Viking World Cruise - Insulin storage (refrigeration) question

[X-IO1]

Hi there, I am a T2 diabetic and I use insulin injector pens to help maintain my blood sugar levels.  The modern insulin in these injector pens is fine for up to 14 days without refrigeration, but should be stored at 36 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit to keep it safe for longer periods of time. I’ve read somewhere here in the forums that the lowest temperature in the Viking stateroom refrigerators isn’t all that cold. If true, this question is for you World Cruisers on Viking who are also insulin-dependent diabetic, how have you handled your insulin refrigeration needs?

[Squawkman]

I use a pump (Humalog) and had no problems with the refrigerator. 

[Peregrina651]

13 hours ago, X-IO1 said:

Hi there, I am a T2 diabetic and I use insulin injector pens to help maintain my blood sugar levels.  The modern insulin in these injector pens is fine for up to 14 days without refrigeration, but should be stored at 36 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit to keep it safe for longer periods of time. I’ve read somewhere here in the forums that the lowest temperature in the Viking stateroom refrigerators isn’t all that cold. If true, this question is for you World Cruisers on Viking who are also insulin-dependent diabetic, how have you handled your insulin refrigeration needs?

 

This is one of those kinds of questions that really should have some input from Viking directly. Contact Viking at tellus@vikingcruises.com (include name, booking number and phone number) and they will either answer any questions you have about insulin storage or put you in touch with the department that can best answer them. They will be able to tell you if the temp on the in-room fridge can be regulated and if there is alternative storage (at a constant temperature) for the quantity of  drugs it seems you will have to carry for a World Cruise.

[Heidi13]

If you are already booked on a World Cruise, suggest using the World Cruise desk -  worldcruiseservices@vikingcruises.com

quoting your booking number. We have sent a number of queries & always get prompt responses.

 

If not already booked, concur with Peregrina and use the "Tellus". They also monitor this Board, so you may even get a reply one here.

[deec]

we were on a WC and my friend had her "allergy"  shot vial kept in the medical clinic.

[Peregrina651]

1 hour ago, deec said:

we were on a WC and my friend had her "allergy"  shot vial kept in the medical clinic.

 

That is what I had in the back of my mind when I said to contact "TellUs" but Andy's suggestion is even better.

[deec]

"horses' mouth is always the best". no assuming!

 

[longterm]

I use a pen that needs refrigerating; we're about to get on the 15-day Italy cruise, so I asked my doctor about refrigeration.

She told me that so long as the pen didn't get warm, it should be fine; the in-room mini-fridge is not very cool, but will keep the pen cool. I bring an ice pack in a little sleeve for the flights, and that seems to work fine.

[Maximillian45]

Somewhat along these lines - I have borderline high blood pressure and am suppose to check it every few days. I would prefer to not take my bp cuff with me. Can I stop by the medical clinic and get it checked a few times on our 13 day voyage?

[Heidi13]

2 minutes ago, Maximillian45 said:

Somewhat along these lines - I have borderline high blood pressure and am suppose to check it every few days. I would prefer to not take my bp cuff with me. Can I stop by the medical clinic and get it checked a few times on our 13 day voyage?

 

I have no doubt the medical staff will be more than happy to assist, but the service will most likely come at a cost. Every few days on a World Cruise could incur a heft bill.

[KBs mum]

2 hours ago, longterm said:

I use a pen that needs refrigerating; we're about to get on the 15-day Italy cruise, so I asked my doctor about refrigeration.

She told me that so long as the pen didn't get warm, it should be fine; the in-room mini-fridge is not very cool, but will keep the pen cool. I bring an ice pack in a little sleeve for the flights, and that seems to work fine.

I know that Viking can arrange refrigerated storage, a chap on Orion a few years back mentioned he'd arranged it for some of his meds. I have no idea what the process is though, perhaps start with MVJ and the medical/disability questionnaire? 

Edited February 17, 2022 by KBs mum

[CurlerRob]

1 hour ago, Maximillian45 said:

Somewhat along these lines - I have borderline high blood pressure and am suppose to check it every few days. I would prefer to not take my bp cuff with me. Can I stop by the medical clinic and get it checked a few times on our 13 day voyage?

Interesting question. Pre-Covid, Holland America used to have a home-style Omron unit in the gym. I've never looked to see if Viking's gym or spa had one available there. If they did, it may have succumbed to pandemic precautions ...

 

Again, a useful question to pose to Tellus. 🍺🥌

[Peregrina651]

3 hours ago, Maximillian45 said:

Somewhat along these lines - I have borderline high blood pressure and am suppose to check it every few days. I would prefer to not take my bp cuff with me. Can I stop by the medical clinic and get it checked a few times on our 13 day voyage?

 

3 hours ago, KBs mum said:

I have no idea what the process is though, perhaps start with MVJ and the medical/disability questionnaire? 

 

Contact Viking directly with this question. Tellus@vikingcruises.com or 1-855-884-5464 (1-855-8-VIKING). Include your booking number and phone number.

 

This same e-mail and phone number handles medical issues, dietary issues, service animals and disabled guests (anyone who uses a wheel chair, etc.) Also read the Viking FAQs, which covers a lot of these issues. There is a link in the footer of every page on the website.