How to Cruise with Older Parents
- 1). Pick a destination with a departure point which is easy to reach. Many elderly people cannot or don't like to fly. If this is the case pick a departure port in the continental United States. Many Caribbean cruises depart from Miami or New Orleans. Many Pacific cruises depart from Los Angeles or Seattle. Getting to the departure point without flying eliminates the hassles of flying and the dreaded security checks. So many elderly people have had knees replaced and other similar surgery and they get treated like terrorists when going through security because they set off the metal detectors.
- 2). Select the cruise line that fits your desires for the trip. If there will not be kids along, you may want to avoid cruises which focus on children such as Disney. If you don't want to party 24 hours a day, avoid cruises which focus on youth and young families such as Carnival. Princess and Celebrity are among the cruise lines which are well suited for more mature vacationers.
- 3). Pick the right stateroom. Do your parents have problems walking long distances? If so, pick a stateroom near the elevators. Do they smoke? Pick a stateroom with a balcony. Most cruises do not allow smoking in the rooms and common indoor areas and it can be a long trip to get to a common outdoor deck. Are they light sleepers? Don't pick a room under the disco or other late night lounges.
- 4). Consider an upgrade. If you can afford it, you may want to upgrade your stateroom to a mini-suite for more space. If your parents can't get moving in the morning until they've had a couple cups of coffee, it may be easier for them to have a room service breakfast and a larger room will provide more space for eating and lounging.
- 5). Pick shore excursions that are half-day. Shore excursions which keep you and your parents on the go all day will leave all of you exhausted and cranky. Better to do a half day to leave the afternoon free to relax and enjoy some onboard activities such as bingo or trivia games.
- 6). Plan time apart. One of the best things about cruising is the large number of activities. Spend time apart. This will give your parents time with each other, give you time to explore your own interests and will provide good dinner conversation when you meet up again.
- 7). And the most important tip - enjoy! This is a vacation, not an activities marathon. Slow down and enjoy the journey.