Mobility aids and equipment

We want to do everything we can to give you the best holiday experience. To make this happen, we need to ensure your cabin is suitable for your requirements. We’ve updated our Mobility Scooter Policy to include all powered mobility devices, this change has been made to enhance safety on our ships. Please note that our Powered Mobility Device Policy now applies to any electrical or battery-powered mobility scooter or wheelchair. This policy does not apply to manual collapsible wheelchairs, which do not require a detachable electric device.

P&O Cruises defines a mobility scooter as a three- or four-wheeled electrical or battery-powered scooter designed for people with restricted mobility. Motorised wheelchairs, bespoke machines for full-time disabled people, and manual collapsible wheelchairs are not included within the definition of the term ‘mobility scooters’. 

For safety reasons, guests wishing to bring a mobility scooter (this includes the lightweight collapsible scooters such as brands like Luggie, Monarch Mobie and TGA) must be booked into an accessible cabin, or selected Suite or Mini-suite. This is to make sure there is sufficient space for the scooter in the cabin, and to ensure the safety of all guests and crew on board while the scooter is in use around the ship. To ensure accessibility on board, the maximum length of a mobility scooter is 120cm. 

Our mobility scooter policy and procedures comply with all applicable ship safety and disability/equality legislation, including the EU Passenger Rights Regulation. We aim to offer our services to all disabled people or people with reduced mobility subject to applicable safety requirements and within the parameters of each ship design, port infrastructure and equipment.

Please note: if you do not advise us in advance of your holiday that you will be bringing a mobility scooter, you won’t be able to bring your mobility scooter on board.

P&O Cruises defines an electric wheelchair as a chair that’s operated using a joystick mounted on the armrest, requiring less upper body mobility to control. The Powered Device Policy also applies to manual wheelchairs that have a detachable electric device.

To make sure there is sufficient space for the powered mobility device in the cabin, and to ensure the safety of all guests and crew on board while the powered mobility device is in use around the ship, guests who wish to bring a powered mobility device (this includes the lightweight collapsible scooters such as those from brands including Luggie, Monarch Mobie and TGA) must be booked into a fully accessible cabin, or selected Suite or Mini-suite. For accessibility on board, mobility devices must be no longer than 120cm. 

Our Powered Mobility Device Policy and procedures comply with all applicable ship safety and disability/equality legislation, including the EU Passenger Rights Regulation.

Please note: if you don’t advise us in advance of your holiday that you will be bringing a powered mobility device, you won’t be able to take it on board. As there are no storage facilities available for denied devices, this would result in you being denied boarding.

Guests who require the use of a manual wheelchair or mobility device inside their cabin at any time must occupy a fully accessible cabin or suitable Suite/Mini-suite, this is to ensure there is enough space to safely store a powered mobility device in the cabin. Please note that non-accessible cabin doors can be narrow, and guests may be required to fold and carry their mobility device inside the cabin for storage. Please note that our crew are unable to assist you with this, so guests need to ensure that they or their companion can manage it.

If you wish to bring your powered mobility device on board, there are a few things you must do in advance:

1. Choose the right type of cabin. If you plan to use a powered mobility device, you must book a fully accessible cabin or selected Suite or Mini-suite. Please note that your mobility device must be no longer than 120cm.

To see a list of suitable cabins, click here.

2. Please measure your powered mobility device and ensure it will fit through the cabin door. Details of cabin door widths can be found below.

3. Check the type of battery your powered mobility device uses – we accept gel, dry cell, sealed lead acid or lithium-ion battery-operated mobility devices.

4. Any guest who brings a mobility device (full or part-time) must be registered for evacuation chair assistance. This should be declared in the ‘On-board needs’ questionnaire so we can keep a record.

This will help to ensure you can bring your mobility device on board and use it safely around the ship and in your cabin.

Does my mobility device need to be a certain size?

In accessible cabins, the mobility device must:

o Have a width less than 79 cm

o Have a length less than 120 cm  

o Have a length less than 120 cm

o Have any component pieces weigh no more than 20 kg when disassembled

o Use gel, dry cell, sealed lead acid or lithium-ion battery only

In standard cabins detailed as suitable for a Powered Mobility Device but not a Fully Wheelchair Accessible Cabin, the mobility device must:

o Device must be foldable in one [piece with no removable parts

o Collapse to a width less than 50 cm (width must be less than 65 cm when uncollapsed)

o Collapse to a length less than 100 cm

o Weigh less than 23 kg

The guest or a travelling companion must be able to carry the mobility device into the cabin themselves, as crew can’t assist with this task. The mobility device will need to be stored safely inside the guest's cabin away from the cabin door.

Raised door thresholds are present throughout the ship, which need to be negotiated with care, and you may find parts of the ship narrower than you’re used to. When in public areas, please ensure your mobility device is clear of any exits or fire doors. The ship’s crew will be on hand in these areas to offer guidance on where to leave your device safely.

Please also pay careful attention when backing in and out of lifts as they’re often near staircases. If you are to use staircases on board, you may find them to be narrow and difficult to negotiate. If the staircases are too difficult to use, please be sure to use lifts. 

All powered mobility devices must be stored inside your cabin when not in use. They must not be left outside your cabin. When using your mobility device on board, it’s vital for your safety, and the safety of others on board, that you drive at a safe speed.

All scooters and electric wheelchairs can be charged in your cabin when not in use. The voltage of the power supplied across our fleet varies by ship, so, it’s important that you contact the manufacturer or supplier of your mobility device prior to embarkation to ensure the equipment is safe to charge at 60HZ and that the voltage is compatible. This is to ensure the equipment isn’t damaged, affecting its performance.

The supply on board is:

Arcadia                         220V / 110V / 60HZ

Arvia                              230V / 60HZ

Aurora                          220V / 60HZ

Azura                            230V / 115V / 60HZ

Britannia                    230V / 120V / 60HZ

Iona                               220V / 50HZ–60HZ

Ventura                     230V / 115V / 60HZ

Your mobility device does not need to be PAT tested (a specific electrical test) before embarkation; however, if for any reason a mobility device needs to be tested, the electrical team will contact you once you’re on board to carry out a PAT test and you will be informed of the result.

We regret that we can’t allow Segways, trikes and similar non-standard, powered mobility devices on board. If you’re not sure whether your mobility device is suitable for our ships, please get in touch with our Customer Contact Centre.*

*If you're submitting a contact us form, please choose the Accessibility option on the form.

Our Powered Mobility Device Policy and procedures comply with all applicable ship safety and disability/equality legislation, including the EU Passenger Rights Regulation.

If you’re bringing a manual wheelchair on board, please make these checks:

1. Check that you have booked from the selected list of cabin categories above.

2. Check it will fit through the cabin door. For details of cabin door widths, click here.

3. Any guest who brings a mobility device (full or part-time) must be registered for evacuation chair assistance. This should be declared in the ‘On-board needs’ questionnaire so we can keep a record.

4. You should also check that your choice of cabin gives you enough space to safely store your manual wheelchair without obstructing your access in the cabin or your evacuation route. 

There is no facility to hire a wheelchair on board, so, we ask you to bring your own or hire one independently.

To find out more about hiring a wheelchair, please call 0800 328 1699 or visit mobilityatsea.co.uk/contact

Guests who are full-time wheelchair users must book an accessible cabin, Suite or Mini-suite. Part-time wheelchair users booked into a non-accessible cabin should note that these cabins are not designed for using a wheelchair as there isn’t enough space to move one around.

If you’re bringing a manual foldable wheelchair and you’re booked into a standard cabin, please ensure the wheelchair does not exceed 50 cm in width, 100 cm in length and 23 kg in weight when it’s folded. 

Manual mobility aids include manual wheelchairs or non-powered upright assistive mobility devices such as a rollator, walking stick or frame.

If you plan to bring a hoist on board, you’ll need to check that it’s compatible with the ship’s power supply and you must be booked into an accessible cabin. Partially accessible cabins have limited floor space for manoeuvrability and are not appropriate for guests who need a hoist. We don’t provide hoists, but you can hire one from an independent supplier.

Guests who are bringing other mobility aids, such as, rollators, crutches etc., must inform us through the completion of the ‘On-board needs’ questionnaire so we can offer support. However, please be aware that due to the nature of a cruise holiday experience, we may not be able to meet all requests. We strongly recommend that you’re registered for one-to-one assistance in the unlikely event of an emergency if you’re bringing a mobility aid on board.

If you’re bringing a hoist or any other electrical equipment on board, you’ll need to check that it’s compatible with the ship’s electrical supply. The voltage of the power supplied across our fleet varies by ship, so, it’s important that you contact the manufacturer or supplier of your mobility device prior to embarkation to ensure the equipment is safe to charge at 60HZ and that the voltage is compatible. This is to ensure the equipment isn’t damaged, affecting in its performance. For a list of the power supply for all ships, click here.

You’ll be responsible for carrying and installing your own electrical equipment and your hoist must always remain in your cabin. We recommend bringing a long extension lead as electrical sockets may not be located in a position that’s easily accessible for the correct placement of the equipment. Please bring back-up batteries and any required supplies and note that medical equipment isn’t available for loan or hire on board.

If you’re taking any of the above equipment on a flight, you must include the full details on the ‘On-board needs’ questionnaire. If you’re taking a scheduled flight, you’ll need to contact the airline directly and confirm carriage of your equipment. If you’re taking a charter flight, please ensure you contact our Customer Contact Centre using this phone number: 03443 888 003 (local call charges apply).

We can supply the items below, subject to availability. We provide a limited number of these items on a first-come, first-served basis to guests who have requested them on the on-board needs questionnaire before their holiday starts. We’ll contact you if any items aren’t available. No other mobility aids can be provided. All accessible cabins have a pull-down or fixed chair in the wet room.

• Bath bench (these are not suitable for cabins with whirlpool baths)
• Bath seat
• Raised toilet seat (these do not have handles)
• Shower chair (these do not have wheels)
• Shower stool (these do not have wheels)

Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and other mobility aids must be stored inside your cabin when not in use. For safety reasons, they can’t be left outside your cabin door. If they are, they will be removed. Public walkways and stairwells must be kept clear in case of an emergency. It’s your responsibility to ensure that your cabin is suitable to store your own equipment. If you’re occupying a non-accessible cabin, your manual wheelchair may need to be folded and carried inside the cabin by you or your companion as our crew are unable to assist you with this.