crusing

[ann]

Has anyone booked a cruise since their diagnosis if so how did it go. I have recently booked one, I am allowed to take my wheelchair on board and they will provide a shower seat, but have been told I can only take a CPAP machine for sleep apnea.

[Ellie]

Hi Ann.

... but have been told I can only take a CPAP machine for sleep apnea.

Do you mean the cruise company specify that any NIV machine brought on board must only to be used if you have a certified sleep apnea condition or that they only permit CPAP machines on board? xx

[ann]

They just specify that it can only be used for sleep apnea, I havnt got a machine get but going to respitory clinic soon to have one excuse spelling heads in the shed thanks for reply

[Aidan in Shrewsbury]

Did a cruise last November it had been booked about six months before. Had my doubts about going as I was getting unsteady walking and my left arm and hand was really bad. But I went (round the Canary Islands) and managed ok with the help of my wife. It was a Saga cruise and they did cater well for the less abled lots of hand rails etc as they were not a young crowd on the cruise. Would recommend Saga they do look after people with health problems.

Sadly it will probably be my last proper holiday. Biggest disappointment was I was not able to dance in the dance lounge due to my unsteadiness. Thanks MND.

[JamesW]

Hi Ann,

I have been on two cruises since my diagnosis and have a third one booked this August. What I can tell you is it depends on the cruise line concerned, for example Royal Caribbean will let guests on board with oxygen or dialysis equipment whilst Carnival or Princess cruises will not. I have also just read a thread where a Royal Caribbean guest taking on board a CPAP machine was supplied a gallon of distilled water and an extension cord to fit the stateroom plugs, this was waiting for them free of charge in their state room upon their arrival.

In my case this August I will be taking my powerchair, charger and other items of small equipment. I will also be using a company called mobility at sea to supply me with larger equipment items such as a mobile hoist and a tilt in space shower chair. These are too big for me to transport to the ship myself from home so the company concerned deliver them to my stateroom on the day of departure. You can hire all sorts of equipment including scooters, powerchairs and even a profile bed if you need it.

I would suggest that anybody with specialist equipment requirements should check with the cruise line first as to whether they will let you take certain things on board or not.

I hope you have an awesome time, James X

[Ellie]

They just specify that it can only be used for sleep apnea

That's quite clear cut - I presume they need a relevant medical cert.

May I ask which cruise line? xx

[ann]

Its P and O I have emailed them to clarify was so looking forward to going, hopefully we can still go.

[ann]

Thanks for all the advise this is all still new to me. We booked through P and O to go in May to canary Isles hoping I wouldn't deteriate before we go, fingers crossed if not I will look at suggested cruise lines , thanks for replies such a good forum

[richard]

ann I have been on one, Saga, and got some more booked. It’s far easier than flying and you can take lots more luggage without the extra cost that flying incurs. I take my own electric wheelchair, shower chair, walking frame, bed rail and slide board. At the moment I don’t need any specialist medical equipment

[Aidan in Shrewsbury]

ann I have been on one, Saga, and got some more booked. It’s far easier than flying and you can take lots more luggage without the extra cost that flying incurs. I take my own electric wheelchair, shower chair, walking frame, bed rail and slide board. At the moment I don’t need any specialist medical equipment

Would also add that with Saga they picked us up from the house in a mini bus and took us straight to the ship which was in Southampton and the same on the way back which took all the hassle out of travelling. Was included in the price.