How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Wheelchair on Carnival Cruise Line?

Accessibility and comfort are essential parts of an enjoyable cruise experience. Carnival Cruise Line understands that some guests may require mobility assistance to move around the ship or during embarkation and disembarkation. Whether you need a wheelchair for temporary use or a mobility scooter for the entire voyage, Carnival Cruise Line’s wheelchair rental services and accessibility options make it easy to cruise comfortably.

Understanding Carnival Cruise Line’s Accessibility Services

Carnival Cruise Line is dedicated to making its ships accessible for everyone. Through its Accessibility and Guest Services departments, Carnival ensures that guests with mobility challenges have access to:

• Wheelchairs and scooters (via third-party rental providers)

• Accessible staterooms with wider doors and roll-in showers

• Priority embarkation and disembarkation

• Reserved seating in dining areas and theaters

• Assistance for shore excursions (when possible)

These services allow passengers with mobility needs to enjoy every part of their Carnival vacation without stress or limitations.

Wheelchair Rental Options on Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival does not rent wheelchairs directly onboard. Instead, the cruise line partners with trusted third-party vendors that deliver mobility equipment directly to your stateroom.

The two primary partners approved by Carnival are:

1. Scootaround 

2. Special Needs at Sea

These companies specialize in mobility equipment for cruise travelers and handle reservations, delivery, and pickup for all Carnival ships.

Types of Mobility Equipment Available

Depending on your needs, you can rent:

1. Standard Wheelchair – Lightweight, foldable chairs suitable for guests who can self-propel or need occasional assistance.

2. Transport Chair – Compact wheelchairs that require a companion to push; ideal for shorter distances.

3. Electric Mobility Scooter (EVC) – Battery-operated scooters for guests who need independent mobility around the ship.

4. Heavy-Duty or Bariatric Wheelchair/Scooter – Designed for guests requiring extra space or weight capacity.

Each type comes with its own rental cost, depending on the cruise length and model selected.

Cost of Wheelchair Rental on Carnival Cruise Line

The cost of wheelchair rental on Carnival Cruise Line depends on several factors:

• Duration of your cruise (shorter vs. longer voyages)

• Type of mobility aid (manual vs. powered)

• Equipment provider

• Destination and ship size

How to Reserve a Wheelchair for Your Carnival Cruise

Here’s how to book your wheelchair or scooter rental for a Carnival Cruise Line sailing:

1. Choose a Vendor

Select one of Carnival’s approved partners:

• Scootaround

• Special Needs at Sea

Both vendors have online booking forms and phone assistance to guide you through the process.

2. Provide Cruise Details

You’ll need to share:

• Ship name and sailing date

• Stateroom number (if known)

• Equipment type and rental duration

3. Confirm and Pay

After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Your wheelchair or scooter will be delivered directly to your stateroom before embarkation.

4. Return After the Cruise

At the end of your voyage, simply leave the equipment in your cabin. The vendor will collect it after disembarkation.

Onboard Accessibility and Wheelchair Use

Guests may bring their own personal wheelchairs or scooters onboard Carnival ships at no charge. However, the equipment must fit through the cabin doorway (typically 22 inches wide) and be safely stored when not in use.

If you rent a scooter or wheelchair, you can use it throughout the ship, including:

• Public decks and elevators

• Theaters, lounges, and dining areas

• Poolside and promenade areas

Carnival staff members are available to assist with embarkation and disembarkation for guests using mobility aids, ensuring a smooth transition onto and off the ship.

Accessibility in Staterooms and Public Areas

Each Carnival ship offers accessible staterooms equipped with:

• Wider doorways (32 inches or more)

• Roll-in showers with grab bars and fold-down seating

• Lowered closet rods and sinks

• Visual and tactile alert systems (for guests with hearing or vision impairments)

Public areas also feature accessible entrances, restrooms, and elevators that accommodate wheelchairs and scooters.

Wheelchair Use During Shore Excursions

Many ports of call have limited accessibility, so guests using mobility aids should check in advance. Some Carnival-sponsored excursions are wheelchair-friendly, but availability varies by destination.

Before booking, contact the Access Desk or call to confirm accessibility details.

Refunds and Cancellations for Wheelchair Rentals

Both Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea allow cancellations with full or partial refunds, depending on timing:

• Full refund if canceled more than 48 hours before delivery

• Partial or no refund for last-minute cancellations

Always review the vendor’s cancellation policy before confirming your order.

Why Booking a Wheelchair in Advance Matters

Pre-booking your wheelchair or scooter ensures:

• Guaranteed availability

• Timely delivery before embarkation

• Access to your preferred equipment type

• A smoother, stress-free start to your vacation

If you wait until embarkation day, you may only have limited options or may need to rely on embarkation-only wheelchairs, which Carnival provides temporarily for boarding and disembarkation—not for onboard use.

Final Thoughts

The cost of wheelchair rental on Carnival Cruise Line typically ranges from $75 to $350 per cruise, depending on the type of mobility aid you need. With trusted partners like Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea, the process is simple, convenient, and reliable.

Whether you’re planning a Caribbean getaway or an extended voyage, booking a wheelchair or scooter ensures comfort and independence throughout your journey.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair on Carnival Cruise Line?

Wheelchair rental costs range from $75 to $125 per cruise, depending on the equipment type and duration.

2. Does Carnival Cruise Line provide wheelchairs onboard?

Carnival provides wheelchairs for embarkation and disembarkation only. For onboard use, guests must rent from an approved vendor.

3. Can I bring my own wheelchair or scooter on the cruise?

Yes. Guests may bring their own mobility devices as long as they fit through standard cabin doors and are safely stored.

4. How do I book a wheelchair rental for my cruise?

You can book through Carnival’s approved partners, Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea, online or by phone.

5. Are accessible staterooms available on all Carnival ships?

Yes. Each Carnival ship includes a limited number of accessible staterooms designed for guests with mobility needs.