Cruise Dialysis

Norway & North Cape onboard Vasco de Gama departing Bremerhaven, Germany, 19 June 2019, 12 nights

With only 1220 passengers, the Vasco da Gama combines beautiful, contemporary décor with a more traditional cruise style.  There are 120 spacious superior and premium balcony cabins and 29 de-luxe balcony suites including an impressive Royal Penthouse Suite. A majority of twin bedded cabins convert to double bed cabins and a limited number also have inter-connecting doors, ideal for family groups.

The facilities on board Vasco da Gama are impressive with a choice of six restaurants, five lounge bars, a pool bar and four entertainment venues each with its own individual style. She offers a casino, library, card room and shopping galleria plus extensive deck areas, two swimming pools (one of which has a retractable roof), sports courts, spa amenities and a gym.

The Vasco da Gama has great entertainment on board, from show teams to pianists to disco. Why not start your evening with a pre-dinner drink and enjoy some of your favourite melodies? The resident musicians invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy conversation with new friends about another wonderful day ashore.

Itinerary

DATE PORT ARRIVALS DEPARTURE
19/6/19 Bremerhaven (Germany) 1700h
20/6/19 Rest at sea
21/6/19 Country by launch or tenderVik (Norway) 0630h 0730h
21/6/19 Viewing OnlyPassage Sognefjord (Norway)
21/6/19 Flåm (Norway) 1200h 1800h
Surrounded by majestically towering mountains, the tiny village of Flåm with its approximately 500 inhabitants nestles at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, the innermost arm of the mighty Sognefjord. Its popularity as a holiday destination began in the late 19th century with the arrival of steamboats, which brought English and German passengers, including European nobility, to salmon fishing on the Flåm River. Today’s visitors are attracted by the opportunity to ride on one of the steepest and most spectacular railways in the world. The Flåm Railway is considered a masterpiece of engineering and zigzags up the steep slopes of the Flåm Valley in the middle of one of Norway’s most breathtaking mountain scenery.
22/6/19 Viewing OnlyPassage Romsdalsfjord (Norway)
22/6/19 Andalsnes (Norway) 1400h 2200h
Åndalsnes is located at the end of the 88-kilometer Romsdalfjordes at the mouth of the Rauma River, which winds through the valley of the same name. It was one of the first rivers in Norway to attract British aristocrats and other fly fishermen from abroad at the end of the 19th century. The small town is today the administrative center of Rauma in the Norwegian district of Møre and Romsdal. The excursions offered will take you to the wonderful Romsdal Alps with the famous Trollwand and the spectacular Serpentine Trollstigen. Åndalsnes is also the starting point of the fascinating Raumabahnstrecke, on which the classic steam train travels through an enthralling mountain scenery.
23/6/19 Rest at sea
24/6/19 Leknes, Lofoten (Norway) 0600h 1230
Geographically, Leknes is right in the middle of the Lofoten Archipelago on Vestvågøy Island, one of the seven main islands. Although Leknes may not be the most attractive city, it is considered the gateway to one of Norway’s most awesome and magnificent landscapes. The excursions on offer explore the land of jagged mountain peaks, sheltered coves and dramatic shores scattered with quaint fishing villages. The archipelago is home to large bird populations and looks back on a rich and fascinating heritage of the Vikings.
25/6/19 Viewing OnlyPassage North Cape
25/6/19 North Cape, Honningsvåg (Norway) 2200h o / n
Despite the fact that the Norwegian law states that a city must have 5,000 inhabitants in order to call itself a city, the small municipality Honningsvåg with its 2,500 souls was granted city rights in 1996. Thus, Honningsvåg rose to one of the smallest cities in the country. It is located on the southeast side of the island Magerøya in the Barents Sea. The city is known as a starting point for trips to the dramatic North Cape, where the monumental 307 meter high cliff plunges vertically from a rocky plateau into the Atlantic Ocean. It is located here at the northernmost point of Europe, and between the North Cape and the North Pole is only the endless Arctic sea.
26/6/19 North Cape, Honningsvåg (Norway) o / n 0300h
Despite the fact that the Norwegian law states that a city must have 5,000 inhabitants in order to call itself a city, the small municipality Honningsvåg with its 2,500 souls was granted city rights in 1996. Thus, Honningsvåg rose to one of the smallest cities in the country. It is located on the southeast side of the island Magerøya in the Barents Sea. The city is known as a starting point for trips to the dramatic North Cape, where the monumental 307 meter high cliff plunges vertically from a rocky plateau into the Atlantic Ocean. It is located here at the northernmost point of Europe, and between the North Cape and the North Pole is only the endless Arctic sea.
27/6/19 Rest at sea
28/6/19 Olden (Norway) 1200h 2000h
The southernmost of the three short arms of the inner Nordfjord ends in Olden. The charming village is located between neat farms on gently rising, fertile slopes, which become steeper and steeper up into dense, overgrown mountain peaks. The beautiful Oldendalen valley runs from the town between towering mountains to the edge of the mighty Jostedalsgletscher. The Briksdal Glacier is one of the most accessible glacier tongues of the Jostedalsbreen. The creeping moving, furrowed arm of ice is visited on the excursions offered from Olden, next to magnificent waterfalls, glacier-fed rivers and beautiful mountain lakes.
29/6/19 Bergen (Norway) 1000h 1900h
Norway’s second largest city is also known as the gateway to the fjords. With a population of less than a quarter of a million people, but rather the pleasant feeling of being in a small town. Seven surrounding mountains form a beautiful backdrop and a cable car ride up to the city mountain Fløien promises magnificent panoramic views of Bergen and the Norwegian coastline with its many skerries. The colorful quay promenade of Bryggen Old Town is the face of Bergen. The typical wooden gabled houses were once the home and workplace of Hanseatic merchants. Today, shops are located here selling handicrafts and traditional souvenirs.
30/6/19 Rest at sea
07/01/19 Bremerhaven (Germany) 0900h

Note: In case of bad weather or sea conditions that prevent the ship from reaching a planned port, alternative arrangements will be made as far as possible.

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* Technical stop, guests can not go ashore

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Testimonials

  • “I want to say thankyou to you and John for making my first cruise so memorable and being so warm and supportive.”

    Mr G Hinkins
  • We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our first Dialysis Cruise. It was so lovely to meet you and we really appreciated everything you arranged for us to make the experience run smoothly from the early days of booking the cruise to the dialysis on board. Peter and I were always confident that he was in safe hands and having excellent care throughout the cruise really made the holiday.  A special “big thank you” to you and the Charge Nurse. We are so looking forward to our next cruise with you in December.

    Mrs A Terrey
  • It was really great meeting yourself and the Dialysis Team and THANK YOU
    all for making my dream of a holiday to Norway a Reality, especially with the
    reassurance of very competent dialysis while on holiday.  I look forward to my future trips with Cruise Dialysis.

    Michael Williams
  • Cruise with Confidence.  Cruise Dialysis was discovered on the internet. My first impression of Lisa Parnell encouraged me to sign up for a cruise. Naturally there were concerns with trusting one’s health with an unknown dialysis team. They were quickly overcome when meeting the Head Nurse, a dedicated nephrologist and team of nurses. They were all accomplished professionals and friendly as well.  Two examples of why they are so good: their concerns about individual patients and willingness to be flexible in scheduling. Most importantly sessions were worked around ports so that cruisers had maximum access to shore activities. Additionally, they made efforts to know their patients, their preferences, and alter treatment times with passenger preferences in mind.  There will be more cruises in my future with Ambassador Cruise Lines and their dialysis team. My family is confident that my health needs will be in good hands.

    Steve Martin
  • This is my review of the German Market cruise last week (December), I really enjoyed it, met a lot of friendly people, food was good most of the time, nice warm Cabin, good entertainment, safe parking while away and the dialysis was first class, very caring staff and a special mention to the Charge Nurse and Lisa, pleasure to meet them, they made it all go smoothly, I would do it again probably in warmer weather, but for a first cruise, loved it and would recommend to others.

    Paul Salmons
  • Just to say once again, thank you for the excellent organisation of our recent cruise. It went like a dream.  My mum is 79 years old and has wanted to go on a cruise for many years. When she became ill and needed kidney dialysis (haemodialysis) we thought she would never fulfill her dream. I then discovered Cruise Dialysis, where kidney patients have their usual dialysis, on board ship, whilst on their holiday cruise. We looked at cruises offering dialysis at sea, and when we found the right one we wanted we booked it. Lisa at Cruise Dialysis was so helpful every step of the way, liaising with mum’s dialysis unit at home and helping us through the process.
    The cruise on Ambience, one of Ambassador’s two ships, was fantastic. The ship is beautiful, the staff so lovely, and the dialysis team were absolutely wonderful. Mum was very much looked after throughout the whole 15 night cruise. She even danced several times, something she hasn’t felt well enough to do in years.
    A huge thank you to all. Now she wants to go again!
    Deborah Shellcock
  • I’d like to thank you for the wonderful service you provide for dialysis patients. The administration before the cruise was efficient and the care on ship superlative. I was very impressed with the clinical team and felt really confident with their level of expertise and experience. The dialysis sessions ran smoothly and contributed to a relaxing and reinvigorating holiday. We look forward to joining you for another cruise in the near future.

    Andrew Westlake
  • I just wanted to say how great the cruise was. The facilities on board were above and beyond what Mark and I were expecting. Nothing was too much trouble for the crew members.

    As for the dialysis, we’ll what can I say? Lisa; the Charge Nurse and his team were amazing! The care they gave to all the patients was fantastic – they all made us feel special and really looked after us.

    I have to admit I was pretty nervous about dialysing on a boat with strange people but about 10 minutes after meeting the team it was as if we’d been friends forever!

    The welcome speech given by Lisa and the Charge Nurse really put everyone at ease and it was a great opportunity to ask any questions.

    I would say to anyone who feels like they can’t go on holiday because of being on dialysis to just get in touch with Cruise Dialysis and see the world open up again.

    We are already planning next year’s holiday – a river cruise along the Danube. I think we’re hooked now!! 

    We’ll see you again soon.

    Kim Fountain
  • Apologies for a very overdue message – an extremely busy spell for me with a new job starting and moving house – but we both wanted to say a huge thank you for making our time on board absolutely fantastic. We really appreciate the hard work and care put into making our trip so special, and many thanks too to all the team (not just for adopting me!). We hope to come back sometime in the future.

    Antonia Coleman-Harvey
  • Just a belated note to say thank you and your staff for making the cruise so enjoyable.  The treatment and attention were first class, and I would certainly recommend to anyone thinking of Cruising.

    As a Widower, Dialysis patient, and first time Cruiser I was very apprehensive about booking a cruise.

    From the outset Lisa was extremely helpful and made the whole process easy, alleviating many of my concerns.  The paperwork was very easy to follow and my dialysis unit very helpful in ensuring all tests etc were completed.

    Once on board we met the Charge Nurse and his team.  The Charge Nurse’s enthusiasm for dialysis was remarkable explaining every detail with great clarity.  The treatment was as good as any private hospital.

    Being single status was not an issue as I met several friendly people including the nursing staff (on their day off) for dining and in the bar.

    Any Dialysis patient out there considering a cruise – take the plunge- I can thoroughly recommend it.

    Graham Curtis
  • Thank you and your team for everything on our cruise. We enjoyed it and the dialysis was first class. And the social side with you all was a pleasure.

    Mr J Evans
  • I would just like to place on record my appreciation for the wonderful service and attention I received on my dialysis cruise round the Greek Islands.  I hope to book with you soon for another trip soon.

    Mr J Redfern
  • Just a quick note to thank you, the Charge Nurse and the rest of the team, including the Doctor, for the wonderful cruise we just enjoyed. As usual everything went well and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.

    Mr K Best
  • Just wanted to say thank you, the ladies really enjoyed their holiday in fact one was crying and did not want to come home. They had a great time. Thank you for your help and patience .

    Ms J Mitchell
  • Thank you for planning an excellent holiday which we thoroughly enjoyed – wish it was for another 3 days. The dialysis worked very well as we were a bit apprehensive for the first time Celebrity was great, our first time.

    Mrs N Rahim
  • Just a note to say how enjoyable the Rhine cruise was. The dialysis was both caring and sociable.

    Mr R Ward
  • Just wanted to say many thanks for the Cruise. We had a fantastic time.

    Mr P McGouran
  • “I do wish to thank you, the Charge Nurse and the rest of your dialysis team. You’re doing a great service to those in need of it and who are keen to travel at the same time.  Your variety of ocean and river cruises gives all those who may be interested a wide choice of styles and destinations, while at the same time being able to rely on professional care and service in dialysis needs. Keep up the good work. Thank you once again”

    Mr Dominic Yau
  • Cruise was wonderful. We loved the Europa2  and Dr. Westerman was a delight to have do our dialysis sessions.

    Mrs S Pearl
  • We had a lovely holiday and have lots of pictures to remind us of where we went – they are on my screensaver already and are a very enjoyable reminder.  As you know I love these holidays. I am really grateful that I could have a holiday while on dialysis – it is so lovely to get away from home for more than a night!

    Mrs L Osborn
  • I’d just like to thank you and your professional Dialysis Team for making my first ever cruise experience so wonderful.  Starting from the time of booking, through the worst parts – waiting for the departure date to come around, right through until disembarkation.

    The paperwork, though comprehensive was clear and easy for myself and my home clinic nurses to complete, and your advice on what to pack for the expectations of the cruise liner took that stress away.

    It was good to meet everyone in your team and my compatriots for treatment so soon after embarkation and everything always felt like it was no problem and easily handled.  The dialysis team was totally professional at all times, but that was also complimented by their personalities which meant time on dialysis went quite quickly chatting etc.  The Nephrologist was extremely thorough at all times but was also quite amusing in her own way.  The Charge Nurse was a wealth of experience and definitely the glue bonding the team together and always available for everyone at all times.  The two nurses providing support were effective team players and knew their stuff.

    Being an accompanied cruise meant there was always someone about if you wanted a chat even on the excellent inclusive shore trips.  It was good to see the planning that went in to arranging dialysis sessions around these activities and the team were always looking to be flexible on start stop times.

    I will do this again in the future, need to save up a bit first, but would recommend it to anyone.  Thanks for a wonderful holiday.

    Mr K Summerhayes
  • I wanted to tell you that it was a wonderful cruise and thank you for all the efforts you have had in respect to the dialyses.  Everything was working at the full satisfaction.

    Mr J Steinmann
  • Just a quick email to thank you very much for all your help with organising our Canary Island Cruise and dialysis on board for my mum.  Everything ran smoothly and the dialysis staff were excellent, friendly, professional and a pleasure to meet.  Hopefully we will be able to travel again using your excellent dialysis at sea service.

    Ms C Sharratt
  • I want to let you know we really enjoyed the holiday, the ship was very good and the dialysis went well.

    Mrs S Platt
  • I just wanted to send you an email and say THANK YOU so much for all your help with organising the cruise for my mum and me!  Anoop had a really good time on the cruise.  It was definitely an experience, we managed to go on the organised day trips and see new places.  Many thanks once again, I really appreciate all the help you gave me.

    Mrs A Chandhock
  • My father asked me to contact you upon his return from his recent cruise which we booked with you.  He wanted me to pass on what a great trip he had and a fantastic break.  On a personal note I would also like to thank you for your service throughout the booking and my endless enquiries.

    S Lupton
  • Trip was great and dialysis team work excellently together. Nephrologist and Charge Nurse were top notch.  Again thanks you did a great job.

    Mr R Gray
  • We arrived home safe, well and happy. You might like to know we were delighted with the whole Cruise Dialysis adventure. Apart from the impressively competent and conscientious attention of the dialysis team we both very much enjoyed their company and hope to be able to have future involvement. Rae’s health stood up very well, and she came home better than for years.

    The AmaWaterways river cruise itself was also a great pleasure, at just the right level of comfort, interest and variety without opulence. Just about everything was well suited to our needs and desires – as experienced travellers and critical customers. You would be welcome to let others who might be interested contact us in case they have any questions about customers’ experience with your system.

    R Kennedy & R Bogner
  • Just returned from a fantastic cruise. Everything was excellent and dialysis was 1st class . Have no hesitation in recommending you to others. Thanks for all your help. Hope to book again as soon as unit allows. Thanks again.

    Mrs E Adrain
  • Recently my husband and I were fortunate to holiday with AmaWaterways. It was ‘The Enchanting Rhine’ cruise travelling from Basel in Switzerland to Amsterdam.  The whole holiday from start to finish was fantastic. The staff on-board couldn’t do enough to ensure we were well looked after.  The food was lovely and plentiful. The excursions were very well organised and catered for everyone. My husband had dialysis on-board which was also very well organised and arranged so no excursions were missed. The medical team were lovely and looked after my husband well.  I would thoroughly recommend this cruise and hope future travellers enjoy it as much as we did.

    Mr & Mrs K Setchfield