the sea at Mahahual.

Accessibility · Beach

The staff helped me reach the sun lounger on the beach.

After a pleasant day of history and sea, we went back to the ship.

Day 9 Wednesday 29 AprilCozumel: cacao, tequila and turquoise sea

On the ninth day of our holiday MSC World America took us to Cozumel, where we joined the “Easy and accessible: Cozumel” excursion, bought directly from MSC, with a scenic drive through the centre and two stops devoted to Mexican flavours and traditions.

The first stop was the Mayan Cacao Company, to learn about cacao and its link with the Maya civilisation. For the Maya it was a precious food, important in social and religious life; its beans were even used as currency.

A demonstration in front of a yellow wall with the words “Mayan Cacao Company”: on a counter, bowls of beans and ingredients. — Discovering cacao and how it is processed at the Mayan Cacao Company.

Open cacao pods, bowls of beans and roasted cacao on a wooden counter. — Cacao pods, beans and ingredients during the visit.

A person in a black apron and gloves grinds cacao on a sloping stone, in front of a yellow wall; on the counter, a “Do not touch” sign. — Cacao being ground on the stone during our visit.

During the visit we tasted “the gold of the Maya”, cacao, and tried the Chocolate Margarita, a local speciality that combines tequila and chocolate: an unusual meeting of two flavours that symbolise Mexico.

Anna smiles as she tastes the cacao from a small spoon. — Tasting cacao during our visit in Cozumel.

Anna and her companion drinking through two straws from the same glass, in front of a large carved stone disc. — A souvenir together at the Mayan Cacao Company.

The excursion continued to Barriecito, where we listened to a very interesting talk about tequila. They told us about its link with the agave plant, the stages of production and the differences between the various types. A chance to get to know this drink, and the tradition behind it, a little better.

A dozen or so tequila bottles of different shapes on a round table with a flowery tablecloth. — The bottles for the tequila tasting at Barriecito.

A guide beside large panels painted with agave plants; in the foreground, a barrel with some bottles. — The talk about agave and tequila production at Barriecito.

The guide speaking beside a barrel with the bottles; behind him, a large panel showing agave hearts. — The guide’s explanations during the tequila visit.

An iguana with a long striped tail stretched out on the branch of a tree. — An iguana among the trees during our visit to Cozumel.

A close-up of a grey-green iguana with an orange crest, among the leaves. — The iguana seen up close.

Before going back on board we also took an orientation tour around the port area and along the seafront of San Miguel de Cozumel, stopping to take a few photographs.

Among palm trees, shops and buildings facing the sea, we enjoyed the views of the town. Near the shore the water was so clear you could see the rocky seabed, while further out it turned turquoise and deep blue.

The sea shading from turquoise to deep blue, with the town on the horizon and big white clouds. — The turquoise shades of the sea off the Cozumel seafront.

A post with lots of colourful arrows showing the distances to faraway cities, in front of a palm tree. — Colourful signposts among the palm trees, during our walk in Cozumel.

From the seafront we also photographed our MSC World America, which looked even more imposing from land, framed by the turquoise sea and a sky crossed by big white clouds.

The big white cruise ship moored offshore, beyond the shallow, clear water. — MSC World America seen from the Cozumel seafront.

A gateway with two open blue doors and the word “Cozumel”: through it you can see the sea and the ship. — A blue doorway frames the sea and the ship in Cozumel.

Accessibility · Ship’s pool

We went back on board a little early, when the ship was not yet crowded, and took the chance to enjoy its large accessible pool. Wonderful! A relaxing moment that rounded off our day in Cozumel in the best possible way.

Anna in the water of the pool, leaning on the edge, with the ship’s deck behind her. — A swim in the pool of MSC World America, back from Cozumel.

Anna in the turquoise water of the pool, under a sky with big clouds. — The pleasure of enjoying the ship’s accessible pool.

The red sun sinking onto the horizon, above the sea. — The colours of the sunset over the sea, seen from the ship.

Day 10 Thursday 30 AprilA day at sea, relaxation and the White Party

The tenth day was spent at sea, a chance to enjoy MSC World America and have a relaxing day.

Accessibility · Spa

After the lovely experiences of the excursions, always a pleasure for us, we discovered another side of life on board, treating ourselves to some time in the ship’s spa, which is wheelchair accessible too. A pleasant break to look after ourselves and be pampered.

A whirlpool lit in blue beneath a dark ceiling dotted with tiny lights. — Inside the spa of MSC World America.

In the evening, though, it was party time with the White Party! White was the star of the evening, among music, fun and a lively party atmosphere.

A stage with a big screen showing the words “White Party” and lots of people dressed in white by the pool. — The White Party evening on board MSC World America.

The ship’s pool lit in green and purple at night, surrounded by people dressed in white. — Music and coloured lights around the pool during the White Party.

A day with two different rhythms: first the calm of the spa, then the fun of the evening. That, too, is the beauty of a cruise!

Day 11 Friday 1 MayOcean Cay, one last swim in the Bahamas

The eleventh day gave us one last day by the sea at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the island in the Bahamas reserved for MSC guests. White sandy beaches, turquoise water and a distinctive lighthouse: a beautiful setting in which to end our cruise.

We hired a parasol and settled on the beach to enjoy the sea and a bit of relaxation.

The island seen from high up on the ship: palm trees, paths, white roofs and the turquoise sea all around. — Ocean Cay seen from high up on the ship, among palm trees, beaches and turquoise sea.

A lifeguard sitting on a tall white chair under a red parasol, facing the calm sea. — The lifeguard’s post and the calm sea at Ocean Cay.

Accessibility · Beach

For me the best moment was being able to swim, thanks to the accessibility of the beach. We used a beach wheelchair, designed for moving over sand, which let me reach the sea and enjoy the water of the Bahamas.

These are the things that make the difference: being able to truly experience a beach, getting into the water and taking part in the day.

A beach wheelchair with big, wide, sand-coloured wheels, standing on the beach in front of a yellow and blue tower. — The beach wheelchair with its big wheels made for sand, at Ocean Cay.

Anna in the calm turquoise water, her face turned to the sun; in the background, the white beach and palm trees. — The pleasure of swimming in the turquoise water of Ocean Cay.

Anna in the water, smiling and raising her arms with a victory sign on both hands. — A happy moment in the sea of the Bahamas.

For lunch we ate under our parasol, using the MSC catering that is available on the island too. A pleasant break, with the sea in front of us and still a little time to savour the day.

Then we took a walk around the island as far as the lighthouse, one of the symbols of Ocean Cay, admiring other glimpses of beach and the different shades of the sea.

A red-and-white striped lighthouse on the beach; in the foreground, a little boat with the words “We love Ocean Cay”. — The red-and-white striped lighthouse, symbol of Ocean Cay.

A row of purple, pink and yellow wooden houses, among the palm trees. — Colourful little houses and palm trees during our walk around Ocean Cay.

Anna and her companion smiling in a selfie on the beach; behind them, the cruise ship. — A souvenir together at Ocean Cay, with MSC World America in the background.

In the end we went back on board reluctantly: it was the last day of the cruise and we would have liked to stay a little longer.

Anna and her companion in a selfie in front of a blue tower with the words “Welcome to Ocean Cay”. — Together in front of the blue tower at Ocean Cay.

The cruise ship towering behind the palm trees, at the end of a path. — Our ship among the palm trees of Ocean Cay, before going back on board.

The lighthouse seen from above on the calm sea, with the orange sun low on the horizon. — The Ocean Cay lighthouse at sunset, seen from the ship.

The sun setting over the sea and a strip of white beach with palm trees, lit by golden reflections. — Sunset over Ocean Cay, with the sea and the beach lit by golden reflections.

After so many places visited and so many different experiences, we were also taking home the memory of that swim in the Bahamas. A beautiful way to say goodbye to the trip.

Day 12 Saturday 2 MayBack to Miami and goodbye to our holiday

On the twelfth day MSC World America arrived in Miami: it was time to say goodbye to the ship and end our cruise.

We had breakfast on board and disembarked at our leisure. We had no scheduled disembarkation time, so we could get off without hurrying, enjoying our last moments on the ship.

For the return we had already arranged the transfer from the port to the airport, where the journey home awaited us.

The journey home ended in Italy on Sunday 3 May 2026.

And so our fantastic holiday came to an end, between the days in Miami, the excursions, the Caribbean Sea and the moments we shared on board.

I came home happy and satisfied to have been able to take such an important trip, in spite of everything. A trip I had longed for and was able to truly experience, on my wheels: visiting new places, swimming in the sea and bringing home so many wonderful memories.

That, too, is what I want to share with “Travelling on my wheels”: the joy of setting off and discovering, together with the accessibility information that makes these experiences possible.

My “no surprises” summary

The things to remember, gathered here so they are easy to find.

Ratings and accessibility notes for the trip to Miami and the Caribbean
Item	Stars	Good to know
Getting around the city of Miami	5 out of 5	The hire car let us plan the excursions at our own pace; I use the transfer board to move between wheelchair and car seat. Car parks are convenient but expensive, in Little Havana too.
Accessibility of the Pestana hotel	5 out of 5	Checked in person: platform lift, adapted WC, level-access shower and pool with a hoist chair.
Accessibility of the Everglades excursion	5 out of 5	Shark Valley: tram with a ramp and the wheelchair secured on board. Mention the wheelchair when you book. The tower is reached by a ramp, with a gradient that may call for help.
Accessibility of the Florida Keys	4 out of 5	The day trip from Miami is a long one. Hemingway’s house was already closed when we arrived: in our story, closing time is 5 pm. At the Old Town Garage in Key West, a toilet I found fairly accessible.
Accessibility of MSC World America	5 out of 5	Accessible cabin: the shower seat had no armrests. The large pool and the spa are wheelchair accessible too.
Accessibility of the other excursions	4 out of 5	Roatán: a very steep slope to reach the animals, managed with help from the staff. Chacchoben: the toilet I used was not adapted, although the wheelchair could get in. Ocean Cay: we reached the sea with a beach wheelchair made for sand.

Things to remember

The flight and mobility aids

WCHC assistance: on our trip we requested full assistance all the way to the seat on the plane. On board, the aisle wheelchair means you can be accompanied to the toilet; lifting and personal assistance inside it require a companion.
Triride and battery: the Triride’s removable battery has to be detached and carried in the cabin, because it cannot travel in the hold. The Triride, without its battery, goes in the hold.
Labels: mark the wheelchair, Triride, battery and transfer board with your name and contact details.

Miami and the Florida Keys

Hire car: I use the transfer board to move between wheelchair and car seat. The car let us plan the excursions at our own pace.
Car parks: convenient but expensive, in Little Havana too. A foreign permit being recognised for disabled parking spaces does not automatically mean parking is free.
Pestana Miami South Beach: checked in person: platform lift, adapted WC, level-access shower and pool with a hoist chair.
Shark Valley: tram with a ramp and the wheelchair secured on board. Mention the wheelchair when you book. The tower is reached by a ramp, with a gradient that may call for help. Not all the trails have the same accessibility features.
Tickets at Shark Valley: park admission and the tram are paid for separately; admission is paid by card.
Key West: the day trip from Miami is a long one. Hemingway’s house was already closed when we arrived: in our story, closing time is 5 pm.

The ship and the excursions

Port of Miami: leave plenty of time for the transfer; on our embarkation day the traffic was very heavy.
Accessible cabin: the shower seat had no armrests. Think about the support you need and ask the staff whether a suitable chair is available, checking that it is stable.
Large pool and spa: wheelchair accessible too.
Benefits of the Aurea experience: access to the reserved sun deck on deck 20, access to the spa at no extra cost, and dinner at any time, with no fixed sitting.
Roatán: private excursion with a driver, with pick-up from and return to the terminal. To reach the animals there was a very steep slope, managed with help from the staff. The beach at Foster’s West Bay Resort was accessible and the sun lounger was included in our excursion.
Chacchoben: guide in English; the toilet I used was not adapted, although the wheelchair could get in.
Mahahual: at the Maramao Beach Club the staff helped me reach the sun lounger on the beach; the sun lounger was included in the excursion.
Cozumel: we joined the “Easy and accessible: Cozumel” excursion, bought directly from MSC.
Ocean Cay: we reached the sea with a beach wheelchair made for sand; the parasol was hired.
Return: transfer from the port to the airport arranged in advance.

Toilets mentioned in the story

Plane Day 1 Toilet reached with the on-board wheelchair and help from the crew.
Pestana Miami South Beach Day 1 Accessible bathroom in the room.
Shark Valley Visitor Center Day 3 Accessible toilets.
Bayside Marketplace Day 3 Accessible toilet.
Old Town Garage, Key West Day 4 A toilet I found fairly accessible.
MSC World America Day 5 Accessible bathroom in the cabin; shower seat without armrests.
Chacchoben Day 8 Toilet not adapted, but with enough room to get in with the wheelchair.

Overall experience

5 hearts out of 5

Experienced from 21 April to 3 May 2026. The accessibility notes describe what I found and used during our trip. Services, equipment, prices and conditions can change: before you leave, it is worth checking that they meet your needs.