I retired early 5 years ago and had planned to cruise. A spinal failure/collapse placed me in bed 24/7 for close to four years. 3 Surgeries later and I could finally stand and sit for up to 40 minutes... and walk for up to 15 minutes. A implanted pain management device controls enough of the pain to consider taking our first ever cruise (bucket list item).

We chose the Norwegian Dawn (mid size ship) after reading on Cruise Critic about the long line ups and elevator crowds on larger ships. I have to use my limited daily vertical time carefully and the Dawn was easy to get around. Elevators were very close to our room which was very helpful.

We chose a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise out of Tampa which went to Costa Maya Mexico, Roatan Honduras, Harvest Caye Belize, and Cozumel Mexico then returned to Tampa Florida. Weather was ideal except for Cozumel which was a rain day (still warm). Read more