MSC Sinfonia with Mum

In 2014 I flew back to South Africa to spoil my Mother with a cruise.  It would be the last holiday the two of us would ever take together again.  In 2010 she was diagnosed with Lupus, an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.  Symptoms vary between people and may be mild to severe.  My Mother’s symptoms varied but fortunately she was well enough for me to take her on the cruise.  A cruise was actually the perfect holiday for her as she was able to enjoy eating out,  live entertainment or just sitting by the pool and people watching, a far cry from being at home and in bed.

I bought her a fold up travel wheelchair and was able to push her around with ease.  We had an ocean view cabin which was sufficient for the two of us.  It was my first MSC cruise and I was suitably impressed. The service and quality of food as well as the entertainment was fantastic, very Italian which was pleasant.

Our cruise destination was not very exciting as we were cruising up to Walvis Bay (Nambia) and back to Cape Town, but then I was not there for the itinerary. The Sinfonia is a beautiful  ship and since our cruise she has actually been lengthened.  The stern has a deck which is hardly used, almost your own very private large balcony and where my Mother spent many hours.

The cruise with my Mother was very rewarding and challenging at the same time.  I had to help her shower and get dressed – at home she had a carer.  A cruise holiday was perfect as it allowed me to have some “me time” as well. My Mother was quite happy to sit at the pool deck or lounge and people watch whilst I did my own thing.

I will always remember those 8 days on the Sinfonia. They were the happiest I had seen my Mother in a long time.