Browse cruises
Accessibility · Published statement

Four boats, four different access stories.

This site conforms to WCAG 2.2 level AA. Unlike a fixed venue, our product is four different boats — each with its own layout, deck access, and accessibility characteristics. Below: site-level compliance, pier access, and a boat-by-boat matrix so you can pick the cruise that matches your mobility needs.

Standard
WCAG 2.2 · AA
Status
Fully compliant
Last audit
3 April 2026
Boats
4 · see matrix
WCAG 2.2 · conformance summary

Site-level: fully AA. Physical access: per-boat.

The site works for everyone. Boat physical access is a matrix — regular (yes), sunset (yes), dinner (partial stairs to upper deck), private yacht (fully configurable).

Principle 1PerceivablePhoto alt on all boat imagery · contrast exceeds 7:1 body · motion respects prefers-reduced.AA — passes
Principle 2OperableFull keyboard on the comparison tool (arrow keys in chooser) · focus visible.AA — passes
Principle 3UnderstandablePlain-English chooser · error msgs explain · maritime terms glossed.AA — passes
Principle 4RobustValid HTML5 · ARIA on the compare chooser · tested on 5 AT.AA — passes
01

Our commitment.

bosphorus-tour.com conforms to WCAG 2.2 level AA. Independent audit 3 April 2026. The compare-chooser tool was re-audited 7 April after adding arrow-key support.

02

Assistive tech tested.

ToolBrowserLast testedStatus
NVDA 2024.3Firefox 1343 Apr 2026Full pass
JAWS 2025Chrome 1323 Apr 2026Full pass
VoiceOver · macOSSafari 183 Apr 2026Full pass
TalkBack · Android 14Chrome mobile3 Apr 2026Full pass
Keyboard-onlyAll browsersContinuousFull pass
03

What's in place.

Skip links, focus rings, semantic headings, autocomplete attrs on booking. Body contrast 10.2:1, accent 7.4:1.

The compare chooser — a 3-question wizard — supports arrow keys, Escape to close, and announces each question to screen readers. aria-live="polite" on the recommendation zone so the result is spoken when it appears.

Language tagging on Turkish terms (Boğaziçi, Karaköy, pier names). Motion respects prefers-reduced-motion.

05

Pier access.

Eminönü pier #3 (Regular / Sunset / Dinner): step-free from the Eminönü tram stop via a 140m paved ramp. Boarding bridge is flat, no step-down. Accessible WC at the pier terminal.

Kabataş marina (Private Yacht): valet drop-off at the marina gate, then 60m flat walk. Private-yacht boarding can be adjusted — we send the crew to the car if needed.

Both piers are operated by Şehir Hatları (Istanbul municipal ferries) and the marina authority respectively — their pier-level accessibility is not something we control, but we verify it weekly.

06

The four boats.

Each cruise uses a different boat. Below is the honest access matrix — for most mobility needs, Regular or Sunset are the easiest, Private Yacht is the most configurable.

Access featureRegularSunsetDinnerYacht
Step-free boarding Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wheelchair on main deck Yes Yes Yes · reserved spot Yes · configurable
Upper deck access Stairs · 8 steps Stairs · 8 steps Stairs · 12 steps Lift included
Accessible WC on board No · pier only No · pier only Yes · ground level Yes
Service animals Welcome Welcome Welcome Welcome
Quiet zone / low stimulation Stern · limited Stern · limited Window tables Whole boat yours

Whichever you choose, tell us at booking — we confirm with the captain and host ahead of departure. Wheelchair-friendly table reservations on the dinner cruise are first-come; request at booking to guarantee.

07

Sensory & sea-sickness.

Noise: engines audible but muted on all four boats. Recorded commentary on Regular via overhead speakers; live narration via a host on Sunset / Dinner; silent on Private Yacht unless requested.

Motion: the Bosphorus is a sheltered strait — sea-state is typically calm. On Beaufort 4+ days, passengers prone to motion sickness should pick the dinner cruise (larger boat, more stable) over the sunset cruise (smaller).

Lighting: no flashing lights anywhere. Sunset cruise has a natural dimming progression over 90 minutes — this is a feature, not a design choice we can override.