Oxygen and CPAP on a cruise
The short answer
Ships carry oxygen for emergencies only. If you need oxygen for a long-term condition, you arrange your own supply — often a rented concentrator delivered to the ship. CPAP machines are allowed; tell the line when you book so they can plan power and water.
This is not medical advice
This page explains what the cruise lines and Medicare publish. Talk to your own doctor before you book, and confirm the rules with your cruise line.
Oxygen: bring your own
What the rules say
Princess Cruises: The Medical Center carries oxygen for emergency use only. Guests who need continuous or intermittent oxygen for a chronic condition must arrange their own before they travel.
Source: Princess Cruises, checked September 21, 2026
MSC Cruises: The onboard medical center has a limited oxygen supply, mainly for patients in the medical facility. If you need long-term oxygen therapy, arranging it for the cruise is your responsibility.
Source: MSC Cruises, checked September 21, 2026
Tell the line, and rent if you need to
What the rules say
Carnival Cruise Line: Guests sailing with oxygen tanks, a concentrator or a CPAP machine fill in Carnival's Oxygen, Concentrator & CPAP Machine form before the cruise.
Source: Carnival Cruise Line, checked September 21, 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian points guests to Scootaround, which rents scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs and oxygen concentrators for cruises.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line, checked September 21, 2026
CPAP checklist
- Tell the line you are bringing a CPAP when you book.
- Ask whether distilled water can be provided, or bring your own.
- Bring an extension cord only if your line allows it — many do not.
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