Cruising with limited mobility or supplemental oxygen

Many travelers with disabilities cruise successfully. The key, according to the CDC, is to check with the cruise line before booking that what you need will be available (CDC Yellow Book: Travelers with Disabilities).

General information only. Your doctor and the cruise line’s accessibility team can advise on your situation.

Tell the cruise line early

• The CDC advises travelers who need dialysis, supplemental oxygen or a wheelchair to inform the cruise line before traveling (CDC: Cruise Ship Travel).
• Those needing oxygen, a wheelchair, special seating, a stretcher or lifting services must inform the cruise line far in advance (CDC: Travelers with Chronic Illnesses).
• Cruise lines have accessibility teams and forms. For example, Carnival offers forms for oxygen and CPAP, wheelchair assistance, mobility devices and dialysis (Carnival: Guests with Disabilities).

Your rights: the CDC notes that companies running programs on cruise ships that dock at U.S. ports have obligations under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, even if the ship is foreign-registered (CDC). Accessibility rules in other countries’ ports vary.

Supplemental oxygen

Policies differ by cruise line, so read yours carefully. As an example of what to look for, Carnival’s guidance says:

• Contact its accessibility team before sailing if you need oxygen during the cruise.
• Carry your own oxygen equipment in hand luggage, because crew can’t handle medical equipment during embarkation.
• Bring your oxygen prescription and all supplies; label everything with your name and cabin number.
• The ship’s medical center has oxygen for emergency use only. If you need oxygen during the cruise, you must arrange an adequate supply to be delivered to the ship.

Sources: Carnival: Shipboard Medical Services FAQs, Carnival: Special Requirements form (PDF).

Flying to the port? Airlines have separate oxygen rules. The CDC notes that many airlines don’t allow personal oxygen on board and only accept certain FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators; check at least 72 hours ahead (CDC: Travelers with Chronic Illnesses).

CPAP and powered equipment

Carnival’s CPAP page gives a useful picture of shipboard realities (Carnival: CPAP Machines and Oxygen Equipment):

• Bring your own equipment and supplies.
• Cabins typically have one outlet area; extension cords are allowed but surge protectors are prohibited.
• Equipment may need an electrical safety check.
• Cabin power may depend on the keycard switch, and power can be interrupted, so carry fully charged batteries or a non-electric back-up.

Wheelchairs and scooters

• Ask about accessible cabins, ramps at tender ports (some ports use small boats to reach shore) and shore excursion accessibility.
• The CDC suggests considering voltage, plug type and the reliability of power at destinations when choosing between a manual and power chair (CDC).
• Some cruise operators and travel agents specialize in travelers with disabilities.

Insurance and documents

• Carry a doctor’s letter listing your conditions, medicines and equipment (CDC).
• Check that your insurance covers medical evacuation, and ask whether it covers damage to or loss of mobility equipment.

Mobility and oxygen checklist

• Contact the cruise line’s accessibility team before booking
• Complete the cruise line’s equipment or assistance forms
• Arrange oxygen supply or delivery to the ship
• Check airline rules for oxygen or concentrators
• Charged batteries and a back-up plan for power
• Doctor’s letter and prescription
• Insurance with evacuation cover

Sources