Advice - elderly cruising

Hope someone can prove some helpful advice.

My mum, who is nearly 80 and walks slow and with the aid of a walking stick, but in otherwise good health, has never been on a cruise, It is something she has always wanted to do, but my father plain refused to board a ship as he was afraid of water.

Anyway, he passed away recently and we are thinking of taking her away later this year. Questions I have are

1. Is cruising a good idea for the elderly?

2. I am assuming she can remain onboard in port and not have to 'do tours', should she not wish to do so?

3. She would not like to dress formally and prefers informal dining and so I am trying to identify what Cruise companies would be best suited to her. Destination can be anywhere.

Anyone any suggestions? I'm researching before taking the plunge so to speak. It's been many years since I was last on a cruise, so looking for ideas from people more experienced than me.

Thanks

Cruising is for everyone. I was on a Carnival Halloween cruise with a guy celebrating his 93rd birthday with his 4 sisters, and all were on the cruise together. If anything, sometimes I think cruising is ESPECIALLY for the old and infirm and everyone in between. People rent scooters for instance. Bring a walker that has a seat, you know the kind right, and she can stop and sit down and rest anywhere.

You always have the cabin if you want to go and rest. My sister is lower IQ and HC, and walks with a cane. She brought her older HC friend on a walker.

Unless you go with a more upscale line, the bottom lines, NCL, Carnival and Royal, all are pretty laid back these days. You can wear a fancy dress to elegant night or you can wear capris and a nice top. Anything other than jeans or shorts and tennis shoes is enough to dress up in and be ok. NCL has no dress up nights period, though Carnival and RCL its not that dressy any more.

When you get up to HAL and Celebrity etc .. those are a little dressier and a little more expensive, but better food and service.

1. Is cruising a good idea for the elderly?

Yes, very much so!

2. I am assuming she can remain onboard in port and not have to 'do tours', should she not wish to do so?

Yes, of course! There are some activities, and less people by the pool. Just read the schedule which restaurants are opened.

3. She would not like to dress formally and prefers informal dining and so I am trying to identify what Cruise companies would be best suited to her. Destination can be anywhere.

NCL does not require formal wear, or she can just bring a nice top with nice skirt or slacks. She can also eat in the buffet or order room service.

Listen lady. God bless your little soul for doing this. Do not stress anything. The cruise can be as slow and laid back as you want it to be.

Do everything at your own pace. That is what is so great about cruising.

YOU choose what you want to do.

Oh.....Don't you dare take your mom to the buffet just because she does not want to dress up on formal/elegant night.

There is so much riff/raff that shows up in tee shirts. She is 80. If she wants to wear a moo-moo on formal night then so be it.

NO ONE is going to say or do anything.

Yes, she can stay on the ship by herself and she will be fine.

At almost every port, there are shops. If she is up to it, maybe she can just get off and see the shops.

LIFE IS TOO SHORT to stress the small stuff. Go and have a GREAT time.

HAL still has two formal nights per week. The definition of formal has 'dumbed down' through the years and few actually wear gowns anymore but your Mom certainly could if she wished or a cocktail dress or most anything as dressy as she wished.

Some gentlemen still wear tuxedos but each time we cruise, we see fewer men in tuxes. Most wear dark suits or sport jackets with ties.

No one needs to do anything they do not wish to do on a cruise including every get off the ship in port. We cruise so much that it is not unusual for us to stay aboard in some ports and spend the day enjoying the ship while there are so many away. :) No lines in Lido at lunch.

By all means, take your Mom. It's a wonderful thought to do this for her.

Be certain to have travel/medical insurance that will pay outside the U.S., just in case. That is not only for the elderly but especially for them as Medicare almost never pays outside the country if emergency care is required. If you don't want to insure the whole trip, you can purchase just medical treatment/emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance for very low premium.

Let us know what you decide.

Hope someone can prove some helpful advice.

My mum, who is nearly 80 and walks slow and with the aid of a walking stick, but in otherwise good health, has never been on a cruise, It is something she has always wanted to do, but my father plain refused to board a ship as he was afraid of water.

 

Anyway, he passed away recently and we are thinking of taking her away later this year. Questions I have are

 

1. Is cruising a good idea for the elderly?

 

2. I am assuming she can remain onboard in port and not have to 'do tours', should she not wish to do so?

 

3. She would not like to dress formally and prefers informal dining and so I am trying to identify what Cruise companies would be best suited to her. Destination can be anywhere.

 

Anyone any suggestions? I'm researching before taking the plunge so to speak. It's been many years since I was last on a cruise, so looking for ideas from people more experienced than me.

 

Thanks

Speaking as someone who works with the elderly, you may want to consider her mobility and transfers on the ship. The bathrooms are very small, toilets are low and could be difficult for someone with low hip/knee strength to stand. The showers are small, bathtubs as well. If this person needs a cane on land, they may need extra support if the ship is in motion or in rough seas. Renting a rollator walker and/or wheelchair would be one idea to consider.

Otherwise I agree that ships are a great place for older adults. Elevators are available if stairs are a problem, there is lots of flexibility in what to do and where to do it. You do not need to leave the ship in port, although there are many ports where you could arrange a private vehicle to take you sightseeing for reasonable prices, which also give you flexibility in your schedule.

As for dressing up, we've only sailed NCL recently and you definitely don't need to dress up, although many people do. I'm sure if she wore a pair of nice dark slacks with a blouse she would be fine.

I am taking my 80 year old mother on a cruise in September. I asked her where she would like to go and she said "Canada". So we are sailing on the Carnival Glory for five nights the first week in September. I chose this cruise for a couple of reasons:

It sails out of New York, so it's within driving distance for us. I don't have to worry about getting her through airport terminals (which I'm sure is doable, but less for me to have to plan).

The price for Carnival allowed me to reserve an Ocean Suite. My sister-in-law (a first time cruiser) will be joining us, so this gives us plenty of room and a nice balcony. Also, we get VIP boarding.

From asking questions on these forums, I learned that it is pretty easy to either reserve a car or grab a taxi to take us around the two ports in Canada.

Or she may choose to just do a little shopping near the ship.

For formal night, we will wear black slacks and a dressy top.

I definitely purchased travel insurance. Went to Insure My Trip. com and was able to find insurance that covers trip cancellation, illness and possible medical evacuation for about $147 for the three of us. Definitely worth it.

I am really looking forward to this trip with my mom. She gets around quite well (just slightly dobbly). She will enjoy the casino, the shows and the dining room. And I expect her favorite activity will be reading out on the balcony and just enjoying the view.

Take your mom and have fun!

We took my Mom on a cruise to Bermuda for her 88th birthday . She brought a wheel chair which we used for the long hallways otherwise she just used her cane . We took a few private excursions via van that worked out perfectly . It was a great trip and one we will always remember so go for it .My Mom is now 95 and while still strong I doubt she could handle a cruise at this age .

Cruising is a great vacation for the elderly. Here is my advice:

1. Select a cabin near either the fore or aft elevators.

2. Don't worry so much about formal nights - black pants and a sparkly top will suffice on pretty much every cruiseline there is. Leave the ballgowns to the young women who want to wear them.

3. Flat shoes at all times

4. Bring a lightweight wheelchair in case all the walking on the ship is too much for your mom.

5. If your mom needs it, request a handicap accessable stateroom for a larger bathroom and wider door and a walk in shower that is larger than normal. NOTE: She has to actually need this. You cannot book a handicap stateroom just because you want to.

6. It doesn't matter what line you go on. The buffet is always available for casual dining for every single meal. So don't eliminate any ship just because it has formal nights.

I would suggest you consider Celebrity - simply because the vast majority of Celebrity passengers are older on sailings that are not summer or spring break and the food is OUTSTANDING. The ships are sophisticated and elegant and I love their Cafe al Bacio - coffee shop and tearoom, located in the main area of the ship - an idea location to while away an afternoon!

Norwegian is also a good choice in that the ships are smaller and therefore more manageable to get around. The food is not quite as good in the free restaurants, however, I consider it perfectly acceptable. However, I would NOT want to deal with the buffet in the morning - way overcrowded. For us, the key reason to go on Norwegian is to get an amazing suite at a good price!

RCCL is ALL about the entertainment. Their ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are so over the top it is unreal and I love their specialty restaurants, however, for a new "sailor" such as your mom, it might not feel like being on a ship unless you get a ocean view balcony. They don't have a promenade deck like a traditional cruise ship.

Princess is another great pick. I would describe it as more similar to Celebrity with great food, but with more mixed ages onboard. Last time I sailed on Princess (Golden Princess) I noticed the beds are still very hard. That's the only real negative I see to that line and they may have replaced those beds by now.

Holland America is also popular with older passengers. The ships are understated and elegant. For me (age 50) it seemed too old, but for your mom, it may seem just right! IMO, the food on Holland is not quite as good as Celebrity and Princess but it is better than Norwegian.

Hope that helps.

We met a man in his late 80's on a cruise ..he travels alone uses a cane, does a fair bit of walking around on & off the ship he is enjoying life the way he wants

I say if your mom is able to get around even at a slower pace then go for it

It is something she want to do

Some people think because someone is older that they are infirmed,

if they need a wheelchair to get around then bring one

Lots of people over 80 travel on cruises all the time

You may want to choose a smaller ship not one of the mega ships a lot less walking from one area to another

Heck I could not cruise on one of those monster ships I would have to have a nap after breakfast :)

..the walk to the dining room would tire me out & I am mid 60's

Take your mom on the cruise of her choice & enjoy the time with her

Hope someone can prove some helpful advice.

My mum, who is nearly 80 and walks slow and with the aid of a walking stick, but in otherwise good health, has never been on a cruise, It is something she has always wanted to do, but my father plain refused to board a ship as he was afraid of water.

 

Anyway, he passed away recently and we are thinking of taking her away later this year. Questions I have are

 

1. Is cruising a good idea for the elderly?

 

2. I am assuming she can remain onboard in port and not have to 'do tours', should she not wish to do so?

 

3. She would not like to dress formally and prefers informal dining and so I am trying to identify what Cruise companies would be best suited to her. Destination can be anywhere.

 

Anyone any suggestions? I'm researching before taking the plunge so to speak. It's been many years since I was last on a cruise, so looking for ideas from people more experienced than me.

 

Thanks

Great idea to take her!!! My grandma went on three cruises in her 80's the last one 6 months before she died when she was 86.

She can stay on the ship, but you can also check into getting a wheel chair and bringing her into port. Or having one available in case of really rough seas. I think you can arrange for them on the ship but check with the cruise line when you book, then reconfirm it close to the cruise date.

Dress in the dining rooms has gotten less formal. She will fit in fine even on the formal nights if she is wearing "church" type clothes. Lots of men wear polos and kackis or less formal.

I might suggest an Alaksa cruise or a New England fall cruise, I have not been on them, but the really hot weather in the Caribbean might be too hot, and for the most part, elderly don't get into snorkeling and beaching. But maybe she wants that, and there is much more to do besides that. You can usually find an island bus tour.

I would really recommend taking her. When my grandma died, we were all very very happy that she got to experience some cruising. It is a very easy way for the elderly to travel. No packing the 'hotel' room travels with you. :)

DW took her 90-year-old mom on a three-day repo from San Francisco to Vancouver BC. Her first cruise. Hit weather so heavy it dumped the hot tubs down the passageway and into the stairwells. Victoria port master refused to let the ship dock because the weather was too severe. Four years later MIL still talks of it as a high point in her long, active life.

On a three day a few years back we had the priviledge of sailing with "The Really Old Guy". He and his family were celebrating his 100th birthday.

We knew he was "The Really Old Guy" because his t-shirt said so.:p

My 83 year old dad enjoyed his 1st cruise last spring but it was a lot of walking. He used the wheelchairs in the AP but I caught him looking longingly at the motorized scooters on board. You need a special cabin for those, I think.

I was initially worried about him at the buffet if we weren't around but he told me that when he'd get in line a staffer would offer to carry his plate / tray so he could use his cane & not have to struggle to balance.

Some excursions are identified as being handicapped accessible. Others will tell you that you have to be physically fit. Some ports dad got off. Others he stayed on board. We let him go at his pace.

Whatever you do, if you mom cruises buy her the travel insurance. I won't let dad travel without it.

Check out NCL. It's got a mixed demographic & is casual all the time.

My Mom and Dad cruised with us on RCI. They fell in love with the ship and the staff pampered them above and beyond. My got a lightweight wheelchair, just to make the long halls easier on my Mom, but otherwise no special accomadations. After my Dad passed away, Mom continued to cruise with us. We had an excursion planned and Mom and I were in the Promenade..a favorite spot for her to people watch and sit with a snack. I was telling her that I needed to walk with her back to her cabin so we could leave. You could tell she wanted to stay. An RCI crew member, apparently overheard teh conversation. He walked up and said that I should go ahead and join my party and that when my Mom got ready to leave, she should signal him and he would personally see that she was escorted back to her cabin. The smile on my Mom's face was priceless. He did just as he said and when we arrived back from the excursion, Mom was sitting on the balcony, still beaming, enjoying YET ANOTHER snack, delivered and set up on the balcony by room service. You'll have a great time and so will your Mom. Enjoy...By the way, my Mom's feet hurt badly and she asked if a hideous pair of well worn brown sandals was ok with her black dress slacks and a nice lace white blouse for formal night. We were fine with it and not one person blinked at the sight. She had a wonderful night and so did we. Don't miss out on formal night because of the dress code.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

I am partially handicapped.

I do request wheelchair assistance to get on the ship on embarkation day and off the ship on disembarkation day. I also request a toilet seat riser.

Since ships no longer let your use their wheelchairs on the ship, I rent a walker/rollator to get about on the ship as well as ashore. CareVacations is the company I use.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

I am partially handicapped.

 

I do request wheelchair assistance to get on the ship on embarkation day and off the ship on disembarkation day. I also request a toilet seat riser.

 

Since ships no longer let your use their wheelchairs on the ship, I rent a walker/rollator to get about on the ship as well as ashore. CareVacations is the company I use.

Learn something new every day! Kruizer, can you tell more about seat riser - do you contact special services department before the cruise?

And one more thing: if only one of the couple needs the riser, is it easy to take off and re-install?

Four years ago we sent my mom on a cruise for her 80th birthday, she took her 92 year old boyfriend. :eek: No one accompanied them, they were on their own and had a ball. Two years later they went to Europe on a two week bus tour, again by themselves. ;) Mom always insisted that they have twin beds. :rolleyes:

My mom and her friend are now both deceased and I am so glad that they were able to have these adventures.

I only hope that I am able to keep on traveling and I encourage anyone who is physically able to do so.

Happy travels to all our seniors..........:) :)

( I am a senior now myself, just turned 65 last month)

Hope someone can prove some helpful advice.

My mum, who is nearly 80 and walks slow and with the aid of a walking stick, but in otherwise good health, has never been on a cruise, It is something she has always wanted to do, but my father plain refused to board a ship as he was afraid of water.

 

Anyway, he passed away recently and we are thinking of taking her away later this year. Questions I have are

 

1. Is cruising a good idea for the elderly?

 

2. I am assuming she can remain onboard in port and not have to 'do tours', should she not wish to do so?

 

3. She would not like to dress formally and prefers informal dining and so I am trying to identify what Cruise companies would be best suited to her. Destination can be anywhere.

 

Anyone any suggestions? I'm researching before taking the plunge so to speak. It's been many years since I was last on a cruise, so looking for ideas from people more experienced than me.

 

Thanks

How wonderful of you!

of course cruising is for the elderly....it is for everybody! other posters have already given you the answers as to which cruiseline to choose, so I won't bore you with that. Hope you and your mom both have a great cruise!

Scots TL.....you've had some great answers, and will have seen that your mum will probably be fine on any number of cruises.

Have you thought about Saga? It's for the over 50s, of course, so is well fixed for any kind of problem. Apart from anything else, it does organise certain travel to the port, although if you're in Scotland, you could fly to Southampton.

Perhaps a small ship might suit, as there's not so much walking- and that can be so tiring on vast ships.

Thomson cruises are very informal, and, like Saga, have no fussing over tips. They have ships in the Med, but fly from local airports with their own aeroplanes, so it's a very smooth operation. You don't leave the ship until your 'plane lands, so there's no hanging about, which is a BIG drawback on most of the other lines.

They also sail from Newcastle and Harwich.

The smaller P&O ships should be mentioned, especially the adult only ones, but it is a formal line, so might not suit.

Ocean Countess, and Fred Olsen both have ships which sometimes sail from Scotland or the north of England. They are very popular with older people.

Of course, the top small ship is Hebridean Princess, as hired by the Queen.....from Oban, but a vast price (all inclusive, for everything, though!), and it will be formal.

I hope you can reach some outcome from all these posts- have fun searching! ;).....best wishes to your mum.

Jo.

Hope someone can prove some helpful advice.

My mum, who is nearly 80 and walks slow and with the aid of a walking stick, but in otherwise good health, has never been on a cruise, It is something she has always wanted to do, but my father plain refused to board a ship as he was afraid of water.

 

Anyway, he passed away recently and we are thinking of taking her away later this year. Questions I have are

 

1. Is cruising a good idea for the elderly?

 

You've never heard the saying about the newly wed and nearly dead?

 

2. I am assuming she can remain onboard in port and not have to 'do tours', should she not wish to do so?

She can do whatever she wants as long as it is legal, moral, ethical and in good taste.

 

3. She would not like to dress formally and prefers informal dining and so I am trying to identify what Cruise companies would be best suited to her. Destination can be anywhere.

 

Personally, I like Princess, but a lot depends on what she enjoys, the time of year and the itinerary. Probably you would be ok with most lines.

 

Anyone any suggestions? I'm researching before taking the plunge so to speak. It's been many years since I was last on a cruise, so looking for ideas from people more experienced than me.

 

Thanks

Welcome to CruiseCritic.

I would recommend that you consider requesting assistance with boarding and debarkation as there can be a considerable amount of walking involved.

If she is on a special diet the cruise lines are generally very good at accommodating special diets, much better than a hotel or land restaurant.

Relax, take her and enjoy yourselves!

Hope someone can prove some helpful advice.

My mum, who is nearly 80 and walks slow and with the aid of a walking stick, but in otherwise good health, has never been on a cruise, It is something she has always wanted to do, but my father plain refused to board a ship as he was afraid of water.

 

Anyway, he passed away recently and we are thinking of taking her away later this year. Questions I have are

 

1. Is cruising a good idea for the elderly?

 

Yes, it is a very good for the elderly.

 

2. I am assuming she can remain onboard in port and not have to 'do tours', should she not wish to do so?

 

Yes, she can do as much or as little as she wants.

 

3. She would not like to dress formally and prefers informal dining and so I am trying to identify what Cruise companies would be best suited to her. Destination can be anywhere.

 

Any of the mass market cruise lines would be suitable.

 

Anyone any suggestions? I'm researching before taking the plunge so to speak. It's been many years since I was last on a cruise, so looking for ideas from people more experienced than me.

 

Thanks

What you are planning to do for your mother is a wonderful gift for her and you both. The memories you will have will be cherished IMHO. Enjoy yourselves and happy cruising to both of you. :)

I cruised with my parents alot during their lifetime and is one of my fondest memories. The last time my father cruised was when he was 88 years old, in a wheelchair and my mother was 83 years old at the time of her last cruise.

While they did not do as many shore excursions on their last couple of cruises they did enjoy the peace and quiet of the ships while in port. They found it to be so very enjoyable to be able to maneuver out on the pool deck while the ship was in port. My mother loved playing bingo, reading a book in a deckchair and just people watch.

Hope this helps and if you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

When Mum was 76 my Dad died, and wanting to give her something to look forward to, I booked a cruise for the following year. She loved it, and 8 years later we still cruise together once a year. She's less mobile now after slipping a disc last year, but we still have a cruise booked for June. We'll spend more time relaxing on board and doing HOHO bus tours (she can still climb stairs although she finds it too painful to walk long distances)

Be sure to ask the airline for wheelchair assistance at the airport to avoid standing in long queues at security and passport control.

Thank you all so much for your advice and encouraging words.

I am now starting to look at availability and looking forward to doing something for my mum.

No doubt I'll be back asking other questions on the forum.

thank you :)

 

Be sure to ask the airline for wheelchair assistance at the airport to avoid standing in long queues at security and passport control.

And also so she won't have to suffer that long walk to the gate.

Have a great time.

Please let us know what you do and how it works out.