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Answer: Guests on dialysis are welcome on board if their condition is stable, carry their own dialysis equipment, and self-administer the dialysis according to the nephrologist's instruction. Our onboard medical staff is not equipped or trained to perform any type of dialysis. The cruising environment for guests on dialysis is a higher risk than a home setting. Access to specialist services ashore may be limited, so we recommend that guests are stable on dialysis for at least twelve (12) months prior to travel. We do not recommend travel on remote itineraries, including ocean crossings, specific regions such as Antarctica or Africa, or itineraries with multiple consecutive sea days in remote locations with limited evacuation opportunities.

The ship does not have nephrology specialty services on board, and timely availability of this specialty may be unavailable or limited during port visits. Guests must be able to perform hemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis independently or travel with a trained professional. Guests are responsible for supplying all medications and supplies necessary to perform dialysis. Due to the possible risks and complications that can arise while undergoing dialysis treatments on a ship, we strongly recommend guests purchase additional travel insurance that covers treatment of the specific condition and medical evacuation services that may be needed outside of your home country.

While guests may also arrange for dialysis treatments in ports of call, it is important that guests understand that due to circumstances beyond our control, there is no guarantee the ship will call into the designated ports of call at the scheduled date and time. There are many unpredictable reasons a port call may be altered or canceled, so guests travel at their own risk and should be prepared for the possibility of missing a scheduled port of call.

The requirements to sail with us if you are on dialysis include:

• Be stable on treatment for at least 12 months on self-administered hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
• Obtain medical clearance and a report from your treating doctor for your particular itinerary.
• Ensure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies for the duration of the voyage.
• Make arrangements with vendors to supply oxygen or supplies to the ship (if applicable).
• Sign the Dialysis Risk Acknowledgement form and return it to GuestAccessibility@HollandAmerica.com.

Information specific to self-administered hemodialysis/NxStage:

We allow guests to travel if they use a self-administered dialysis system, such as NxStage. Guests traveling with this type of system should have at least 12 months of experience using the system prior to sailing. The guest and traveling partner providing or assisting with the treatment should have received adequate training from the center facilitating the transition to the self-administered system. Ships do not carry back-up battery support for dialysis-related equipment. Guest should complete our Special Requirements Information Form prior to sailing or contact us as GuestAccessibility@HollandAmerica.com.

Peritoneal dialysis:

Guests requiring peritoneal dialysis during their cruise must arrange for adequate solutions and supplies to be delivered to the ship prior to sailing. Guest should complete our Special Requirements Information Form prior to sailing or contact us at GuestAccessibility@HollandAmerica.com to arrange port clearance for your medical supply company to deliver and pick up supplies, or they may be denied access to the port.

Equipment and Supplies:

Label all equipment and supplies you bring on board with your full name, contact details, and stateroom number.

Rental Companies:

If you are using a third-party vendor to deliver your equipment or supplies to the port, you are required to complete our Medical Delivery Vendor Request Form and return it no later than one week prior to sailing. You and the medical supplier are responsible for the delivery of all dialysis equipment rentals and supplies before the ship sails. You assume the risk of using third-party services subject to their contractual terms, including refunds. We recommend contacting third-party providers as soon as possible to confirm the availability and supplies you need can be delivered to the ship on your sailing date.