Going on a Cruise in 1 wk

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-31-2004
Going on a Cruise in 1 wk
3
Sat, 01-19-2008 - 3:25pm
Since all this diabetes stuff is new to us(Dh diagnosed just over a week ago with T1 on insulin) are there any suggestions for travel/vacations.  Here are some of the details, we are flying(2-3 hr flight) and then going on a cruise through Carnival.  I already called Carnival and they're putting a hazardous waste can in the room and said they have a "Spa Menu" that has low carb, low sugar, and sugar free options on it.  What else do we need to know.  TIA!

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Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sat, 01-19-2008 - 4:03pm

First off, I am JEALOUS!!!!


Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 01-20-2008 - 1:28am

Audrey,


I am glad you asked and I hope you see this message before you go.


First off pack his insulin and extra syringes in a bag with some "blue ice" and put it in your carry on luggage. (There are special insulated bags made for insulin. If you have time check with your pharmacist.)Under no circumstances put the insulin in a checked in bag because it can get ruined. Also include some diabetic bars and similar food because you never know when you are going to need it. You need the insulin to stay in the box if that is where the prescription is located. One of the other things that I do is to count off the 28 days that the bottle can be used and I write that both on the bottle and on the box. The reason you keep the insulin in the box at home is to make sure it stays clean. An open vial of insulin can be kept at room temperature providing it is less than 86 degrees F. I always request a refrigerator for my room to store my isnulin and food in and the ships have always been gracious about this. Supposedly I needed to pay extra but I don't think I have had to once they found out that I was a diabetic.


When I go on side excusions I take my dose of symlin with my in my hard back glass case. I also take a diabetic bar with me because food can be a problem. Take a bottle of water for him to drink also. No one will have any idea that he is a diabetic because all kinds of people will be doing the same thing!


Cheryl told you what happened to me when I was in Hawaii and plane blew an engine and they didn't have a replacement plane to get me home. So I am now taking at least one extra day of my meds with me so I will probably never need them again!


On cruise ships they ask that you bring all the meds in their original containers and not put in a medicine box. That works when you don't have to take 7 or 8 meds like I need to.


Food isn't that much of a problem. They make special sugar free and lower calorie foods for diabetics. Just tell your server. Cruise ships are used to dealing with diabetics. There is also a gym on board and so exercise is readily available either there or walking on the decks. I find that my blood sugar is wonderful on cruises. One problem that I have run into is being able to get my bedtime snack. So I just prepare something earlier and save it for when I need it. I also travel with a jar of peanut butter and Wasa crackers in my checked luggage.


I also tell the TSA when I go through the security check point that I have insulin and syringes in my carry on. With the exception of when I flew Jet Blue I have never had a problem with this.


He shouldn't have a real problem with when he is taking his insulin since there is only a 2 hour difference. But he will need to check his blood sugar more carefully and make sure that he is in the targeted range.


I hope that I have answered all your questions and fears. If you need more information please just shout and I will try and answer your question. More than anything else just plan for both of you to have a really good time.



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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-31-2004
Sun, 01-20-2008 - 3:57pm
Thanks, if I think of anything else before we leave i will let you know.

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