Hi Roz,

Not a CPO but I did used to work for major airlines. I was in management and then transferred into the training department before I was fired/retired due to my rsd.

One thing about a Hawaiian cruise is you get to see all the islands and don't have to pack and fly to each island. If you do go make sure your itinerary stops in Lahaina on Maui, not Kahalui. If you go to Kahalui you are stuck having to take tours because it is a port town and not very nice to just get off the boat and do your own thing. Some cruises may start in Kahalui Maui and that would be ok because the airport is close by. If it stops in Lahaina at least there are lots of things to do on your own. Shore excursions through the cruise line can be great too, it just depends on your budget and temperament for going with the crowd additionally they can tell you how strenuous the tour would be. My husband and I are more independent minded. On a European cruise we left the ship overnight in Italy, rented a car and drove to Sienna for a very romantic evening, the next day we drove through Tuscany to meet the ship in the next port of Livorno. It was a very memorable experience. Your 16 yr old son might well enjoy just staying put on one island and hanging at the beach with the surfers.

Personally I don't want to let RSD run my life so I do everything I can to stay in the race and manage the condition around my lifestyle choices as best I can. Travel has always been a big part of my life and I don't ever want to let RSD stop me from doing that.

Go for it and have a great time.

MsL