Can you bring a CPAP machine on a cruise?
Yes, on all 9 lines, but most have rules about it.
Pick your cruise line
CPAP machines must come onboard in your carry-on. You can buy distilled water before the cruise or onboard. If you bring your own distilled water, carry it on with the machine.
All 9 lines side by side
- Allowed Celebrity
- Allowed with limits Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Disney, MSC, Holland America, Virgin Voyages
| Cruise line | Status | What the rule says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Allowed with limits | CPAP machines must come onboard in your carry-on. You can buy distilled water before the cruise or onboard. If you bring your own distilled water, carry it on with the machine. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean | Allowed with limits | You can bring a CPAP or BiPAP. Tell the Access team its size, weight and battery type by 30 days before you sail. Distilled water for medical use is allowed on top of the drink limit. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Norwegian | Allowed with limits | CPAP and BiPAP machines can come along. Ask for distilled water at least 4 days before you sail, or at Guest Services onboard. Bring a 6-foot extension cord with no surge protector. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Princess | Allowed with limits | CPAP and BiPAP machines are allowed, and you don't need approval or to tell Princess ahead. Carry the machine in your carry-on, since crew can't handle it during boarding. Bring all your supplies. You can ask for distilled water when you book. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Celebrity | Allowed | You can bring a CPAP or BiPAP machine. If you need distilled water or an extension cord, tell Celebrity at least 30 days before you sail. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Disney | Allowed with limits | CPAP machines are not named, but Disney's rules for medical equipment apply. Tell Disney before you sail about any medical equipment you're bringing. Each stateroom may have no more than 2 pieces. Not named on the page; this comes from a general rule. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| MSC | Allowed with limits | CPAP and BiPAP machines are allowed. Pack yours in your carry-on and make sure it works on 120V or 240V. Distilled water is free on board. You can't bring your own extension cord, so ask for one when you book. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Holland America | Allowed with limits | CPAP and BiPAP machines are allowed, and you don't need approval or to tell the line ahead. Carry the machine in your carry-on, since crew can't handle it during boarding. Bring all your supplies. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | Allowed with limits | CPAP machines are not named, but Virgin's medical equipment rule applies. You must tell Sailor Services about it before the cruise. Virgin may refuse equipment it wasn't told about in time. Not named on the page; this comes from a general rule. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
Rules checked on Nov 6, 2026. Independent guide. Not affiliated with any cruise line. Rules change, so confirm with your cruise line before you sail. Security staff have the final say at the terminal.
Before you sail
Pack the machine in your carry-on so it doesn't get lost with checked bags. Carnival requires that.
Ask your line about distilled water. Some sell it on board, and Celebrity asks for 30 days' notice if you need it supplied. If your cord won't reach the bed, ask the line about an extension cord rather than bringing your own, since many lines ban them.
Questions people ask
Can I bring my own distilled water?
Carnival allows it if you carry it on with the machine. On other lines, check the rule above or ask the line.