Plan Your Accessible Cruise with Ease
If you’re visiting the UK from the USA to join a cruise from Southampton, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. This bustling port is the gateway to some of the world’s most popular cruises, from transatlantic voyages to European adventures. But if you rely on a mobility scooter, wheelchair, or other equipment including a profiling bed or even Oxygen Concentrators, travelling overseas can feel like an extra challenge.
At Mobility at Sea, we’re here to make it easy. We specialise in all mobility products including wheelchair hire, mobility scooter hire, mobile hoist hire and shower chair hire and more mobility equipment hire, so you can arrive, relax, and get straight to enjoying your holiday. We’ll deliver your mobility equipment directly to your cruise cabin (if applicable and authorised), fully set up and ready to use, so you don’t have to worry about bringing it with you.
Why Southampton is a Favourite for US Cruise Passengers
Southampton is the UK’s number one cruise port, welcoming thousands of passengers from North America every year. The terminals are well-equipped for travellers who need mobility assistance with accessible check-ins, friendly staff, and good transport links.
However, bringing your own mobility scooter or wheelchair on a long-haul flight can be awkward, expensive, risky and prohibited if your medical device carries a lithium battery. Airlines have weight limits, and there’s always a chance your equipment could get damaged in transit. That’s why hiring from a trusted local provider is such a popular option.
Why Hire Instead of Bringing Your Own?
Hiring your mobility equipment through us means:
- You may avoid extra airline fees and restrictions.
- No need to lift heavy equipment through airports and terminals.
- You get reliable, well-maintained equipment delivered straight to your cabin or cruise terminal.
- You can benefit from more products like Bed Levers or Bath Benches, fitted for your convenience.
We’re based in Waterlooville, Hampshire, just outside Southampton, and we partner with major cruise lines to make sure your hire process is smooth and worry-free.
What Equipment Can You Hire?
When it comes to accessible cruising, everyone’s needs are different. That’s why we offer a wide range of options:
Wheelchair Hire
Our wheelchair hire service is ideal if you need extra support getting around on board or ashore. We have lightweight manual wheelchairs that are easy to use for port days and excursions.
Electric Wheelchair Hire
If you prefer a powered option, we have comfortable electric wheelchairs available. These give you excellent mobility with minimal effort, so you can focus on relaxing – please check with your travel provider that you are in the correct cabin for this product.
Mobility Scooter Hire
Larger ships can mean a lot of walking! With a mobility scooter hire, you’ll have the freedom to explore every deck, visit restaurants and lounges, and enjoy your cruise independently. We offer compact and standard scooters, all easy to charge and use – subject to the cruise line policies.
Hoist Hire
If you need assistance getting in and out of bed or other transfers, our hoist hire service can help. We deliver and set up your hoist in your cabin, so it’s ready to go when you arrive.
Other Mobility Aids
We also hire out walking frames, shower chairs, raised toilet seats and other equipment, the little things that make life on board safer and more comfortable.
How Does It Work?
Hiring your mobility aids with us is simple:
Get in Touch Early
Once you’ve booked your cruise, contact us to discuss what you’ll need. We’re always happy to advise on the best equipment for your cabin and ship.
Leave the Delivery to Us
We work directly with cruise lines, so your mobility equipment will be delivered to your cabin before you board. It’ll be fully set up, charged, and ready to use.
Enjoy Your Cruise
Benefit from everything our cruise holiday provides with just a little extra help from us.
Easy Collection
At the end of your holiday, just leave your hired items on the cruise, and we’ll collect them for you.
Top Tips for US Visitors
- Book Early: To secure the equipment you want, especially during busy cruise seasons, we recommend booking as soon as you know your travel dates.
- Check Your Cabin: Make sure your cruise cabin is suitable for your needs and has space for the equipment you need. We can advise you on this if you’re unsure.
- Insurance: It’s always worth checking with your travel insurance provider that you’re covered for using hired equipment abroad.
- Pack Smart: Don’t forget to pack any medication or slings needed for your trip/ equipment, we will make sure that if your hire products need adapters, they will be provided.
Why Choose Mobility at Sea?
We’ve been helping cruise passengers for years, so we know how important it is that your equipment works perfectly every day of your holiday. Our team is friendly, experienced, and we genuinely care about your comfort.
Your enquiry will be handled personally – you're speaking with a real person! Our team will carefully review your needs and provide tailored recommendations to help you get the most from your holiday. Plus, you’ll receive a call a few days before your trip to ensure everything is in order and your expectations are met.
Whether you need wheelchair hire, mobility scooter hire, hoist hire, or other mobility aids, you can trust us to handle the details, so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to Arrange Your Hire?
Cruising from Southampton, Portsmouth or London Tilbury should be relaxing and accessible for everyone. With Mobility at Sea, you don’t have to bring everything with you; we’ll make sure your equipment is ready and waiting when you arrive.
Read our blog on why the Port of Southampton is so good for accessibility for more information, or get in touch today to talk through your needs, secure your hire, and start planning the holiday you deserve. We look forward to helping you cruise with confidence.
Date published: 14/07/2025