When planning your cruise vacation, accessibility is a key consideration for guests with mobility challenges. Royal Caribbean ensures that every passenger enjoys comfort and independence while at sea through its wheelchair rental and mobility assistance programs.
Many travelers wonder: How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair on Royal Caribbean? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of equipment, duration of the cruise, and service provider. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean wheelchair rental, including cruise wheelchair cost, how to make reservations, and what to expect onboard.
Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s most inclusive cruise lines, committed to providing excellent accessibility cruise services. The company understands that some guests may need mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers either temporarily or for the entire duration of their cruise.
While the cruise line does not directly rent out wheelchairs, it partners with trusted mobility equipment vendors that deliver devices straight to your stateroom before embarkation. Guests can pre-book wheelchair rental services for cruise guests through these approved suppliers.
Some of the authorized vendors include:
Special Needs at Sea (SNG)
Scootaround
Both companies have long-standing relationships with Royal Caribbean mobility aid programs and can provide manual wheelchairs, electric scooters, and other specialized medical equipment for your journey.
So, how much does it cost to rent a wheelchair on Royal Caribbean? The cruise wheelchair cost depends on several variables — the duration of your sailing, the type of mobility device you select, and the vendor you choose.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Equipment TypeAverage Weekly Cost (USD)Description
Manual Wheelchair$60 – $100Lightweight, foldable models ideal for ship use.
Electric Scooter (Small)$150 – $200Compact scooters for guests with limited mobility.
Electric Scooter (Heavy Duty)$200 – $250Larger models for outdoor or longer use.
Power Wheelchair$250 – $300Fully motorized wheelchairs with comfort seating.
Walker / Rollator$40 – $60For short distances or partial mobility assistance.
Prices are approximate and vary by cruise length (e.g., 3-night vs. 7-night voyage) and delivery port. It’s best to check directly with the vendor for updated Royal Caribbean wheelchair and scooter rental prices.
If you’re planning to use a mobility aid during your vacation, it’s important to reserve a wheelchair before boarding your cruise. Royal Caribbean recommends making arrangements at least two weeks before your sail date to ensure equipment availability.
Steps to reserve a wheelchair:
Contact an approved vendor like Special Needs at Sea or Scootaround.
Provide your cruise details – ship name, sailing date, and reservation number.
Choose your preferred mobility equipment (manual wheelchair, scooter, or power chair).
Submit your payment and delivery details.
The vendor will deliver the equipment directly to your stateroom before embarkation day.
Once your cruise ends, the vendor will collect the wheelchair or scooter from your cabin before disembarkation.
Royal Caribbean ships are designed with cruise accessibility services that make movement easy and safe for all guests. Whether you are using your own mobility aid or a rented one, ships provide:
Wide corridors and ramps for wheelchair navigation.
Accessible staterooms with automatic doors, roll-in showers, and lowered sinks.
Elevators with tactile buttons and audio indicators.
Reserved seating areas in theaters, dining rooms, and pool decks.
The onboard crew is trained to assist passengers courteously and professionally, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests using Royal Caribbean mobility aids.
If you already own a wheelchair or scooter, you are welcome to bring it onboard. Royal Caribbean accommodates personal mobility devices as long as they meet safety and size requirements.
Guidelines for personal equipment:
The wheelchair or scooter must fit through standard cabin doors (typically 32 inches wide).
Devices must be battery-powered (gel or dry cell batteries only).
Guests are responsible for charging and maintaining their equipment.
Bringing your own device can help you save on cruise wheelchair cost, though renting one can be more convenient for longer journeys or air travel connections.
Royal Caribbean’s accessibility cruise services extend beyond the vessel. At ports of call, the cruise line partners with local providers to offer accessible shore excursions and transportation options. However, accessibility may vary by destination, so it’s important to confirm details in advance.
Some shore excursions are wheelchair-friendly, allowing guests to enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and cultural activities comfortably.
In addition to Royal Caribbean wheelchair rental, guests can rent other cruise medical equipment, such as:
Oxygen concentrators
Hospital beds
Shower chairs
Patient lifts
These can also be arranged through approved vendors, ensuring seamless delivery and setup in your stateroom before you board.
If you have medical needs, you should notify the cruise line’s Access Department via email at least 30 days before sailing. This allows the team to prepare your cabin and coordinate necessary accommodations.
Each vendor has its own refund and cancellation policies. Generally, you can cancel a Royal Caribbean wheelchair rental up to 48 hours before embarkation for a full refund. If you have travel insurance, it may cover mobility aid rental costs if your device becomes damaged or lost in transit.
Booking early ensures:
Guaranteed equipment availability.
Proper stateroom allocation (some cabins are specially designed for wheelchairs).
Peace of mind knowing that your mobility needs are taken care of before travel.
Pre-booking also allows you to confirm wheelchair rental services for cruise guests at the best rates.
The cost of renting mobility equipment on Royal Caribbean varies by type, vendor, and cruise length, but typically ranges from $60 to $300 per week. Renting ensures convenience, safety, and independence throughout your voyage.
Royal Caribbean’s strong commitment to accessibility cruise services makes it one of the most inclusive cruise lines worldwide. Whether you need a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility aid, you can count on seamless arrangements, professional support, and worry-free travel.
How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair on Royal Caribbean?
Rental prices range from $60 to $300 per week, depending on the type of wheelchair or scooter and the duration of your cruise.
Does Royal Caribbean provide wheelchairs onboard?
Limited wheelchairs are available for embarkation and disembarkation assistance, but not for full-time use. Guests should rent through approved vendors.
Can I bring my own mobility scooter on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Yes, you can bring your own scooter if it meets size and battery requirements. Contact the Access Department before sailing to confirm details.
When should I reserve a wheelchair for my cruise?
Book at least two weeks before your sail date to ensure your preferred equipment is available.
Who are the approved Royal Caribbean wheelchair rental providers?
Royal Caribbean works with Special Needs at Sea and Scootaround for wheelchair and scooter rentals.
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