Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
Cruising is one of the most inclusive and enjoyable forms of travel, offering passengers the opportunity to explore multiple destinations while only unpacking once. But for travelers with mobility challenges, accessibility is a top priority. Marella Cruises, a well-loved UK-based cruise line owned by the TUI Group, caters to a wide variety of guests — from families and couples to retirees and solo travelers.
One of the most common questions asked by people with reduced mobility is:
“Does Marella Cruises provide wheelchair assistance?”
The short answer is: Yes, Marella Cruises does provide wheelchair assistance — but primarily for embarkation, disembarkation, and emergencies. Passengers who require a wheelchair throughout their cruise will need to either bring their own or arrange to rent one through an approved supplier.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Marella Cruises’ wheelchair assistance services, onboard accessibility features, rental options, costs, policies, and expert planning tips.
Marella Cruises operates a modern fleet including ships like Marella Explorer, Marella Discovery, Marella Explorer 2, and Marella Voyager. Each has been designed or refurbished with accessibility in mind.
Accessibility highlights include:
Adapted cabins with widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, and roll-in showers.
Elevators reaching most decks.
Wheelchair-friendly public areas with ramps.
Priority seating in theatres, lounges, and dining venues.
Crew trained in assisting passengers with special needs.
However, Marella differentiates between temporary wheelchair assistance and ongoing wheelchair provision. Understanding this distinction is essential before you book.
Marella Cruises offers limited wheelchair support, mainly at ports and in emergencies.
Passengers who require mobility support when boarding or leaving the ship can request wheelchair assistance in advance.
A wheelchair will be provided at the terminal.
Staff can escort you from check-in to your cabin.
On the final day, crew can help you disembark and reach your transport.
This service is complimentary but must be pre-booked with Marella’s Special Assistance team.
Every Marella ship carries a small number of wheelchairs for medical or emergency use only. These are not available for everyday mobility around the ship.
While assistance is available at the terminal and for emergencies, Marella Cruises does not supply wheelchairs for the duration of the cruise. If you need one during your holiday, you must:
Bring your own wheelchair or scooter.
Rent one through an external supplier approved by Marella.
Marella partners with specialist mobility companies like Mobility at Sea in the UK. These suppliers deliver equipment directly to your ship and collect it after your cruise ends.
Manual Wheelchair: £50–£90 per week.
Lightweight Transit Chair: £40–£80 per week.
Electric Mobility Scooter: £120–£200 per week.
Booking early is highly recommended, as mobility equipment is limited.
Passengers can bring their own mobility aids, but certain rules apply:
Scooters must be no wider than 23 inches (unless booking an adapted cabin).
Batteries must be gel or dry cell sealed units.
You must store and charge your scooter inside your cabin without blocking exits.
You should be able to maneuver independently, or with assistance from your travel companion.
Marella offers a selection of adapted cabins across its fleet. These cabins include:
Wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs.
Roll-in showers with handrails and shower seats.
Lowered sinks and mirrors.
Grab bars around the bathroom.
Extra floor space for maneuverability.
Adapted cabins are limited and book out quickly, so early reservation is essential.
Marella crew are trained in assisting passengers with disabilities but cannot provide constant personal care.
Crew can help in emergencies and provide guidance.
They cannot push wheelchairs around the ship on a daily basis.
If you require continuous mobility or personal assistance, you must travel with a companion or carer.
One of the biggest considerations for wheelchair users is whether shore excursions are accessible.
Some ports are dock-only, making wheelchair access straightforward.
Other destinations require tender boats, which may not be suitable for passengers using wheelchairs or scooters.
Marella offers a selection of accessible excursions, but availability is limited and varies by destination.
Tip: Contact the Special Assistance team before booking excursions to confirm suitability.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Notify Special Assistance Team – Contact Marella at least 60 days before your cruise. Provide details about your mobility needs.
Decide on Equipment – Choose whether to bring your own wheelchair or rent through an approved supplier.
Book an Adapted Cabin – If required, reserve one as early as possible.
Confirm Port Assistance – Request wheelchair help for embarkation and disembarkation.
Plan Shore Excursions – Select tours that are labeled as accessible.
✅ Free wheelchair assistance at embarkation/disembarkation.✅ Emergency wheelchairs onboard.✅ Accessible cabins and facilities.✅ Partnerships with mobility suppliers for rentals.
❌ No long-term wheelchair provision.❌ Limited accessible excursions.❌ Advance planning required (60+ days).❌ Crew cannot act as personal caregivers.
Margaret, 68 (London): “Marella arranged a wheelchair for boarding at the port, which made things stress-free. I rented a scooter for the week and it was waiting in my cabin.”
Tom, 75 (Manchester): “The ship was easy to navigate with my wheelchair, but I recommend booking adapted cabins early — they go fast.”
Aisha, 60 (Birmingham): “The crew were helpful during emergencies but couldn’t push me around. Having my daughter travel with me was essential.”
Q1: Does Marella have wheelchairs available onboard?
Yes, but only for emergencies or portside transfers.
Q2: Can I rent a wheelchair directly from Marella?
No, you must rent from an external supplier like Mobility at Sea.
Q3: Do I need to book an adapted cabin if I use a wheelchair?
Yes, especially if you require full-time wheelchair use.
Q4: Can the crew push me around the ship in my wheelchair?
No, you must bring a companion if you need continuous support.
Q5: Are shore excursions accessible for wheelchair users?
Some are, but options are limited. Always confirm in advance.
Book your adapted cabin and mobility equipment well in advance.
Contact Marella’s Special Assistance team at least 60 days before departure.
If flying with TUI Airways, arrange airport wheelchair assistance separately.
Carry a doctor’s note if traveling with mobility equipment or medical devices.
Pack a portable ramp or transfer board if you anticipate uneven access ashore.
Yes — but primarily for embarkation, disembarkation, and emergencies. Passengers who need mobility support throughout the cruise will need to bring their own wheelchair or rent one through an approved supplier.
Marella’s ships are designed with accessibility in mind, offering adapted cabins, ramps, elevators, and helpful staff. However, planning ahead is crucial. Contacting the Special Assistance team at least 60 days before your trip ensures your mobility needs are met.
With the right preparation, passengers with reduced mobility can enjoy a stress-free, comfortable, and memorable Marella Cruises holiday.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
