Cruising the Mediterranean sounds like a dream—and for wheelchair users like me, it absolutely can be. But sometimes things don’t go quite according to plan. That was the case on my recent stop in Mallorca, Spain, during a Royal Caribbean cruise. What started as a minor hiccup turned into one of the most memorable—and surprisingly accessible—days of the trip.
The Excursion: Budget-Friendly… with a Catch
I had booked a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean for just $50 per person. It was a budget-friendly sightseeing tour around Palma de Mallorca, including historic stops like Belver Castle and the Cathedral de Mallorca. The tour was listed as wheelchair accessible, which usually means there’s a lift-equipped coach bus.
And there was… until it stopped working.
It turns out my power wheelchair was too heavy for the lift mechanism, and it just wouldn’t budge. Cue the awkward silence and “uh-oh” faces from the tour staff. But instead of leaving me behind or canceling the experience, the tour company acted fast. Within minutes, they arranged for a wheelchair-accessible taxi to follow the bus along the tour route—and just like that, we were back on track.
Rolling Past Yachts and Into History
Our first stop was Belver Castle, perched on a hill with panoramic views of Palma and the harbor below. On the drive there, we cruised along the water, passing massive Mediterranean yachts that looked like they were straight out of a James Bond movie.
Belver Castle is one of the few circular castles in all of Europe, dating back to the 14th century. While the inside isn’t fully accessible, the grounds and views alone are worth the visit—and my drone shots didn’t hurt either.
Exploring Palma: Cathedrals, Cafés, and Cobbled Streets
Next up: Palma, the vibrant capital of Mallorca. The main attraction here is the Cathedral de Mallorca (La Seu), an enormous Gothic structure that towers over the waterfront. It’s one of the most iconic cathedrals in Spain and a must-see for anyone visiting the island.
From there, we rolled into the historic streets of Palma, filled with cafés, shops, and narrow alleys that somehow managed to be both charming and mostly accessible. While not every surface was perfectly smooth, I was able to navigate most areas in my power chair with little issue.
If you visit, do yourself a favor and try some of the local seafood or unique Mallorcan cuisine. Even just people-watching with a coffee in hand is an experience of its own.
Going Off Script: Hidden Gems and Almond Coffee
Normally, that would have been the end of the tour. But thanks to our accessible taxi driver—who had clearly become our unofficial guide—we made a plan to keep exploring. For a small additional fee, he offered to take us deeper into the island.
That’s how we ended up in the storybook mountain town of Valldemossa.
With its cobblestone streets, quiet charm, and stunning views, Valldemossa felt like a peaceful escape from the cruise crowds. I took my time here—flying the drone, snapping photos, and hanging out at a local café where I tried a frozen almond coffee drink that might’ve changed my life. (Seriously.)
Fun fact: Valldemossa is where composer Frédéric Chopin and writer George Sand spent a winter together in the 1830s—because what’s more romantic than historic monasteries and espresso?
Coastal Views and Celebrity Homes
On the drive back, we hugged Mallorca’s stunning shoreline. The cliffs, the blue water, the wide-open views—it was the kind of Mediterranean scenery you imagine when you’re planning a cruise.
And yes, we even passed Michael Douglas’s vacation home, which every tour guide on the island is required by law(okay, maybe not) to point out. Apparently, it’s a local landmark now.
Final Thoughts: When Travel Plans Shift, Stay Flexible
So what started as a “tour bus fail” actually became one of the most enjoyable days of my trip. Accessible travel doesn’t always go smoothly, but with a little creativity, good people, and flexibility, it can still be unforgettable.
Want to Plan Your Own Accessible Cruise?
I’m a certified travel agent who specializes in wheelchair-accessible travel, particularly cruises and international itineraries. I understand the logistics because I live it myself. If you’re ready to plan your dream cruise—or need help navigating excursions, equipment rentals, or accessible hotel options—I’m here to help.
📞 Contact me today to start planning your Mediterranean adventure!
🛳️ Let’s turn “what if” into “heck yes!”
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