Ships Ahoy

Keep the holiday cheer going and give yourself the gift of a midwinter cruise.

- by Kathryn Chafin

Stepping onto a cruise ship in Boston this past September bound for the eastern Canadian coast, Marilyn Mau hoped she would get to see the colors of fall. But she knew that even if she missed the seasonal show, she would enjoy the vacation. Marilyn and her husband, Bob, have been on more than 15 cruises and have loved every one of them.

“We are just so sold on cruises,” says Mau, who has had an ileostomy since 1974. And for good reasons. While gliding across the high seas to explore foreign ports or exotic islands is a great midwinter escape for almost anyone, a cruise offers perks that make it particularly appealing to people living with an ostomy.

A Simple Journey

With a cruise, traveling is the vacation. Which means you never have to worry about unpacking and repacking as you move from site to site. “You get on board, you unpack once, and most of the traveling is done at night. You wake up in the morning, and you’re in another country,” Mau points out.

And with shows, casinos, shopping, pools, exercise rooms, and much more, there’s never a moment spent waiting to have fun. Talk about holiday magic!

A Secluded Escape

Never underestimate the value of having a moment to yourself. No matter how busy you are while onboard, you can take comfort knowing that your stateroom is never more than a few decks away. Whether your concerns are practical—such as being sure to have some privacy while emptying or changing your pouch — or personal — like waltzing back to your room with that special someone — you know there’s a place you can go to be alone.

A Fantastic Feast

“There’s wonderful food, almost too wonderful,” says Mau. Indeed, the dining on most cruises is absolutely delectable. And while many of the options are not compatible with the typical New Year’s weight-loss resolution, the wide variety makes it easy for you to choose foods you love that won’t create digestive trouble.

A Custom Experience

Want to explore the customs and cultures of people at each of the ports you stop in? Go for it. Looking forward to scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean? Go ahead and dive right in. One of the best things about a cruise is the opportunity you have to make your vacation your own. Whether you’re looking to book your day from morning till midnight with activities or would rather kick back and soak in the sun on the ship’s deck, you can choose a cruise and a schedule of activities that meet your heart’s desire.

Kathryn Chafin is a journalism student at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.

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Travel Tips Over-Pack “Be aware of the heat and humidity,” warns Patricia Calhoun, MSN, ARNP, CWOCN, from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. “Some shore excursions or swimming may mean you need to change your pouch more often.” Pack twice the amount of supplies you would normally need during the period you’ll be cruising. Precut Barriers If you have to fly to your cruise departure point, keep in mind that strict security measures will prohibit you from carrying scissors on the plane. Calhoun suggests cutting a few skin barriers to take on the plane along with other supplies. Then pack your scissors and the bulk of your supplies in your checked baggage. Stay Cool “Be sure to stay well hydrated, use skin protection, and wear hats,” says Carol T. Coker, MSN, ARNP, CWOCN, from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. She also suggests limiting the amount of time you spend in Jacuzzis or saunas as their heat and humidity can leave you especially dehydrated. If you do choose to go in a Jacuzzi or sauna, avoid alcohol, as it only increases your chances of dehydration. Also, remember to check your pouch after you get out to make sure that the seal is still intact.

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