Carnival Cruise Mobility Scooter Update Creates Controversy

Carnival Cruise Line has introduced new regulations concerning the use of mobility scooters on board, starting with the Mardi Gras ship. The policy, as shared by John Heald on Facebook, aims to address safety concerns and improve the overall cruise experience for all passengers. Here’s a summary of the key points and updates regarding these new rules:

1. Prohibition of Mobility Scooters in Guest Corridors: Carnival is implementing a policy where mobility scooters are not allowed to be left in guest corridors at any time, aiming to ensure safety and accessibility for all guests on board.
2. Pre-boarding Checks: The embarkation team will verify whether a passenger’s cabin can accommodate their mobility scooter. This means guests with extra-large scooters might face boarding restrictions if their scooter cannot be accommodated within their cabin.
3. Rental Options: For those whose scooters do not comply with the new policy or cannot be accommodated in their cabins, Carnival has partnered with Scootaround, a preferred vendor, to offer collapsible scooters for rent at the pier, at the guest’s own expense, providing a convenient solution for affected passengers.
4. Emphasis on Safety and Inclusivity: Despite the new restrictions, Carnival’s message emphasizes that the cruise line is not seeking to prevent individuals who use mobility scooters from cruising. Instead, the focus is on safety and ensuring that all passengers have a pleasant and accessible cruising experience. The introduction of collapsible scooters for rent indicates a move towards accommodating the needs of passengers who rely on mobility aids.
5. Community Response: The updates have sparked a range of reactions within the community, with some expressing frustration over the perceived inconvenience. John Heald’s responses highlight a commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of all passengers, emphasizing that the measures are not intended to exclude anyone from enjoying their cruise.
6. Further Communications: Carnival plans to provide more information and guidance on this policy in the future, indicating ongoing efforts to refine and implement these changes in a way that balances safety with accessibility.

Letter from Carnival to Mardi Gras passengers

This initiative by Carnival to regulate the use of mobility scooters on the Mardi Gras ship reflects a broader effort to enhance safety and accessibility onboard. By engaging directly with the community through platforms like Facebook, Carnival aims to foster understanding and compliance with these new rules, ensuring a positive experience for all passengers.

For those interested in the detailed discussions and responses regarding this policy, here is a sample of the conversations on John Heald’s Facebook page:

I would like to chat please with those of you who use a mobility scooter when you cruise with us. It is obvious of course the challenges of life you face that have meant that you need to use a mobility scooter and I do wish you nothing but healthy and happy days.

However, we do need to try hard now to not allow anyone to leave their mobility scooter outside I the guest corridors at any time. We are testing this on one of the ships as we speak with guests sailing being sent emails with all the implications and rules ahead of time. The embarkation team will check if the cabin of any guest that comes with a scooter can accommodate the scooter meaning if it is one of the extra large ones then they will not be allowed to board the ship.

We will offer guests a chance to rent a new mobility scooter from  Scootaround (our preferred vendor) https://scootaround.com/who will have collapsible scooters available at the pier for guests to rent at their cost if needed.

There will be much more on this in the days ahead but we really are going to be working to make sure that for the safety of everyone on the ship that scooters must be kept in the cabins and never in the corridors.

Again, I realise the challenges that mobility scoter users face, I really do but I am sure most will understand and comply with our requests for which I am truly thankful.

Cheers

John.

John Heald’s video on the mobility scooter update:

John Heald’s video

More from John Heald on the response:

Wow. The mobility scooter subject is the gift that keeps on giving.

What a lovely way for me to spend my Saturday.

Anyway in all seriousness, let me say this. Despite what somebody posted on another Facebook page which was sent to me by my colleagues at the mothership, we are not trying to stop people on mobility scooters from cruising with us.

Far far far from that. And to the lady who suggested that people who are on mobility scooters should not cruise with us, well, let me just say I was very sad to read that.

So, Scoot Around,  the company Carnival recommend a do have collapsible scooters to rent. You do not need to have a collapsible scooter. It just needs to fit through the door.

And the “F”  who suggested after I replied to him that I “ become an adult and grow up “. Well, as far as I know an adult, is somebody who makes a noise when they stand up…….if that’s the case I am indeed an adult.

Oh FFS

More on the mobility scooter update:

Name: D….

Message: John, it is my wish that  one day you have serious bad health and  find yourself having to use a mobility scooter. This is a disgrace, and you are a disgrace.”

Well, I do understand the emotions that are going around at the moment.

And if I ever have to use a mobility scooter, I will drive around the Ship handing out food, it will be my version of meals on wheels.

Cheers.

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