Embracing Adventure: Cruising Alaska with MS

When my family and I decided to take a cruise to Alaska, excitement was not the only emotion that climbed aboard.

There was joy, of course. I pictured snowcapped mountains, enormous glaciers, peaceful waters, and scenery so beautiful that even my camera would struggle to capture it. Most of all, I imagined sharing those moments with my family.

But then the familiar questions arrived

How much walking will there be? Will the ship be accessible? What if fatigue suddenly takes over? Will I be able to join the excursions? What if my body changes our plans?

That is the reality of traveling with multiple sclerosis. Before I pack a single sweater, MS has already packed a suitcase full of concerns.

Still, I refuse to let it take the captain’s chair.

MS may be coming on this cruise, but it does not get to steer the ship.

Plans may need to change without warning because MS is not known for respecting itineraries.

But different does not mean less meaningful.

I have spent enough time waiting for my body to cooperate before allowing myself to live. If I wait for the perfect amount of strength, energy, balance, and confidence, I could miss some of life’s most beautiful moments.

So, I am going as I am

I will pack carefully, pace myself, and ask for help when I need it. I will listen to my body without allowing fear to make every decision. I will celebrate what I can do instead of measuring the trip by what I cannot.

Maybe I’ll spend an afternoon resting while my family explores. But I will still hear the laughter, feel the crisp air, watch the mountains rise above the water, and create memories with the people I love.

Those moments count

Traveling with a disability requires more planning, patience, flexibility, and sometimes a sense of humor. My walker may bump into a few doors, chairs, or unsuspecting family members along the way.

I get to decide that my life still holds adventure. I get to choose joy even when it must travel alongside uncertainty. I get to believe that needing help does not make me a burden—and doing things differently does not make me less capable of enjoying them.

This cruise is not about proving that MS cannot affect me. It can, and it does. This journey is about refusing to let MS take every experience before I have the chance to live it. I have been dreaming of taking an Alaskan cruise for way to long.

Checking the daily planner for the cruise there is so much to do that I am excited about. There is trivia, bingo, name that tune, movies, shopping and so much more to do! Of course the excursions, that is why I rented a scooter that could take me farther than I could ever walk.

MS may be on the passenger list, but it will never be in charge of my journey.

Reflection

What have you put on hold because of chronic illness?

We get one life, I don’t want to miss it. So I choose to do the hard things even when it’s scary.

My prayer is that in your journey to finding yourself that you will believe that your stronger and braver than you ever imagined. Your dreams are just waiting for you to take the first step.

Julie Payne