Rebecca, the answer to all of that is; no. No, I do not feel guilty. No, I do not not tell people about having the cruise coming up. I might hide the disney-part a bit, but that's more because of 'been there, done that, fed up with it' from hearing people judging it. Faithfull? Yes. Why? Because of their reputation. Sure, other lines can offer great itineraries at lower prices but they also come with a (lot) higher number of bad incident reports when it comes to them dealing with special needs. While I haven't done
DCL personally yet, I have done WDW. And both trips, sure enough, problems arose and Disney took care above and beyond. Am actually still talking to a manager at the moment about a change in beds they had at one of the resorts that don't work well with my wheelchair. I am very willing to pay for proper service.
Why am I not feeling guilty? Because I have deserved it, period. Travel is one of my big passions and one thing I have learned in life is to act now and not tomorrow. Nobody knows what tomorrow brings and if they'll even still be around. Safe money? Maybe, but than again, if banks are going to collaps anyway, I'ld rather be cruising.
Cruising is way too expensive for my income, it's as simple as that. However, if I look at what it gives me in non-material stuff I consider it well worth it. Not only does it give the memories and acting out dreams, but for me they actually give me enough hope, strength and happiness to last another year on. This sounds sooooo sobbing, but travel has a higher meaning for me. Not just what it stands for on it's own and what it will let me go home with, but it's something to focus on. I am travel obsessed and as such always working on a next goal. It's a passion that simply sticks out. Never mind whatever not so nice stuff my health may give me, I'll deal with it. Never mind, my focus is on the cruise.
Nop. Life is too short, too unpredictable. Don't dream, do. Not tomorrow, but today. Well, that's my motto anyway.
I can't judge for your family of course. Only you can. Act upon what feels good for your family. Don't think about outsiders, as they'll always have some kind of judgment, never mind what you do or don't.