PD-Cruising in Dec 08

[rookiegirl]

Calling all experience PD Cruiser!!!  Need your help.  I've been on CAPD for 9 months, this is the 1st time I will travel since it all began.  I'm going on a Caribbean cruise (Grand Caymans/Jamaica) with my husband, sister and her boyfriend on Dec 6, 2008 for a 6 days cruise.  I'm scared to death because of dialysis and the "what IF's".

I called Baxter Friday to ask questions on how this traveling thing works for PD patients.  The representative made it sound so simple.  Things to provide Baxter 30 days in advace:
~Date/Time of sail
~Reservation#/Cabin#
~Clinic permission
~Ship address/port location
They will deliver my solutions only the day of the cruise between 8am-3pm.  The ship sail @ 4pm. (scary).  The rep told me to take a box of solutions just in case (WHAT?  ).  Anyway, come to find out effective June 2008, American Airlines now charge for checked bags each way.  $15 a bag and $25 for two bags.  So this mean when my hubby and I check are 2 bags plus 1 box of solutions will come to $40 one way and $25 coming back.   Stupid I know.

To those that are on PD and traveled by cruise ship, please share your experiences.  I'm fearful of the unknown when it comes to travel.  I really want peace of mind when traveling.  Any suggestions, comments, concerns, opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
RG

[CW]

Sorry you are anxious about the cruise Rookiegirl. I really do not have any relevant info for you but I want to wish you goodluck and I hope it goes well. Also I must commend you for addressing this issue in advance. As far as American Airlines is concerned you should call them and inform them you will be carrying medical supplies  and see if they will waive the charge for that box. I just flew about a week ago and I carried two boxes of fluid they almost charged me not only for the bag but because it was overweight - but the fee was waived.

Good Luck
Sincerely
CW

[peleroja]

Only been on one cruise since starting PD, and it was a piece of cake.  All I took with me were masks, end caps and Purell hand cleaner.  The boxes were delivered to my cabin within an hour of my arrival.  The cabins are small, but since I was alone, I just piled them on the second bed.  Periodically I disappeared back to my cabin to do my dialysis.  I'm going cruising again in November, to Hawaii, and although I'm on the cycler now, will revert back to manual for the duration of the trip.  Since the cabins are so small, I thought the noise might bounce off the walls.  Hope that helps.  Have fun on your cruise!

[paris]

My daughter, AlohaBeth, worked for NCL cruise lines in Hawaii and had passengers that did PD.  She told me the delivery was sent directly to the cabin and was there a couple of hours before the passengers actually got to their room.  The equipment kind of freaked some crew members out, so she always volunteered to help those cabins (since she felt a connection with anyone that has kidney failure).   The reason they can only deliver the suppliegs between 8 and 3 is the passengers have to debark, rooms cleaned and then embarking begins.  After her telling me how smoothly it always went, I wouldn't hesitate to try it.  Yeah!!   Have a  wonderful time!   

[MiSSis]

I read or heard somewhere that you can only do CAPD while on a cruise.  That you can't use a machine because the movement on the boat would cause the machine to be alarming all the time.  Does anyone know if this is true or not?

[peleroja]

Never heard that.  Considering the stabilizers on the ship, if the passengers can't feel it, I don't see why the machine should, but call your supplier and ask.

[rookiegirl]

Four more days and I'm sailing away to Ocho Rios Jamaica & Grand Cayman Islands.  My flight is this Saturday morning heading to Miami.

I called American Airlines about my PD supplies.  Even though Baxter will deliver my solution on the ship, I still want to carry maybe 1 or 2 bags of solutions plus my other supplies.  AA recommend that I carry my supplies on board rather than check-in the luggage for emergency purposes.  I told them my supplies exceeds the liquid limitations.  They told me as long as I have a note (must be on the letter-head) from my Dr or Clinic stating what the supplies are for, they don't have a problem carrying on board the plane.

So Monday, I had a clinic visit and my social worker typed up a letter for me.  I hope all goes well at the airport and that Baxter will deliver as promise.  I did receive a confirmation letter from Baxter last week and a phone call from one of the representative today wanting to confirm if I received their letter.

Did you know that AA check-in bags are charged $15 for the 1st bag and $25 for additional bags after that? and they no longer give free drinks?  RIDICULOUS I say!!!!!!

[kellyt]

Have a wonderful trip, Rookiegirl!  I went on a cruise in June, but it wasn't a dialysis cruise.  I love cruising!   I've also been to Jamaica and it's fabulous, as well!  Take lots of photos!  We can't wait to see them!   

[monrein]

Think of me when you're in Ocho, Rookiegirl.  As I kid I've clambered up and down Dunn's River Falls many times.  There were 0 buildings there at that time and no underpass at the road.  We'd wait and run across the road.

Have fun. 

[G-Ma]

            Have fun......think of us you are leaving in the cold here..........     

[okarol]

  i hope you have a wonderful time!

[Bajanne]

My only problem with this thread is that your ship doesn't seem to be visiting the Virgin Islands, which is where I live!  And i work in the Tourist Information booth at our cruise ship dock and would have loved to meet and greet you! 
Next time, make sure your cruise comes this way!!!

[rookiegirl]

My only problem with this thread is that your ship doesn't seem to be visiting the Virgin Islands, which is where I live!  And i work in the Tourist Information booth at our cruise ship dock and would have loved to meet and greet you! 
Next time, make sure your cruise comes this way!!!

Bajanne - we are planning another cruise next Dec 2009 with my children.  I will definitely look into the Virgin Islands.  Do you have a link to your tourist information booth?

Thanks,
RG

[Bajanne]

Here is a link for you (and anyone else who wants to know a bit about our islands).  Make sure your sound is on.  There is some great music!
http://www.bviguide.com/info.html

and here is another -

http://www.bvitourism.com/Experience/

[rookiegirl]

I'm back from my Carnival Destiny Cruise.  I did really good for a first timer.  I didn't get sea sick, but I did eat really really bad.  Baxter delivered by supplies as promise.  When I arrived in my cabin, I was so relieved to see my dialysis solutions.  Funny I know.  Everyone turned out really great.  The only part about the trip I didn't enjoy is that I couldn't climb Dunn River Falls in Jamaica.  I just stood on the side line as I watched everyone else have fun.  Oh well maybe someday.  My favorite part of the whole trip is when we arrived in Grand Cayman Islands.  I love everything about it.  The weather was so nice (80's).  The scenery was just beautiful.  I told my husband if we ever become rich, I want to have a place there.  I just love it.

I know I promise some pics so here they are:

[jessup]

Great pics mate
Love the one of you two looking into each others eyes with that bloody georgeous sunset

[kellyt]

Rookiegirl, those are amazing photos!  It looks beautiful!  I went to Jamaica back in my late teens (mid 80's).  I thought is was beautiful, as well.  We were on Trelawny Beach (spelling?).  The family I went with has a family in Jamaica that they send money, clothes, etc. to and so we had a personal tour-guide.  That was great!  Everyone knew "Barry" and Barry knew everyone!  So much fun!  I'm glad you enjoyed the cruise.  Eating good is the hardest part!

[G-Ma]

Love the two of you in the sunset.

[Sunny]

These are beautiful pictures. Glad you had a wonderful time and that they took good care of you and your needs.
Thanks for sharing.

[pelagia]

Great photos.  You two make a very beautiful couple.  I love the one with the sunset.

[Wattle]

Beautiful photos Rookiegirl!   

I am glad you had such a great time. And I totally understand the need to see the delivery safe and sound!

[BigSteve]

Mary, a question. Did Carnival bring all the PD boxes to your room at once, or did they bring part of them at first and then
the rest later?  I would like to take a long cruise to get away from the wonderfull world of being a kidney patient, but I can't
see 17-20 worth of PD boxes in my room.

[monrein]

WOW, what great pics.  You make a very handsome couple and you look so relaxed.  Glad all went well with the supplies.

[kellyt]

Mary, a question. Did Carnival bring all the PD boxes to your room at once, or did they bring part of them at first and then
the rest later?  I would like to take a long cruise to get away from the wonderfull world of being a kidney patient, but I can't
see 17-20 worth of PD boxes in my room.

And believe me, Carnival isn't exactly "giving" with the room space!  At least our room was not roomy!   I loved our cruise, though!

[rookiegirl]

Mary, a question. Did Carnival bring all the PD boxes to your room at once, or did they bring part of them at first and then
the rest later?  I would like to take a long cruise to get away from the wonderfull world of being a kidney patient, but I can't
see 17-20 worth of PD boxes in my room.

BigSteve - I only do 2 exchanges a day.  Icodextrin 7.5% (purple cap) in the morning and Dextrose 2.5% (green cap) at night.  Since I was only on a 5 days cruise, Baxter delivered 2 boxes (purple/green).  My cabin had 3 closets space.  I stored both my boxes in one of the closets with plenty of room.  If you do decide to go on a long cruise, I would think the cruise line will accommodate where to store your boxes due to limited space in the cabin.  Talk to your cruise representative and also Baxter's cruise representative.  Both were very accommodating to me.  Especially when I told Carnival I need a place to store my Epo shots.  My cabin didn't have one so Carnival put in a small fridge for me.