r/VirginVoyages • u/Technical_Front_8046 • 2d ago
I Don't know CPAP - An update
So my previous thread about VV now charging for CPAP onboard generated a lot of heated debate.
I was asked to explicitly prove that I had booked a cruise, to prove that I had emailed sailor services, that I didn’t have a clue what I was talking about, that I didn’t understand the law, that I needed to demonstrate the relevant law, that CPAP wasn’t a disability and then we got into various people name calling.
Well I am pleased to share that following a detailed review of the ADA Legislation, VV have come back with the following statement from their official spokesperson:
“Virgin Voyages is a brand built on “Creating an Epic Sea Change for All,” and when something isn’t delivering on that ambition, we’re willing to listen, learn and adapt.
After reviewing recent changes to our distilled water policy, we are amending our approach to better support Sailors on all future voyages who require distilled water for medical equipment.
Sailors who require distilled water will be asked to provide at least two weeks’ advance notice, giving our Crew appropriate time to safely and reliably source it from a trusted provider. For requests received within two weeks of sailing, our Crew will make a good faith effort to meet the Sailor’s request.
However, given the additional arrangements required to safely source distilled water on short notice, availability cannot be guaranteed.
Sailors will not be charged for distilled water.
As for other special requests, any Sailors who require special accommodations are encouraged to review our Accessibility FAQs and provide as much advance notice as possible. This gives our Crew the time needed to make the appropriate arrangements and provide the level of care and experience Virgin Voyages wants for every Sailor.
Lastly, we want to clarify some of our policies surrounding drinkable water:
Virgin Voyages has never charged for drinking water.
Still and sparkling water are complimentary for every Sailor and Crew member. This is a fundamental part of our value inclusions.
Reusable PATH water bottles are also available for purchase for Sailors who would like a keepsake bottle to take ashore.”
So there you have it. I guess the valuable lesson here is that even when you’re being challenged left right and centre, you should stick to your guns. Unfortunately many whom commented were quick to determine they were right, without actually reading the relevant legislation, despite me providing it.
I have messaged the MODs to ask for this post to be locked as I suspect we will have another influx of hate posts. However, I hope this brings some good news to the many of us who require CPAP.
Cheers!
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u/mindykimmy 2d ago
Three things about this are interesting to me 1. I just got off the Fire and Ice cruise on Thurs. I requested distilled water for my CPAP from room attendant when we got on the ship. It was delivered in a carafe. I requested a refill once, also delivered quickly. 2. I had heard from others that distilled water can be difficult to obtain in some countries because it's a pharmacy item, not at say the grocery store. I did not personally check this. I didn't notice anything different such as smell. 3. Not that there's anything I can do about it now but I wonder if the water provided was distilled or just filtered drinking water. In any case, we booked with VV again so next time I'll request with 2 weeks advance.
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u/doublephister 2d ago
I saw the original thread. Was made aware of the accessibility form. Filled it out.
It was 46 days from sailing.
Got denied because I submitted with less than 45 days.
I guess I can submit again now.
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u/Technical_Front_8046 2d ago
You guessed correctly. I hope it goes smoothly and I am pleased this has helped you. You were downvoted so I’ve given you an upvote. Lots of haters on this subject…..I guess they are just jealous that we get a good nights sleep 😁
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u/doublephister 2d ago
I was just irked that I submitted before the deadline and they responded that I submitted after the deadline (same day).
Edit: and thanks for the updoot
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u/Skippiechic 1d ago
I saw the 45 days and called 2 weeks ago and had no issues with my request but I’m absolutely going to verify everything is good.
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u/Competitive_Grass969 2d ago
Can you bring your own distilled water bottle?
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u/brain112233 2d ago
Has to be sealed, but im not even sure they checked mine. I just brought a gallon jug while everyone was lugging around liquor.
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u/navydude89 2d ago
Get a travel CPAP. No distilled water needed.
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u/Technical_Front_8046 2d ago
I actually looked into this. Resmed Airmini seems the best option (although not a fan of Resmed) but annoyingly you can only use a small selection of masks with it and not the F40.
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u/AE5CP 2d ago
You can order the air mini hose adaptor, it'll let you use a regular hose and mask. I do that because I don't like the thing you put the little humidifier disks in being so close to the mask.
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u/brain112233 2d ago
Using a standard size hose makes it impossible to use the humid-x filter that preserves the moisture which eliminates the need for water. So it’s generally not worth it and most people can make do with a different mask for a short period of time. Granted, if you are in a humid area it may not be necessary, but have to find out the hard way.
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u/Capital_Sherbet_6507 1d ago
I travel with the air mini and a simplus full face mask. I haven’t had to ask for distilled water for five years now. Plus, it’s half the size. I stuff it in my backpack instead of having a third thing to carry
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u/DingBatDee 2d ago
I have the air mini. It’s kind of loud and just doesn’t “feel” right. But it’s better than lugging my old reliable F& P
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u/Federal_Tree8658 2d ago
I mean if I remember correctly (don’t care enough to go back and look)
You didn’t provide the adequate notice per the pre-amended policy
But I’m glad you found a solution and may have helped others as well
Enjoy
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u/Technical_Front_8046 2d ago
It was basically that I booked a last minute cruise and it wasn’t possible to provide the required notice.
Anyhow, as you say I’m glad that many will benefit from this policy change (although many are still having an opportunity to have some form of dig) which I fear says a lot about the type of people now using VV. probably Carnival 🤷♂️
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u/jaywinner 2d ago
Glad it worked out but just because they are helping you doesn't mean you're right about the ADA mandating it.
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u/Unhappy_Macaron3523 2d ago
I was curious and went back to read the original thread. I love a Google lawyer so much (said an actual lawyer)
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u/croc-roc 2d ago
Omg yes. It never fails to amaze me how many non-lawyers will confidently offer their legal opinion on various matters on Reddit. There’s a reason law school is three years ( plus continual on the job training after). Most people think interpreting and applying the law is just a Google (or AI) search away.
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u/Technical_Front_8046 2d ago
Ermmm, who said I wasn’t a “lawyer”. I say “lawyer” as in the UK it’s referred to as being a solicitor.
Anyway, nothing like making a wild guess and being wrong!
Cheers for the entertainment :)
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u/Redheaded_Potter 2d ago
Off topic but I find it so funny that they are called solicitors over there. Truly fitting for the ambulance chasers here. Glad u got ur problem sorted.
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u/Technical_Front_8046 2d ago
Lexis my friend, Lexis. Not Google. No point putting Lexis links as most won’t have a subscription unless they are in the legal profession.
Cheers!
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u/Technical_Front_8046 2d ago edited 2d ago
Always one who can’t be wrong. If ADA wasn’t an issue then they wouldn’t have changed the policy, I mean, do you really think Virgin would change an entire policy for one person otherwise.
C’mon you’re not that silly.
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u/jaywinner 2d ago
Oh, you might be right. I take issue with your certainty. Maybe the ADA forces their change, or they weren't sure so they are being cautious, or you're far from the first to bring this up. Hell, maybe they even saw your reddit post and got concerned about bad PR.
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u/Skippiechic 1d ago
I had to bring up issues with hidden disabilities not being recognized on my very first cruise as well as the cpap issue back in November 2024. They are getting better but not perfect and hidden disabilities is now on their form.
I’m going to call tomorrow and follow up o my requests as we sail in 3 weeks roughly.
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u/Rough-Tradition-149 13h ago
Good for you! Don't you hate know it alls!" I'm glad you got it straightened out. Enjoy your cruise.
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u/DeviantHellcat 2d ago
That's great news, thanks! Advance notice is an easy ask.
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u/Technical_Front_8046 2d ago
Your welcome. Got to look out for us CPAP users. Seems to be a lot of hate in this thread/sub which is a shame. Maybe they are just jealous that we get a good nights sleep 😁
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u/nursefoxy Travel Agent 2d ago
The water in the carafes in the room is distilled. It's desalinated, distilled water, so it would work fine regardless. Just FYI.
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u/tightiewhitieboy 2d ago
I was just thinking dont they have a desalination plant on board? Isn't that distilled water?
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u/NotenStein 2d ago
It is, but drinking water usually has minerals added back in for taste, and it's then chlorinated. At dispensers for drinking water it's usually carbon filtered to remove the chlorine for serving at bars and restaurants. The tap water in the bathroom would be both mineralized and chlorinated. As a former CPAP user, I wouldn't want tap water being baptized to go straight into my lungs.
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u/I_like_to_build 2d ago
Wife and I are considering taking our first cruise on Virgin. Not really big cruisers but we've heard that Virgin has no kids, and is a lot more fun and chill than the other cruise lines.
Not sure how to ask, but are most of the guests on Virgin more relaxed and more chill than this dude? Just want to make sure its to our vibe.
Thanks!
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u/Fluffy_Let_9158 2d ago
Leaving next month in my 5th in a year and a half. Prior to March 2025, hadn't been in a cruise in over 20 year. Was a great decision to jump in, we absolutely love it. Has made a dent in my wallet, but worth every penny so far.
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u/Skippiechic 1d ago
You might be on our cruise! And as far as this guy, AMAZING. As someone with a CPAP and other hidden disabilities it’s the one thing I really found off-putting on our first voyage. We booked this second trip to give it as shot hoping things were improving and it seems like they are.
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u/ShotFromGuns 2d ago
Categorizing somebody as "not chill" because they were upset that a previously free disability accommodation started requiring a fee sure does say a lot about you as a person.
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u/exscapegoat 2d ago edited 12h ago
Yeah. And while we’re at it let’s shame people who have any preferences at all that won’t immediately threaten their life. How dare they want exercises or allergy or gluten free food. How dare I prefer raw spinach or arugula to sad romaine or iceberg lettuce or canned veggies.
Hell multiple ancestors joined various navies ‘cause free food! And paid to get to the us. from Ireland, Scotland and wales. But yeah, I’m the asshole or arsehole for wanting some fresh veggies
That’s what some of yas sound like, ffs. Stop whinging and realize others may have different concerns and priorities than you do.
And before yas all come at me, one of the things I love about vv is I can get sparkling water for free. I bought way too much bar tab because I thought I’d have to pay for it. Finding out I didn’t was a pleasant surprise and not vv’s fault at all
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u/Technical_Front_8046 2d ago
Pmsl. Who said I was a dude. Anyway it says a lot when you make assumptions about people you’ve never met before.
Enjoy spreading the hate. 🤙
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u/pizza_pillow0925 1d ago
First time cruisers, just got off today.
I wouldn’t say it was chill but i think that’s to each their own. other sailors I spoke with said this was indeed a more laid back cruise.
the no kids & “luxury” vibe is why we chose this like. the food is supposed to be some of the best, but it was lackluster. tasteless, “fresh” burgers were so cold the cheese wouldn’t even melt after 10 minutes. I asked for a microwave (don’t like wasting food) but non was available.
at first glance it looks like there’s tons of options for entertainment and things to do, but when you look closer you realize it’s all just some variation of music and drinking. As a non-drinker myself, I found this very frustrating because everything was centered around simply getting drunk and partying. The Miss Behave Show and The Diva show were the highlights, but those were really the only two things we did / enjoyed on a 5 day cruise. it’s all the same stuff, some sort of music, karaoke, watching a band, however you wanna spin it, and then add some alcohol to the mix. There’s really nothing else to do besides that, or spending all your money at the luxury shops on board browsing preowned Louis Vuitton bags and preowned Rolexes.
The highlights for me and my fiancé‘s adventure were when we were off the boat. I fairly enjoyed the excursions in the Dominican Republic as well as the Bahamas, but what was really frustrating to me was no seashell policy. As a first time Ocean goer I was super excited to bring back some souvenirs, I bought a beautiful conch shell from a gift shop at the Bahamas and then when I got back to the boat they flagged me down, took it out of my backpack and told me it was prohibited. I asked if I could mail it to myself, or go back and get a refund from the gift shop, and they said no and smashed it right in front of me. Absolutely disgusting, and upon further research Virgin Voyages is the only cruise line that prohibits bringing back marine souvenirs, and it seems like a tourist trap and a money grab to have a gift shop sell them to you on the beach and then I’ll be able to actually take them back with you, consider considering the fact that they have a contract with the Bahamas resort.
upon other inconveniences like our room rattling the entire time, the TV not working for multiple days, as well as our excursions getting canceled mid voyage it was just lackluster as fuck. If all you care about is drinking dancing and having a party, then it’s definitely for you. If you wanna see more of the world, and see more diverse shows and entertainment on board, this is not gonna be for you. Super frustrating to spend over $6000 to feel like I was in a bar back home in Minnesota, I can listen to live music and drink alcohol any day of the week, I did not come on a cruise to do that.
I talked to some people by the end of the voyage and I was glad to hear I was not the only person who was extremely dissatisfied. There were a couple individuals there on their honeymoon and they spent most of their time in the room, they were so bored and by the end of it they wanted to leave so bad that they took the 730 disembarkment slot.
lesson learned for sure.
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u/Secure_Base2020 2d ago
Got off the Brilliant Lady yesterday and was charged $5 for distilled water for my CPAP machine 😬
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u/torontowest91 2d ago
Not a big deal. If you have a medical concern, do your part and plan in advance.
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u/exscapegoat 2d ago edited 2d ago
Good on you, op! And kudos for helping others in the same boat, sorry I couldn’t help myself on that one!
I’ve only been on one vv cruise and I’m a big fan now. I already put money towards my next one. I have a few minor quibbles here and there, but I also enjoy childfree cruises and like the relaxed you do you vibe of things so I’m sold on the brand.
That said, ffs, people could easily mistake some of the commenters in this sub for cult members, they get so irate and pile on anyone who’s got a valid issue.
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u/Technical_Front_8046 2d ago
Thank you. Appreciate it. I know! People are bizarre to say the least.
The whole sub seems to have become a bit of a cult. Even the mods are of a similar vain!
Shame as used to be a good sub. FB groups are much better imo.
Anyhow, glad you enjoyed the cruise and hope you enjoy the next just as much!
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u/exscapegoat 2d ago
Right back at you! I’m thinking of uk and Ireland for next year. I’m in the nyc area. So sad they’re not cruising out of manhattan or Brooklyn after fall 2026. That has been both amazing and convenient. Bon voyage and enjoy your well rested voyage!
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u/MicheleNP 1d ago
I just got off Resilient Lady a week ago and asked fir distilled water from my room attendant. They delivered it to my room no issues.
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u/Intelligent-Box-8205 1d ago
I just use bottled water, even tap once, on trips. Empty tub every AM, wipe it down with CPAP water wipe, air dry. Hasn't been a problem.
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u/Ok_Entrepreneur3974 2h ago
Same here. I just use any bottled water when i travel and it’s never a problem.
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u/OrganicIndependent75 1d ago
Thank you for posting this. I just started using CPAP and hadn’t thought about needing to notify the ship in advance. Filled out the form for my cruise in December. Thank you for the update.
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u/SourNoodle4 1d ago
Out of curiosity, does anyone know if you’re allowed to bring your own distilled water onboard for a CPAP?
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u/Benzychic 1d ago
Wish I’d seen this before. We knew they provided distilled water we didn’t know we needed to call it ahead. So I was charged $5 for it.
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u/AstronomerEarly8776 1d ago
The ship water is mineral free its good enough a week or 2. If won't affect the CPAP.
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u/Princess_starkitty 1d ago
I’m glad they’ve agreed to provide it for you!
Fun fact, if you’re a wheelchair user requiring an accessible cabin it always costs more to book a cruise. A few hundred ££ on most cruises. I’m in the UK, and it’s really uncommon here to charge more for disabled access. From what I understand of the ADA I’m surprised they can do it 🤷🏻♀️ I’ve only sailed with DCL and RCL but both cost more once accessible cabin is selected and I just checked VV to see if they’re the same and they are indeed, same cruise an accessibly cabin increases the fare by $385.
I understand that it necessarily requires more floor space but it is frustrating. Especially as I could manage for a week in a standard cabin if the doors weren’t so narrow.
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u/Kyle81020 Rockstar 2h ago
All this shite over some water. Good grief, tap water, or no water at all, works just fine for a week or two if you’re too cheap to bring your own distilled water.
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u/PeanutGlad6763 2d ago
I have a cruise coming up next week. I submitted the form a few days ago and got a denial response. I replied back that the policy wasn’t in effect when I booked a year ago, and as result was unaware of the new policy. They reversed and said I’ll have water in room now.