New to this site. Since I am unable to find a search option, I will ask a question that has probably been asked a thousand times: Need tips on cruising on Royal Caribbean with a urostomy. My main concern is regarding the Bard night bag. We do not normally dispose of them after one use, rather we rinse with water and vinegar. RC says it is okay to bring vinegar in its original unopened container. On a short four-night cruise, we were wondering what is the best way to handle this. I've read to contact Guest Services to be put in touch with the ship's clinic, get red bags, and to carry more than ample supplies (duh), but any other tips/experiences would be appreciated. I suppose a new unused Bard bag each night would be an option, but it seems wasteful.
Hi - I would make up 4 or 5 kits containing the Bard Bag, J Clothes, Clothes Pin, a sachet of vinegar from a restaurant (or buy 1 small squirting bottle from the supermarket), half a dozen paper towels and put everything into a large Zip Lock bag. Add the 5 kits to your regular ostomy supplies in a separate carry-on bag. No airline can refuse this carry-on so I assume the same for a ship. At night put the Bard Bag into the Zip Lock then into a waste basket. If you can't rinse the night bag you will have spares, if you can you will have some to take home. I have used Coloplast Night Bags in this way for 10+ years without incident - a plus is that they have a hook on the top. Good luck / Bon Voyage! Bryce
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I want to thank everyone for their suggestions, messages, and tips! So many have helped! We are learning as we go, learning the ins and outs of this bag. I have ordered special tape that does not irritate my skin and am now using Domeboro powder before putting on a new bag. My boyfriend says that my skin is so much less red!
Saw an ostomy nurse today; she said my boyfriend is doing everything right. One of my issues is that I am really thin, and my skin is really crinkly due to the surgery. We shall see how this bag goes.
This site is a real blessing. Everyone here is so awesome!
Kim
You're spending money to go on a cruise and all the expenses that go along with it and you're worried about being wasteful? 🤷♂️ Take a few extra bags and put a fresh one on when you need to and toss the used ones. Enjoy your vacation and don't spend it washing bags and carrying vinegar around.
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.
I use a small travel bottle of liquid dish soap. You could also use hand sanitizer, lemon juice (it sanitizes and deodorizes), or rubbing alcohol.
My Ostomy Journey: April | Hollister
