First-Time Cruisers

Can You Bring a CPAP on Holland America?

Published 25 June 2026 · 3 min read · Cruise Questions Canada editorial team

Quick answerYes — Holland America welcomes CPAP machines aboard; the line typically provides an approved extension cord for medical devices on request and can supply distilled water (arranged in advance or via your stateroom attendant), so the practical steps are notifying the line before sailing and carrying the machine in your hand luggage.

Travelling with sleep apnea equipment on Holland America is routine; a few steps before sailing make it seamless.

Notify the line before you sail

Contact Holland America's Guest Accessibility Department once you've booked. Noting the CPAP on your reservation lets the ship prepare the extension cord and any distilled water, and it flags your cabin for the crew. This is the single step that prevents embarkation-day scrambling.

The extension cord rule

Holland America prohibits guests from bringing their own extension cords and power strips — a fleet-wide fire-safety rule — but supplies an approved medical extension cord on request. Don't pack your own; it's likely to be confiscated at the terminal and returned at the end of the cruise.

Distilled water

Holland America can typically provide distilled water for medical equipment when requested in advance through its accessibility team. Bring a small supply for the first night regardless; medical liquids are generally permitted through terminal security in reasonable quantities.

Carry it on

Pack the CPAP in your hand luggage, never checked bags — it's medical equipment, and checked luggage can reach your cabin hours late or, rarely, miss the ship, as covered in Lost or Delayed Luggage on a Cruise.

Outlets and adapters

Holland America's cabins use standard North American outlets; confirm the outlet count near the bed on your specific ship, since some older cabins have few. Holland America's ships vary in age; the medical extension cord solves outlet placement on the older ones.

Documentation

Not usually required by the line, but a doctor's letter is sensible for any international itinerary, as covered in Can You Bring a CPAP Machine on a Cruise Ship.

More Holland America policies

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Getting it noted on the booking properly

A consultant can add the CPAP note, cord request and water arrangement to your Holland America reservation at booking — one message, and it's handled before you pack.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Holland America provide an extension cord for a CPAP?

Typically yes — Holland America, like most major lines, prohibits guests' own extension cords for fire safety but provides an approved cord for medical devices when requested through Holland America's Guest Accessibility Department before sailing or at guest services on embarkation day.

Does Holland America provide distilled water for a CPAP?

Holland America can typically provide distilled water for medical equipment when requested in advance through its accessibility team. Confirm the current arrangement when you notify the line, since supply and any charge vary by ship.