Wheelchair Assistance - Tipping Question.

[Guindalf]

I have a scooter booked for an upcoming cruise but it won’t be available until I get to our suite. For the first time ever for me, I’m considering asking for wheelchair assistance getting to the ship. 
 

What is an acceptable tip for this service? I realize it’s subjective, but a starting point would be useful. 
 

If it matters, I’ll be on the Solstice in January leaving from Los Angeles. 

[Pennstatedj]

Hi, I tell you what we do in Fort Lauderdale. Every port is different. You are picked up at curbside by someone from port. Then taken thru security and to desk checkin. Then you wait for someone usually crew person who will then take you to ship and to your room. I give each person $10. I have never asked anyone else but having been doing this for several years. 

[JFontaine]

My experience on the East Coast is that it takes at least two people to assist at embarkation; the first person doesn't have credentials to board the ship.  $10 each unless it takes a while to get through any portion: in that case $20.  If these folks are tied up with us, they aren't making money assisting others. 

[pcrum]

How do we request the assistance at the port?  I am booking a wheelchair for my 90 year old mother from Special Needs at Sea.  This will be waiting in our cabin, but she will need assistance getting off and on the ship.  Can we keep the wheelchair we get to board until we get to the cabin?  We are booked concierge, so planned on having lunch in the MDR upon arrival.  I'm not sure how early the cabins are available.

 

Thank you.

[Arizona Wildcat]

1 hour ago, pcrum said:

How do we request the assistance at the port?  I am booking a wheelchair for my 90 year old mother from Special Needs at Sea.  This will be waiting in our cabin, but she will need assistance getting off and on the ship.  Can we keep the wheelchair we get to board until we get to the cabin?  We are booked concierge, so planned on having lunch in the MDR upon arrival.  I'm not sure how early the cabins are available.

 

Thank you.

Through special needs at Celebrity at least 2 weeks before you cruise.  They will take your Mum to her cabin and she can immediately pickup her rented wheelchair.

She can access her cabin immediately.   They probably can make it available quickly with a pile request on board.

[DUTRAVEL]

3 hours ago, pcrum said:

How do we request the assistance at the port?  I am booking a wheelchair for my 90 year old mother from Special Needs at Sea.  This will be waiting in our cabin, but she will need assistance getting off and on the ship.  Can we keep the wheelchair we get to board until we get to the cabin?  We are booked concierge, so planned on having lunch in the MDR upon arrival.  I'm not sure how early the cabins are available.

 

Thank you.

Go here and download the Special Needs form and fax or e-mail to Celebrity.

 

https://www.celebritycruises.com/special-needs

[JFontaine]

If you get there too early the wheelchair might not be in the cabin yet.  If that's the case, ask to keep the wheelchair that gets you on board. If the escort says no (it might be needed to transport others on board), ask to be taken to the main dining room. At the end of lunch, you can go to the cabin, get the wheelchair and then pick your mom up.  The dining room might be able to lend you a wheelchair to get to the cabin. I've seen it all, I need to be flexible, creative and have patience (which for me, isn't always easy).  

 

At the port, have your mom stand/lean/sit in the car and ask that the wheelchair be brought to you.  They will want the car to move, and it should cause the port workers to help you get the wheelchair quickly.  If there's a bench to sit, that should work too. But once you start walking into the port it could be harder to get someone to bring a wheelchair.  Some ports provide escorted wheelchairs easier/faster than others. 

[pcrum]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful replies.  I have downloaded the Guest Special Needs form and will submit it.