You will have a lot of fun! If swimsuits cause stress, look at board shorts and a tankini top. It may be hot but it will be breezy and lots of a.c. sitting areas that are open on one end to get the ocean view.

I think it is very important to do things that your spouse wants to do with a cheerful uncomplaining spirit and to actually do everything possible to seem like you are having a wonderful time too so I commend you for doing this and I think however that you will also really enjoy it. You might not like hot weather but you can enjoy it for a brief period of time

My sympathies, this would be a vacation in hell for me, for all the reasons you stated and more that I won't add so as to not increase your dread, lol.

I wouldn't worry about swimsuit issues; you surely won't be the only cancer thriver there and people of a certain age seem to lose inhibitions about body image (and assuming almost everyone on a cruise like that is of a certain age) and just enjoy the pool.

And, no, I cannot enjoy hot weather for even a brief period of time. Hot is never brief enough for me.

I've also purchased some nice rayon cover ups that keep me cooler than so many you find that have polyester. Cotton can be cool but get kind of soggy if wet.

Seagrass, I commend you for venturing out of your comfort zone. Fortunately, San Juan in February may not be any hotter than Paris in July. I too am not a cruise or bikini person, so I understand your discomfort, but perhaps you can do what you’re comfortable with and go with comfortable beachwear rather a conventional swimsuit? i love Oly’s suggested swimsuit and her suggestion of wraps and coverups. pick up some coverups in fun colors and prints. Most importantly, this is just a time for you and your DH to enjoy each other and not worry about fashion. Have a blast!

If it gives you any comfort, I almost never wear a swimsuit (snorkeling being the primary exception) only because I don't like being in the sun or hanging pool or beach side. But, maybe your husband enjoys these activities? In that case, could you wear pants (shorts, Bermudas, capris) and a comfortable top? Or a cute sundress?

Although Europe is my happy place, too, I think you'll do fine. If you haven't cruised before, take comfort in the fact that you'll be treated well (from what I've seen, mobility issues are well addressed), the food is good, and it will be a relaxing time. We did a similar cruise a couple of years ago. Not my favorite destination but I still enjoyed it.

I like cruises, although I’ve only been on 4. Because of his Parkinson’s, DH has some slight mobility issues. Cruises are excellent for people who don’t get around easily. You will see folks with scooters and wheelchairs, canes and walkers. You can get almost everywhere on the ship without using stairs.

Did your husband get you an accessible stateroom? We had one once, not that DH needed it but we booked so late it was the last room available. It was huge and very easy to move about in. It had absolutely the best curbless shower I’ve ever seen!

I’m not a person who enjoys sun or swimming pools. I think I took a swimsuit with me on each cruise, but I don’t recall ever wearing it. There is plenty to do without lounging by the pool. Especially on sea days, I prefer to find a quiet (air-conditioned) spot at the back of the ship where I can read and watch the ocean. Or sit on my balcony if the weather is pleasant.

How do you feel about maxi dresses and shifts? Lilly Pulitzer has both. This one is supposed to be especially flattering for all body types. If it is too low cut, I’m sure a small, quick stitch would fix that. (My favorite is toupee tape. It fixes everything!)

But for the heat (and it will be warm), I think you are going to be surprised at how much you enjoy a cruise. Go to CruiseCritic.com and check out the Boards. Here is a thread entitled “Tips for New Viking Ocean Cruisers.” Here is a link to the Roll Call, forum/thread where the people who will be on your particular cruise can exchange information and ask questions.

Bon voyage!

I googled the ship, (going on a river cruise by Viking is on my bucket travel list), and it is geared for 55 and older. I would not worry about mobility issues or anything else. You will be made to feel comfortable and spoiled. I never wear bathing suits but rather shorts with flowing tops which I find cooler and more comfortable.

What other ports are you stopping in? Go on every excursion you possibly can handle, sit on the shaded deck as you cruise. There usually really is no need to be sitting pool side while on a ship, (pool water is usually too warm for me) there is other fun stuff offered. Try something you wouldn’t usually try. If that means an hour of BINGO or a class about the next port while at sea, try it. If you don’t feel like going to dinner or breakfast, order Room service. I hope you enjoy your experience.

I went on a cruise to Alaska to celebrate my mom's 80th birthday. My first (and so far only) cruise. I didn't expect to really like a cruise, because I love sightseeing and active vacations. But I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the time on the ship. Doing "dumb" stuff like trivia games and other organized activities, spending time in the pool (the sloshing in the pool during our full day at sea was a riot), and just having some quiet down time. My mobility-challenged mom used a scooter for the trip and had no issues.

For a swimsuit, look for separates. That will let you choose a top (tankini, maybe) without built-in cups. Or you could wear a rash guard, which offers more coverage and no cups.

Rash guards

You have been given good practical advice, so no more to add. I too am not a cruise person but I am all for it if DH wanted to go. I commend you for this.

I think if you look at it as a spa/relaxation retreat, you might be able to change your mindset.

Definitely try the suits that Mdln recommended.

Seagrass, A long-time friend of mine owns a swimsuit store in Hyannis. She has suits for women who are breast cancer survivors. She used to do custom suits and may still do them. I sent her a message and she said to tell you to come on in and that you will be so happy to find the right suit. Here is the address. The name of the store is Nelly’s Suits You Swimwear.

955 Iyannough Rd

Hyannis, MA 02601

Thanks for all of your responses. I can't believe how the prospect of this trip is getting me so down. And thanks to Bumblebeez's advice about keeping my reluctance to myself. DH said he wants to do a cruise because it will be easier on him rather than the way we usually travel. It is an adult only cruise, will take us to 10 or 11 different ports. Caribbean 101 I'm calling it!

Caribbean 101 is perfect! We've done two cruises and I was shocked at how much I actually enjoyed them. I'm on the Pacific Coast and 5 minutes from the ocean and some great beaches but being in the middle of the ocean is just different. You're in it, rather than just looking at it. We just gained a new appreciation for it. I really hope you can relax and have fun.

Several of my friends have had masectomies and found success with swimsuits at Lands End. As for the cruise itself I can only suggest that you think about it as an adventure and hope for the best. I went on my first river cruise this past July and was very pleased with the entire experience. Since it was my first cruise and I manage to get seasick on just about anything on the water (or IMAX theaters, ferry to Nova Scotia etc. ) we kept it short - 8 days. It turned out to be thoroughly enjoyable. Most of the other guests on the ship were friendly and outgoing and easy to converse with. This was a Viking Longship and it was very comfortable, clean and the staff helpful. We booked late and had one of the standard rooms which are small and the bathroom was compact which could easily be difficult for someone with mobility issues. You can check the online diagram to determine how size your rooms will be.

As for the seasickness - every one said it won't happen on a river cruise. I did take meds with me just in case but happily discovered it wasn't a problem.

Hope you have a great experience.

I never got in the pool on any of our Caribbean cruises and still had a good time. Maybe you can have some fun picking out excursions? Personally am not a shopper but I love history so I do a lot of the guided tours for food and culture. Bus tours are generally really accessible (I also really enjoy boat tours). There will be MANY people with limited mobility on your cruise and many options for you both. I hope you have a great (or at least good) time. my inlaws often stay on the boat or very close to it in ports that don’t interest them.

Maire_cate, I was SO SICK on the ferry from maine to NS that little kids were asking their parents what was wrong with me! Hahaha.

I hope you can enjoy your trip. I’m undergoing breast cancer treatment and I often forget that it has taken a toll on my husband because I have only been focused on me. I’ll bet they have great food -yum!

My sister has mobility issues, so I understand your reservations. It may just end up being an enjoyable, relaxing getaway. I've never cruised and am reluctant myself. Another sister happened to have a conversation with a group of flight attendants. They recommend and use for themselves ginger capsules for motion sickness. They work for my sister and just an FYI if that might be a concern for you.

I've been wearing swim shorts and tankini tops for years and do not find them too hot. Mine are mostly mix & match & mostly black.

My very stylish sister in CA wears rashguard swimwear, and both her kids do too. It's good sun protection.

I don't know how hot you'll get out on open water, since there's always more wind once you leave the shore.

Oh Robo - I know how you feel. The ferry ride wasn't even rough but I became ill shortly after leaving Bar Harbor. DH gave me some meds for the nausea which made me drowsy so I slept it off in the movie theater. Once out in international waters DH took the kids to the casino and DD won hundreds of dollars at the slot machine.

For the river cruise I packed Bonine (which doesn't make you drowsy like Dramamine) and pressure wrist bands but didn't use them. The ship usually traveled at night but there were 2 occasions when we moved during the day and I quickly learned that I couldn't sit inside and look at the shore without feeling a little nauseous. At least I could sit out on the deck without any problems.

Ironically the one time I went on a cruise (to Caymans and Jamaica) I got sick with a bad cough. Staying in the cabin made me really seasick, so I spent my time on deck, wrapped in a wool blanket. That's one bit of advice I would give, plan and bring some things to wear just in case the weather turns chilly. It can happen. That's what happened on our Jan. cruise, the weather was a tad chilly. Plus there was no "in between" with the indoor air conditioning. It was almost always frigid inside the ship.

Thought I'd post something I found at Swimsuits for All (thanks, Olychick) I think I can be comfortable swimming in this

https://www.swimsuitsforall.com/Chlorine-Resistant-Waterworks-Swim-Tee

and also ordered these bottoms since the elastic is gone in all of my old tankinis

https://www.swimsuitsforall.com/Swim-Sexy-Black-Shirred-High-Waist-Bottom

It's been years since I've worn prostheses or been in the water.

jojoco - that was very kind of you to contact your friend about me. I had my second mastectomy a year after the first one (which was because of cancer). I had no alternatives for reconstruction, and so decided for the sake of symmetry to have my other breast removed. I've learned to dress to accommodate that (layering and scarves are my friend). I have breast forms and a mastectomy bikini top from Land's End but it just feels foreign and uncomfortable on me.

Also bought this from HerRoom in the 3rd color, turquoise, and found a solid pashmina with fringe to wear with it at World Market https://www.herroom.com/la-cera-2523-100-cotton-knit-short-sleeve-lounge-dress.shtml#

And a fun cotton sundress (ordered it in navy and black) at The Vermont Country Store (of all places) https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/mmac-mid-length-rock-fish-dress-with-pockets/product/79658

I have some nice necklaces and earrings that can stand up to the patterns...so now I'm not stressing as much!

You are a very good sport, and I am sure you will find something to enjoy about your trip even if it isn't your cup of tea. You've gotten great advice. Bon voyage!

See, you found a positive about it already - shopping! Those dresses look perfect for warm weather.

@seagrass_gw Cape Cod. Now you’ve done it! All this talk of cruising has gotten me wanting to take a cruise. I’ve been on all the cruise line and OTA websites looking for a cruise to book. There are 2 I really want to take. I want to do a full transit of the Panama Canal and I want to take the Queen Mary 2 from NYC to London.

bbstx a good friend of mine took the Queen Mary but choose the London to NYC route. He wanted to see the Statue of Liberty and NY Harbor as he entered the harbor. Another friend took it the other way. The both loved the trip. Go for it!!!

bbstx, my cousin is a fan of the QE@ and has traveled on many.

Just ordered a Lilly Pulitzer scarf on eBay to wear with the Navy Rock Fish dress I posted a link to, above. The scarf looks like this https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lilly-Pulitzer-for-Target-Upstream-Scarf-Blue-Pink-New-With-Tags/233420981133?_trkparms=aid%3D333200%26algo%3DCOMP.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20190212114623%26meid%3D8374f6999e884a0d9b04a28a203d7e5c%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D223789837117%26itm%3D233420981133%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850 Hope it works! I'm way out of my element here!

BEAUTIFUL scarf!

seagrass - you've chosen a couple of great outfits. which will be perfect for the cruise. Now you;re getting into it. Don't forget the shoes!

Hi seagrass I like your choices you’ve made. I find dresses more comfortable and cooler than pants and shorts and comfort is the key for me. Another Cape Codder here:-)) if you get up to Hyannis maybe a trip to Seabreezes on Main St. it’s a lovely shop and plenty of casual to Semi dressy stock to pick from. Hope you and dh have a wonderful trip

Seagrass - are you going on a Viking ocean cruise - the river cruise people but not a river cruise? I have received their brochures and just got one yesterday. Their cruises don't sound like the typical ones you think of. They sound much more interesting and less about sitting around the pool in a swimsuit. I'm not big on cruising either but I would go on one of their ocean cruises.

Hi Seagrass and all. Long time lucker (joined Gardenweb several years ago) and first time poster. Chiming in kind of late but I wanted to add my endorsement of Nelly's Suits You Swimwear shop in Hyannis that Jojoco posted.

I live just north of the Cape and found Nelly a big help. She's an expert in fitting swimwear! I was very self conscious about my older (late 60s) apple shape body, etc. but I needed something for our trip to Costa Rica for a niece's wedding. Nelly helped me find two swimsuits, a one-piece and a tankini (top and bottom different sizes), that fit well and were flattering- one week before we were to leave! Colors were navy blue and white Solid and print combos. Also bought two solid colored button-up swim cover ups that are below the knees. One blue, one white. I use them for summer bathrobes, too.

You've received great suggestions and I like what you've found for yourself. I'm going to check out Cran's suggestion to go to Seabreezes in Hyannis for myself this year.

I understand your concerns. We enjoyed the one family cruise we took in the Caribbean more than we thought we would. So enjoy the shows and activities aboard the cruise ship and any side excursions you take. It will be fun!

You've received excellent caring and wonderful advice! What a wonderful group!

I might just add that your researching every aspect of your trip including all of the activities Etc can give you power over it. Plus shopping and good food helps to smooth the way!

Have a great trip!

Lots of pictures please :-).