Cruise & Ferry Travel with Roamate: What to Worry About—and What Not To
Taking a mobility device on a cruise can bring up plenty of questions. To help our community members make decisions, we’ve collected real experiences from Roamate travelers who have taken cruises, crossed boarding ramps, explored ports, and used Roamate around the ship. Here are the most useful things you NEED to know before your own trip:
Ramps and bumps: usually not the part to worry about
Standard cruise boarding ramps have generally not been a problem for Roamate travelers. One member said Roamate climbed the boarding ramps without difficulty in wheelchair mode throughout a 7-day cruise.
But they may cause discomfort -- bring cushions
Cruise ships have metal strips, doorway thresholds, and other small bumps throughout the ship. One member found that these repeatedly sent pain into his lower back because Roamate’s backrest sat lower than he needed.
An inflatable cushion behind his back helped him sit more upright and made the bumps much more comfortable. He also used a separate seat cushion.
If you need more back or seat support, test a cushion before traveling. Make sure it stays securely in place and does not affect your seating position or controls.
Narrow spaces/Cabin-doors might be problem: check the measurements if you need to stay seated
Cruise ships and ferries often have narrow corridors, busy elevators, dining tables, and people moving in every direction. One traveler found that Roamate was a couple of inches too wide for his cabin doorway. Because he was able to stand, he could “pull up on the handle in the seat and shrink the width enough to enter the door.”
If you are able to stand, Roamate can be partially folded to make it easier to pass through narrow spaces. But if you need to enter the cabin while seated, ask the cruise line for the cabin-door width and compare it with Roamate’s width on our website.
Lift the footrest in narrow spaces—but put it back down afterward
Roamate has a turning radius of 63 cm (24.8 inches), which makes it relatively flexible in narrow spaces. However, in small elevators or crowded areas, it can still feel a little clumsy and take up more space than you would like.
One of our community members suggested temporarily lifting the footrest when moving through especially tight spaces. This gives Roamate a smaller footprint and can make it easier to maneuver.
Our manual states that you should not step or stand on the front bar, as it is not designed to be used as a footrest. This remains the general rule. However, when passing through a particularly narrow area, you may briefly raise the footrest and rest your feet lightly on the front bar. Move slowly, avoid putting significant pressure or body weight on the bar, and lower the footrest again as soon as you have passed through the narrow area.
Battery life has generally been reassuring
One member who took Roamate to Copenhagen and on a 12-day cruise said the battery lasted much longer per charge than she expected.
Roamate’s charger supports different countries’ voltage standards, but your order includes only one type of wall plug. If your destination uses a different outlet, bring a suitable travel plug adapter. Check the plug types used onboard and at your destinations before leaving.
Dining onboard: Roamate can be very practical
One traveler found it helpful to sit on Roamate and have his partner push him directly to the table when the dining area was crowded.
Walker mode may be more convenient when moving around a buffet, while wheelchair mode allows you to rest or be pushed to the table. Table clearance varies, so ask the staff for a suitable place if needed.
Exploring the ports: check the terrain, but don’t miss the adventure
Roamate travelers have used it to explore ports, go shopping, join sightseeing trips, and take part in excursions. One couple said it allowed them to explore Alaska’s ports and enjoy excursions that might otherwise have been out of reach. Other travelers used Roamate around Lisbon, Copenhagen, Cozumel, and Mexico, walking when they felt able and riding when they became tired.
Port conditions can vary. Roamate handled hills well, and smooth piers and shopping areas were generally manageable. However, cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, and rough surfaces could be more difficult. If you are able to stand and walk, switching to walker mode can make these surfaces much easier to navigate.
Research the excursions beforehand, including the terrain, distance, transportation, and accessibility. With some planning, Roamate can help you explore beyond the ship and enjoy much more of each destination.
Practice matters
One traveler who received her Roamate shortly before departure wished she had practiced more with the joystick, as the steering felt very sensitive at first.
Before traveling, practice driving slowly in a straight line, making tight turns, stopping smoothly, and moving through narrow doorways. This will help much more onboard than simply practicing in a large open area.
Cruise/Ferry Stories from Our Community
See Roamate at the Cozumel cruise port.
See Roamate at a Mexico cruise port.
Read the Lisbon and transatlantic cruise experience.
Read the Copenhagen and 12-day cruise experience.
Read Kym’s Alaska cruise story.
Follow Roamate’s ferry trip vlog from Shenzhen to Hong Kong.
See Roamate at the Seattle Ferry Terminal.
See Roamate at a Bird Hide Adventure.
A huge thank-you to everyone who shared these honest experiences. Your stories—both the good parts and the challenges—are helping future Roamate travelers know what to expect. If you have more to add as a reader, feel free to comment under this blog👇