Opinion - taking mom on the cruise

[Katie333]

Hi all

I'm trying to share my love of cruising with my family, and my mom is now interested in joining my DH and I on an upcoming cruise. She is age 62, quite active, but hasn't traveling too extensively. My dad is not a person who enjoys any type of traveling, so it's possible my mom could end up in her own cabin (single supplement are pretty much another fare, aren't they?) alone.

Any suggestions on what type of itinerary we could do? 7 days is probably best, and I was thinking Alaska or Caribbean (best number of sea days?)

[Colo Cruiser]

Yes a single fare is usually twice the normal fare or a little less depending on itinerary/cabin choice.


The Alaska 7 day R/T from Seattle is an excellent choice.

[RickEk]

You might also try a repositioning cruise. Most have more sea days and are usually pretty cheap.

[threecats]

Originally Posted by Katie333

Hi all

I'm trying to share my love of cruising with my family, and my mom is now interested in joining my DH and I on an upcoming cruise. She is age 62, quite active, but hasn't traveling too extensively. My dad is not a person who enjoys any type of traveling, so it's possible my mom could end up in her own cabin (single supplement are pretty much another fare, aren't they?) alone.

Any suggestions on what type of itinerary we could do? 7 days is probably best, and I was thinking Alaska or Caribbean (best number of sea days?)

I'm not sure, whether best number of sea days for you would be rather more or less??? If you are leaning towards more sea days, then a Hawaii cruise out of Los Angeles would also be a good option, although that is 2 weeks. It's the first cruise I took my mom on, and her best and most often talked about memory from then on was driving on Hawaii in a red convertible.

[Pam in CA]

I think your Mom would love either a Caribbean or Alaskan cruise. She probably doesn't go to beaches but there are so many other things to do in the Caribbean that are fun, active but not strenuous that she would enjoy. As for Alaska, that's for people of all ages. Either way, she'll have a great time.

[WeBeGone]

I'd suggest whichever itinerary is the most "different" from where you live. No matter which itinerary you choose, take your mom. I only wish mine were here to go with us.

[llachance]

and I have sailed the Carribean, the Mexican Riviera and the Tahitian Islands together (she is 74 this year). We have snorkled, we have read, we have napped, we have played scrabble...we have booked another cruise together in 2010. Can't wait.

[jfv379]

Originally Posted by WeBeGone

No matter which itinerary you choose, take your mom. I only wish mine were here to go with us.

Well said.

[phabric]

We went with my MIL and took a mini suite to help with the costs. The beds were made as twin beds for myself and MIL and my DH slept on the sofa bed.

If your mother likes scenery Alaska is perfect and if she likes beaches go with the Caribbean.

[Luckyroot]

If your mom is fairly active, I would think any cruise would be good for her. I've seen 70+ and 80+ yr olds on cruises doing some pretty unbelievable things!

Pick a cruise that you think would suit her interests. Better yet, give her a list of activities and see what she'd like to do.....let her help in the planning and choosing.

Spa
snorkeling
shopping
Beach / Swimming
sightseeing
historical tours
City tours
Ancient ruins
zip lining
Trivia
Bingo

the list goes on and on but you get the idea

[elou]

I'm 66 and go with my 85 year old mom. I should be as healthy as mom. She does not care to see any ports, but waits until he casino opens and then she becomes ALIVE. Me, on the other hand, likes historical places. I'm not into beaches or activity things like zip lining. Believe it or not, your mom is NOT old. I love running around on shore. I'm not in the greatest health, but who cares. I just want to enjoy. Let mom do what pleases her and enjoy.

[Wishing on a star]

Just to mention it - the OP never did refer to here mom as 'old' in any way!! She just mentioned 'age 62 and quite active'.

If your dad simply will not board a cruise ship, is there another close family member or friend that your mom would enjoy sharing a cabin with?

Or, would it be possible (same cost....) to book a 'mom and me' cruise? (either the one you were planning with your DH - but without him, or another 'second' cruise.)

If you travel in your mom's cabin on a second cruise, then you get to enjoy two cruises for your money.

[Traveling Bob]

I've taken my Mom on a cruise every year since my father died (5 years ago). Although she is a lot older than your's (86) she still enjoy's getting away. But now she does't like to fly, so I'm limited to nearby ports.
Since you are going to be paying for 2 anyway, you could invite someone that your mom wouldn't mind sharing the cabin with. I've taken my niece, a friend of my mom's, and my secretary! They all think that I was extremely gererous to take them on a cruise, but it wasn't much more than the single supplement. And they all had a great time, especially mom.

[cb at sea]

62 is NOT old, anymore!

[Thumper69]

Give your mother the choice ask her where she has always wanted to go. You can always find a deal on most itineraries just choose a less popular sailing date or as another post said a repositioning cruise. Have fun choosing and getting ready for your cruise. I traveled frequently with my mother and I loved it.

Anthony

[where2next]

My mom is in her 70's though she thinks she's 25

she has always been my travel partner...that is until I got married and now I have TWO phenomenal travel partners

Whenever the 3 of us do anything together we always have a blast..

If she didn't have arthritis she would probably beat me to the top of the Acropolis

Just remember if you go to Alaska...

the cold weather can make anyone suffering from arthritis
a little uncomfortable!

[Lynda90]

62 is probably a good, average age for cruisers. I wouldn't worry about any specific itinerary for a 62 year old. I cruised with my mom until she was in her 80's and we had a fabulous time together. Enjoy life with her now and you won't have any regrets later.

[knittinggirl]

My parents took us on a Panama Canal cruise for their Fiftieth. They really liked it, and it was fun to always have someone around to eat meals. It was a 10 or 11 day cruise with about half at sea. It was their fifth or sixth cruise and our second.

Other suggestions are Canada/New England, though several people didn't like three in port days before the first sea day, and Alaska. Lots of seniors in Alaska.

However, I don't consider 62 very senior!

[zogrand]

We took my mother-in-law on a 10 day cruise into the Panama Canal, round trip from Fort Lauderdale. It was a cruise she had always wanted to take so it was her 80th birthday gift. She shared a balcony cabin with us. She had a wonderful time. It was not her first cruise. I'd ask your mother which cruise she's interested in. If your Dad isn't a traveler then you should let her choose. The opportunity may not come her way that often. You should not think that she needs to be pampered at 62.

[Pam in CA]

Originally Posted by cb at sea

62 is NOT old, anymore!

ROFL!!! I'm 68 and in the past couple of years, I've swum with sharks (no, they weren't caged nor were we), ridden a camel across the desert in Tunesia, ridden in a 4x4 for hours across rugged terrain in the Falklands, snorkled several times and swum with sea lions in Mazatlan. Heck, I'm thinking of ziplining on my upcoming cruise but haven't decided on that yet. And I'm not particularly active or in the best shape (although I am healthy.) Age is a matter of mind and attitude. My sister is two years older and doesn't get off the ship or off the bus. That's what she likes to do and I respect that.