Before traveling with portable oxygen by cruise:

1) Visit your doctor to inform him/her about your trip. Also inform the doctor if there are extreme weather conditions at your destinations (high humidity, extreme cold, extreme hot, high altitude, air pollution) can make breathing even more difficult or/and can worsen your symptoms. Take a new prescription if necessary.

2) Make sure you have all the medicine you need.

3) Make at least one copy of your medicine and oxygen prescription and always have it on you.

4) Do a research for doctors and hospitals at your destination in case you need it.

5) Always have an oximeter on you to check your oxygen levels.

6) If you ‘re travelling abroad, check if your insurance covers you in case of emergency.

7) If you are using your Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) device, fully charge all your batteries.

8) If you are using oxygen tanks/cylinders, always have more than you will usually use.

9) Be sure you have the right power convertors/adaptors.

10) Take your cpap or bipap machine with you.

11) Always be prepared for possible delays and have extra oxygen/batteries with you.

12) If you don’t have your own oxygen device or oxygen tanks, you can always rent. There are companies that can supply you with oxygen devices or tanks almost everywhere in the world.

Booking a cruise in order to travel with oxygen:

1) Contact the cruise line or your agent early to inform about your oxygen needs and for the devices you will take onboard.

2) Ask if there is any prescription or doctor’s declaration need to be submitted.

3) Make sure you have enough oxygen tanks/cylinders.

4) If you have a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) device make sure you have enough extra batteries.

5) Ask if there is a doctor on board in case you will need him/her.

6) Book a cabin near an elevator if its possible.

Arriving at the port with portable oxygen:

If you are going to the port by car/taxi or bus click here.

If you are going to the port by train, click here.

If you take an airplane to arrive to your destination click here.

If you must stay overnight at a hotel/motel click here for tips.

1) Ask from your companion to help you with your luggage.

2) Arrive to the cruise ship early because seaport authorities might want to check your Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) device before you get onboard and that may take some time.

3) Try to avoid the lines and remember that you have priority.

4) Inform the staff that you are travelling with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) device or oxygen tanks/cylinders.

5) If you have arranged for a rental oxygen device or oxygen tanks/cylinders to wait for you at the port, contact the supplier to inform about your arrival.

During the cruise with portable oxygen:

1) If you are using a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) device try to use power supply, whenever you can e.g. in the cabin, in the dining areas etc.

2) Always have fully charged extra batteries.

3) Check your oxygen levels with your oximeter regularly.

4) Always place the device properly, and make sure that the air filters are not blocked.

5) When you ‘re going on shore make sure you have extra fully charged batteries or extra oxygen tanks/cylinders with you.

6) Keep in mind that some cruise ships may have supplemental oxygen, that can be used only in case of emergency.

7) Try to avoid crowds when it’s possible.

8)  The cabin that you will stay in, must be clean and dust free.

9) Chlorine is bad for the lungs, so ask during your booking or at the reception to clean your room with chlorine free products if it’s possible.

10) Avoid to swim in indoor pools. The smell of the chlorine might intensify the symptoms of your lung disease.

Arriving at the cruise boat

1) Ask from your companion or the staff to help you with your luggage.

2) Try to avoid lines and remember that you have priority.

If you have arranged for a rental oxygen device or oxygen tanks/cylinders to wait for you at the port, contact the supplier to inform about your arrival.

If you are leaving the port by car/taxi or bus, click here.

If you are leaving the port by train, click here.

To learn more about accommodation tips, click here.

Cruises Oxygen Rental

You can rent a POC oxygen for your cruise.

If you don’t have your own oxygen device , you can always rent. There are companies that can supply you with oxygen devices or tanks almost everywhere in the world.

You can get a POC oxygen on sale or rent for a few days or in some cases you can rent to own!

You can rent POC oxygen by phone and your supplier will ship it to your door, port of call or airport.
In most of cases they offer minimum two batteries with every rental.
Wall power/charger cord and 12 volt car adapter included with every rental.
All canula’s and tubing included with every rental.

A trusted supplier will:

• Assist with the correct product choice in order to provide the best possible solution for your challenge.
• Obtain the patient information, prescription and expedite the rental process for you. You can call us toll free or fill out the online rental form.
• Provide you with the necessary information to help you understand how to use the product and feel comfortable on your trip.
• Include battery, A/C wall adapter/charger, car power cord/charger, carrying case with handle and wheels.

Compare rental or purchase prices.

Many cruise lines allow rental Portable Oxygen Concentrators on board the ship, but each have individual requirements, such as 48 hour notice and/or a physicians statement. Each cruise line has a special needs coordinator that can answer any questions regarding your travel and they should be contacted directly.

If you choose to hand carry your oxygen, packing oxygen cylinders and/or tanks in your luggage is strictly prohibited, as is putting them through security x-ray machines. Please hand-carry your oxygen machines and do not place them in your checked luggage.

Medical Centers on board the vessels are equipped with oxygen for emergency use only. If you require the use of oxygen you must arrange for an adequate supply to be delivered to the ship on your sailing date. Guest services will be able to assist with proper storage of all oxygen once onboard your vessel.

Ships do not refill oxygen tanks. Costs for oxygen on cruise lines will not be covered by government programs.

Using your Portable Oxygen Concentrator on a cruise ship is as convenient as using it at home. In your cabin, simply plug your POC into an AC electrical outlet just as you would at home.

Use battery power for ship activities outside your cabin. Be sure to keep enough batteries charged to provide power for the duration of your shipboard activities.

Most cruise ships offer AC electrical outlets throughout the ship. To conserve battery power, you may wish to locate an AC electrical outlet in the dining and recreational areas of the ship. If you transport your POC in the convenient carry bag, you can use the pockets on the bag to carry your AC Power Supply or extra battery.

Get to the seaport early. Seaport security personnel may require extra time to inspect your Oxygen equipment during the security screening process.