What is the Powered Mobility Device policy?
Powered Mobility Device Policy
For safety reasons, guests wishing to bring a powered mobility device (this includes all types of mobility scooter, powered wheelchairs and powered add-ons for manual wheelchairs) must be booked into a fully accessible cabin, partially accessible cabin on Arcadia only or selected Suite/Mini Suite. Full-time wheelchair users must occupy an accessible cabin. This is to ensure there is sufficient space for the powered mobility device to be stored safely while in the cabin, as well as ensuring the safety all guests and crew on board while the mobility scooter is in use around the ship. This is also a safety measure to ensure if there was a failure with the device a safety crew could access the cabin to manage the situation. To ensure accessibility on-board, the maximum length of a mobility scooter is 120cm. Please note that we can only accept gel, dry cell, sealed lead acid or lithium-Ion battery operated mobility scooters/wheelchairs on-board.
Anyone bringing a wheelchair or mobility scooter on-board must be registered for an evacuation chair in the event of an emergency as a mandatory requirement. Mobility devices must be declared at the time of booking and the "Your on-board needs" questionnaire must be completed via My P&O Cruises as soon as possible after booking and no later than two weeks before they sail, otherwise the guest may be denied boarding.
Manual collapsible wheelchairs are not included within the definition for the term "powered mobility device", but if they wish to travel in a non-accessible cabin, their wheelchair must be easily collapsible in one piece and when collapsed must not exceed width 50 cm, weight 23 kgs.
Ambulant accesible cabins can accommodate a manual wheelchair. These are standard cabins that have accessible elements and are suitable for guests who do not require the use of a mobility device in the cabin.
Please see the following spreadsheet which displays accessible cabins, partially accessible cabins and ambulant accessible cabins - accessible cabin sheet.
Is your powered mobility device policy compliant with all applicable legislation?
Yes - our policies and procedures comply with all applicable ship safety and disability/equality legislation, including the EU Passenger Rights Regulation which has been incorporated into domestic UK law by section 3 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018). We aim to offer our services to all disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility subject to applicable safety requirements and within the parameters of each ship design, port infrastructure and equipment.
Additional Information
- You must ensure to ask every guest “In the unlikely event of an emergency, would anyone on the booking need assistance?”. If they would require assistance, please add the relevant level of support to Polar Online using the "package list" option. If a guest is bringing a mobility scooter or wheelchair on board, you must add evacuation chair assistance for them. However, it’s not possible to add this resource to existing bookings. If this step is missed or needs to be added post-booking, please complete the Partnership Helpdesk Webform and we'll come back to you as soon as possible. For bookings sailing within the next six months, you should call the Partnership Helpdesk for urgent support.
- If the guest has mobility or accessibility requirements, they must complete their "Your on-board needs" questionnaire via My Cruise as soon as possible after booking and no later than two weeks before they sail. You can send them a reminder to do this by following this process guide.
- We have a range of how-to-guides on Shine Rewards Club. Please click here for Cunard and here for P&O Cruises.