Disability and a Cruise

[Kayla12]

We have never been in a cruise ship, and we are taking a Disney Vacation at the end of the year. We were planning Disney World but started looking into a cruise. My question is, we have 6 kids, our baby who will be 3 has a trach. Would it be safe to cruise with a child with medical disabilities?

 

[BCV23]

DCL, does have doctors and nurses onboard but I would ask your child's doctor. Many years ago, some close friends asked us to watch their three children while they had a much needed weekend break. Their youngest was about one and had a trach. From what I remember from about 40 years ago, it was necessary to sterilize something (an insert maybe???) often. I don't know how you could do that in a cabin. But perhaps all of that has changed. Good luck to your little one.

 

[Kayla12]

DCL, does have doctors and nurses onboard but I would ask your child's doctor. Many years ago, some close friends asked us to watch their three children while they had a much needed weekend break. Their youngest was about one and had a trach. From what I remember from about 40 years ago, it was necessary to sterilize something (an insert maybe???) often. I don't know how you could do that in a cabin. But perhaps all of that has changed. Good luck to your little one.

Yes, things should be sterile when changing a trach. We typically change it once a week, unless we need to otherwise. We just do it on the bed at home. We are planning to do Disney World for 5 days, and then do a 3 day cruise if possible, so we would change the trach before boarding. My concern is having medical staff if we need it. She is doing really well otherwise, the trach is set to come out in the Spring of 2019. Thanks for your response BCV23

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Yes, things should be sterile when changing a trach. We typically change it once a week, unless we need to otherwise. We just do it on the bed at home. We are planning to do Disney World for 5 days, and then do a 3 day cruise if possible, so we would change the trach before boarding. My concern is having medical staff if we need it. She is doing really well otherwise, the trach is set to come out in the Spring of 2019. Thanks for your response BCV23

There is a full medical staff onboard. Doctor, nurses. And they are pretty much set up like an urgent care facility. However, if there is a size issue (child sized equipment vs adult sized) they may not have necessary equipment. It would be a good idea to give DCL a call and give them a head's up that you'll have a child with a trach, in case they need to check their supplies.

 

[GPaLarry]

We used to have a foster child with a trach. I know the hassle/concern you have. As PrincessShmoo suggested, call DCL. They have seen and experienced just about everything medically and disability-wise. There is a very cute YouTube video of Pluto on all fours playing with a service dog in one of the ship's atriums. The dog's owner is in a wheel chair. Who would think of giving a service dog a magical experience at sea???

 

[lanejudy]

Yes, there is medical personnel onboard and a fairly well equipped medical facility. But I second the question of pediatric-sized supplies. I would first consult the child’s medical team at home to get their approval for a cruise. As long as the condition is stable, I see no reason why you couldn’t cruise. I’d bring extra of any supplies you may need. And be sure to purchase travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, which typically means within 7-21 days of first deposit.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[MelSpees]

There is a very cute YouTube video of Pluto on all fours playing with a service dog in one of the ship's atriums. The dog's owner is in a wheel chair. Who would think of giving a service dog a magical experience at sea???

This is a friend of ours that we met on our first EBPC. He cruises fairly often and usually has this kind-of meet and greet set up for his dog Bingo.

 

[SnowWhite2]

Also be aware that a trip to the medical center on board will be billed to your on board account and needs to be paid prior to leaving the ship. They don't take medical or travel insurance. You will have to file once you get home and get reimbursed.

 

[Kayla12]

We used to have a foster child with a trach. I know the hassle/concern you have. As PrincessShmoo suggested, call DCL. They have seen and experienced just about everything medically and disability-wise. There is a very cute YouTube video of Pluto on all fours playing with a service dog in one of the ship's atriums. The dog's owner is in a wheel chair. Who would think of giving a service dog a magical experience at sea???

Thank you