jaz33

Thanks for this. The last time I asked Royal Caribbean they did say they had medical fridges but only he small table top type to keep temperature sensitive medication in, such as as insulin. Unfortunately these are not big enough to hold 14 x 2.5 litre bags of TPN. The next time we cruise I will ask again just in case this has changed. Thanks again Ian

Hi In the UK the nutrition team are able to prescribe what are commonly called ‘off the shelf’ bags. These are TPN bags that are stable at room temperature. The different components of the medication are separated into separate chambers in the bag and before using the internal seals are broken to mix the components together before infusing. It sounds more complicated than it actually is. These bags have a long shelf life (6 months +). Are these available to you? Also, the last time I checked, Royal Caribbean don’t have medical refrigeration to store the cold bags, therefore our only option is to take the off the shelf bags. I hope this helps. regards ian.

Hi, I've just replied to you on my old thread regarding this. Don't be daunted by cruising with TPN. Yes it is a little more work and preparation but well worth it. Email me and we can discuss it further boyes(dot)ian(at)gmail(dot)com I look forward to hearing from you. Ian

Hi, I haven't logged into Cruise Critic for quite a while but I see you only posted this on Sunday. Yes we have done 3 cruises so far with TPN. There cruise lines (Celebrity and Royal Caribbean) have been helpful in sorting it out and also with any accommodations we needed on board. Are you in the UK or elsewhere in the World? In the UK the first step for us was to inform the Nutrition Team at the Hospital that we plan to go on a cruise with the dates and number of nights. I then contacted the Pharmacy to inform them of the same. Once the pharmacy had the information regarding the prescription I liaised with them right up to receiving the supplies. We have only cruised from Southampton as this was easier than having to deal with airlines. There is a lot of information I can give you to be honest. If you want to let me have your email I can let you know more, but don't be daunted by it. Yes its a little more preparation and maybe a slight inconvenience on board but it is doable. Take care Ian