Cruising With MS: 3 Ways I Navigated My First Cruise On The Norwegian Joy + 3 tips

My cruise last weekend on the Norwegian Joy was absolutely amazing — I’m already looking to plan another one! Everything went so smoothly, and the crew was incredibly helpful and kind.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2018, but I refuse to let it stop me from experiencing the world firsthand. If you have MS, you know how unpredictable and unforgiving this disease can be. However, we can’t let it stop us from living our lives. My goal is to help others with MS enjoy stress-free, smooth travel experiences.

Here’s how I navigated my first cruise with MS!

How I Made My Cruise Easier with MS

1. I Used My Rollator

I debated whether or not to bring my rollator, and I’m so glad I did — it would have been a big mistake to leave it behind. Sometimes, I think I can do things easily and forget that my body will stop me when it’s had enough. My rollator helped me keep up, walk faster than I normally could, and, most importantly, prevent falls by giving me something to hold onto for balance.

2. I Took Naps When Needed

Since it was a short cruise, I didn’t want to spend too much time resting, but I also knew I couldn’t just go, go, go non-stop. The first day was exhausting — waiting to board, waiting for the rooms to be ready, and then just sailing until we reached the island the next day. Once I finally got to my room at around 3 PM, I changed into something comfortable and took a much-needed nap. That short break gave me the energy to enjoy more of the ship’s excitement afterward!

3. I Planned Carefully

I tend to overdo it because I forget I’m not as “healthy” as others. When booking my excursion to Great Stirrup Cay, I made sure to choose an earlier time so I’d be well-rested and have enough energy to enjoy myself. I also checked in advance to see if the excursions were accessible. For this particular one, we had to board a smaller boat to reach a different section of the island. If I had needed my rollator, I wouldn’t have had anywhere to store or hold it — so that was an important thing to consider.

My Biggest Tips for Cruising with MS

✅ Wear Compression Socks
 I didn’t think I’d need them for such a short trip, but I spent a lot of time sitting in the airport and on the plane on day 0, which left my legs feeling tight. By the time I boarded the cruise, the discomfort had only worsened. If my trip had been any longer, I might not have been able to walk at all. Lesson learned: always pack compression socks!

✅ Book an Accessible Cabin (If Needed)
 I personally didn’t need an accessible cabin this time because I don’t always require grab bars, and my rollator folds easily, so narrow doorways weren’t an issue. I also packed light, which helped. But if you need extra space or additional accessibility features, don’t hesitate to book an accessible cabin!

✅ Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
 I forgot to pack my water bottle, and I won’t make that mistake again! Staying hydrated is so important, especially when you have MS. Bringing a refillable water bottle allows you to fill up at the buffet and have water with you wherever you go.

Final Thoughts

Having Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling — it just means you need to adapt. With the right planning and adjustments, you can still enjoy amazing trips and new experiences. I had a fantastic time on my cruise, and I hope these tips help you plan a smooth, stress-free adventure as well!

Do you also have MS and travel? Let me know in the comments! 🚢✨

Originally posted on Medium.

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