36 msfocusmagazine.org MS Focus at Sea Notebook Blue Skies, Calm Seas, and Educational Programs Complement Caribbean Port Stops. Saturday, April 7 With the Miami skyline in the distance, the Celebrity Equinox set sail for the southern Caribbean. MS Focus is on board along with 176 participants of our annual educational cruise, MS Focus at Sea. This first evening was a meet- and-greet and dinner, which allowed those of us who have attended before to catch up with old friends and give first-time sailors a warm welcome. New attendees were treated to stories of past cruises and promises of adventures to come during the week. After dinner, and a brief welcome by MS Focus Co-Executive Director, Alan Segaloff, cruisers set off to explore the ship, unpack, and, for many, to turn in early in preparation for a big day ahead. Sunday, April 8 It is our first full day at sea, and, so far, it’s smooth sailing. We began this morning session with “Chair Yoga and Guided Meditation,” presented by Stacie Dooreck,acertifiedyogainstructor and author. After we awakened our senses with yoga, we took a “Journey to Wellness” with Anna Berry, a physical therapist with the Eula and Andrew C Carlos Rehabilitation and Wellness Program at the Shepherd MS Center in Atlanta. Anna explained the relationship between health and wellness. “Our Port-to-Port Support,” which is always a popular program, gave both individuals with MS and their partners an opportunity to share their experiences and to meet others who are “in the same boat” as we broke out into two separate support group sessions. This program always helps to break the ice. It gives cruise participants the opportunity to meet others who have traveled from around the country as they share how MS has affected their lives, and how they’ve learned to cope. MS Focus Activities Natalie Blake, Director of Program Services, kept a journal of the happenings on this year’s MS Focus at Sea. Sail along with her through descriptions and photos, and consider joining this educational program at sea in 2019!