Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

[Hakuna Makarla]

My mom and I were sitting here watching tv and on the tv was the travel channel on cruises. I asked her if she would want to go on one, her eyes lit up and she said wow I never thought about it, but yes I would love to do it!!
Mom is the type of person who never does anything for her self, she is always thinking of others soo I have decided to start a savings account so she can go on a cruise.
my question is, anyone here know about cruises ? my mom is pretty much not a lively person she is not all about dancing and partying) she is looking more for the fun of lounging, dining, some shows and some land site seeing .
There is so much outh there on cruises, but what does your parents or elderly look for in a cruise, and how do I go about finding the right one?
she wants to go where its warm. casual atmosphere, .
they say never pay market price for the cruise, but look for bargins.
Can anyoe help me in this erea?

[mikeland]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

I'm a travel agent and I've been on quite a few cruises, most recently on Cunard's Queen Mary 2, so I hope I can give you some good advice.

You have a lot of choices out there, but the first cruise line that came to mind was Holland America Line. HAL is a premium line, and they have a large following with older clients. Of course, if you're going to go on a Spring Break cruise, you will have lots of younger folks too. Their ships are beautiful, floating museums.

I'd recommend a week-long Caribbean cruise, which is pretty warm most of the year. They visit some beautiful islands out there. They usually sail from Ft Lauderdale.

You might also want to visit Cruise Critic, which is basically the cruise version of Micechat.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

I'm a travel agent and I've been on quite a few cruises, most recently on Cunard's Queen Mary 2, so I hope I can give you some good advice.

You have a lot of choices out there, but the first cruise line that came to mind was Holland America Line. HAL is a premium line, and they have a large following with older clients. Of course, if you're going to go on a Spring Break cruise, you will have lots of younger folks too. Their ships are beautiful, floating museums.

I'd recommend a week-long Caribbean cruise, which is pretty warm most of the year. They visit some beautiful islands out there. They usually sail from Ft Lauderdale.

You might also want to visit Cruise Critic, which is basically the cruise version of Micechat.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

thank you!!!
I have been looking at the cruises from florida to the caribbean and she went wild!! she has never really treaveled any wheres, i want to make this a dream come true so I am willing to give up my trip next fall to send her on a very special cruise for her self.
when I told here there were cruises that went to the bahama;'s she got so tickled pink and the price starts at 599.00 ?? for 8 days? wow!!!!!! now I am in need of good decisions. I hear not to get rooms near the back, or the front to much noise, to never pay full price, there is awsome deals out there, and we are going to need those!
excersions to plan ( she said she would love to do site seeing tours ( bus trips) I look forward to any help you can give me

[Olympicnut]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Tips tips?

[mikeland]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

If you plan well in advance, there are usually promotions and can get upgrades to a better cabin or a higher deck, etc. I've never seen anyone pay the brochure price.

Cabins midship are usually better because there is less movement in case of rough seas, but the new ships these days are so big and have stabilizers, which cut down on this problem. New ships are putting their most expensive suites in the front or back so that they can have larger balconies.

Your real decision will be whether to get an inside, ocean-view, balcony or suite. This really depends on how much time you think you'll spend in the cabin. Personally, I like to get a balcony cabin because I enjoy just sitting out there, watching the sea go by, but some people are only in the cabin to sleep and are out all day playing bingo, at the shows, etc.

Once you choose your sailing, you can see what excursions are available. These can be pre-booked before even leaving home. If you want to save some money, you can usually get a tour once you arrive in port, but I wouldn't recommend this for a first time cruiser.

[pratt55]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Hakuna a good place to start is a website I like to think of as the Micechat of cruises.

http://www.cruisereviews.com/

Hope it helps.

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

If you plan well in advance, there are usually promotions and can get upgrades to a better cabin or a higher deck, etc. I've never seen anyone pay the brochure price.

Cabins midship are usually better because there is less movement in case of rough seas, but the new ships these days are so big and have stabilizers, which cut down on this problem. New ships are putting their most expensive suites in the front or back so that they can have larger balconies.

Your real decision will be whether to get an inside, ocean-view, balcony or suite. This really depends on how much time you think you'll spend in the cabin. Personally, I like to get a balcony cabin because I enjoy just sitting out there, watching the sea go by, but some people are only in the cabin to sleep and are out all day playing bingo, at the shows, etc.

Once you choose your sailing, you can see what excursions are available. These can be pre-booked before even leaving home. If you want to save some money, you can usually get a tour once you arrive in port, but I wouldn't recommend this for a first time cruiser.

wow, so much to choose from no tour for her the first time hey, well thats good I would have to see her miss the ship
awsome info so far please keep it coming!

Hakuna a good place to start is a website I like to think of as the Micechat of cruises.

http://www.cruisereviews.com/

Hope it helps.

I am off to look now and book mark, thanks so much!!

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

ok how to find a good cruise travel agent.....
Finding a Cruise Travel Agent Booking a cruise means arranging for lodging, transportation, dining, entertainment, housekeeping and more. The process can be confusing for first-timers, especially given terms like "inside" and "outside" cabins and "main seating" and "late seating." It's no wonder that some 90% of cruise passengers use travel agents to book their cruises.

A good cruise agent can make sure you are choosing the right ship, the right itinerary and the right cabin, assuring a more hassle-free vacation experience. But how do you find a good cruise agent?

A good place to start is to ask someone you know who has cruised if they can recommend someone.

But above and beyond that, to assure cruise experience, go to a cruise-only agency, one that specializes in cruises; or find a cruise specialist, an agent who specializes in cruises. If you call a regular travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

To find an experienced cruise agent you can also contact the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) www.cruising.org, or the National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies www.nacoaonline.com. Members of both groups are cruise specialists, and the groups monitor the ethics of their members.

Realize not all cruise agents sell all cruise lines. They may limit their product to, say, one luxury line, one mid-priced line, one mass-market line, and so on. Your agent should still offer enough variety, however, to steer you in the right direction in your cruise choice.

If you know which line you want, after reading the Cruise Critic reviews, you can also call the line and ask the phone representative to recommend an agent in your area. Some lines even have links to preferred agencies at their Websites.

Interview the agent, and don't be afraid to ask how many cruises he or she has been on. If you don't feel comfortable with that agent, move on to another.

A good cruise agent may be able to offer you group rates, free upgrades, shipboard credits and other amenities or discounts; be sure to ask if there are any special offers available. Cruise agents also receive daily faxes from the cruise lines offering special promotional discounts.

He or she should ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle, interests, budget, travel experience, etc., in order to best counsel you about your best possible cruise options.

The agent should also be able to:

Explain the proper immigration documentation necessary for your itinerary including any visas that are needed prior to departure.

Inform you of your dining choices and advise the cruise line of any special requests.

Explain the cruise line cancellation policy and well as trip cancellation insurance policies.

Show you where your cabin is on the deck plan.

Check periodically to see if the price of the cruise has dropped.

Book your air and hotel.

Review your documents and reservations to make sure that everything is in order.

Really shine if you experience any problems on your trip.

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

I'm a travel agent and I've been on quite a few cruises, most recently on Cunard's Queen Mary 2, so I hope I can give you some good advice.

You have a lot of choices out there, but the first cruise line that came to mind was Holland America Line. HAL is a premium line, and they have a large following with older clients. Of course, if you're going to go on a Spring Break cruise, you will have lots of younger folks too. Their ships are beautiful, floating museums.

I'd recommend a week-long Caribbean cruise, which is pretty warm most of the year. They visit some beautiful islands out there. They usually sail from Ft Lauderdale.

You might also want to visit Cruise Critic, which is basically the cruise version of Micechat.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Question...

what cruise ship would you recomend on a week long caribbean cruise?
should I buy the flight and the cruise togehter or seperate?
and also I saw where its cheaper to go double and not single so I asked my sister to go with mom.
where would I find the best deal on the caribbean cruise?
And also I hear the newer ships have larger state rooms, which one do you think is the nicest ship? ( I saw glory and freedom, there really nice) or is there even nicer ships?
best time to go?
and again I need some hot deals!!
is it cheaper to fly into ft lauderdale or miami ?

thanks Mike, I look forward to hearing what you have to say!

[mikeland]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Question...

what cruise ship would you recommend on a week long caribbean cruise?
There are a few cruise companies that sail from South Florida. Each one has it's own style. Carnival, for example are known for "fun," and a younger crowd with lots of activities geared towards them - think Vegas on the seas. Royal Caribbean has a broader clientelle, and IMO the ships are classier and more subdued. Costa and MSC are Italian lines with international guests. Holland America Line is more traditional and subdued, one of my favorites. Princess Cruises has a country club feel to it with a middle age clientelle, I liked it very much. Norwegian also sails a few months of the year and has varied guests. Norwegian's motto is "freestyle," which allows guests to dine when they choose, don't have to dress formally on certain nights, etc. There are others, of course.

Maybe you should call some of the cruise lines and ask them to send you a brochure or DVD.

should I buy the flight and the cruise togehter or seperate?
This really depends on how comfortable you are in making your own arrangements. It's definitely less expensive to do it on your own. I would recommend if possible to arrive a day before just in case there are flight delays. If you get the flights with the cruise company, they include transportation from the airport to the ship and if there are any flight irregularities, they take care of it.

and also I saw where its cheaper to go double and not single so I asked my sister to go with mom.
Definitely don't go alone. Usually cruise lines charge the same for one person than two in the cabin. Also, going in a group of friends or with a family reunion is one of the best experiences.

where would I find the best deal on the caribbean cruise?
You can try online, but really a travel agent will give you lots of information and help you might not get online.

And also I hear the newer ships have larger state rooms, which one do you
think is the nicest ship? ( I saw glory and freedom, there really nice) or is there even nicer ships?
This is a tough one, because everyone has different tastes - kinda like choosing a WDW resort. Some people like the huge ships because of all the commotion and lots of things to do. Smaller ships will have a more intimate and quiet feel and are easier to get around. IMO, all the ships are very nice. As for cabin size, the less expensive cabins will be smaller than say, balcony cabins.

best time to go?
For the best price, avoid times when the kids are out of school. Usually, early January and February have great deals.

and again I need some hot deals!!
One website that sometimes advertises deals is travelzoo.com

is it cheaper to fly into ft lauderdale or miami ?
Usually, Ft Lauderdale is less expensive and the airport and port are very close to each other. FLL is also a small airport and easier to navigate. Miami airport is very crowded and can be chaotic at times.
thanks Mike, I look forward to hearing what you have to say!

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Thank you! you answered my questions perfectly! I am off to look at Royal Caribbean
I think she would like more subdued

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Mike,
I saw on expedia they have a cruise on royal caribbean and it says...per passenger.. and per cabin. So what price does she pay? is the price for the cabin what the total cost of the cabin will be for both my mom and my sister? I am a bit confused.

[Cmash95]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

prices quoted are for two people in the cabin. so it's per person, usually the third and forth people are cheaper. if you are the only person in the cabin, cruiselines usually charge a premium, I believe it's 150 percent of the per person price. I have been on several cruises to the carribean and one to alaska. I haven't been on HAL personally but have had family friends who have and they really enjoyed it. I would avoid carnival for your mom just because the crowd tens to scew a bit younger. we took princess to the eastern carribean as well as alaska and really enjoyed it. the crowd to alaska was a bit older but we went in september and families don't tend to vacation in alaska. Don't forget that the cruise fare doesn't cover everything. It doesn't cover spa treatments and depending on the line, drinks are extra as well and of course except for disney there is the casino. I hope you mom has a wonderful time.

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

thanks we did get a call from Carnival, they want to do a complete package and include air faire etc. we shall see what they come up with. I was also looking into royal caribbean cruise lines. She is so excited. its wonderful to acually see a spark in the old gals eyes, makes me want to cry seeing her so excited. I asked if she wanted to go to Alaska, she said no. She wanted to go to St Thomas etc.

[mikeland]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Mike,
I saw on expedia they have a cruise on royal caribbean and it says...per passenger.. and per cabin. So what price does she pay? is the price for the cabin what the total cost of the cabin will be for both my mom and my sister? I am a bit confused.

I don't use expedia, but from what I quickly saw on their site, their initial price is per person, and then after a few clicks, it gives you the cabin price, depending on how many are in the cabin. Just remember that those sites might not add tax and fees until later.

[mikeland]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Don't forget that the cruise fare doesn't cover everything. It doesn't cover spa treatments and depending on the line, drinks are extra as well and of course except for disney there is the casino.

This is true. As in any vacation, there are always extras and options. Among those that Cmash95 didn't list are gratuities for the room stewards and dining room staff. Cruise lines these days add this to your on-board bill every day - usually about $10 per person, per day. The cruise staff usually does such an excellent job that some people even leave a little extra for them. Of course, if you get bad service, you can always go to the pursers desk and adjust the amount accordingly.

They also take professional photos on the ship and sell them to guests who want to buy these.

Bingo, special exercise classes (like Pilates) , internet usage will also be extra.

All ships also have shops on board in case you want to buy any gifts and souvenirs to bring back home.

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Mom has decided she can not go, she says she is in to much pain and to old to walk the ship or airports this made me very sad. but....... I am going !!! yep I am planning a trip with my daughter and I sooooooo I am trying for the carnival freedom, that looks like an awsome fun ship!! And we have also been look at the excursions for each port. we have not decided when to go, but it will be before June or after October.
we are so excited!! if all goes right, we both will be sailing on a fun ship doing fun and crazy things ! She wants to rock climb on the ship, I want to things like shuffle board, ( do they do that any more? see the shows, stay up at night, go to the theater and see a movie, Have lobster..... lots of lobster!!! we also want to go to the turtle farm and Rachal wants to do the para sailing.

[Dr. Earkid]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Karla, make sure you allow enough time to get passports if you don't already have them.

[Jazzman]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

she says she is in to much pain and to old to walk the ship or airports

That's too bad. She does know that she can use a wheelchair to navigate the airports (and save some time and hassle too) and then just relax on a deck chair once on-board, doesn't she? That's sad to hear that she was so excited to go and now can't.

[mikeland]

Re: Cruises for elderly, anyone got tips, tips?

Sorry to hear your mom doesn't want to go. Maybe once you start planning your cruise and telling her more about it, she'll join you and your daughter.

Oh, and yes they still have shuffleboard on the ships.