Does RC allow tanks on oxygen royal caribbean cruise?

Traveling with a medical condition shouldn’t mean giving up the joy of cruising. One of the most common—and most important—questions asked by travelers with respiratory conditions is: Does Royal Caribbean (RC) allow oxygen tanks on board?

The short answer is yes, Royal Caribbean does allow oxygen on its ships—but with important conditions, restrictions, and planning requirements.

Whether you use oxygen for COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea, or post-COVID lung complications, this article will help you cruise safely, confidently, and compliantly.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Medical Policy on Oxygen

Royal Caribbean International is recognized as one of the more accessibility-friendly cruise lines, but it also enforces strict safety rules. Oxygen, while medically essential, is classified as a potentially hazardous compressed gas, which is why its use is regulated.

Does Royal Caribbean Allow Oxygen Tanks?

Yes—Royal Caribbean allows oxygen on board, but with limitations.

According to Royal Caribbean’s publicly available Special Needs & Accessibility guidelines:

• Medical oxygen is permitted

• Only certain types of oxygen delivery systems are allowed

• Advance notification and approval are required

• Personal oxygen tanks are restricted in size and quantity

• Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data that Royal Caribbean supplies oxygen tanks directly to guests.

Instead, oxygen must typically be arranged through approved third-party medical suppliers.

Types of Oxygen Devices: What’s Allowed vs. Restricted

Understanding the difference between oxygen systems is critical before you sail.

1. Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)  Allowed (Preferred)

Portable Oxygen Concentrators are the most widely accepted and recommended option on Royal Caribbean cruises.

Why Royal Caribbean Prefers POCs:

• No compressed gas

• Lower fire risk

• FAA-approved for air travel

• Rechargeable via ship power outlets

Examples of commonly accepted POCs:

• Inogen One G3 / G5

• Philips Respironics SimplyGo

• SeQual Eclipse

• CAIRE Freestyle Comfort

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes POCs as safe for both air and sea travel (FAA.gov).

2. Compressed Oxygen Tanks (Cylinders)  Restricted but Possible

Royal Caribbean may allow compressed oxygen tanks, but only under strict conditions.

Key Restrictions:

• Tanks must be medical-grade

• Quantity is limited

• Size restrictions apply

• Must be stored safely in the stateroom

• Advance medical clearance is required

Cruise ships are enclosed environments, and compressed oxygen increases fire and explosion risks, which is why approval is case-by-case.

3. Liquid Oxygen –  Not Allowed

Liquid oxygen systems are strictly prohibited.

Why?

• Highly volatile

• Extreme fire hazard

• Not compatible with maritime safety standards

This restriction aligns with guidance from:

• U.S. Coast Guard

• International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Royal Caribbean Oxygen Policy: At-a-Glance Table

Oxygen Type	Allowed on RC?	Conditions
Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)	Yes	Must be approved, self-managed
Small Compressed Oxygen Tanks	Sometimes	Pre-approval required
Liquid Oxygen	No	Not permitted
RC-supplied oxygen	No	Must arrange independently

Step-by-Step: How to Bring Oxygen on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Planning ahead is essential. Follow these steps to avoid boarding issues.

Step 1: Contact Royal Caribbean Special Needs Team

Reach out at least 30–60 days before sailing.

You’ll need to complete the Special Needs Form, available on Royal Caribbean’s official website.

Information required:

• Medical condition

• Type of oxygen device

• Flow rate (LPM)

• Whether oxygen is continuous or intermittent

Step 2: Obtain Medical Documentation

While not always mandatory, Royal Caribbean strongly recommends a doctor’s letter stating:

• Diagnosis

• Medical necessity for oxygen

• Approved oxygen flow rate

This aligns with medical best practices recommended by NIH.gov and CDC.gov for patients traveling with respiratory conditions.

Step 3: Arrange Oxygen Through an Approved Supplier

Royal Caribbean works with independent medical logistics companies, such as:

• Special Needs at Sea

• Scootaround

These companies can:

• Deliver oxygen equipment directly to your stateroom

• Ensure maritime safety compliance

• Provide backup units if needed

• Consumer Reports emphasizes using cruise-approved medical suppliers to reduce travel disruptions (ConsumerReports.org).

Step 4: Plan Power & Backup Needs

If using a POC:

• Bring extra batteries

• Ensure battery life covers excursions

• Verify voltage compatibility (ships typically use 110V/220V)

According to the WHO, oxygen-dependent travelers should always carry redundancy systems.

Can You Use Oxygen Throughout the Ship?

In Staterooms

YesOxygen use is fully permitted in your cabin.

In Public Areas

 Generally allowed, but:

• Tanks must be secured

• POCs are preferred

• Crew may assist with safe placement

On Shore Excursions

Royal Caribbean does not guarantee oxygen support ashore.

You must:

• Use a portable system

• Confirm accessibility with excursion operators

• Avoid excursions requiring strenuous activity

Medical Considerations for Cruising with Oxygen

Is Cruising Safe for Oxygen-Dependent Travelers?

According to research published on PubMed and guidance from the NIH, stable patients with COPD or chronic respiratory disease can safely travel if:

• Oxygen needs are well controlled

• Infections are minimized

• Emergency plans are in place

Cruise ships have onboard medical centers, but:

• They are not hospitals

• Oxygen availability may be limited

• Advanced respiratory care may require evacuation

Fire Safety and Oxygen Use at Sea

Oxygen increases combustion risk. Royal Caribbean enforces strict safety protocols:

• No smoking near oxygen

• No open flames

• Equipment must be properly stored

• Crew inspections may occur

These rules align with International Maritime Organization (IMO) fire safety standards.

Travel Insurance: Why It’s Essential

If you travel with oxygen, comprehensive travel insurance is not optional.

Look for policies that include:

• Medical evacuation

• Pre-existing condition coverage

• Oxygen-related emergencies

Harvard Business Review highlights that medical evacuation from cruise ships can exceed $100,000 USD without insurance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

•  Assuming oxygen will be available onboard

•  Bringing liquid oxygen

•  Failing to notify RC in advance

•  Underestimating battery needs

•  Skipping travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Royal Caribbean provide oxygen tanks?

No. Guests must arrange oxygen independently through approved suppliers.

2. Are oxygen tanks free on Royal Caribbean?

No. All oxygen equipment is the guest’s responsibility and expense.

3. Can I bring my own oxygen concentrator?

Yes, if it’s approved and declared in advance.

4. Is oxygen allowed in dining rooms?

Generally yes, especially POCs, as long as safety rules are followed.

5. Can I use oxygen at night while sleeping?

Yes. Cabin use is fully permitted.

6. Is a doctor’s letter mandatory?

Not always, but strongly recommended.

7. What happens in a medical emergency?

Ships have medical centers, but serious cases may require evacuation.

8. Can children travel with oxygen on Royal Caribbean?

Yes, with proper documentation and planning.

9. Are oxygen needs accommodated on tender boats?

This varies. POCs are safest; confirm in advance.

10. Is cruising safer than flying with oxygen?

It depends on the individual, but cruises allow continuous access to equipment, which some patients find easier than air travel (NIH.gov).

Final Verdict: Does RC Allow Oxygen Tanks?

Yes—Royal Caribbean allows oxygen tanks and oxygen concentrators, but only under strict safety and advance-planning guidelines.

Best Practice Recommendation:

• Use a portable oxygen concentrator

• Notify Royal Caribbean early

• Arrange oxygen through approved suppliers

• Carry medical documentation

• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance

When planned correctly, cruising with oxygen is not only possible—it can be safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Authoritative Sources Referenced

• Royal Caribbean Accessibility Guidelines

• CDC.gov – Travel with Medical Conditions

• NIH.gov – Oxygen Therapy Guidelines

• WHO – Oxygen Safety Standards

• PubMed – Respiratory Travel Studies

• FAA.gov – Portable Oxygen Concentrators

• ConsumerReports.org – Medical Travel Advice

• Harvard Business Review – Travel Risk Management