Mobility Scooters

[hi Sunshine]

Highly disappointed with princess letting mobility  scooters sit in the hallways blocking access to the hallways. I do believe in these scooters to assist disabled guess but the rudeness these people have to block emergency access is unacceptable and need to be rolremived by housekeeping.

[LukeJ]

That's the issues I believe these cruise lines are facing these days. They understand that mobility scooters are needed, however as you've stated people have been ignorant and very rude in where they put themselves scooters, that something needs to be done. I despise rude people at the best of times, and the way they speak to you is disgraceful. I know carnival are putting plans in place to stop certain size scooters from going onboard. Maybe that will catch on with every cruise line. If not, give a point system, if a scooter is blocking somewhere, then give them a warning. If they do it again, or speak rudely to staff who ask them to move them aside, then simply throw the thing overboard into the sea. If they continue, throw them over too.

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@hi Sunshine This is an obvious safety issue cruise lines are beginning to crack down on. CCL is one of those cruise lines that is trying to be more strategic about mobility scooters in the halls. A big factor to this is accessibility cabins. A guest with a mobility device should book an accommodating cabin that fits the device inside, so it doesn't block the walkway. The halls are small enough as it is, so its important cruise lines become more vigilant about keeping the halls clear and properly accommodating all guests booked onboard. 

@LukeJ You and I feel very similarly! The idea of ticketing scooters isn't a bad one, as long as cruise lines are giving realistic expectations for those with mobility scooters. Cruise lines can't expect guests to store their scooters out of the hall if they don't provide appropriate options and accommodations. Let's just hope there are better protocols set in place to keep the hallways walkable and clear. 

[LukeJ]

They do need a clear instructions on what they can and can't do with the scooters. They also need to provide spaces for them put them away, and that way there is no excuses when the passengers don't do what is expected of them. I always find that companies demand certain ways and don't always provide the tools needed.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@hi Sunshine There just has to be a better way! I don't understand why blocking emergency exits is permitted either. It should be against protocol. If a guests will be traveling with a mobility device, it needs to be kept out of the walkway. There could be an option where the stateroom attendant stores it somewhere out of the way or a cruise guests manages to store it inside of their stateroom. most staterooms should be able to accommodate a scooter inside of it. It's the courteous thing to do anyways. The hallways are tight enough without scooters in the way.

@LukeJ You are spot on!

[Cycleboy99]

So as a full time wheelchair user let me caution about throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Some have stated that people who need to use scooters should book wheelchair accessible rooms so they have places to store them and I 100% agree, however wheelchair accessible rooms are limited and many times are booked by non-disabled individuals because the rooms themselves (especially the bathrooms) are bigger. This is a huge problem… I can’t chose to not use my wheelchair on a cruise or not and actually need the wheelchair room but it’s been taken by an inconsiderate person instead.

[3Sisters]

@Cycleboy99 This is great feedback. I think that all wheelchair accessible rooms should be saved for those that have a wheelchair. I'm not sure if everyone who books an accessible room really needs the space. How do cruise lines even keep track of that? It's never crossed my mind to book a handicapped accessible stateroom as someone who doesn't need the space (although I travel with a large family). That's so unethical. If you are cruising with a wheelchair in a non-accessible room, you should be given the accommodations to efficiently park your scooter somewhere out of the halls that's still reasonable for you to access (either solo or with timely assistance). It's not fair that those rooms are likely taken by guests who don't need them. That's upsetting.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@Cycleboy99 That's great perspective. I really value what you are saying because you have to use your wheelchair onboard. It's pretty important that other guests realize that the accessible staterooms are for those that need it! I don't understand why others try to steal those away. The wheelchair in the hall issue could be resolved if those staterooms were properly use for those with mobility devices. If you book a non-accessible room, what are your options in terms of wheelchair storage? Which cruise lines have you been on and thought their wheelchair storage was appropriate? I know some cruise lines are much better than others about facilitating scooters and mobility devices. 

[Seaawgs]

As access to cruising has expanded across all levels of society many new issues have arisen. Man/Woman over board incidents have exploded and now we have a scooter Epidemic. The definition of " disabled " has undergone a huge expansion in recent years. Unfortunately, traditionally handicapped folks are consumed by the wave. COVID has ushered in levels of narcissism never seen before. Resources set aside for those truly afflicted are being consumed by the able bodied without empathy. If cruise lines enforced rules the way they enforce their bringing alcohol on board policy,  the problem would go away.

Selling scooter parking space may help. Cruise Line licensing of scooters. 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@Seaawgs The man over incidents are so traumatic. It's really so horrid. I like how inclusive most cruise lines are today. Making it easier for all people, including disabled people, to cruise is the best expansion yet. Have you noticed a shift there since the shutdown? Since I'm not an impacted party, I feel lout of the loop there. Yes, the scooters in the halls can be annoying, particularly when I'm pushing my child in a stroller, but it's not a huge deal. In terms of emergency situations, I get the importance of keeping the halls clear. Most importantly, I think the handicapped rooms need to be saved for those who need it, particularly those with mobility devices. It should be a requirement! I completely agree about the brining alcohol onboard comment. That made me laugh. Scooter spaces for rent! It's just another way for the cruise lines to make money! 

[LukeJ]

It is very frustrating I guess for mobility scooter users, as they have paid for their cruise and suddenly have to pay extra just to put their scooter somewhere. But on the other hand, these scooters are huge to be fair and they do take up a load of room.

[tina lamb]

I have been searching for a cruise line to take my husband on an Alaska Cruise that is accessible with a scooter and or wheelchair.  Now that i am seeing how everyone is 'COMPLAINING"  im not sure i want to do this and will maybe look at another vacation instead.  I know that people are inconsiderate, but please dont deter us physically challenged from taking a cruise that we have on our bucket list.  I am not very pleased at your remarks and comments about this . 

 

[3Sisters]

@tina lamb CCL has great Alaskan itineraries and it's a shame you are shying away from that now.  There are other boutique lines that would likely offer great mobility accommodations they are just a bit steeper in price. As long as you have patience and notify the cruise line ahead of time, CCL typically does a good job about accommodating those needs. The biggest issue is when guests don't follow the rules; that's when people get frustrated. I have no problem with scooters or any necessary devices onboard, but I see the importance of keeping the halls clear for safety purposes. 

[LukeJ]

@tina lamb I wouldn't let any comments stop you from going on any cruisers. Everyone deserves to go on them, especially as it's a bucket list. It's certainly up to the cruise lines to sort something out, and as you stated, I guess there are lots of negativity around this because of the inconsiderate people that are about. 

[3Sisters]

@LukeJ I agree! Don't let others comments bring you down. Some guests don't like to have to be inconvenienced by scooters in their way, and I don't blame them in some regard. If the scooters aren't properly stowed, it is a big issue. There are things to be done about this and it's for the betterment of everyone! Cruise lines need to do a better job at properly accommodating mobility devices without them becoming a hazard. That's why cruise lines like CCL are cracking down on policies, to ensure the safety of all guests. 

[Seaawgs]

@tina lamb use these comments to make a better choice of cruise line and fellow passengers. Holland America is a solid choice for Alaska. Though owned by Carnimal, they attract a different customer. Give the cruise line you select plenty of time to smooth out potential impediments. 

[3Sisters]

@Seaawgs That's great advice! Take your bucket list, dream cruise with a dreamy line. Go for a cruise line that has better amenities and accessibility. Even a CCL sister line could be better. @tina lamb Have you looked into cruising with Holland America Line or Princess Cruises? I would cruise with either of these lines for a great Alaskan itinerary experience. Which Alaska ports are you wanting to visit? 

[LukeJ]

@tina lamb personally I would be getting in contact with the cruise line asking them what do they intend to do to help. As long as people aren't rude or inconsiderate, companies are more likely ready to help. In my experience, if you scream and demand and stamp your feet, then nothing is coming your way other than contempt back. 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@LukeJ That's great advice! You never know what it could be like until you either do it or ensure accommodations via contacting the cruise line directly. @tina lamb Many guests feel passionately about this topic because they have been personally affected by either scooters being misused or scooters not being properly accommodated for. Mobility scooters are welcome onboard most cruise ships! I wouldn't let any negativity deter you from your dream cruise.