For many Chronic Kidney Disease patients on Dialysis, vacation is often considered a luxury which they cannot enjoy, and a cruise may seem like a simple pipe-dream. The merits of a cruise are clear and include: Relaxation, stress relief, fun with family and friends, enjoyment of life, and more.
Recommended Reading: Steps to a Stress-free Vacation While on Dialysis
Still, for those Chronic Kidney Disease patients who conduct In-Center Hemodialysis, a cruise requires time which they cannot spare, and even Home Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis patients are often confronted with expenses which they cannot afford. However, lesser known information which KidneyBuzz.com will share in this article may provide Dialysis patients with the necessary tools to overcome these challenges and enjoy a fun-filled cruise; directly improving their quality of life.
Recommended Reading: Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Can Have the Perfect Summer Vacation They Deserve
First, most Chronic Kidney Disease patients on Dialysis believe that cruises are quite lengthy and last no less than 7 days. This is in fact inaccurate because there are numerous cruises that are day length or even just dinner cruises. Many may be surprised to learn that it is arguable that many cruises now last a day or shorter, since the popularity for single day cruises and dinner or brunch cruises are increasing. Hence, while these short cruises are seldom taken into account when considering the length of most cruises, many Chronic Kidney Disease patients can afford to schedule a non-Dialysis day to enjoy a relaxing single day cruise.
Recommended Reading: Tips Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Must Know Before Traveling
Yes, there are also two day cruises, but three day and seven day cruises are typically the most frequently offered. Dialysis patients can work with organizations such as Holiday Dialysis International (a division of the Fresenius Medical Care group) to schedule Dialysis sessions worldwide if you are traveling internationally. While Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for international Dialysis treatments there are several supplemental insurance companies that will reimburse a percentage of onboard or international Dialysis sessions.
Recommended Recommended: Dialyzin' at Disney World
Obviously, Chronic Kidney Disease patients who conduct Home Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis have more flexibility because their treatment is portable. Still, common among all Dialysis patients is affordability of a vacation. Cruises offer great value for Chronic Kidney Disease patients vacation dollar especially if they are on a fixed income because the fares include nearly everything they will need for an enjoyable trip: food, accommodations, daytime and evening entertainment and transportation between travel destinations. ABC News reported that, "We regularly see cruise deals on mainstream cruise lines for under $100 per person, per night, which is astonishingly cheaper than you'd spend on land for a hotel, dinner and a show." However, Chronic Kidney Disease patients should know that In-Center Dialysis at sea is somewhat more costly.
Recommended Reading: How Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Can Successfully Cope With The End Of Summer
One of the greatest benefits of cruising for Chronic Kidney Disease patients on Dialysis who have a limited budget is that they can book nearly one year in advance and pay for their vacation monthly after a 10% deposit! Moreover, often times disabled patients such as those who are on Dialysis are provided additional assistance throughout the duration of their sailing which may include luggage assistance and other accommodations to provide them with the peace of mind and confidence that all of their needs will be met.
Additional tips for Dialysis travel include:
1. Making sure that you wash your hands regularly and take all of your recommended vaccines when cruising in order to avoid viruses or infections.
2. Carrying complete and current medical records.
3. Packing all of your prescribed medications.
4. Scheduling your last treatment on the day before traveling.
5. Planning for travel delays (traffic, airline uncertainties, etc.).
6. Ensuring that you carry a valid passport and proper identification for the destination you have planned to visit.
Recommended Reading: Can a Person Live a Good Long Life on Dialysis?
Friends, Let's be clear, KidneyBuzz.com has no connections with the Cruise Line Industry at this time. However, we as an organization do have a special interest in ensuring that all Chronic Kidney Disease patients who conduct Dialysis have options to fully enjoy their lives even given their day-to-day struggles with Kidney Failure. For Chronic Kidney Disease patients on Dialysis who want to improve their quality of life, the freedom of taking a simple cruise may do just that.
Recommended Reading: How Long Can People with Renal Failure Live on Dialysis
Would you try a cruise after reading this KidneyBuzz.com Article? Click here and let us know on our KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page. Also, if you have already taken a cruise, feel free to share your experience. Your voice is important to us and the over 14,200 Friends that have Liked KidneyBuzz.com on Facebook. Visit KidneyBuzz.com every day for the latest Breaking News & Information about how Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetic patients can better manage their lives.