Many people with disabilities do travel to Antarctica, and there's no destination-wide yes or no because the answer is made of ship-specific parts. It depends on the vessel, whether an accessible cabin exists, the lift layout, the gangway, how that ship boards its Zodiacs, the emergency evacuation plan, staffing, the landing terrain and the itinerary. Discuss it with us and the operator before booking, and get written confirmation of what can and cannot be accommodated.
The distinction that matters most: an accessible cabin does not make every landing accessible. Even on a ship with accessible cabins, lifts and wide corridors, Zodiac embarkation and undeveloped shore sites may not be. A lift alone doesn't make a ship accessible either, because cabin door widths, thresholds, deck access, muster stations and emergency evacuation are all separate questions.
Participation in activities is assessed separately from the ability to sail. Camping, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, the polar plunge and some Zodiac landings each carry their own mobility, transfer, balance, endurance and emergency-exit requirements. Ask for an activity-by-activity assessment before paying for optional programmes, because you can be welcomed aboard and still be unable to join everything.
Don't assume expedition staff can provide ongoing personal care, transfers, toileting help, medication management or lifting. Their role is vessel and expedition safety. Someone needing daily assistance may need to travel with a capable companion or carer.
Tell us the specifics, including wheelchair dimensions, weight and battery type, and we'll put precise questions to the operator and come back with written answers rather than assurances.