Q&A

Oxygen on a Cruise

 

Oxygen on a Cruise

Question. A. Although the requirements of cruise lines vary, they typically call for having you or your travel agent get in touch with them in advance; sometimes a note from a doctor is required. Oxygen concentrators, which are about the size of an under-the-counter refrigerator (depending on the model), seem to be the easiest for cruise lines to deal with. But since concentrators rely on electricity, it is prudent for users to have accessible a non-electrical source of oxygen - such as an E-type cylinder - should there be a power failure.

 

Answer. Although the requirements of cruise lines vary, they typically call for having you or your travel agent get in touch with them in advance; sometimes a note from a doctor is required. Oxygen concentrators, which are about the size of an under-the-counter refrigerator (depending on the model), seem to be the easiest for cruise lines to deal with. But since concentrators rely on electricity, it is prudent for users to have accessible a non-electrical source of oxygen - such as an E-type cylinder - should there be a power failure.

 

The concentrator in dealing with the lung disease you mention - which generally involves emphysema and chronic bronchitis either alone or together - makes up for the decreased ability of the lungs to take in oxygen.

 

Here's a look at the policies and sailings of some major cruise lines that run trips including the ports you mention and focusing on those leaving in September and October, when fall foliage is a popular attraction.

 

Carnival Cruise Lines, www.carnivalcruiselines.com, (800) 227-6482, has no limits on the form of oxygen used, but asks that passengers contact its guest access services department at (305) 599-2600, extension 70025, before the cruise. It also requires that oxygen be delivered only by medical supply companies. Weeklong cruises on the Carnival Victory depart weekly from Sept. 11 to Oct. 2.

 

Celebrity Cruises, (800) 437-3111, www.celebrity.com, imposes no limits on the kind of oxygen passengers can take aboard. If the supplier is a company other than TRAVELO2, Celebrity asks for the name of the person who will be delivering oxygen to the passenger's cabin and picking it up so that it can do a background check. The Constellation departs Sept. 20 for 11 days, Oct. 1 for 10 days and Oct. 11 for 13 days.

 

The Cunard Line, www.cunard.com, (305) 463-3000, allows oxygen concentrators without advance notice. The Queen Mary 2 departs on 12-day cruises Sept. 17 and 29.

 

Princess Cruises, www.princesscruises.com, (800) 774-6237, asks that passengers fill out a health questionnaire in advance and that the passenger or agent arrange for delivery of equipment. The Grand Princess departs between Sept. 12 and Oct. 24 for seven-day cruises.

 

Silversea Cruises, www.silversea.com, (800) 722-9955 or (954) 522-4477, requests that passengers provide a doctor's letter and get in touch with the line's special service department, which handles passenger needs case by case. The Silver Whisper departs Sept. 30 for eight days.

 

The provider you now use may be a source for oxygen, assuming the line you are using has no objection. Among the other sources for renting an oxygen concentrator for a cruise starting and ending in New York - including delivery to the ship and pickup - are:

 

TRAVELO2 (800) 391-2041 | Fax: (800) 391-2071. Providing outstanding services since 1991.

 $310 and $360. An E-cylinder setup is free; a cart is an extra $25 to $40.

 

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By PAUL FREIREICH
Published: August 8, 2004