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River cruising is a serene and enriching way to explore the world’s most iconic waterways, and Avalon Waterways is among the top choices for travelers seeking comfort, elegance, and personalized service. But for guests with mobility concerns or those who require mobility aids like wheelchairs, understanding accessibility options is crucial before embarking.One of the most common questions from guests is: “How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair on Avalon Waterways?”By the end, you’ll have a complete understanding of how Avalon Waterways accommodates guests with special mobility needs, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive cruising experience for everyone.
Avalon Waterways is known for its commitment to guest comfort and accessibility. While river cruise ships are smaller than ocean liners due to their navigation through narrow rivers and low bridges, Avalon designs its fleet with thoughtful features to assist passengers with limited mobility.
Avalon’s philosophy centers around creating an inclusive environment. The company ensures that guests with special needs can travel safely and comfortably while enjoying the same luxury experience as every other traveler onboard.
Elevators on most Suite Ships serving major European rivers.
Wide corridors that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Accessible staterooms with larger bathrooms and safety handrails (availability limited).
Crew assistance for boarding, disembarkation, and shore excursions (upon request).
Priority transfer arrangements for guests with mobility devices.
However, it’s important to note that Avalon’s river ships are not fully wheelchair accessible in every area, primarily due to port infrastructure limitations and narrow gangways at some European docking points.
Avalon Waterways does not directly rent or supply wheelchairs onboard. Guests who require a wheelchair for use during their cruise must arrange rentals through third-party mobility equipment suppliers or bring their own personal wheelchair.
However, Avalon’s Special Needs Assistance Department helps coordinate wheelchair rentals with approved local suppliers in select embarkation cities.
Guests are responsible for organizing their wheelchair rental prior to embarkation.
Avalon can assist by recommending approved providers and ensuring equipment delivery to the ship.
Electric wheelchairs and scooters are not permitted onboard due to safety and space limitations.
Only manual wheelchairs or compact transport chairs are allowed.
Guests must notify Avalon Waterways at least 45 days before departure about their wheelchair requirements. This ensures Avalon’s team and suppliers can make appropriate arrangements.
To notify Avalon, contact:📩 specialneeds@globusfamily.com📞 1-866-755-8581 (U.S. & Canada)
The cost of renting a wheelchair varies depending on the cruise location, rental duration, and type of wheelchair. Below is a general pricing guide for commonly used mobility suppliers that partner with Avalon guests.
RegionRental DurationApproximate Cost (USD)Notes
Europe (Danube, Rhine, Seine)7–14 days$100–$200Manual lightweight chair; delivery to ship possible.
Asia (Mekong, Ganges)7–10 days$80–$160Limited supplier availability; must prearrange.
Egypt (Nile)5–8 days$70–$120Manual chair recommended; terrain may be uneven.
South America (Galápagos or Amazon)7 days$150–$250Rentals via local agencies only.
Daily rate: $10–$20 per day (manual wheelchairs).
Delivery fee: $25–$50 (to ship or hotel).
Deposit: $100–$150 refundable upon return.
Insurance (optional): $10–$25 for damage or loss coverage.
These rates are estimates; prices vary by city and vendor. Avalon recommends confirming total costs directly with your rental provider.
Renting a wheelchair for your Avalon Waterways cruise involves a few straightforward steps.
Email specialneeds@globusfamily.com or call 1-866-755-8581 at least 45 days before your cruise. Provide:
Your booking number
Cruise itinerary and dates
Embarkation/disembarkation city
Type of wheelchair required (manual, transport, or bariatric)
Avalon can recommend trusted providers in your embarkation city. Common options include:
Special Needs Group (SNG) – Serves Europe & North America.
Mobility Equipment Hire Direct – Based in the UK, delivers across Europe.
Paris Mobility or Vienna Mobility Rentals – Local European providers.
Coordinate with the supplier to have the wheelchair delivered:
To your pre-cruise hotel if arriving early.
Directly to the ship on embarkation day (arranged with Avalon staff).
Most providers require payment before delivery. Options include credit card or online payment.
At the end of your cruise, the supplier retrieves the equipment from the ship or hotel, depending on prior arrangement.
Understanding your mobility needs will help you select the right chair for your journey.
Lightweight aluminum frame.
Foldable for easy storage in cabins.
Cost: $10–$20/day.
Recommended for short excursions and onboard mobility.
Compact, easy to maneuver.
Requires assistance from another person to push.
Ideal for narrow pathways on ships or in towns.
Cost: $8–$15/day.
Designed for heavier passengers (up to 400 lbs).
Wider seat and reinforced frame.
Must be pre-requested at least 60 days before cruise.
Cost: $20–$30/day.
If you prefer not to use a wheelchair full-time, walkers with seats are also rentable, costing $5–$10/day.
While Avalon strives to accommodate all guests, river cruise vessels face design limitations due to port infrastructure and river conditions.
Some gangways are narrow or steep depending on river levels.
Elevators may not reach all decks on certain ships.
Public restrooms are not always wheelchair-accessible.
Not all excursions are suitable for wheelchairs, especially in older European towns with cobblestone streets or stairs. Avalon classifies its excursions by mobility level:
Easy: Minimal walking, suitable for wheelchairs.
Moderate: Some uneven terrain.
Active: Not wheelchair accessible.
Guests can still enjoy scenic cruising or onboard activities if excursions aren’t accessible.
If you own a personal wheelchair, Avalon allows you to bring it onboard, provided it meets size and safety standards.
Must be manual and foldable.
Maximum width: 26 inches.
Must fit through cabin doors (typically 28 inches wide).
If you’re flying to your embarkation port:
Notify your airline about wheelchair transport needs.
Most airlines transport one wheelchair free of charge.
Label your chair with your contact details.
Wheelchairs can be stored in your cabin or in designated areas near the entrance. Avalon staff can assist with safe stowage during transit.
When renting mobility equipment, protecting your investment is essential.
Many suppliers offer optional insurance for a small fee ($10–$25), covering:
Accidental damage
Theft or loss
Replacement in case of malfunction
Check if your travel insurance policy covers medical or equipment-related incidents. Avalon partners with providers offering coverage for guests with special medical needs.
Some premium credit cards automatically include rental coverage—verify with your card issuer before booking.
Avalon’s Special Needs Department provides customized help to travelers requiring medical or mobility support.
Coordination with wheelchair suppliers.
Priority embarkation/disembarkation assistance.
Help during excursions (limited by port conditions).
Dietary and medical support upon prior notification.
Send your request to:📩 specialneeds@globusfamily.comInclude your booking number, medical or mobility needs, and contact information.
Avalon’s team will confirm arrangements and coordinate with your ship’s cruise director to ensure your needs are met.
While not all excursions are fully accessible, Avalon offers alternatives:
Private transfers for guests with limited mobility (extra cost).
Panoramic bus tours with minimal walking.
Onboard enrichment programs for those who prefer to stay on the ship.
Discuss your preferences with the cruise director at the beginning of the cruise to tailor your experience.
Book Early: Accessible staterooms and rentals are limited.
Notify Avalon: Always inform them about mobility needs in advance.
Travel with a Companion: River ships are not fully ADA-compliant; having assistance helps.
Review Excursion Difficulty Levels: Choose ones marked “Easy.”
Carry Spare Parts: For personal wheelchairs, bring tools or spares for quick repairs.
Use Lightweight Chairs: Easier for staff to assist with boarding.
Label Equipment Clearly: Helps with retrieval if stored or transported.
Consider Travel Insurance: Protect yourself and your rental equipment.
Many Avalon guests with limited mobility have shared positive experiences regarding accessibility and crew assistance. Passengers consistently praise Avalon’s attentive staff, who help with embarkation and disembarkation, and ensure guests feel comfortable and cared for.
However, most note that advance planning is key—booking accessible cabins and confirming rental logistics early ensures a stress-free experience.
📩 specialneeds@globusfamily.com📞 1-866-755-8581 (U.S. & Canada)Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–7 PM CST
If outside the U.S., contact your local Avalon Waterways office for regional support:
UK: 0330 808 0411
Australia: 1300 230 234
New Zealand: 0800 000 883
Q1: Does Avalon rent electric mobility scooters?
No. Due to ship size and safety concerns, electric scooters are not allowed onboard.
Q2: Can I rent a wheelchair during the cruise?
Wheelchairs must be rented before embarkation, not onboard.
Q3: Are all Avalon excursions wheelchair-friendly?
No, but several easy-level tours are accessible or can be modified.
Q4: Do I need medical documentation for a rental?
Not usually, though some providers may request a short health declaration.
Q5: Are wheelchair rentals refundable if I cancel my trip?
Refunds depend on the supplier’s cancellation policy—usually refundable with 48 hours’ notice.
Traveling with mobility challenges doesn’t mean compromising your cruise dreams. Avalon Waterways is deeply committed to making river cruising accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable for every guest.
While Avalon does not rent wheelchairs directly, they make the process effortless by collaborating with reliable mobility suppliers and offering pre-cruise coordination. The average cost to rent a manual wheelchair ranges between $100 and $200 per week, depending on region and rental company.
With early communication, the right rental provider, and Avalon’s supportive crew, you can enjoy a seamless and empowering river cruise experience. From the moment you board until your final port, Avalon ensures that every traveler—regardless of mobility—can explore the world’s most stunning rivers with grace, comfort, and freedom.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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