Cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to travel the world, but for passengers with mobility challenges, accessibility is an important consideration. Both Seabourn Cruise Line and Holland America Line—sister companies under the Carnival Corporation umbrella—are well-known for their luxury and inclusivity. They provide comprehensive support for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair rentals, mobility scooter options, and accessible cabins designed for comfort and independence.
If you or a loved one is planning to sail with Seabourn or Holland America, understanding how wheelchair rentals work—especially their costs, availability, and policies—can help you plan your trip with confidence.
This guide explains everything you need to know about renting a wheelchair on Seabourn Cruise Line and Holland America Line, including the typical rental prices, the types of mobility aids available, and how to book them in advance.
Accessibility on cruise ships has evolved significantly over the past decade. Modern ships are designed to be more inclusive for all guests, whether they need wheelchair access, roll-in showers, or special assistance during excursions.
Both Seabourn and Holland America prioritize accessible travel as part of their commitment to luxury service. Every ship in their fleets includes ADA-compliant cabins, accessible public spaces, and dedicated staff trained to assist guests with mobility limitations.
Many guests wonder whether they should bring their own wheelchair or rent one onboard. Bringing your own mobility device is possible, but there are a few reasons why renting might be more convenient:
Travel ease: Transporting a personal wheelchair through airports or ports can be stressful, especially with airline restrictions and handling risks.
Ship compatibility: Rental wheelchairs are designed to fit smoothly through cruise ship corridors and doorways.
Maintenance-free: If a rented wheelchair breaks or malfunctions, the cruise line or their rental partner replaces it immediately.
Short-term need: Some passengers may only require a wheelchair during excursions or longer walks onboard, not full-time.
Seabourn is recognized for its ultra-luxury small-ship experiences, accommodating around 450–600 guests per vessel. Despite being smaller than mass-market ships, Seabourn ensures a high standard of accessibility.
However, Seabourn does not rent wheelchairs directly onboard. Instead, the line partners with third-party mobility equipment providers who deliver wheelchairs and scooters directly to the ship before embarkation.
Most Seabourn guests use well-known U.S.-based suppliers such as:
Special Needs at Sea
Scootaround
Special Needs Group
These companies coordinate directly with the cruise line to deliver your chosen wheelchair or scooter to your stateroom before you board.
The cost of renting a wheelchair depends on the type of device, duration of the cruise, and destination region. Below are typical price ranges (as of recent estimates):
Standard manual wheelchair:
$90–$150 per 7-day cruise
$180–$250 for 14 days
Transport chair (lightweight model):
$80–$120 for 7 days
$160–$200 for 14 days
Electric mobility scooter (small travel size):
$225–$350 for 7 days
$400–$550 for 14 days
Heavy-duty or deluxe scooter:
$350–$500 for 7 days
$600–$700 for 14 days
These costs generally include delivery, pickup, and onboard support. For longer itineraries (like 21- or 28-day cruises), rental companies often offer discounted weekly rates.
Several elements can impact the rental cost:
Cruise duration and itinerary
Ship size and cabin type
Device model (lightweight vs. deluxe)
Port location (U.S., Europe, Asia, etc.)
Insurance coverage for damage or loss
On Seabourn’s luxury voyages—especially extended world cruises—the higher rental duration can slightly increase total costs, though many providers offer multi-week package deals.
Every Seabourn ship offers specific design features that make it easier for guests using mobility devices to enjoy a stress-free voyage. Some of these include:
Accessible staterooms: Wider doorways (32–34 inches), roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered amenities.
Accessible elevators: Large, easy-to-use elevators with tactile controls and visual floor indicators.
Ramp access: Portable ramps and gentle inclines for easy movement between decks.
Wheelchair-friendly dining: Spacious seating arrangements and attentive service staff trained to assist with mobility needs.
Accessible shore excursions: Select excursions are labeled as “wheelchair accessible,” allowing participation in sightseeing comfortably.
To ensure a smooth experience, it’s recommended to reserve your wheelchair at least 30–45 days before sailing. Here’s how the process usually works:
Contact Seabourn’s Access & Compliance Department to inform them of your mobility needs.
Choose a rental provider like Special Needs at Sea or Scootaround.
Provide cruise details: Ship name, sailing date, and cabin number.
Select equipment: Type of wheelchair or scooter, size, and any accessories needed.
Confirm delivery: The provider will deliver the equipment directly to your stateroom before embarkation.
Return process: At the end of the cruise, simply leave the equipment in your cabin; staff will collect it.
By coordinating early, you ensure availability—especially for longer itineraries or specialty cruises that may have limited stock.
Holland America Line (HAL) offers a slightly broader fleet and appeals to both premium and luxury travelers. With ships accommodating 1,400 to 2,600 passengers, HAL has invested heavily in accessible cruising, featuring wheelchair-accessible cabins, specially designed bathrooms, and mobility-friendly excursions.
Just like Seabourn, Holland America Line does not provide wheelchairs directly. Instead, they work closely with external mobility rental partners. However, because HAL caters to a larger number of guests, wheelchair rentals are more common and easily arranged.
The pricing for renting a wheelchair or scooter on a Holland America cruise is generally similar to Seabourn, though it can vary slightly based on the ship’s departure port and voyage length.
Here’s an average cost breakdown for typical rental durations:
Standard manual wheelchair:
$100–$160 per 7-day cruise
$180–$240 per 14-day cruise
Transport chair:
$90–$130 per week
Electric mobility scooter:
$250–$375 per 7 days
$450–$600 for 14 days
Heavy-duty scooter or powerchair:
$350–$550 per week
The longer your itinerary, the better the weekly rate tends to be. Many guests who take extended voyages (like Holland America’s 30- to 60-day “Grand Voyages”) receive a discounted monthly rental package for mobility devices.
Some companies may add optional or refundable charges:
Delivery fee: Usually included, but can apply for non-standard ports.
Damage waiver insurance: $25–$40 optional coverage for peace of mind.
Deposit: Some providers may require a refundable deposit of around $100–$200.
The booking process for Holland America Line is very similar to Seabourn’s. You should:
Inform HAL’s Access & Compliance Department at least 30 days before sailing.
Select your equipment provider (e.g., Special Needs at Sea or Scootaround).
Submit your cruise details including reservation number and ship name.
Confirm equipment delivery to your cabin before embarkation.
Once your rental is confirmed, the provider coordinates directly with Holland America to ensure seamless delivery and collection of the mobility device.
Holland America ships are known for their spacious designs and elegant interiors. Accessibility has been a central part of their shipbuilding since the early 2000s. Common features include:
ADA-compliant staterooms: Automatic doors, wide entryways, and accessible bathrooms.
Accessible public areas: Elevators, theaters, restaurants, and deck areas designed for wheelchair access.
Accessible tendering: Many newer ships offer accessible tender platforms for ports that require small boats for disembarkation.
Priority boarding: Guests with mobility needs receive early boarding and disembarkation assistance.
Crew assistance: Staff are trained to help with embarking, shore excursions, and cabin access.
While Seabourn and Holland America share corporate ownership, their cruise styles differ in luxury level, ship size, and overall atmosphere. Both are highly accessible, but each offers a slightly different experience for passengers using wheelchairs or scooters.
FeatureSeabourn Cruise LineHolland America Line
Fleet Size Smaller, luxury ships (450–600 guests)Larger ships (1,400–2,600 guests)
Wheelchair Accessibility Excellent in public spaces and suitesExtensive across cabins and venues
Rental Options Via third-party partnersVia third-party partners
Typical Weekly Cost (manual wheelchair) $90–$150$100–$160
Typical Weekly Cost (scooter) $225–$350$250–$375
Excursion Accessibility Limited on smaller portsBroader range of accessible shore tours
Service Style Highly personalized, privatePremium service with more activity options
In short, Seabourn is perfect for travelers seeking intimate luxury, while Holland America Line offers more variety and accessibility across a wider range of destinations.
Before finalizing your mobility rental for either cruise line, keep these practical tips in mind:
Book early: Wheelchair and scooter availability can be limited—especially on longer cruises.
Specify your needs: Mention whether you require a manual wheelchair, electric scooter, or powerchair.
Confirm stateroom accessibility: Not all cabins can accommodate scooters due to doorway width.
Carry documentation: Bring medical records if you have special needs requiring priority assistance.
Plan excursions wisely: Check in advance which ports and tours are wheelchair accessible.
Avoid large scooters if possible: Smaller travel scooters fit more easily in standard cabins.
Test before sailing: If possible, rent or borrow a similar model at home to ensure comfort.
One of the benefits of using official rental partners is their 24-hour support and onboard service coordination. If your wheelchair or scooter experiences a problem mid-cruise:
Contact the Guest Services Desk immediately.
A ship technician or rental partner representative will assist.
In most cases, a replacement or quick repair is arranged within hours.
For guests bringing their own wheelchairs, the ship’s staff can offer limited help with minor adjustments, but major repairs may need to wait until reaching port. That’s another reason many travelers prefer renting from approved providers.
Rental companies often provide optional damage waiver insurance, which typically covers accidental damage or mechanical failure. For peace of mind, this small extra fee (around $25–$40 per cruise) is worth adding.
Also, remember that:
Mobility devices must be parked inside cabins, not in corridors, due to safety regulations.
Keep chargers, batteries, and cords organized to avoid tripping hazards.
Electric scooters must use sealed batteries that comply with maritime safety rules.
Both Seabourn and Holland America extend accessibility far beyond wheelchair rentals. They offer services for a variety of guest needs, including:
Hearing-impaired guests: TTY kits, visual alerts, captioned TVs.
Vision-impaired travelers: Braille signage and large-print menus.
Medical needs: Refrigeration for medication, oxygen delivery, and dialysis coordination.
Special diets: Gluten-free, diabetic, low-sodium, and vegetarian meals available on request.
This commitment to inclusivity ensures every guest can experience the same luxury and adventure, regardless of physical limitations.
So, how much does it cost to rent a wheelchair on Seabourn Cruise Line and Holland America Line?
On average, a manual wheelchair costs between $90 and $160 per week, while an electric mobility scooter ranges from $225 to $375 per week, depending on duration and model.
Both cruise lines rely on trusted mobility partners who handle delivery, setup, and support throughout your voyage. The booking process is simple, but it’s best to reserve your equipment well before sailing to guarantee availability.
Whether you choose Seabourn’s intimate luxury or Holland America’s classic premium style, you’ll find both lines are exceptionally accommodating for passengers using wheelchairs. With thoughtful planning and the right rental, you can cruise the world comfortably, safely, and with complete independence.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2025 Cruisebookinghub.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service