Should I Cruise if I Have Special Needs? What Help Can I Expect Onboard? (Even If I Have a CPAP Machine?)

People with special needs require special attention and accommodations that cruise lines have strived to fulfill for many years. This is not only due to ADA requirements in the cruising industry, but also as part of the amazing customer service cruise lines are famous for.

Amongst the many ways your cruise ship will cater to your needs is wheelchair assistance. Most cruise lines will have wheelchairs for rent during the entire duration of your cruise. They mostly include regular wheelchairs, oversized wheelchairs, companion wheelchairs (meant to be pushed and not ideal for outdoor rides), and even electric scooters. In my experience, I have encountered many people who were under the impression that these services should be complementary, but that is simply not the reality. However, wheelchair assistance from point A to point B within the ship, with the help of a wheelchair attendant, is available on board at all times. It’s worth noting that wheelchair rentals allow you to explore the ports, whereas wheelchair assistance is limited to within the ship. It’s also important to remember that in Europe, many towns will not be wheelchair friendly due to cobblestone streets, hills, and the lack of proper sidewalks and ramps.

Another great example of this is the use of CPAP machines. Every voyage has a manifest of people who will be using their CPAP machines during the cruise, and cruise lines will ensure that the necessary items are provided, like extension cords or distilled water, which is required in many models. While the CPAP machine itself is not commonly available for rent, I have encountered many cases when maintenance has been provided to guests’ own machines in order to keep them operating properly.

Yet, one more example of such service is the proper supply and storage of oxygen tanks for those who require them. There are extremely specific guidelines as to how they can be stored, and cruise lines will ensure guests can use it, both while on board and ashore.

However, one of the most common requests for special needs is to keep medication frozen or at a certain temperature and bring it back to guests as they need it. This is generally done through the assistance of the room Steward, room service, or, if available, the Butler. 

Finally, you must remember that cruise ships will feature entire medical facilities that will either attend to any medical needs or incidents or, should it not have the necessary implements, refer you to a local medical facility as needed, as is the case, for instance, for dental emergencies. These services are, in general, extremely pricey, which is why I always recommend traveling with medical insurance, whether through the cruise line itself or another insurance provider. – ThatGuy (onboard)