is X for me?

[MoiraMtl]

I am a very active person who likes to do all sorts of sports when I am on holiday. I don't like anything to slow me down. I have heard that Celebrity is full of elderly people with wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, scooters, which if that is true, I would find would depress me and take away from my enjoyment. Is it true that is the demographic? My travel agent says that may be the case with Princess and Holland America too. A friend told me of this forum and said it would be a good place to find out good information. I picked up a brochure, but I need more information.

 

I usually go to all inclusive resorts which have sports such as scuba, parasailing, snorkling etc available. I haven't gone on a cruise yet. I like the idea of seeing different islands. However, I would like to be around like minded people. Is this the sort of vacation for me?

 

Thank you.

[Drew B]

If you are sure you want to cruise, Royal Caribbean is the one reputed to be about active lifestyles. They have the rock-climbing walls and ice-skating rinks and surfing simulators and boxing rings on board (some) of their ships. However, on ANY cruise, the amount of time you have available to spend on the islands and engage in your favorite activities won't compare to the amount of time you have at an all-inclusive. Much of the time will be spent on the ship. Based on what you have said, I'm not 100% sure that would be for you...

[Gonzo70]

I have heard that Celebrity is full of elderly people with wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, scooters, which if that is true, I would find would depress me and take away from my enjoyment.

 

Don't forget about the "soft food" they serve in the dining room so that people don't break their dentures; they even have blenders available at each table so people can liquify their food. :D

 

In all seriousness, Celebrity and HAL due tend to have higher averages ages than the other mass market cruise lines and the ships focus more on having a relaxing experience then being constantly active. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian are the Mass Market cruise lines that tend to have lower average ages and more active on board activities. Any cruise will however likely have a wide range of ages and have less activities available then an All-Inclusive resort. I am an active person too and am never bored on cruise ships (i.e. on Royal Caribbean you can pass time at the casino, at the various bars - each with a different theme, they have a nice gym, rock climbing, playing basketball, an arcade, min-golf, swimming, etc). You can also opt for active shore excursions (i.e. doing zip lines, driving 4x4's, kayaking etc.).

[caviargal]

I do believe we have a troll aboard;)

[Gonzo70]

I do believe we have a troll aboard;)

 

Quite possible, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. :cool:

[MoiraMtl]

I am a SHE BTW. One of the reasons I am asking these questions is my mother wants me to go with her on the 24th of Feb. on the Millennium ship. She is a frequent cruiser with her red hat ladies. However, she wants me to go with her and before I plunk down my hard earned money I want a bit more info. Her red hat lady bunch hasn't planned a cruise, so that is why I may be roped into it.

 

While the red hat ladies are fun, but a ship full....hmmmm

 

I am not sure if I can convince her to go on a different line as she seems to like this one. The one with the rock climbing wall sounds like my cup of tea, but not my Mom's.

[travelinglion]

MoiraMtl

 

I just returned from a 14 day TA on the Millinium. I am single, not retired, didn't know anyone before I left for Barcelona and had a good time. I'm in my early 50's and I even thought that there were some elderly people that just shouldn't have been there. Yes, there were wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and crutches. I didn't see any oxygen tanks....but I wouldn't have been surprised. I've come to believe that cruising on anything other than Carnival and Disney may have more than 1/2 of the passengers older than 60. But think about it....would you rather travel with the older croud (who sometimes are alot of fun) or the teenagers or younger who you definitely won't want to play with.

 

It was funny, people seemed to look younger the longer I was on the ship....or it may have been that I was blinded by all that food that is constantly in your sight.

[Gonzo70]

While the red hat ladies are fun, but a ship full....hmmmm

 

What is a "red hat lady?" :confused:

[Kathie44]

Moira, you will find plenty of active people on any X cruise. I am always busy and never bored. There are lots of older people (and younger and middle-aged), but not a lot of wheelchairs/scooters and maybe just an occasional oxygen tank. I think HAL would look more like a geriatric ward than X.

We are 63 and 66 going on our 4th X cruise in 3 weeks or so. We also cruise RCCL and have 4 cruises with them. You will love Celebrity.

 

Gonzo--the Red Hat Society is a national (maybe international) group of women who celebrate women, aging gracefully and enjoying life. They wear red hats and also purple/red clothing.

They're a bit much for me, since I don't wear hats, hate purple clothing and womens' organizations, but have a huge following.

 

1/02 Explorer E. Carib.

1/03 Explorer W. Carib.

8/03 Summit Alaska cruise/tour

2/04 Adventure S. Carib.

2/05 Galaxy Panana Canal

6/06 Jewel Brit. Isles/Nor. Fjords + 3 days in London

1/07 Mercury Mexican Riviera

1/08 Mercury Aust/NZ

[caviargal]

I think HAL would look more like a geriatric ward than X.

 

 

I have not seen any more of that on my HAL cruises than on X.;)

[Chicago Boy]

I think you would be happier on Carnival or Norwegian Cruise Lines. We've sailed on Celebrity many times and while they do tend to get an older crowd I've seen very few walkers, wheel chairs, or children. Celebrity does offer a variety of excersions which may or may not be active enough for you. We prefer a relaxing cruise with breakfast and cocktails on our balcony, leisurley dinners and moderately active excursions. We are not looking for a work out.

CB

[raudacruise]

Given the time of the year and the itinerary you are on I'm guessing you will have a more active passenger mix than you would have, say on a December transatlantic passage (which we just returned from).

 

You are also pretty port intensive so it sort of depends on what you do in port. Lots of snorkeling options on your cruise (and therefore a more active group although us old f*rts like to snorkel as well).

[rebeccalouise]

The red hats are for ladies 50 and older. Although I think they will make an exception for the younger women.

They are a fun group of ladies. I see them come into the restaurant where i work.

 

As for the Millenium- I am not a high octane person. You sound like an Aries or a fire sign- no? I doubt you will like cruising if so in general. You will feel confined by the ship. In any event, there are ample things to do on all cruise ships. There is the gym and classes there. There is swimming and running or walking on the track. As for rock climbing and surfing- those can be found on Royal Carribbean but not Celebrity.

 

Honestly if you get antsy- I don't think a cruise on Celebrity is going to be for you. Cruising is really about kicking back and relaxing. You may have fun in the ports though.

[travelinglion]

Fire signs like to relax too....LOL We do have a lazy streak in us that shows up from time.....and we do like to be pampered in order to save our engergy for those things that are more fun than making beds. I'm just teasing here.

[caviargal]

Fire signs like to relax too....LOL We do have a lazy streak in us that shows up from time.....and we do like to be pampered in order to save our engergy for those things that are more fun than making beds. I'm just teasing here.

 

Another AAA Aries here and I agree. Celebrity ships - most of them - have nice gyms so I can get in my workout, decks for a nice run or power walk and exercise classes. After that, a book by the pool is in order. I save my energy for dancing at night and water activities in port.

 

I don't care for the cruise ships that have rock climbing walls, etc. because they are too big and have too many kids aboard. My very favorite ships are Regent small and special.

 

Aries can also amuse themselves quite well and not all of us need constant external stimulation.;)

[Lsimon]

The above comments are pretty good in filling in the blanks, but I'll add that in general the shorter the cruise the younger the average age. Likewise cruises with fewer ports (like a trans-Atlantic) or ports that are more passive sight seeing (like northeast fall color tours or wine country cruises) will have a higher average age than cruises in more active areas like the Caribbean.

 

So a week long cruise in the Caribean will be very different than a two week cruise across the ocean - but only in averages as you'll have people of all ages on both.

[MoiraMtl]

Another AAA Aries here and I agree. Celebrity ships - most of them - have nice gyms so I can get in my workout, decks for a nice run or power walk and exercise classes. After that, a book by the pool is in order. I save my energy for dancing at night and water activities in port.

 

Sorry I don't know about the zodiac nonsense, I have never even looked to see what 'sign' I am...

 

However, I am curious about the gym. I am a 3rd degree black belt in karate (shotokan) and I teach 10 cardio kickboxing classes a week. I am co owner of a karate club BTW. I wonder if the gym would be high energy enough for me? I generally don't let my fitness routine slide when I am on holiday. I run about 50k a week, are the jogging tracks for serious runners or do you have people dawdling along on them?

 

I am finding all of this information very interesting, and my Mom (the red hat lady) have had some interesting discussions in the past day or so.

 

One more thing I wanted to ask, is topless sunbathing permitted on a ship? I don't like tan lines!

[Susan-M]

.... are the jogging tracks for serious runners or do you have people dawdling along on them?

 

 

Both, depending on when you use it...but if you get the word out early on in your cruise about your 3rd degree black belt in karate, I don't think anyone is going to get in your way.;)

[caviargal]

The tracks are used by casual walkers as well, some who have to walk 2-3 abreast as they chat. I do 35 miles a week and the treadmill is my choice when on a ship. I stick to the gym for a serious workout personally as I also do not let my fitness routine or diet take a vacation. Classes are very basic and not worth the money, except perhaps the step class.

 

However, I still think you are not a sincere poster from the comments and questions.;)

[rebeccalouise]

Another AAA Aries here and I agree. Celebrity ships - most of them - have nice gyms so I can get in my workout, decks for a nice run or power walk and exercise classes. After that, a book by the pool is in order. I save my energy for dancing at night and water activities in port.

 

Sorry I don't know about the zodiac nonsense, I have never even looked to see what 'sign' I am...

 

However, I am curious about the gym. I am a 3rd degree black belt in karate (shotokan) and I teach 10 cardio kickboxing classes a week. I am co owner of a karate club BTW. I wonder if the gym would be high energy enough for me? I generally don't let my fitness routine slide when I am on holiday. I run about 50k a week, are the jogging tracks for serious runners or do you have people dawdling along on them?

 

I am finding all of this information very interesting, and my Mom (the red hat lady) have had some interesting discussions in the past day or so.

 

One more thing I wanted to ask, is topless sunbathing permitted on a ship? I don't like tan lines!

 

Honestly, I don't know what type of vacation is going to fill your lust for exercise but it doesn't sound like a cruise ship will IMO. Yes there is a gym and walking track. There are pools where you can swim laps. But for goodness sake- does a vacation really require you to train for a decathalon? Isn't a vacation a departure from your everyday life. I don't think you are going to atrophy on a seven day cruise.

There is a topless sundeck on deck 14. It is hard to find but there is one.

[Lsimon]

Jogging/walking track will probably only interest you if you are very patient and willing to cut back on the energy a bit, or if you go very very early. I'm a walker and I find it congested by mid morning on sea days.

 

Unfortunately about 1/3 of the track is on the portion overlooking the pool. In this area there are lounge chairs on either side of the path and is narrowest there. This section has a lot of general traffic, not just fitness walkers & joggers. There will be people standing around looking for chairs, waiters with trays of drinks, people that pull their chairs into the middle of the path, etc. The other 2/3 of the track is wide enough that even if there are casual or fitness walkers there is generally passing room.

 

If you do intent to jog and want to track distance wear a lap counter. A mile is 5 laps so I need something to keep track. Personally I really enjoy walking mid day and find most of the distractions interesting and really enjoy the view of the ocean. If you from noonish to late afternoon you'll even get to hear the pool band for 1/3 of each lap. I know everyone has different opinions, but I find walking the deck so enjoyable I find it hard to believe some would prefer a treadmill on a nice day. As for the gym, if you are a very intense person you might find that frustrating at busy times too as some of the activities get a bit busy at popular times.

 

I think you'll find all of these issues are common on every cruise ship, and as for the track - at least the M-Class ships have a nice 1/5 mile track. Many don't or just have a very short path.

[dixiejen]

if you are concerned that the gym may not afford you the intensive workout you need, bring an advanced tai bo dvd w/you. i think most cabins have dvd players. even in an inside cabin, you would have room (if you turn your body just right and kick OVER the bed!) to do any number of exercises - pack some power bands. you could have as intensive a workout as you desire in your own cabin. you could even practice your kata!:)

[caviargal]

 

Honestly, I don't know what type of vacation is going to fill your lust for exercise but it doesn't sound like a cruise ship will IMO. Yes there is a gym and walking track. There are pools where you can swim laps. But for goodness sake- does a vacation really require you to train for a decathalon? Isn't a vacation a departure from your everyday life. I don't think you are going to atrophy on a seven day cruise.

 

For me, daily exercise is a big part of my daily life, as is healthy eating. I don't go on a cruise to lay around with a foo foo drink in my hand and over eat but to enjoy the things I like about cruising. So, to each his own.

 

And I would not vacation anywhere that did not offer a good fitness option...most resorts and ships, as well as cities around the world, have them easily accessible.

[Lsimon]

...i think most cabins have dvd players...

 

I've never seen a DVD player in a stateroom on any ship. Sailed three different Celebrity ships over the past year in both CC and standard balcony cabins.

[MoiraMtl]

Thanks for everyone for the information, it was very helpful :)

 

Well, last night we had a bit of a 'girls night' with my Mom (the red hat lady, 52, 8 or so cruises under her belt) my TA (who does corporate travel for 98% of her business, and is "not a cruise expert" in her own opinion, she has been on 6 or 7 cruises and she is a close friend) and my friend who recommended that I come here for questions (she has cruised about 10 times, different companies).

 

After a few bottles of wine and much laughter, we had some interesting discussions.

 

They came to some conclusions (well sort of!!!):

 

Holland America was dubbed "God's waiting room" or a cruise for senior citizens and their parents (by my Mom who had been on a couple lol)

 

Princess was dubbed "Our Lady of Peace" Rest home (by my TA friend)

 

Royal Caribbean was mentioned as BIG BIG ships and LOTS of people by my TA friend and other friend, both liked the cruises they had been on. My Mom thought that those ships are too big for her liking. I think I may try this at some point with my friends.

 

NCL both my friend and TA loved the two cruises they had been on together (they are close as well) and loved the many restaurants and activities. My Mom said she would like to have more traditional meal times with the same tablemates. I liked the idea of different restaurants though.

 

Carnival - Mom and my friend thought the singing waiter stuff was silly and hokey. But they both seemed to enjoy themselves otherwise (not at the same time though).

 

Celebrity - both my Mom and my TA friend thought the service and food were generally good. Nice clean ships. Mom has now told me to quit fussing about things and just come with her.

 

I think I will have to take the suggestions and run early in the morning, and use the gym at off peak times. I am sure I can do some katas without bothering anyone! I don't know if I will bring my Bo to practise for some upcoming tournies, they may scare the heck out of some people! I think my tattoos may scare a few as it is lol!!