Question:
Has anyone been on a cruise Post op?

I am thrilled because my hubby and I just booked an Alaskan cruise for July on Princess ship. This is a dream of a lifetime and although I have lost 60 lbs, I still have a lot to lose yet. The travel agent said "be sure to bring your bathing suit for the jacuzzi/hot tubs". Instant panic! I know I don't have to appear in public in a bathing suit, but I don't want to miss anything because of my wt ever again! Has anybody been on one of these cruises and can tell me how private the hot tub/pools are? Will this be one of those "things" where everybody is skinny and buff? I am frightened to wear a bathing suit in public! Help!    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 12, 2001)

May 12, 2001
I love cruising! I know you'll have a great time. I've never been on a Princess boat so I don't know for sure, but I do know that on Royal Carribean and on Carnival the hot tub is located in the gym. On some boats there are separate men and women tubs (which I like better) but on some they are unisex. You see all shapes and sizes on a cruise--since you're going in the summer there may be more families as well as the normal group of senior citizens. I don't think the Alaska cruises are real hot amongst the party hardy crowd so probably not a lot of hard bodies. Anyway, you're paying the same amount as them to have an enjoyable vacation, so my advice is HAVE FUN!
   — Janet J.

May 12, 2001
Have fun..!!!!! I have been on 6 cruises and believe me there are all different sizes and shapes of people on the cruise. Everybody is so friendly so don't worry have a good time. Make sure you pack an overnight bag and bring it with you on the plane incase they lose your luggage.
   — Dawn T.

May 13, 2001
I went on a Princess Alaskan cruise last May for my honeymoon. It is wonderful!! You will have an amazing time. The pool in centrally located on the main deck and there are hot tubs up there. Relax about the body image. I know it is hard but there is every possible shape and size on that boat. Plus, we didn't really find we had a lot of time to swim. I could swim anywhere but how often do I get to watch whales play off the bow of a boat? Some quick tips: You must do the Pilot's Choice Helicopter Tour. I had to do that one because it didn't have the 250 pound weight limit. It cost more but it is better anyway. You land on two different glaciers and one is in a spot where there is no one else. It is so worth the extra cost! The sea otter tour was great too. We also did a fishing trip that was wonderful. It was by far the best vacation I've ever had. There is a ton of food but don't feel bad because it isn't the best food ever. It's good, don't get me wrong, but it isn't like you are missing out on 5 star dining! I also treated myself to a spa treatment as soon as I got on board. I got the seaweed wrap and massage. I would definately recommend it. It is a great way to start a vacation! Bring good binoculars for you and whoever you are traveling with. May I please stress GOOD binoculars. You'll miss out if you don't have htem and the ones they sell on board are so overpriced. Have fun and leave your worries behind. The other thing I kept telling myself was, who cares what these people think, I'll never see any of them again except my husband and he's seen me naked and still loves me!! lol Take care, Rebecca
   — Rebecca L.

March 12, 2002
My surgery was 3/27/01 and I went on my cruise 12/2/01. I had lost 103 pounds by the time I went on the cruise. There truly are all sizes and shpes on cruises. You do not have anything to worry about. Go and enjoy!
   — Yvette A.

March 27, 2002
I'm an avid cruiser and love the water...I'm pre-op and love using the pools/hot tubs on ships. Cruises have every shape, size and age imaginable...unlike those shown in the brochures. Wear a colorful pareo or fashionable cover-up for hanging out around the ship if you're not comfortable walking around in only a suit. Have fun!
   — Carol B.

June 21, 2002
Sweetie, you should be proud of your shrinking self. You made a brave decision and it's paying off. If other folks are offended by your current size, they can just stop looking IMHO! You deserve to have fun as much as the next person. Enjoy!
   — Lara D.

March 6, 2004
I'm so glad you asked this question! My husband just booked a cruise for us for February 2005...as a incentive/reward for my upcoming WLS. I was wondering the same thing, so it was nice to read the answers and be reaffirmed that we are all the same inside...the outside appearance doesn't really matter. What does matter is that you'll feel better, have more fun, and have more energy. You'll enjoy yourself more, and the best part is that you'll be with your husband...the only one who really knows you and cares. Have a great cruise...Alaska...too cool! I'd like to do that too someday...hey, maybe I will!
   — Faye O.