live in Calif but cruising from UK

[yliebert]

My husband uses the nxstage system.  We want to take a cruise around the British Isles, but would have to transport close to 1000 lbs of equipment and solution.  Is this do-able?  I was thinking that we might ship everything except the nxstage in a cargo container ship.  Also has anyone traveled with Princess Cruiises?  They seem to have a pretty strict policy about dialysis.  What is your experience?
Thanks

[Deanne]

I went on a Princess cruise, but I'm pre-ESRD. Will the cruiseline store your supplies someplace for you? The room I was in was about the size of a standard walk-in closet.

[yliebert]

I booked a mini-suite which is about 335 sq ft including the balcony.  I think they would have to store some of the dyalisate for us because my husband uses five bags per day.  If I feel that we can't do this, I have until May to get a full refund, but I'm hoping it will work out.  :

[kellyt]

Call the cruise line.  I would bet they will accomodate you if they have the space.   Have you looked into the "dialysis cruises"?  I know they exist, but I don't know anything more about them.

http://www.dialysisatsea.com/

[yliebert]

Cruises with onboard dialysis centers are available, but sailings are limited and it is very expensive.  We want to cruise with our friends, who are not limited by  these issues.  Transplant is looking better and better every day!   

[okarol]

You may want to read about this cruise by a group of NxStage users. I don't think each of them had that much weight. You can also follow their link to see photos. http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=17274.0

[yliebert]

Thanks for the link, the pictures and the movie were great.  We are going to be gone for much longer. ..a 12 day cruise plus 5 days in London before we start home.  My main question i8s still how do I transport all the supplies to England?

[okarol]

This is from NxStage's website http://nxstage.com/our_community/chronic_community/patients/faqs.cfm#q4

Questions about traveling with the NxStage® System One™
What type of travel can a patient do with the NxStage System One, and how would they go about it?
For shorter car trips (of 4 days or less), the cycler can be loaded in the car (patients should always have their partner help them lift the 75-pound cycler), and supplies should be taken from home.  For longer car trips, NxStage can ship supplies to the travel destination if prescribed by the patient’s doctor.  The patient is still responsible for transporting the cycler.  Many centers have obtained soft-sided rolling cases from NxStage for their patients to use for car travel.

Airline travel with the System One is possible and has been done by a number of patients, but is more challenging and takes good preparation.  For commercial transport, patients can use the original System One shipping box. Prototype hard shipping cases are currently in development. NxStage is working with its centers and with travel providers to continue to simplify air travel with the NxStage System One.  Patients should contact their center for specific instructions for airline travel.

Can a patient travel outside of the United States with the NxStage System One?
At this time, NxStage is only selling and supporting the System One in the United States, so travel with the System One must be kept within the United States.

How easy is it to move the system around?
The NxStage cycler weighs approximately 75 pounds. Patients should always have their partner help them lift the 75-pound cycler when moving it (loading it into a car, etc.).  NxStage offers a soft-sided, durable travel bag with sturdy nylon handles, wheels, and a pop-up handle, which can be purchased and used for personal travel. For commercial transport, patients can use the original System One shipping box. Prototype hard shipping cases are currently in development.

[yliebert]

Thanks,
I actually saw this but thought it was old info.  I know our center has metal cases to be used for air travel.

[okarol]

There is now a version (partnership?) of NxStage in UK called Kimal - perhaps you could check with them about getting some supplies there. Here's more info http://www.nxstage.com/our_company/partners/kimal.cfm

[yliebert]

Thanks Okarol,
I actually have already emailed them and am waiting for a reply.
BTW, how do you use the smiley faces?

[okarol]

Thanks Okarol,
I actually have already emailed them and am waiting for a reply.
BTW, how do you use the smiley faces?

When you're typing in the text box and want to add a smiley, just click on one, and the code will appear. You will see it after you finish and hit POST.

[yliebert]

Thanks

[vcarmody]

My husband and I went on an 11 day cruise.  We booked a standard balcony room.  When we arrived all our supplies were stacked in our room.  We were able to put all the boxes in the closet, but I am sure we could have also opened all the boxes and put the bags under the bed.  I am a big germ-a-fob (at least that is what my husband says) so if you go on a cruise pack a travel size can of Lysol and Lysol wipes and as soon as you get in your room spary every surface and wipe every surface, the noro virus runs rampant on cruise ships.   

[yliebert]

Thanks for the Lysol tip.  Do you think the towels work as well as the spray?

[kellyt]

I totally understanding wanting to cruise with your friends.  That makes the vacation so much more fun, right?  I hope you get a transplant very soon!  Then you cand cruise all over.      

My husband and I went on a cruise four months before I transplanted.  I (We) slept the entire time.  I still enjoyed it.  lol