reallyitsmema

5 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said:

Charlie had both eyes done for cataracts.  Really didn’t cost us much out of pocket for new glasses.  Surgery was fully covered.

My Mom had cataracts done in both eyes too.  She paid extra for the multi focal lenses and is glad she did.  Not sure what the extra cost was though.

On 3/5/2024 at 1:44 PM, CuseJeff44 said:

We just were assigned 6274 on Oasis. Based on this thread it seems like a solid placement, but does anyone have any more specific feedback on this area of this ship? 

We have stayed in that are on Oasis and Allure and love the location.  It is very convenient and wasn't noisy.  The bathroom you see on the deck plan is accessed from the elevator lobby, not the cabin corridor, so that isn't an issue.

15 minutes ago, shelly1128 said:

Does anyone know if these cabins on 6 have a small refrigerator?

Yes, they have the small "cooler" refrigerators.  If you need to store medicine, I would request a medical refrigerator from the special needs department.

2 minutes ago, crazyank said:

Royal absolutely DOES care.  Our grandson was told that he was not allowed on any of the slides with a cast.

They don't even allow glasses or goggles on the slides, no way a cast will be allowed, as you experienced.

1 minute ago, Needz2Cruise said:

Thanks for all that info! I've already seen that website, looked at the excursions and the videos, etc. Much more informative than anything I've seen so far.

 

Are you saying that you meet the land tour at the hotel, and not at the airport? I was under the impression that there was at least a transfer provided from the airport to the tour hotel. No big deal if not; I can always return the car to the airport and uber/lyft from there to the hotel.

There is a Royal Caribbean rep in the baggage area at the airport that coordinates the transfer from the airport to the hotel.  At the hotel, you will meet your tour guide, who will discuss plans and the optional excursions.  We just were not aware that she wouldn't be at the hotel until much later and would have flown in later in the day than we did.  We did two days DIY in the Anchorage area before our land tour partially to adjust to the different timezone as we flew in from the east coast.

On 3/2/2024 at 4:05 PM, Needz2Cruise said:

For those of you that have done the RC land tour starting in Anchorage: we're flying in a couple days early and renting a car. Presumably we're to meet our tour guide or RC rep at ANC airport for the first night of the tour. Since I haven't seen any info from RCCL yet, about what time of day should I plan on returning the rental car to ANC, since we won't be coming in on a flight that day? Thanks!

We started our land tour in Fairbanks, not Anchorage, but we had flown into Anchorage to tour around for a few days prior to our land tour.  We flew Anchorage to Fairbanks early on the morning of our land tour and met a rep at the airport who got us connected with the transfer to the hotel.  Once at the hotel around 10am, we found out the leader of our land tour would not be at the hotel to meet people until 2pm.  This was not told to any of us in advance and we weren't the only ones already at the hotel.  I would really try to get some information from the cruise line about what you schedule is or find a review in the Alaska forum of the same cruise tour.  We knew we were staying at the hotel we were transferred to for a couple of nights but thought the first day wouldn't be just a throw away day.  We ended up getting a shuttle to downtown and doing some stuff on our own but we should have rented a car like another couple did and gone farther on our own as we ended up downtown the next day on the land tour and had already seen most everything that interested us.  The following link should give you an idea of you schedule a bit:

https://www.royalcaribbeancruisetours.com/

You can also see the optional excursions that you can purchase for your tour under the resources tab.  You book those when you meet your tour guide the first day.  We had decided what we wanted before and were able to just fill out the form we were given and didn't miss out on any of the excursions that don't have a lot of spaces.

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

Well the pulmonologist isnt going to work out. I need to find out why I'm coughing all night and what's wrong with me. He cant see me until sometime in May for new patients. 

 

I cant wait over 2 months to find out what to do to stop coughing. Contacting my overly busy gp again. Idk why he couldn't run a test when I fasted and went to his office and gave blood in the first place.  Don't they have tests for this kind of stuff?

 

Making progress otherwise. We are closed on the new condo, called fpl, saw the tax guy to get things started. 

Are you coughing all day long too or just at night?  If it is just at night, there could be something in your bedroom that you are reacting to.  Have you tried a humidifier?  Have you brought something into your bathroom that wasn't there before?  If it is a productive cough or a dry cough?  I have had lung issues my whole life and can sound like a seal on a good day.

On 2/29/2024 at 10:37 PM, DELTABLUE said:

ADVENTURE: Dan Whitney 1-2024 #1240

ALLURE: Mark Rous as of 3-23-24 #1290      

ANTHEM: Katie Knowles as of 11-26-23 #1189

BRILLIANCE: Carly Boileau as of 1-27-24 #1248

ENCHANTMENT: Eric Lopez #1191, Jeff Arpin 3-2/9-24, Rob McNally as of 3-9-24 #1298

EXPLORER: Aysy Sadrislamova as of 11-25-23 #1169

FREEDOM: Caroline Peters as of 3-1-246, #1297, Marc Walker 9/8-12/01/24 #1215

GRANDEUR: Bill Brunkhorst as of 11-24-23 #1182, John Blair as of 2-5-24 #1254

HARMONY: Steve Knisley as of 12-31-23 #1209, Cory Rogers as of 4-7-24 #1219

ICON: Mike Szwajkowsk until 4-20-24 #1262

INDEPENDENCE: Ana Ribeiro 1-20-24 #1241,  #1023, Marc Walker 7/13-9/7/24 #1215

JEWEL: Renato Arana as of 12-16-23 #1185

LIBERTY:  Danny Turner 1-26-24 #1242 until 5-23-24  then back 7-13/11-13-24, #1283

MARINER: Marc Walker 2/17-5/13 (inc Star Trek & 80s cruise) #1295

NAVIGATOR: AM Natalie Rosie as acting CD 1-26-24  #1252

OASIS: Eric Rodas as of 1-28-24 #1253

ODYSSEY: Ken Jones 1-28-24 #1236, Jamie Fentiman 3-10-24 #1278,

Ricky Matthews 5-4/6-30-24 #1235, 11-7-24/1-16-25 #1273

OVATION: Mike Hunnerup on 12-12-23 #1114

QUANTUM:  Tornado Tanya as of 1-19-24 #1240 

RADIANCE: Marvin Wilson as of 1-20-24 for a few months #1246

RHAPSODY:  Mey Lau (Hey Mey) as of 12-24-23  #1217

SERENADE: Joff Eaton as of 11-21-23 #1171/leaving 4-7-27 back 6-6-24, Ultimate World Cruise #1292

SPECTRUM: Bonnie Bai as of 2-12-24 #1284

SYMPHONY: Dennis Charles as of 11-18-23 #1179

UTOPIA: Ricky Matthews 8-9/10-25-24 #1273

VISION: Clo O”Connor as of 1-27-24 #1224

VOYAGER: Rob McNally as of 9-28-23 #1139

WONDER: Ricky Matthews 1-28/3-24-24 #1235, Ken Jones 3-24-24 #1281

NEW BUILDS: Bobby Brown #1055

*NEW INFO

In the updating of the information for Odyssey, a date lost a digit.  Ricky Matthews is joining 11/17 per the posts, not 11/7.  🙂 

14 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

I don't think you're reading what I'm saying:

- Why would I leave the doctor who took me from a Diabetes diagnosis back to normal A1C levels and has kept me "normal" for 3-4 years?  Clearly he's given me excellent advice. 

- Yes, the Diabetic Nutrition class and the Nutritionist were extremely helpful.  Let's not forget the Pharmacist too; he's the one who taught me how to use my meter.

Your posts are very difficult to read as you have been told many times. I only read long run-on posts with no paragraphs or spacing so far and then I just skim as it is impossible to figure out what you are quoting as you do partial quotes out of context.

I have read up until you say a pharmacist had to teach you how to use your meter and am done.  Not worth responding......😲

16 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Yes, your doctor will tell you your A1C and how many carbs you should be allowed each day, but websites and books will give you a variety of tips and recipes that'll fit into those guidelines and can provide support on a more regular basis than the doctor.  No one's suggesting that the internet is a replacement for the doctor.   

Here are a couple good sites: 

https://www.diabetesdaily.com/ 

https://sugarfreelondoner.com/ -- try that 90 second Keto bread 

https://www.heyketomama.com/ -- try the fathead pizza dough 

That's tough.  Rice -- white or brown -- has little nutrition and loads of carbs.  

I hear you, but I don't think everyone here is as well-informed.  Lots of people think Diabetics just need to avoid sugar, and all'll be well.  

If that is all you are getting from a doctor, that is too bad, I would find a new one.  Fad diets are not the answer to everything.  It is Keto now but was South Beach and Atkins before.  Not into making fad foods or eating sugar free desserts full of sugar alcohols and chemicals.  You might be well-informed for your situation but you are way off when it comes to some diabetics.  A blood sugar of 100, two hours after eating, not going to happen for everyone.

Doctor Google is not the solution to everything and can lead to a lot of bad information and unneeded concern.  A doctor with a team of people to support a newly diagnosed diabetic is the best place to start.  As a few of us have said, meeting with a nutritionist or dietician is one of the best things for someone newly diagnosed as they will calm the fears and make you realize that you can eat carbs and should eat carbs!  Cruising is not difficult as a diabetic as long as you know what you can eat, not what someone else can eat.

10 minutes ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Do consider that sugar-free doesn't mean carb-free (or even low-carb).  

True.  Proteins are easy to come by on cruises.  

Yes, definitely start with your doctor's advice, but seek out advice elsewhere too.  You can find loads of low-carb websites online.  

My insurance did provide a free meter for me, but the test strips it required were expensive.  It turned out to be cheaper to buy a Walmart /Target meter out-of-pocket ... they use the cheaper strips.  

Advice should come from medical professionals, not a "low-carb website", whatever that is.  A appointment with a nutritionist or dietician was one of the first priorities after my DH was diagnosed.  They will go over what foods are good and bad and what foods should be eaten together to help regulate your sugar.  

3 minutes ago, stuckintexas said:

Thank you so much for all the advice!!!  He is type 2 and he does have CGM and check the numbers alot trying to figure out what spikes the numbers and what keeps them in check. Always watching the carbs too.  I feel so much better about going!!

 

Just one other question…..do you have issues going thru security with your supplies?  We won’t be flying for this cruise but probably will be in the summer. 

My DH has never had any issues at any cruise port or airport.  He keeps all his stuff together and could pull it out of his carryon if there was an issue.  He never checks any of his meds or meter, always carries it on.  If he has to gate check his carry on when he flies, he makes sure to pull out his supplies before they take the bag.

@stuckintexas  The most important advice I want to add to this thread is do what your doctor tells you and what works best for you!  Some of the advice on this thread is way out there!  Test on the schedule your doctor wants you to test and worry about the blood sugar levels you have been advised to watch for.  No two diabetics are the same and no one in this thread knows what your husband's medical history is, so some of these food recommendations might not be right for him.  A dietician or nutritionist will guide you to what is best for him.

Edit to add:  We have never had to buy a glucose meter for my DH or my mother in law who was also a diabetic.  We have always received one free of charge from the doctors office.

34 minutes ago, stuckintexas said:

Probably not the right place to ask this question, but didn’t really see a place to ask other than disabled cruisers…..so any help would be appreciated. Husband was diagnosed with diabetes a couple of weeks ago and we have a cruise planned in about a month. Just wondering how others navigate thru the process. I know we need to fill out a special needs form for a sharps container, but how about meals? Do you request a special type of food selection or are you able to make selections from the buffet and main dining room? He has to monitor his carb intake to keep the sugar numbers down. We have thought about canceling the trip but have had it planned for awhile and were really looking forward to it until life threw us this curve ball…..any advise would be appreciated. 

You can get a sharps container through special needs and also a medical refrigerator if he needs it for medications.  As far as his diet, hopefully, both you and he have met with a nutritionist by the time you cruise.  My DH is also diabetic and his doctor had both of us meet with a nutritionist to help guide us through what he needs to eat.  Eating certain foods together helps regulate his sugar and will help you control the highs and the lows.  We find eating on a cruise very easy, just don't be afraid to ask them to substitute vegetables for starch or leave off sauces etc.  

It is a lot to take in at first, but it becomes old hat very quickly.  You can cruise, don't cancel!

15 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said:

My younger daughter and her 15 year old live with us, so they help.  My poor widowed daughter is here every day so they help.  She teaches in the school down the street .  Her two go there so, at least five days they are here.

It is great you have such a supportive family.  Just try to take care of yourself too.  Sending prayers to all of you.  🙂 

5 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

It’s been a while since I’ve heard the phrase “some of my best friends are ………..…“.

 

I hope your pinnacle best friends don’t learn the way you make fun of them. They may not think your jokes (bashing) are funny.  

M 

 

Just because someone comments about the behavior of a pinnacle does not make it bashing, it is just easier to identify who is acting like a fool if they are wearing a name tag.  Anyone who has eaten in CK a lot has experienced passengers dressed as suggested by the cruise line and others dressed in their favorite novelty t-shirt and shorts.  Maybe if they issue nametags to suite guests there will be less pinnacle comments....

1 minute ago, DaniDanielle said:

It’s been hard, not going to lie.  I am so sore from pulling him up!

I can only imagine!  You are so little and he is tall!  Can you get someone in to help you?

Just now, DaniDanielle said:

He is not improving. Therapist came today and did some stuff but he just can’t get moving.  He hasn’t been able to get upstairs to bed so sleeping downstairs has not been great.  I think they sent him home too soon.

Sorry to hear that. 😞 He must be so sore. I hope he starts improving soon.  I hope you are getting some sleep and aren't up worrying all night. 🙂 

@DaniDanielle How is Charlie doing, Marietta?  

5 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Same story here.

Same here too.  Been crazy windy since last night.  Lots of branches down and a couple of little trees on the hill behind our house.  Surprised we haven't lost power though.

10 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said:

We are home but he can just about move.  At least nothing was broken.

Good to hear nothing is broken.  I hope they gave him something to make him a little bit more comfortable while he heals.  Make sure you take care of yourself too.  🙂 

14 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said:

Charlie was admitted as a trauma.  X-rays are okay except they are waiting for a specialist to read the shoulder one.  He sounds good anyway.

Thanks for updating us, sounds like admitting him was a good idea since he has so many other issues.  I hope you were able to get some sleep last night.

1 hour ago, HappyTexan44 said:

We requested the medicine fridge.    It wasn't what I expected, which was a small or tiny fridge with tight temperature control.   As you can see, it isn't that.   You might have something similar at home, I think we have two.   The cord kept unplugging so we put in under the counter.   The temp had been below 40F.   It had been 47F when I opened the lid, which was the highest I saw while it stayed plugged in.    A vial of medicine doesn't take that much space, so we used it for other stuff too.   I always wrap the vial in a washcloth or napkin to help even out the temp.   

This was on the Voyager on Feb 2024.    The regular fridge wasn't even claiming to be a fridge.   It had a sign on the front that it was a cooler.   The inside door was setup for a mini-bar where you were charged when you removed stuff.  Remember those?  Temp in there was 60's before I added a ziploc of ice.   

You finally went on your cruise!!  I hope you enjoyed it. 

As far as your medicine refrigerator, what you received is what we have gotten on many ships when we put a request into the Special Needs department.  I must have missed when you asked about them prior to your cruise because I have posted similar pictures in the past.  We have never had issues with the plug falling out and have never checked the temperature, interesting to see what it actually was in the one you had.  The medicine we use it for is refrigerated but is okay at room temperature for 30 days, so we haven't been too concerned about the temp.  We end up unplugging it after the medicine is used because we found that thing to be loud.

43 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said:

We took Charlie to the emergency room.  He wasn’t feeling any better, arm and leg were giving him problems.  He think his arm was broken but have not heard any news yet.  Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers.  We really could use a little less drama!

I am glad you took him to be checked out.  Better safe than sorry.  Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.  🙂 

20 minutes ago, TheLargeFamily said:

Do you know why they don't often put rooms that sleep four people Side by side? It's very hard to get connecting rooms to accommodate eight people

I have no idea. Others have complained before too. It would make sense to have some available. 

12 minutes ago, TheLargeFamily said:

It is one of my silly Hobbies (or not- so - silly Hobbies) to price out vacations over and over again. Eventually I book them and we are leaving on a cruise in two weeks. However I see the following with Royal Caribbean all the time. Why are they booking every other room? I see this on almost every floor of several ships. It makes it very challenging to get connecting rooms. See picture for an example.

The D1 cabins sleep four, the cabin that they are connected to only sleep two or three.  They aren't booking every other cabin, they are just showing you cabins that sleep four.