Unlike a ceiling or tracking hoist, a mobile hoist is not attached permanently to the building or ship. It has a wheeled base that allows it to be positioned around the person and moved within an appropriate space.
Mobility at Sea provides a selection of mobile hoists for cruise hire, with different models available according to the user’s needs, weight, and cabin environment.
Choosing the right model is important. The most compact hoist is not automatically the most suitable, and the equipment must be assessed against both the passenger’s transfer requirements and the practical restrictions of the cabin.
Can a Mobile Hoist Be Used in Any Cruise Cabin?
No. A mobile hoist cannot be assumed to work in every cruise cabin.
Even when a cruise line permits mobile hoists onboard, the individual cabin must have a wider doorway and provide enough usable space for the equipment, the passenger and anyone assisting with the transfer. A cabin can technically have room to store a hoist while still being unsuitable for using it safely.
Important factors include:
- The cabin doorway width
- The amount of clear floor space beside the bed
- The position and height of the bed
- Clearance beneath the bed for the hoist legs
- The hoist’s turning and manoeuvring space
- The passenger’s wheelchair and any other equipment in the cabin
- Space for a partner, relative or carer to provide assistance
- Clear access to the bathroom and cabin door
- The cruise line’s individual equipment policy
An accessible cabin will usually offer a more practical layout for mobile hoist use, but the word “accessible” alone is not a guarantee. Accessible cabins vary considerably between cruise lines, ships and even cabin numbers on the same vessel.
Our accessible cruise cabin guide explains the measurements and features worth checking before making a reservation. It is also helpful to consider how mobility and care equipment will be arranged inside the cabin, particularly if more than one item is required.
Cruise Line Approval and Cabin Suitability Are Not the Same Thing
This is an important distinction. A cruise line may confirm that a mobile hoist is an approved type of equipment, but that does not necessarily confirm that it can be operated safely inside every cabin.
For example, a standard cabin may have a narrow entrance, restricted space beside the bed or insufficient room to manoeuvre the hoist once a wheelchair and luggage are inside. The hoist will also need to pass through the doorway fully assembled, depending on the model.
That is why passengers should provide the exact ship, sailing date, cruise line and cabin number when discussing hoist hire. General information about a cabin category is rarely as useful as details about the individual cabin that has been reserved.
Where possible, ask the cruise provider for:
- The cabin doorway width
- The space available beside and beneath the bed
- The bed height and whether it can be reconfigured
- A detailed cabin plan or recent photographs
- Confirmation that the proposed hoist is permitted
- Any restrictions affecting delivery or collection
- Information about emergency access and evacuation requirements
It is much easier to choose a suitable cabin before booking than to try and solve a space or access problem after the reservation has been confirmed.
Can a Mobile Hoist Work With a Standard Cruise Ship Bed?
This depends on the bed and cabin layout. The legs of many mobile hoists need to move underneath or around the bed so the lifting arm can be positioned correctly. If the bed base is too low, boxed in or surrounded by fixed furniture, the hoist may not reach the required transfer position.
In some circumstances, an approved alternative arrangement may be needed. This could include adjusting the bed configuration or considering one of Mobility at Sea’s profiling beds and mattresses for cruises, subject to the cruise line’s policy and the space available.
A profiling bed may offer adjustable height and positioning, but it is another substantial item of equipment. The entire cabin arrangement must therefore be assessed rather than considering the hoist and bed separately.
Passengers who also need bathroom support may wish to explore shower commode chairs for cruises. Again, the bathroom dimensions and transfer plan must be checked before deciding which equipment is appropriate.
Do Accessible Cruise Cabins Have Ceiling Hoists?
Fixed ceiling-track hoists are not a standard feature in accessible cruise cabins.
Cruise ship cabins are very different from adapted bedrooms on land. Electrical systems, pipes, ventilation and other essential services often run above the cabin ceilings, while structural, clearance and passenger safety requirements make installing a permanent track system extremely difficult at the present time.
Mobility at Sea does not hire fixed ceiling hoists for cruise cabins, but provides mobile hoists that have been selected specifically for suitable shipboard environments and approved arrangements.
We understand why passengers would like to see ceiling hoists included in accessible cabins. For many people, they would make transfers easier and create greater independence. We continue to listen to the experiences of disabled passengers and pass relevant feedback on, but the design and permanent facilities of a ship remain the responsibility of its operator.
Passengers should never assume a cabin has a ceiling hoist simply because it is advertised as accessible.
Can a Gantry Hoist Be Used in a Cruise Cabin?
A gantry hoist uses a freestanding frame or track positioned over a bed or transfer area. Although gantry systems can be useful in some homes, hotels and care environments, they are not generally suitable for cruise cabins.
Mobility at Sea has considered different gantry systems over the years but has not found one suitable for cruise ship hire due to factors including limited ceiling clearance, cabin space and passenger safety. A gantry requires sufficient room for the complete structure, as well as clear access around it. In a compact cabin, the frame could restrict movement, obstruct essential routes or create additional hazards.
A mobile floor hoist is therefore the more practical cruise hire solution, provided the cabin and passenger requirements have been properly assessed.
Can I Take My Own Hoist on a Cruise?
It may be possible to bring your own hoist, but this must be discussed with the cruise line well in advance.
Do not assume that because a hoist is suitable at home, it will automatically be accepted or work effectively at sea. The cruise provider will require information about its dimensions, weight, electrical specifications and intended use. You may also need to explain where it will be stored and operated.
Passengers bringing their own equipment should make sure that:
- The cruise line has approved the exact hoist
- The cabin has been checked for practical compatibility
- The hoist can be transported safely to the ship
- Anyone operating it is familiar with its safe use
- A compatible sling is available
- Required charging or electrical arrangements have been confirmed
- The equipment will not obstruct the cabin door or emergency route
Do not assume that ship crew will be able to operate personal moving and handling equipment or provide physical assistance with transfers. Discuss your support needs with the cruise provider and ensure that a suitably capable companion, personal assistant or carer will be available if required.
Can a Mobile Hoist Be Taken on a Flight?
Some specialist folding hoists may be accepted by certain airlines, but every airline has its own baggage, medical equipment and battery policies. International requirements can also differ.
The mobile hoists supplied by Mobility at Sea for cruises do not fold into a suitcase and are not suitable for passengers to take on flights. Anyone planning a fly-cruise with their own hoist must contact the airline and cruise provider before booking.
You should obtain confirmation covering each part of the journey, including the outbound flight, airport transfers, hotel accommodation, embarkation port, cruise ship and return journey. Approval from one organisation does not automatically mean the next stage of the trip can accommodate the equipment.
What Is a Communal Hoist on a Cruise Ship?
“Communal hoist” is not always used consistently across the cruise industry. It may refer to accessibility equipment supplied by the ship for use in a shared area rather than equipment allocated to a passenger’s cabin.
Most commonly, passengers use the term when discussing pool hoists or pool lifts. These are fixed or portable systems intended to support access to a particular swimming pool, whirlpool or spa facility.
A communal or pool hoist is different from a mobile cabin hoist. It is normally owned, maintained and managed directly by the cruise line.
If a travel agent or cruise provider says a communal hoist is available, ask them to explain exactly:
- What type of hoist it is
- Where on the ship it is located
- Which pool, whirlpool or facility it serves
- Whether it must be reserved in advance
- Whether a weight limit applies
- What type of seat or sling it uses
- Who is permitted to operate it
- What assistance the crew can and cannot provide
- Whether there is an alternative if it is unavailable
This avoids a situation where a passenger expects a mobile hoist for cabin transfers but discovers that the equipment mentioned is only a fixed lift beside one swimming pool.