70yo Mother and 37yo Son: Which Cruise Line..Help!

Hi everyone!

This is my first post but I'm extremely appreciative of everything I was able to learn from here before my first (and only) 2012 Southern Caribbean cruise in 2012 on the Adventure of the Seas.

I'm planning to take my 70-year-old mother on a cruise for her birthday and I'm looking for help on what ship and itinerary to choose. I want this to be very special for her (and me) and I'd like it to be somewhat unique in some manner. She's been on about 3 cruises to the Bahamas in inside staterooms and she enjoyed them.

I'd like a minimum of 7 days. The region is flexible (Caribbean, Mediterranean, etc) and price is not a factor. I loved my aft cabin on the Adventure and I'd insist on a balcony or even a suite on whatever we choose. We'd eat early each night. She won't do any adventurous activities. Very good customer service is important to me and I'd even enjoy suite-type benefits.

My mother gets around well; she walks 2+ miles per day and spends a lot of time shopping at local grocery stores or shops in her NC town. She enjoys staying occupied whether it's shopping or home improvement, but she also tires easily on occasion. She's healthy and neither of us have dining restrictions. Did I miss anything?

We'll go in October 2014 but I'm open to go this month (September) or in November if necessary. I thought I had it narrowed down to RC Oasis/Allure or the Disney Fantasy, but I'm still looking for suggestions.

Why I like the Allure: It's big, new, and it seems exciting. There seems to be plenty of entertainment and dining options and I doubt we'd tire or get bored of the ship. They also have very nice suites, though for most sailings before Nov, they're more than 6k. I'd grab a really nice suite for 5k, but that's probably my max. I'm not crazy about the Allure/Oasis ports, I'm concerned that even in a suite we'd be treated like cattle on RCL (i.e. boarding the first time at the home port) and I'm afraid we wouldn't utilize most of the ship features (i.e.: the zip line.)

Why I like the idea of the Disney Fantasy: Disney does things right...customer service and unique experiences. The ship looks really nice, it's also new, I've read great things about the cabins, and the dining experiences look really fun. I'm certainly afraid of having much more children then we'd have on RCL, and I'm afraid that *every* entertainment option would be Disney-related and that we'd tire of that quickly.

I've looked at Princess, Celebrity, and everything else...ten times. At this point, I just need to make a decision and stick with it, but I figured I'd ask everyone here for their advice which I'd greatly appreciate. I've also searched for answers to my question..everywhere.

What do I do!?

You seem to have picked allure already and think that could be a great choice due the variety of things to do and space aboard

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Welcome to Cruise Critic

The Allure does sound like a nice ship, we'd love to see her someday.

DH and I started cruising about your age. Our TA recommended Princess and we've been very happy with it. The ships in the Caribbean are larger, although not as big as the Allure and there is a nice balance of things to do onboard ship. Its more leisurely, there's no waterslides or zip lines, no real dashing about. Its more do what you like at your own pace. As far as ports go, there's all sorts of excursions you could go on, with all different activity levels or you can venture out on your own. Caribbean ports are more walkable in my experience. Some of the European ports are out of the way (being commercial ports first and tourists spots second), so you'd need to consider transport or organized excursions. Its hard to give a better answer without specific ports to talk about.

At this time of year, you're not likely to run into too many kids on any cruiseline, except Disney.

Another Princess cruiser joining in. I'm in the same age bracket as your Mom.

I've done quite a few of them over the past 10 years, and find Princess has classiness, without a feeling of snobbery. It suits my comfort level, and I like that the staff makes me feel pampered on every cruise.

I have only strayed once from Princess and that was because it was a family cruise arranged by someone else. While it was not a bad cruise, it did not have the same "feel" as a Princess cruise, and I probably wouldn't be anxious to do that again! LOL

Disney does have very good customer service. On Fantasy, unless you were in a suite, one of you would be sleeping on the sofa. Their beds do not separate, unlike most other ships. The entertainment will be all Disney all the time, so unless you are Disneyphiles, I'd look elsewhere. They also tend to attract a young family demographic, much more than other cruiselines.

I would choose Allure. There are plenty of entertainment options such as the comedy club, the aquashow etc etc.

Other posters have mentioned Princess. While Princess is OK, it's very sedate. There is not much going on other than the art auction and the main theatre show. They are certainly not unique.

I've been on several of these lines,and I like Celebrity for many things. I've found a wide range of ages, some of us more your mother's age and some your age. I wouldn't say it is

an 'exciting' line but the Solstice class ships are beautiful and the cabins are nice. A regular balcony cabin might suit the two of you well, as the balcony gives you almost another room when privacy is needed in the cabin. Prices are similar to Princess with some variation depending on time of year.

All of the Caribbean itineraries offer easy ports, but staying on the ship is an option. Many

people like the quieter time when many people are off on excursions. You could go see and do while mother stays on ship.

Just suggesting you look at Celebrity, especially S class ships (Solstice, Eclipse, Equinox, etc.)

I also did similar with my mother and she loved out Cunard cruises the most. But each us individual

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Thanks so much to everyone for your comments and replies so far! I think you've all reiterated the fact that there's *so* much to choose from and it seems that it's mostly personal preference.

I even got caught up looking at European river cruises last night..so I really do just need to decide on something and just stick to it. There's always next time. :)

I'll keep reading the comments-they really are helping, and I'll let ya'll know what we do!

Let me first squash the cattle perception you have of Allure. With the building of Oasis Class, they built a terminal specifically designed for that ship. Embarkation/debarkation is easier than any other cruise - hands down. There is only one time on Allure you might feel like cattle and that is during the muster drill. But that's a crowded moment on all cruises.

The entertainment on Allure is second to none, and I'm saying that as someone who thinks Disney entertainment is excellent.

Point is, if you're considering Allure, I recommend it. The ship is amazing and most people are awe struck on board.

Disney has TONS of "adult only" areas...so don't worry too much about the kid factor!

Let me first squash the cattle perception you have of Allure. With the building of Oasis Class, they built a terminal specifically designed for that ship. Embarkation/debarkation is easier than any other cruise - hands down. There is only one time on Allure you might feel like cattle and that is during the muster drill. But that's a crowded moment on all cruises.

Yes, the home terminal has been remodeled to handle the 6,000 people, but how about the ports of call? I doubt that they have built up their facilities to handle the 6,000 people trying to get off and back onto these behemoths. I have read about severe congestion at some of the ports when one of these ships visit.

Yes, the home terminal has been remodeled to handle the 6,000 people, but how about the ports of call? I doubt that they have built up their facilities to handle the 6,000 people trying to get off and back onto these behemoths. I have read about severe congestion at some of the ports when one of these ships visit.

I've cruised Oasis Class 4 times and the ports never felt any more or less congested than all my other cruises.

And yes, several of the ports have built up their facilities. They built a pier at Labadee, a new pier was built in St. Martin, in St Thomas, Crown Bay was rebuilt to handle Oasis, and Falmouth is a whole new port built by RCI to handle Oasis.

Yes, the home terminal has been remodeled to handle the 6,000 people, but how about the ports of call? I doubt that they have built up their facilities to handle the 6,000 people trying to get off and back onto these behemoths. I have read about severe congestion at some of the ports when one of these ships visit.

Another vote for Allure. Entertainment is so varied and so good! Only time we experienced long line was re-boarding in Labadee (western itinerary), and that was because showers had started and everyone wanted back on the ship at the same time. Knowing food is subjective, I enjoyed everything, some more than others. If food in dining room doesn't appeal, there are so many other options. Do have to mention the Windjammer buffet can be quite crowded at times for breakfast and lunch.

Have fun whatever you choose!

For elegance, food and service, I think I would choose one of the luxury lines like Crystal or Regent. But The small Oceania ships are also tops in my book. I am finding the mass market lines a Walmart experience.

I've been on Oasis - sister ship of Allure - it never feels crowded on that ship! It is really a fantastic experience with so much to do, you never get bored. We never ate in the MDR, btw, we loved the specialty restaurants and just ate at those every night of the cruise. Oh and we also did the Chef's Table - that's a special extra fee dinner you have to call RCCL to arrange to go to. There is an area where you can watch the flow riders and zipline which is really fun. The entertainment is great! When we got off the ship, my husband and I looked at each other and said, "Let's do this again!" So now we're going on Allure in November. The ship is so good, there is no compelling reason to leave the ship. The ship IS the destination!

There are also a couple of other ships I think you would find really appealing. One is NCL Epic and the other is the NCL Getaway. I was on Epic last March in a Spa Suite and it was an outstanding experience. NCL does suites really well. On the Epic, the design of the suites is very unique. You can get a 2 bedroom suite if you want. The suites are beautiful and extremely unique. You also get a butler (who brings snacks and beverages and room service and will throw parties in your suite if you want him to) AND a concierge who makes reservations for you for dinner or shows. You get preferential treatment when you arrive at the dock, you go in the VIP lounge and they escort you to your suite. Suite guests get things like upscale breakfast and lunch at the Epic Club, preferred seating at shows, and you are personally escorted off the ship on debarkation day, saving you a lot of time and hassle. The suites are beautifully decorated and include upscale bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Also cruising the Caribbean is the NCL Getaway - which I'll be on next May. In other words, the Epic greatly impressed me from all the dining options, to the great casino, to the great entertainment. I would say that Epic and Getaway are equal to Allure and Oasis, except I like the suites on Epic and Getaway better. Oh...and I should mention that the NCL Spa has sauna's and thalissotherapy pools and heated tile loungers and dry sauna and steam room. Really fantastic and I don't think RCCL has most of that...

Still, ALL of these ships are OUTSTANDING! How lucky we are to live in a time when we have such fabulous vacation options!

I'd vote for Princess or Holland America.

First you need to decide where you want to go. Has your mother been to Europe? If not, is it something she would like. She is in good shape to enjoy a trip there.

What are her interests?

River cruises have some advantages. Excursions are all included and you can go to places ocean cruise ships cannot. I am nearly your mother's age, have lived in France and been to Europe many times, but would love to go on a river cruise in France.

You need to make these decisions and then look for the right ship.

You know what? All excellent suggestions from everyone here. Just pick one, and I believe you'll have a wonderful travel experience with your mother.

For the record, I'm a 65 year old mother. The enormous joy I get just from traveling with my adult daughter (very near your age) is everything to me. I wouldn't care if it was Disney or Princess, the Med or the Caribbean. A balcony or a suite. Just being with her, having that time together and doing things together is an enormous gift in my life.

Don't stress the details - any reputable line and itinerary will be fine. You being with your mother for that journey will be the pot of gold in the rainbow for her.

I'm sorry to double-post, but I just remembered this. We met a mother and daughter on a Med cruise a couple of years ago. Mom was a very spry 80 or so. Her daughter confided to me that she was outraged at the number of people who told her how nice it was of her to take the trouble to haul this old woman around on a cruise. The daughter said, "How could they think I'm doing her a favour? Or that she's a problem to me? Or that I'd rather not do this?" I understand the daughter's outrage.

Enjoy every moment of your cruise with your mother. And if you encounter that attitude, I suggest you reply, "It's a joy for me to be with her. She's doing me the favour."

I really like the Oasis and Allure. Plenty of entertainment - the ports don't really matter. I have been on the Oasis with a friend in her seventies. She loved all the things to do. A balcony is fine - I don't think a suite is necessary. Since you are looking at next month? (or was the year a mistake) you will probably have to make some show reservations when you board the ship. if money is not a problem and if you are into food look at the specialty restaurants. The Chef's Table is special ... second choice is 150 Park (prefixe menu - if you go check the menu for which is on what days).

It must be take our parents on a cruise year! :p I am 32, and I am taking my mom (turning 70) on a cruise in June. I ended up choosing RCI because it seemed to be a nice blend of what we both enjoy-I like to have a fair bit to do, she likes to be able to relax and enjoy the sun or be active when it suits her. The ships are always very nice, the food reasonably good, and there are a lot of choices. I ended up booking a B2B on Independence, but Allure definitely caught my eye. I decided the longer time onboard was better though. We tried HAL, and honestly, while I liked the ship and loved the itinerary, there was very little to do and the staff was awful! Basically, it comes down to what works for you guys? I chose the dates that mattered the most for me, and then looked at what was available then. No matter what you choose, she will love it!

Hi everyone!

Thanks again, so much, for all of your comments.

I just booked yesterday...Nov 1 Eastern Caribbean on the Oasis. 22 days to go! I also booked her first class airfare to FLL and I plan to meet here at the airport from my home in CA. I really want this to be a very special treat for her.

I decided to go for a W cabin (deluxe guarantee) but I'm tempted to upgrade it after seeing that Grand Suites just dropped to $300.00 more than what I paid. I'm trying my best to hold out for my cabin assignment, though..just in case! :)

Tom

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Hi everyone!

 

Thanks again, so much, for all of your comments.

 

I just booked yesterday...Nov 1 Eastern Caribbean on the Oasis. 22 days to go! I also booked her first class airfare to FLL and I plan to meet here at the airport from my home in CA. I really want this to be a very special treat for her.

 

I decided to go for a W cabin (deluxe guarantee) but I'm tempted to upgrade it after seeing that Grand Suites just dropped to $300.00 more than what I paid. I'm trying my best to hold out for my cabin assignment, though..just in case! :)

 

Tom

 

 

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Excellent choice! Have a great time. You're a good son. :)

I would be very tempted to upgrade to the Grand Suite. The $300 difference would be worth it for the free drinks in the concierge lounge and other perks, not to mention the additional space. Junior Suites don't get these perks.

Priority check-in

Personalized attention throughout the cruise with complimentary Concierge Club service on select ships

Reserved prime seating in the main theater for entertainment shows, where available

Priority tender tickets on select cruises. (Tender service is provided when smaller vessels are necessary to reach shore in locations without docking ports large enough for cruise ships.)

VIP pool deck seating, where available

Full breakfast, lunch and dinner dining room menus available for in-room dining

Private breakfast and lunch seating in specialty restaurants on our Voyager and Freedom Class ships

Complimentary luggage valet service

Luxury spa bathrobes for use onboard

Complimentary pressing service on formal night

Priority departure with exclusive suite* departure lounge featuring continental breakfast

You guys are good luck! Got my cabin assignment and it's a Grand Suite. Very excited!