Will be going on the Allure Of The Seas in April. We will be taking my mother in law on her first cruise. We have booked her a handicap room. She has very limited mobility. Looking recommendations of where ,how and who to rent a scooter from for he to use on the ship. Also any tips on the best way to move her around and thought the airport to make things run smooth getting to the plane and to the shop.
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Contributor Level:
Deck Hand
Handicap Mother In Law
5 Answers
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Originally posted by:
Yankee47
I have nothing but respect for folks with disabilities who have the stones to cruise anyway. I say that because as an observer of the passing scene I have noticed that no matter WHAT cruise lines say about being handicapped accessible, the truth is somewhat different. I noticed long ago that the "price" of getting a scooter or even a wheelchair is nothing short of outrageous onboard. And even if your cabin is "accessible" the rest of the ship oftentimes is not. I watch what folks try to do from a scooter or wheelchair sitting at a bar,, and it ain't pretty. or watching them try to see a show when theres a rail in the way or a bunch of people standing in front of them. My wife and I were on an NCL ship couple of years ago, leaning on a railing watching a show on a deck below, another woman (in a wheelchair) was behind us trying (unsuccessfully) to see what was going on, bending over in her chair trying to look between peoples legs......when we left, we made sure to leave in such a way as to insure she and her husband got our spots at the rail..other folks standing there not so considerate. .you would've thought they won the lottery. I've watch folks trying to get in their cabin door while sitting in a chair...mebbe the cabin wasn't accessible, I don't know, but that wasn't a pretty sight either...
Thank you for your non-hc observations! It is actually far worse from an actual perspective. It's quite nice to see people like you.
Disabled vet in mobility scooter.
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
I have nothing but respect for folks with disabilities who have the stones to cruise anyway. I say that because as an observer of the passing scene I have noticed that no matter WHAT cruise lines say about being handicapped accessible, the truth is somewhat different. I noticed long ago that the "price" of getting a scooter or even a wheelchair is nothing short of outrageous onboard. And even if your cabin is "accessible" the rest of the ship oftentimes is not. I watch what folks try to do from a scooter or wheelchair sitting at a bar,, and it ain't pretty. or watching them try to see a show when theres a rail in the way or a bunch of people standing in front of them. My wife and I were on an NCL ship couple of years ago, leaning on a railing watching a show on a deck below, another woman (in a wheelchair) was behind us trying (unsuccessfully) to see what was going on, bending over in her chair trying to look between peoples legs......when we left, we made sure to leave in such a way as to insure she and her husband got our spots at the rail..other folks standing there not so considerate. .you would've thought they won the lottery. I've watch folks trying to get in their cabin door while sitting in a chair...mebbe the cabin wasn't accessible, I don't know, but that wasn't a pretty sight either...
Most cruise lines have agreements at ports with https://scootaround.com/en/rental/booking?rentalType=cruise . The scooter, powerchair, or other medical equipment they offer is delivered to the ship and will be in the cabin on embarkation day. When the ship returns to it's homeport you simply leave the equipment in the cabin.
For the price of some of the rentals you are actually better off buying the item through Walmart, Walgreens, or other national level pharmacy. For non-motorized mobility aids like a travel chair, standard wheelchair, or rollator (a walker w/ a seat) can be bought and shipped to you to own for the same or lower price than what the rental agency charges for a week long cruise rental.
DO be prepared if you choose to rent a motorized mobility aid to pay like you're renting a car for the week. Depending on your departure port prices for a week long cruise can start at $250 but can go up to $400, before they add in things like tax and insurance, which easily adds another $75-150. So if you can find a used one (like at an estate sale), and just have professional do a "tune-up" on it, you can still save and own the unit.
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Everything you need to know re the cruise line...interesting THEY don't rent scooters...theres some phone numbers in there to help. gl2u
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
I would call the cruise line and inquire if they have any you can rent for the week. They may not, but it would be worth a shot!