Wheelchair Question

[twinkle toes]

Can anyone tell me whether Princess rents out Wheelchairs to use during the cruise? My mom doesn't have one, but she can't walk long distances without her back hurting, so I thought if there was a portable wheelchair she could use when we traverse back and forth from front to back, that would make it easier for her.

[1025cruise]

Princess does not.

 

However there are companies that do.

[Pam in CA]

Can anyone tell me whether Princess rents out Wheelchairs to use during the cruise? My mom doesn't have one, but she can't walk long distances without her back hurting, so I thought if there was a portable wheelchair she could use when we traverse back and forth from front to back, that would make it easier for her.

They used to have them in the Medical Center but no longer. However, there are companies that rent medical supplies. Perhaps someone knows the name and contact info. You would need a folding wheelchair so it can go through the door of your cabin. Unless you have booked a handicapped cabin, a wheelchair won't fit through the door and must be brought into the cabin for storage.

 

Make sure you have your TA mark your booking as needing assistance boarding and disembarking. There is usually a lot of walking in cruise terminals both to check-in and then boarding the ship. They will have staff there with wheelchairs who will take you to a special check-in window and then priority boarding. If your booking is marked as needing assistance, there will be a packet in the cabin with suggested tours that are specially designed for those with difficulty walking. If you check the tours, they are usually marked with an "EZ" as part of the tour name.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Here are 2 companies that do rent out wheelchairs and all kinds of other equipment:

 

http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/

 

http://cruiseshipassist.com/

 

I have clients that have used both of these companies and have been satisfied.

[chengkp75]

Most companies have chairs available for embarkation, and then a few at the medical center for emergency use only. I believe the two sites listed above will arrange for the chair to be delivered to the ship, and picked up as well.

[LeeW]

Decent foldable wheelchairs are around $80 from Walgreens if you sign up for the free discount club ($130 without). Note that these have small wheels front and back so must be pushed by someone else. Airlines will probably ship this free. Either keep it when done with the trip or donate for a tax deduction. Might be cheaper than a rental.

[twinkle toes]

Excellent Idea Lee!!! Thank you! I am signed up at walgreens, so will definitely do that. I know she would use it here at the mall as well if it was available to her so thanks!

[mamaboss]

Decent foldable wheelchairs are around $80 from Walgreens if you sign up for the free discount club ($130 without). Note that these have small wheels front and back so must be pushed by someone else. Airlines will probably ship this free. Either keep it when done with the trip or donate for a tax deduction. Might be cheaper than a rental.

 

We have been using this "transport chair" for my mom on our last 4 cruises. Very light to push, portable and easy to fold & store at the airline gates. I injured my knee on a cruise and had to use the chair myself last 2 days of the cruise as I could not walk at all. Very, very handy! Worth every penny!

[tvaud]

This past January on the Grand, I was ill enough to need a wheelchair. My DH forgot to pack the foot rests on the portable chair we brought, which made it difficult to use. Once on board, we inquired at the passenger services desk, and were able to arrange for the use of a Princess wheelchair for the duration of the cruise. All it required was a credit card number. We were not charged for the usage. It was just for a security. Once the chair was returned, they tear up the number.

 

 

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[waltd]

When my mom was still alive her doctor signed off for a wheel chair and Medicare paid for it. We used that wheel chair for many many years. Took it on the plane and it stored nicely in the trunk of my car.