Cruising the Seas		Traveling by Car, RV, Rail or Bus
	Traveling by Air		Airline Comparison

Cruising the Seas

Most cruise lines that accept passengers with supplemental oxygen require 4 to 6 weeks prior approval to travel. This approval is usually provided through the Special Services Department, the Customer Services Department, or the Operations Department. It generally requires that the passenger's private physician provide a written letter of approval to travel, a brief medical history, and a current prescription for all required health care services. It is recommended that additional copies of all medical documents be carried by the passenger in the event that other health care providers require them during travel.

Passengers are usually required to make their own arrangements with medical equipment suppliers to have their oxygen equipment and supplies delivered directly to the cruise ship. Liquid oxygen systems are generally preferred but each cruise line has its own requirements. Some cruise lines will provide the names of local contractors to provide these services.

Passengers are urged to appropriately label all items that they bring on board with their name, address, departure date, cruise line name, ship name, and cabin number. They are also encouraged to take an additional supply of their prescribed medications aboard with them in their carry-on luggage just in case their checked luggage is lost or delayed during transfers. When traveling on cruise ships that are registered to foreign countries, it is highly recommended to purchase supplemental travel insurance because Medicare and some private insurance companies may not cover health care services provided by foreign vessels or foreign health care providers. Medical services are generally available on board ship through the ship's physician who is authorized to charge customary service fees for services rendered.

There is usually no additional cruise line charge for on-board supplemental oxygen that is supplied by the traveler, nor are there any restrictions as to access aboard ship other than to avoid smoking areas and passengers who smoke.

Summary Information

• Obtain written approval to travel from your attending physician to include:
  
  
  • Prescription for required service
  • History/physical with recent ECG, PFT, and ABG
  • Summary of diagnosis and treatment
  • Listing of medications and dosages
  • Any restrictions to access or activities
  • A contact telephone/fax number for the attending physician
    
    
• Do not have multiple complicating medical conditions:
  
  
  • Should be primarily ambulatory
  • No contagious or unstable illnesses
  • Travel with a companion who can provide assistance
  • Avoid the need for the ship's medical staff to provide daily or routine treatment

Alaska Sightseeing Cruise West   800-888-9378
American Hawaii Cruises   800-765-5555
Carnival Cruise Lines   800-327-9501
Celebrity Cruises, Inc.   800-437-3111
Costa Cruise Lines   800-247-7320
Crystal Cruises   800-446-6620
Cunard Line Ltd.   800-528-6273
Delta Queen Steamboat Co.   800-458-6789
Holland America Line   800-426-0327
Norwegian Cruise Line   800-327-7030
Princess Cruises   800-421-1700
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises   800-285-1835
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line   305-374-5819