cruise challenge

[cowtown]

Going on a cruise in September (Holland America) Concerned with possible power outages and shorting out of equipment. Confused as to what to bring; extra power cords,battery pack, adaptors do we need everything?. Want to keep this simple and cut the expence. Suggestions?

[Janknitz]

I went on a cruise a few years ago* (before CPAP) and there were no issues with power outages or surges--It was truly like a floating hotel. I would be sure to take an extension cord in case the bed is not close enough to an outlet, and a surge protector is always a good idea.

If you nose around, I've seen some other recommendations here for how to set up your equipment for hose management and so that it won't get knocked around during cabin cleaning. Also how to ensure a supply of distilled water.

I slept like a baby on the cruise (even though I was snoring since I didn't have CPAP)! The combination of a very low bit of white noise from the ship engines and gentle rocking after an active, fun day is an awesome soporific!

It's great fun. Enjoy!

*My mother-in-law treated 19 family members to an inter-island Hawaii Cruise--Wonderful!

[amos]

1. If you call ahead most cruise lines will have a supply of distilled water and a small table in the cabin when you arrive. Most cabin stewards will get these for you if you do not call ahead.

2. Usually there is only one electrical outlet in the cabin, so bring a mutliple outlet plug with you.

3. Sometimes the electrical outlet is on the opposite side of the cabin from the bed, so bring one or more extension cords.

4. Sometimes you are unable to run the extension cord along the floor, so bring something a bungee cord to string it from the ceiling.

5. Have a great cruise!!!!

amos

[amos]

Oh, and one thing more. Be sure to carry your cpap on board with you. Never trust it to baggage handlers.

amos

[Cowtown]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Think I have a good idea what to do now. Can't wait to go on this fabulous cruise!

[mattman]

I would also strongly suggest you contact your DME provider. They most likely have helped other patients go on cruises and may also be able to help with supplies and/or be a general source of information on what to bring and what to expect.

Helping patients manage vacations while going on a vacation was a very active part of our business at several different DME providers I've worked at.

mattman

[LinkC]

I've been on two cruises while on CPAP and can echo everything amos said.

You will not be the first CPAPer they've had on board. No need for batteries, jumper cables and the like.

I WOULD suggest a surge protector (but I use one at home, too!) It's cheap insurance against "dirty" power, no matter where you are. amos suggested a multi-outlet adapter...for a few extra bucks you can get one with surge protection built in.

[Stormynights]

I just got back from a cruise. I brought a surge protector with me and it all went well. The cord strung across the floor was the only problem. Have fun and don't forget to take sea sick pills the night before boarding the ship.

[Hope1952]

My husband and I both took our cpap machines on a month-long cruise in March. We agree with the above suggestions. You WILL need more plugs and an extension cord. Friends who traveled on the same ship with us had their luggage dropped overboard and it came to their stateroom with 3" of water in it. CARRY YOUR CPAP WITH YOU. A special table for the cpap would be great. Even so, we ALWAYS packed our machines and hoses into a bedside drawer before leaving the room so the cabin stewards could clean without touching our cpap equipment. I'd also suggest that as soon as you get to your stateroom, look behind the headboard and bedside tables and check for dust. Even though they "cleaned" our room every day, the wall and floor were horribly dusty at the head of our bed and had we noticed earlier, we would have asked them to move the furniture and clean better. I had a very stuffy nose every night and couldn't figure out why. I kept using the neti pot thinking the stuffiness must be caused by air polution and wind at the various ports. We went prepared and taking cpaps was no problem. We had a great time. Hope you do too!

[OceanGoingGal]

I have been trying to get us cpap users to do a group cruise together. Check out the thread "Love In The Forum" Only two of us seem to be interested. The idea was a bit of whimsey at first but I think the single cpap users might just enjoy themmselves and get to know their fellow forum frIends. I even thought that Carnival Dream would be a fitting ship for this endeavour. What say guys and gals??

Laura

[TheDreamer]

guess I missed that....

I've been longing to go on a cruise.... there used to be a 5 year plan, which would've meant that I'd be going on a cruise sometime this year. (I first cruised in 2000 and cruised in 2005...so 2010....)

Though probably won't happen on my own until next year at the earliest.... meanwhile I got enough trips coming up to challenge me with my machine.

The Dreamer.

[goose]

Been on a few cruises -- none with xPAP, however there has never been a power issue.
I would bring along a surge protector and carry it on myself, but other than that I wouldn't expect any problems -- Holland America, IMHO, is the Rolls Royce of cruise lines, so all I can add -- Have a great time!!!!!!!
cheers
goose