Cruising With Oxygen
by Andrew Garnett

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All cruise lines welcome oxygen onboard. However, each line has specific guidelines or requirements for guests to follow. For example, Princess Cruises requires a prescription or a note from your doctor with a diagnosis of your breathing problem and the prescribed dosage and flow rate. You are required to have this at least 30 days prior to sailing. Some lines also require, or suggest, that you have a release form from your doctor. We think it is a good idea for anyone traveling with oxygen to have medical clearance.

Complying with paperwork requirements and meeting specifications can take time, so it is always a good idea to begin planning early and to contact the medical or access/special needs department of your cruise line at least three to four weeks before your sailing date.

It is important that you have enough oxygen for the entire voyage. To help you calculate, assume you will spend 10 to 12 hours per day out of your cabin; that's the average based on statistics and feedback from our customers. You do not want to end up confined to your stateroom because you do not have enough portable oxygen.

Keep in mind that you will not be able to "pack" your equipment in, or with, your luggage. Cruise line policy states that you are permitted to bring your own equipment with you. However, you must bring it onboard yourself. The lines will not be held responsible for any missing equipment or for damages. In fact, you could be held liable if anyone were to get injured by the equipment. So, don't try to sneak it on in your luggage.

Why worry about the possibility that your equipment won't make it in one piece? Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea delivers directly to cruise ships at ports around the world and works closely with almost every major cruise line. We can handle all of the details for you. The oxygen will be delivered in accordance with the line's requirements, and you can then carry the oxygen with you as you navigate the ship.

Most of all, you should learn everything you need to know about your portable equipment before you leave on your trip. The middle of the ocean is not the place to start figuring out how things operate.

In working with and talking to the major cruise lines, the only universal restriction they have for passengers using oxygen onboard ships is to avoid smoking and stay away from any areas where others are smoking. There may also be limitations on taking certain quantities of oxygen on certain shore excursions. This is best confirmed and handled with your cruise line when you book.

So, start planning, and get packing to enjoy your cruise!

Andrew J. Garnett is the founder and CEO of Special Needs at Sea/Special Needs Group, Inc., a one-stop resource for special needs travel around the world. He is passionate about dissolving barriers and dedicated to helping persons with disabilities travel the world. Special Needs Group is recommended by the world's major cruise lines and hotels, and it does not compete in any way with travel agents.

(Credits: Special Needs at Sea/Andrew Garnett)