Husband needs oxygen now. Can he cruise w/tank?

[rwilk1129]

My husband has just been diagnosed with restriction/obstruction  in his lungs which makes him short of breath

when walking. If he sits down for a bit he is ok again. Lung Dr has ordered oxygen to have with him all the time. 

Oxygen company showed up with 1 big tank, 5 little tanks, carry case for carrying a small tank with you, and a 

large concentrator unit that produces oxygen along with a mile of tubing so he can move all over the house. Seems

like overkill to us, he can breathe ok sitting around the house and even does cardiac rehab without being short of

breath. But walking is another matter.  Anyway can anybody advise us how to cruise with oxygen? Experience anyone?

 

[coevan]

of course, see them all over the ship

[shof515]

Contact the special needs desk : 1-800-438-6744 ext.70025 or email access@carnival.com

 

https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs/diabetes-medicine-storage.aspx

[chengkp75]

Portable concentrators are not a problem at all.  Pure oxygen tanks need to be mentioned to cruise line special needs department so that they can arrange a hazmat placard (about 4") for the cabin door and storage for extra cylinders.  The hazmat placard is to notify emergency personnel about the oxygen in case of a fire.  It sounds like he only needs a concentrator, not cylinders.

[CascaisCruiser]

My mom has cruised a few times with oxygen.  Once she found a company that delivered the big tank to her stateroom (it was already there when she got to her room).  The second time she brought her tank in her suitcase (it fits perfectly into a hard-sided suitcase she has).  Then she uses her portable oxygen concentrator for walking around the ship and shore excursions.  She also carries an extra battery for that.  She doesn't do any long shore excursions, but requiring oxygen has not stopped her from cruising. She does call the special needs desk on Carnival to let them know she's using oxygen. 

[jordanaire]

Get an Inogen oxygen generator. My mom used one prior to her death and was able to go ANYWHERE with it. Works great!

[Schoifmom]

You should also check out the "Disabled Cruising" section here at CC.  There is a ton of great information there.

Edited September 30, 2019 by Schoifmom

[Mutumbojimbo]

1 hour ago, jordanaire said:

Get an Inogen oxygen generator. My mom used one prior to her death and was able to go ANYWHERE with it. Works great!

I second this idea. My Father-in-Law had one and it was much easier than dealing with filling tanks, etc.   

[Chervil]

In Carnival's FAQs page, under Prohibited Items and then under Exemptions it reads:
https://help.carnival.com.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/129/~/are-there-restrictions-on-what-i-can-bring-on-board
"Medical gas bottles/oxygen cylinders are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage.Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to guest services and stored in a designated safe area."

 

We have seen several people with tanks onboard so it shouldn't be an issue.
Enjoy your cruise!

[rwilk1129]

Thanks everybody for all the info. My husband's medical problems have been very sudden and doctors don't explain much. We have 3 cruises booked for the winter and he still wants to go on all of them. They will be new experiences  on these cruises. We have been blessed to have been able to cruise as much as we have and would like to continue. Will look into getting an Inogen. Thanks again

 

[Joe817]

I wish you the best for you husband and you. God Bless. And I pray that the both of you can fulfill your dreams of continued sailing. I have only seen oneTV the ads they have for Inogen, but it looks very promising. Best wishes. 

[evandbob]

On 9/30/2019 at 6:14 PM, Chervil said:

In Carnival's FAQs page, under Prohibited Items and then under Exemptions it reads:
https://help.carnival.com.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/129/~/are-there-restrictions-on-what-i-can-bring-on-board
"Medical gas bottles/oxygen cylinders are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage.Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to guest services and stored in a designated safe area."

 

We have seen several people with tanks onboard so it shouldn't be an issue.
Enjoy your cruise!

I generally cruise Carnival now mainly on casino fare cruises.  I've often seen pax with oxygen tanks of some sort in their walkers while they sit at a slot machine and the person next to them, sometimes the people on either side, are smoking.

 

I'll guess the tanks are 20 - 25% diluted oxygen to simulate the atmosphere so not a hazard but I still look for another area to play at.....

[Sailor_Sally]

If you

13 hours ago, rwilk1129 said:

Thanks everybody for all the info. My husband's medical problems have been very sudden and doctors don't explain much. We have 3 cruises booked for the winter and he still wants to go on all of them. They will be new experiences  on these cruises. We have been blessed to have been able to cruise as much as we have and would like to continue. Will look into getting an Inogen. Thanks again

 

If you are flying you cannot use a tank you must use a approved portable concentrator with an extra battery .You have to check with the airline . The Imogen is approved .

[DeesEscape]

OP...My sweetie recently developed pulmonary problems and is on oxygen now as well. He has a big tank at home and a portable one for travel of which will be his first time using on a cruise. 

 

You should be fine with a portable tank. I contacted Carnival and spoke with them to confirm all the very in-depth information they already provide on their website. It is very clear and specific as to the process and how they can assist in making the experience one that won't interfere with your trip but takes into account concerns about traveling with any type of health and/or mobility issue. We are going on our trip in December and I have not the least bit of concern that my guy will be fine and able to enjoy every moment of our vacation. I hope the same for you and your hubby as well. 

[joepeka]

I will throw in my vote for a portable concentrator, specifically the Inogen One G3. My mother has one and it has really freed her to do all the normal things she needs and wants. It's lightweight (about 5 lbs.), and easy to carry with the accompanying bag but the only downside is the price. Something to definitely consider, as others above have mentioned.

Edited October 4, 2019 by joepeka