Oxygen Use on Cruise

[Thumper1]

My Dad has a chronic condition that requires him to use oxygen. He can get around with the oxygen on a walking carrier. Does anyone know if we can get this through the cruise line or has anyone known or seen anybody use this on the cruise?

This may belong on the disability forum, but we are interested on going on a cruise. Preferably the 7-day Western Carribean.

 

[tecdavidt]

On our 3/16 cruise recently I did see a women in a wheelchair who was using oxygen. Kathy

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

If he is going to fly in and uses oxygen regularly, he will probably have to rent all the equipment from a company in Orlando. I'm a respiratory therapist who used to do home care. I live in the Chicago suburbs and had to deliver oxygen to the airport on several occasions. FAA regulations will not allow him to carry oxygen on board the plane, but he will be able to use their oxygen on the aircraft-he'll need to notify the airline. He should check with his insurance or Medicare (what ever he has) and find out if they'll pay for equipment rental and if the have preferred companies for him to call in Orlando. If he's using oxygen on the boat and it's a 7 day cruise he'll probably need several tanks and I would have extra on hand just in case the boat gets delayed. If a tank hasn't been used, the company should give some type of refund. You also may be able to have the company deliver the tanks to the boat itself-just like the Perfect Gift can deliver gift baskets to the staterooms. That would save you some grunt work. I would call DCL and find out what their policies are. They should be able to help you-I'm sure there are others who have sailed with oxygen.

 

[albiats]

My Father needed supplemental oxygen for his COPD for the last seven years of his life and I believe it extended the length and quality of those years.

I'm always happy when I see someone that is out and about with their oxygen tank because they're able to enjoy some time outside of their home because of using it, and I think they should be encouraged to do as much as they can.

My Father used an oxygen concentrator and it could be transported easily, even though it was about the size of a large console style dehumidifier. Hopefully, they've had a chance to make them smaller and lighter since 1990.

If your Father will need oxygen, I'm sure it'll require the formality of a Prescription from his Doctor. I was curious about the size of the oxygen concentrators since 1990 and I did a search on the Internet for them. I found a Website at Healthtology.com that has lots of info about traveling with portable oxygen and they have a link about providing oxygen for cruise ship passengers, and I thought, how appropriate! Here's the link: Oxygen for Vacation Travel I'm sure there are many others that would also supply it, but I though it would be good for information at least.

I would also suggest that you contact DCL either directly or through your Travel Agent and ask for the Medical Needs Form. By filling it out, you inform them of your medical needs so that can be aware of them and also prepare for them, if necessary. I fill out the form because I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea and will bring my own equipment and I also need to adhere to the same diet that a diabetic needs.

I'm sure your Dad will enjoy the cruise!

 

[Thumper1]

I really appreciate your responses. This board is great in how people help each other.