Cruising With Sleep Apnea: What You Need To Know Before Bringing Your CPAP On A Cruise

Cruising with a CPAP machine is straightforward when you know each cruise line's specific policies and pack the right backup gear. Most major lines - including Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Holland America - accommodate CPAP users with distilled water service, extension cords, and accessible power outlets. However, my experience with Virgin Voyages is that they are by far the best for folks like myself who travel with a CPAP or BIPAP device. A few advance preparations ensure your sleep therapy continues uninterrupted at sea, whether you're sailing to glaciers, beaches, or coastal destinations.

You're finally boarding that cruise you've been planning for months. The itinerary looks incredible, but there's one nagging concern. Will your CPAP work properly in the cabin? Can you even get distilled water onboard? These questions keep more cruisers awake at night than they should, because the reality is far simpler than most people expect.

Virgin's Rooms Are Designed With Plugs Flanking The Bed!

As anyone with a CPAP knows, this is a challenge in most cruise cabins since, for whatever reason, the power outlets are typically on the opposite side of the room and that requires an extension cord to use. Unfortunately, most cruise lines prohibit extension cords and power strips, so you will need to go to customer service to check one out and return it on the last morning of the cruise. While some cruise lines are better than others with these policies, sailing to Alaska on Virgin Voyages means you don't need to worry about this at all! 

What's even better is that when Heather and I sail together on Virgin Voyages, we can both plug our machines in since there are outlets on both sides of the bed.

Other items, such as distilled water, can be requested from housekeeping as well, with no extra charges like on Carnival.

Cruise Line CPAP Policies Vary More Than You Think

Each cruise line handles CPAP accommodations differently, and these differences matter when you're planning a week-long sailing. The variation comes down to two main areas: distilled water availability and how they handle extension cords.

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Disney, Celebrity, MSC, and Cunard provide complimentary distilled water delivered to your stateroom. Carnival and Holland America charge a small fee - Carnival currently lists it at $5 per gallon through their pre-cruise shop or onboard. That's not a dealbreaker, but it's worth knowing before you assume water will just appear.

The process for requesting these accommodations is similar across most lines. You'll fill out a Special Needs or Guest Accessibility form on the cruise line's website at least 30 days before sailing. Princess Cruise Line routes these requests through their dietary department. Royal Caribbean has a dedicated Guest Special Needs form. If you can't find the form online, call the cruise line directly and ask for their accessibility services team.

Extension cords present a trickier situation. Most cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing their own extension cords due to fire safety regulations on ships (notably, Carnival does allow you to bring your own). However, if you request one through the Special Needs form, they'll typically provide a cruise-approved cord and depending on the cruise line, they may even tape it securely to the floor. This is particularly important on older ships where outlets tend to be located at the desk area rather than near the bed.

These policies apply equally to BiPAP machines and other positive airway pressure devices. If you use a non-invasive ventilator like a Trilogy unit, the same accommodation requests apply, though you may want to contact the cruise line's medical department directly to ensure they understand your specific equipment needs.

TSA Screening: Your CPAP Is a Medical Device, Not a Carry-On

If you're flying to your cruise departure port, you'll need to navigate TSA screening with your equipment.

The TSA requires CPAP machines to be removed from their carrying cases and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. Your masks, tubing, and accessories can stay in the case. One useful tip: bring a clear plastic bag to place the machine in during screening, which keeps it protected from the bin surfaces that thousands of travelers have touched.

Here's what most people don't realize - your CPAP doesn't count toward your carry-on limit. Airlines must allow medical devices as additional items under federal regulations. This means you can board with your personal item, carry-on bag, and CPAP case without any issues or extra fees.

If TSA agents need to perform additional screening, they may swab the device for explosive residue. You can request they put on fresh gloves before handling your equipment, and they're required to comply. Keep a copy of your CPAP prescription in the case - while not technically required, it speeds up any questions and becomes essential if you need replacement parts at your destination.

BiPAP machines go through the same screening process without issues. However, if you travel with a non-invasive ventilator like a Trilogy or similar life-support device, expect additional questions and potentially longer screening times. These larger units with more complex displays and controls may not be as immediately recognizable to TSA agents as standard CPAP machines. Carrying documentation from your physician explaining the device can help expedite the process.

Lithium-ion batteries for your CPAP must travel in carry-on luggage, not checked bags. This is an FAA safety regulation, not just a suggestion. The good news is that FAA-approved CPAP batteries exist specifically for this purpose.

Cabin Power Setup: What to Expect Onboard

Stateroom electrical configurations vary dramatically depending on the ship's age and your cabin category. Newer vessels often have outlets positioned near the bed specifically to accommodate CPAP users. Older ships typically place outlets at the desk or vanity area, which is why the extension cord request matters.

Before your cruise, look up photos of your specific ship and stateroom category. Many cruise review sites and the cruise line's own deck plans show outlet locations. This research takes five minutes and eliminates guesswork about whether you'll need that extension cord.

One critical note: surge protectors are universally prohibited on cruise ships. Ship electrical systems operate differently than residential power, and surge protectors can cause serious problems. If your CPAP setup at home includes a surge protector, you'll need to plug directly into the ship's outlet or the extension cord they provide.

Standard US-made CPAP machines work fine with shipboard power on most cruise lines sailing from North American ports. If you're on an international itinerary, check your CPAP's power adapter - look for "INPUT AC 100V-240V" which indicates dual voltage capability. You may need a plug adapter for outlet shape, but the voltage will be compatible.

Distilled Water: Your Options Onboard

Your humidifier needs distilled water to function properly and avoid mineral buildup. The cruise lines that provide it complimentary will typically deliver a gallon to your stateroom before embarkation. If you need more during the voyage, contact your stateroom attendant.

For lines that charge for distilled water, you can often purchase it pre-cruise through their online shop. Carnival's Fun Shops department handles these orders at 1-800-522-7648. Buying ahead ensures it's waiting in your cabin when you board.

There's a workaround some cruisers use: bringing your own distilled water in checked luggage. The plastic gallon jugs from grocery stores handle the pressure changes in aircraft cargo holds without issue. However, this only makes sense if you're driving to the port or have room in your checked bag.

If you forget to request water ahead of time, ask your stateroom attendant on embarkation day. They can usually arrange delivery, though it may take longer than the pre-arranged service.

Portable Battery Backup: When and Why You Need One

A battery backup serves two purposes for cruise travel: insurance against power outages and freedom during any off-ship situations where reliable power isn't guaranteed.

Most cruisers won't experience shipboard power failures, but they do happen. Having a battery that supports pass-through or UPS mode means it stays plugged into the wall outlet while your CPAP plugs into the battery. If power cuts out, the battery takes over instantly without waking you.

Here's what surprises most people about modern CPAP batteries: they're not bulky power stations that draw attention or take up half your suitcase. Today's portable battery backups for CPAP and BiPAP machines look remarkably similar to the battery packs you'd use to charge your phone - just slightly larger. They slip easily into your carry-on, weigh a pound or two, and are unlikely to draw any extra scrutiny at security or on the ship.

Battery runtime depends heavily on whether you use the humidifier and heated tubing. With those features turned off, many CPAP-specific batteries provide 8-14 hours of power - enough for one or two nights. With the humidifier running, expect roughly half that runtime.

The Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite has become a popular choice for cruisers because it's FAA-approved, lightweight, and compatible with multiple CPAP brands. For longer off-grid time, lithium iron phosphate batteries like the EXP96 Pro handle temperature extremes better and offer more recharge cycles, though they're larger and heavier.

Packing Essentials for Your CPAP Cruise Kit

Beyond your machine and its standard accessories, a few additional items handle common situations and keep your therapy running smoothly throughout the voyage.

• Extra masks and tubing - If something breaks or gets lost, you're unlikely to find replacements at sea or in most port towns
• Clear plastic bag for TSA screening - Keeps your machine clean during the security process
• CPAP prescription copy - Essential for getting replacement parts if needed, and useful for answering any questions at security checkpoints
• CPAP cleaning wipes - Maintaining your equipment matters even on vacation, and wipes work better than trying to clean with ship bathroom facilities
• Small flashlight or headlamp - Useful for middle-of-the-night adjustments without waking your cabin mate or fumbling for light switches
• Tap water adapters or inline bacterial filters - Pack extras if you use these with your humidifier

If you're cruising to Mexico, you may notice that medical equipment and supplies are often available at significantly lower prices than in the United States. While the savings can be tempting, exercise caution when purchasing CPAP supplies abroad. Quality control standards may differ, and packaging that appears authentic might not be. Masks or tubing that don't meet specifications can affect your therapy effectiveness. Stick with verified US retailers for critical equipment, or at minimum, inspect products carefully before purchasing internationally.

Travel CPAP Machines: Worth the Investment?

Travel-specific CPAP models like the ResMed AirMini, HDM Z2, and Transcend Micro weigh under a pound compared to standard machines at three pounds or more. They're specifically designed for portability without sacrificing therapy quality.

The tradeoff is cost - travel CPAPs run $700-1,000 and insurance rarely covers them as a second device. However, if you cruise regularly or travel frequently for work, the size and weight savings add up. They also use less power, which extends battery runtime significantly.

Most travel CPAP models work with your existing masks, though some (like the AirMini) require specific mask types or adapters. Check compatibility before purchasing.

If you're not ready to invest in a travel machine, your standard CPAP works perfectly fine for cruising. The size is a minor inconvenience, not a barrier.

Making It All Work: Your Pre-Cruise Checklist

Proper preparation happens in stages. Follow this timeline to ensure everything is ready before you board.

30 Days Before Sailing:

1. Submit your Special Needs form requesting distilled water and an extension cord
2. Note your specific stateroom number once assigned
3. Verify your CPAP prescription is current
4. Research outlet locations for your ship and cabin category

Two Weeks Before Sailing:

5. Test all equipment - machine, masks, tubing, power cord - to catch any issues while you can still get replacements
6. Order any backup supplies you need (extra masks, tubing, filters)
7. If flying, confirm your departure airport's TSA procedures for medical devices

One Week Before Sailing:

8. Charge any backup batteries fully
9. Pack a copy of your prescription in your machine case
10. Gather cleaning supplies and any travel adapters needed

Day Before Embarkation:

11. Confirm your CPAP battery is packed in carry-on luggage (not checked)
12. Ensure your machine case is easily accessible for TSA screening
13. Pack distilled water in checked luggage if bringing your own

Embarkation Day:

14. Verify distilled water and extension cord are in your stateroom when you arrive
15. Test the outlet near where you'll position your machine
16. If anything's missing, contact guest services immediately while staff is most available

Working With a Travel Advisor

Navigating medical equipment policies across different cruise lines can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to cruising or trying a new cruise line. Advice on traveling with medical equipment like your CPAP is another fantastic benefit of working with a trusted travel advisor such as Heather from Flow Voyages. An experienced advisor knows which ships have the most convenient cabin configurations for CPAP users, can handle Special Needs form submissions on your behalf, and ensures all your accommodation requests are properly documented before sailing.

Your Sleep Shouldn't Stop at Sea So Be Prepared!

Cruising with a CPAP requires some advance planning but presents no real barriers to enjoying your voyage. The cruise lines have seen thousands of CPAP users and have systems in place to accommodate the equipment. You need to engage those systems proactively rather than hoping things work out.

The effort pays dividends beyond just functioning equipment. Quality sleep means you're actually alert for early morning wildlife viewing, energized for active excursions, or awake enough to appreciate the scenery rather than napping through it. One piece of counterintuitive advice: consider skipping the humidifier on shorter cruises if you tolerate it. You'll simplify your setup, eliminate the distilled water dependency entirely, and extend battery runtime significantly. Many CPAP users find that the humidity levels in coastal and maritime environments make the humidifier unnecessary.

Written by: James Hills

Pro-BloggerWest Coast Cruise ExpertThought Leader

James is an avid fan of all types of cruising but especially enjoys exploring the Pacific coastal regions since it perfectly captures the elements that he is passionate about, including natural beauty, conservation, opportunities to explore new cultures, and meeting some fantastic new people too.