Cruising - better pre- or post surgery?

[Amanda616]

Hello! My Fiance was recently diagnosed with a 1.7cm AN. We are doing our homework now regarding getting second opinions and he will most likely be having surgery in early 2013.

We are getting married October 27th and are leaving on a 14 day Mediterranean cruise out of Europe in the beginning of November for our Honeymoon. I have seen a few posts on here about balance issues while cruising and I'm wondering if we should still go on our honeymoon as planned or try to postpone for a year once he has recovered from surgery?

He is having mild balance issues now but overall is okay. Any advice would be much appreciated!!

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Amanda ~

Congratulations on your impending nuptials! 

Maintaining normal balance aboard a seagoing vessel can be problematic for some AN patients (pre and post surgery) - but not always.  I might suggest that your finance try to take a very short boat trip, e.g. a ferry, to get some idea of how his balance is affected on a seagoing vessel.  Keep in mind that cruise ships today are really huge, 'floating hotels' and he would have little sense of being on the water, although a storm could occur which might be a problem in terms of his balance.  My guess is that the cruise wouldn't be a problem unless your finance has rather severe balance issues, now.  As mentioned, a brief foray on a relatively small boat might answer the question because if he doesn't have a problem with balance (or the problem is manageable) than being aboard a large cruise ship wouldn't be an issue for him in terms of maintaining his equilibrium.

Jim       

[It is what it is]

I don't have advice to offer but I did want to join in congratulating both of you, as well as welcome you to the list!!!!! 

Karen

[james e]

I have not been on a cruise ship since my surgery, but I own a Boston Whaler fishing boat. I am wonky 24/7 since my surgery 30 months ago, but I am not wonky on my boat. Go figure. Your doc can give him some tablets to deal with his wonkyness while you are on your trip...they really work!

[stoneaxe]

I took a cruise with the family just before radiation treatment in 2004. I was mildly wonky at the time. It was fine....only time i had any problem was just as the ship was leaving port and the horizon is sliding sideways and even that was just mild. Danced up a storm and had a blast otherwise...even took a full throttle jet-ski excursion. Go have fun!.... and congrats!

[MaryEBS]

Amanda -

I had CK 3 months ago not surgery... but just got off a caribbean cruise last Sunday.  I no more or less issue being on a ship than I did on land.  Don't worry... go on your honeymoon and enjoy every minute.

Mary