OT: Need some help quickly with scheduling a cruise....

[pitt-girl]

Full disclosure: I have never taken a cruise in my life. I honestly have no interest even though those boats look fabulous. Anyways, I am trying to schedule a cruise for my 88 year old mom and my 2 sons (both in their 20's). They are totally committed to taking care of her. She is in relatively good health, however getting around is not very easy anymore. Anyways, I need to put this together for the first week of May if I can, so I desperately need some help quickly. They can't go for longer than 7 days and as long as we can get flights, departure location can be anywhere. The price point isn't unlimited, but money isn't a huge issue. A friend recommended Royal Caribbean? HELP.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Full disclosure: I have never taken a cruise in my life. I honestly have no interest even though those boats look fabulous. Anyways, I am trying to schedule a cruise for my 88 year old mom and my 2 sons (both in their 20's). They are totally committed to taking care of her. She is in relatively good health, however getting around is not very easy anymore. Anyways, I need to put this together for the first week of May if I can, so I desperately need some help quickly. They can't go for longer than 7 days and as long as we can get flights, departure location can be anywhere. The price point isn't unlimited, but money isn't a huge issue. A friend recommended Royal Caribbean? HELP.

Do not schedule this ship.

 

[BradlyPitt]

oh look another thread where pitt girl subtlety brags about all the money she has to spend

 

[Panther Parrothead]

Go to the website cruisecritic.com

It's full of good info about all cruise matters. Since you're a cruise novice, I'd turn-over the actual planning of the cruise to a travel agent. They can set-up the air, transfers, and all of the other nuances involved with cruising.

Good luck!

 

[rpost3]

Full disclosure: I have never taken a cruise in my life. I honestly have no interest even though those boats look fabulous.

Trust your gut.
Cruises are for old swingers who chain smoke, wear shirts depicting old Corvettes they can't afford, and always request Jimmy Buffet.
Just go to Miami.

 

[GrowthHormone]

Full disclosure: I have never taken a cruise in my life. I honestly have no interest even though those boats look fabulous. Anyways, I am trying to schedule a cruise for my 88 year old mom and my 2 sons (both in their 20's). They are totally committed to taking care of her. She is in relatively good health, however getting around is not very easy anymore. Anyways, I need to put this together for the first week of May if I can, so I desperately need some help quickly. They can't go for longer than 7 days and as long as we can get flights, departure location can be anywhere. The price point isn't unlimited, but money isn't a huge issue. A friend recommended Royal Caribbean? HELP.

If you really don't know anything about cruises, then I strongly recommend a travel agent. I have worked with Mike Brown from MisterDreamsVacations.com. He knew every departure port, every destination, every excursion on each island, which shows to see and which to skip, etc. I have had great experience with him (and not just for cruises).

Plus, he's a Pitt guy

Good luck!

 

[upj87]

Full disclosure: I have never taken a cruise in my life. I honestly have no interest even though those boats look fabulous. Anyways, I am trying to schedule a cruise for my 88 year old mom and my 2 sons (both in their 20's). They are totally committed to taking care of her. She is in relatively good health, however getting around is not very easy anymore. Anyways, I need to put this together for the first week of May if I can, so I desperately need some help quickly. They can't go for longer than 7 days and as long as we can get flights, departure location can be anywhere. The price point isn't unlimited, but money isn't a huge issue. A friend recommended Royal Caribbean? HELP.

first thing I would do is to call United and book the flight.

 

[pitt-girl]

oh look another thread where pitt girl subtlety brags about all the money she has to spend

Normally I wouldn't take the bait, but that's not true at all. This happens to be an end-of-life trip my MOTHER is paying for you jackass.

 

[kerrycap]

My wife and I really like Royal Caribbean. Especially the ships for the past few years. (Oasis class and Quantum class). They are big with lots to do. Get a wide age range. We are in our 40s. Plenty for kids to do too

 

[NNFAN]

first thing I would do is to call United and book the flight.

... and make sure she wears some non-abrasive clothing so that she doesn't suffer rug burns when they drag her off the plane. Actually... forget that as she'll make more money with injuries.

 

[Swervin27]

Trust your gut.
Cruises are for old swingers who chain smoke, wear shirts depicting old Corvettes they can't afford, and always request Jimmy Buffet.
Just go to Miami.

yeah, go to Miami to avoid old people, great suggestion..

 

[restonpanther]

One small recommendation is to get a room with a balcony. Since your mother doesn't get around to well she may enjoy sitting on the balcony and watching the sun set, crusing down different shore lines, getting into and out of ports etc. I know I do and I'm 50!

 

[upj87]

Full disclosure: I have never taken a cruise in my life. I honestly have no interest even though those boats look fabulous. Anyways, I am trying to schedule a cruise for my 88 year old mom and my 2 sons (both in their 20's). They are totally committed to taking care of her. She is in relatively good health, however getting around is not very easy anymore. Anyways, I need to put this together for the first week of May if I can, so I desperately need some help quickly. They can't go for longer than 7 days and as long as we can get flights, departure location can be anywhere. The price point isn't unlimited, but money isn't a huge issue. A friend recommended Royal Caribbean? HELP.

Do not ask me as I lack the couth to offer meaningful assistance.... I cruised. Went to exotic ports of call. Dined in luxury. Took in all the on-board entertainment. Ran up a $500 bar tab. The most exciting memory of the trip for me? The awesome spectacle that was the cruise ship toilet. Truly amazing modern marvel! Not since Al Bundy bought the Mighty Ferguson has such an epic flush been achieved. A memory that will last a lifetime.

 

[PSU1282]

Princess cruises seem to always be older people. Never had a bad one with them.
Stay away from western carribbean as there are a lot of tenders.
Just came back from the Regal Princess to the western Carib. Would never sail on that ship again. Rooms are very small and balconies are are waste of money due to size.
Ship is beautiful on the plaza though.
Book mid ship, low to avoid any rocking that might occur.

 

[Pitt-Chains]

Full disclosure: I have never taken a cruise in my life. I honestly have no interest even though those boats look fabulous. Anyways, I am trying to schedule a cruise for my 88 year old mom and my 2 sons (both in their 20's). They are totally committed to taking care of her. She is in relatively good health, however getting around is not very easy anymore. Anyways, I need to put this together for the first week of May if I can, so I desperately need some help quickly. They can't go for longer than 7 days and as long as we can get flights, departure location can be anywhere. The price point isn't unlimited, but money isn't a huge issue. A friend recommended Royal Caribbean? HELP.

Royal Caribbean.. first class.

 

[pittiswhereiamfrom2]

yeah, go to Miami to avoid old people, great suggestion..

I think the old people are a bit further north than Miami.

But you can get some great pupusas in Miami.

 

[pittiswhereiamfrom2]

Normally I wouldn't take the bait, but that's not true at all. This happens to be an end-of-life trip my MOTHER is paying for you jackass.

Now you are bragging about the money your mother has?

 

[Swervin27]

I think the old people are a bit further north than Miami.

But you can get some great pupusas in Miami.

im actually scared to google"pupusas" from a work computer..

 

[pittiswhereiamfrom2]

im actually scared to google"pupusas" from a work computer..

Ha. Do it. They're wonderful.

 

[bayardstreet]

Royal Caribbean! Have taken 4 cruises with them.

Your sons will have plenty of eye candy on board so that could be a good thing. Casino, evening on board entertainment and swimming pool top deck party scene. It's all good if not great

Book a couple shore excursions.

You might find that a quality cruise line gives your more entertainment for 6-7 days than you thought possible. Something for everyone.

 

[PantherO]

+1 on Royal Caribbean

Going on my 4th Cruise in the next couple months. If you can afford it, get a suite. You will be happy. A balcony is nice too. I haven't been on one of the bigger boats yet...but they have redone some of the smaller ones. Just pick the islands you want to go to and decide that way.

We still book everything through a travel agent. It is just easier and they can usually pick the good flights so you aren't rushing to get to the boat, or catch the flight home.

You will have fun.!

 

[Panther Parrothead]

Plan for the possibility of motion sickness. Don't believe it if anyone says that the ships are "too big, so you don't feel the rocking". Everyone's different, so everyone responds differently.

For me, meclizine (an over-the-counter, oral medication) does the trick. I've even worn "the patch", but you need a prescription from your physician for that, and it gives a lot of people a dry mouth.

I've taken a few cruises...you can't go wrong with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, but I've had fun on Carnival and Princess Cruises, too.

 

[Pitt-Chains]

Now you are bragging about the money your mother has?

PITT GIRL, cherish the memories !!

 

[pittdan77]

I took one cruise. Pretty much registered as a "meh".

We went on Royal Caribbean and it was at least clean and the service was good.

I'd suggest that if she has trouble getting around, you make that known. They might have some special accommodations.

 

[pitt-girl]

Now you are bragging about the money your mother has?

My mother would love to be in the position to "brag".

 

[pitt-girl]

I took one cruise. Pretty much registered as a "meh".

We went on Royal Caribbean and it was at least clean and the service was good.

I'd suggest that if she has trouble getting around, you make that known. They might have some special accommodations.

That's what I'm thinking also.

 

[bayardstreet]

85 people just told you to take a cruise. Take the cruise. You will love it.

 

[pitt-girl]

Thanks to all who replied. She wants one more chance to spend some uninterrupted time with her grandsons. I have already contacted a couple of agents.

 

[pittiswhereiamfrom2]

Thanks to all who replied. She wants one more chance to spend some uninterrupted time with her grandsons. I have already contacted a couple of agents.

You could always take a crewed catamaran charter. They are kind of excellent.

Although I am someone who really enjoys the privacy.

 

[Darth_VadEER]

Full disclosure: I have never taken a cruise in my life. I honestly have no interest even though those boats look fabulous. Anyways, I am trying to schedule a cruise for my 88 year old mom and my 2 sons (both in their 20's). They are totally committed to taking care of her. She is in relatively good health, however getting around is not very easy anymore. Anyways, I need to put this together for the first week of May if I can, so I desperately need some help quickly. They can't go for longer than 7 days and as long as we can get flights, departure location can be anywhere. The price point isn't unlimited, but money isn't a huge issue. A friend recommended Royal Caribbean? HELP.

Sounds like a plot for a Steve Guttenberg movie, imo.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

 

[Swervin27]

pay no attention to this guy pitt girl. these cruise lines are great, check out how cool this water slide looks, a huge hit for the kiddos.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Avoid this one also.

 

[pittiswhereiamfrom2]

Avoid this one also.

Solid design, shoddy execution.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Full disclosure: I have never taken a cruise in my life. I honestly have no interest even though those boats look fabulous. Anyways, I am trying to schedule a cruise for my 88 year old mom and my 2 sons (both in their 20's). They are totally committed to taking care of her. She is in relatively good health, however getting around is not very easy anymore. Anyways, I need to put this together for the first week of May if I can, so I desperately need some help quickly. They can't go for longer than 7 days and as long as we can get flights, departure location can be anywhere. The price point isn't unlimited, but money isn't a huge issue. A friend recommended Royal Caribbean? HELP.

Two best Cruises I have been told is the Hawaii Islands Week Cruise that go to every Island except the Forbidden Island, but that is 4 Hour Flight to LA and another 4 Hours to Hawaii? I lived in Hawaii for a year and know of person that lived on the Cruise Ship working there..

The second that gets Rave Reviews from Friends that is the Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and you will see wonders like no where else as it makes various stops. I went to Alaska often in 1975-1980s working with Pipeline Firm related work. Everyone should go to Alaska at least once. The Flight to Seattle or Vancouver is also 3 to 4 hours, but the Cruise is only 7 days too. The Flight from Seattle to Alaska took 10+ Hours back in 1970s. The Cruise is worth it.

The only other Cruises I am told were great was the Urban Meyers OSU Cruise For Medical Research in February in Miami & Caribbean Islands, less flying time and many others can speak of those. The Greek Islands are another must see but again flight time 10+ Hours with Changes.

There is one thing many miss and close by a Car Drive, but consider looking up Great Lakes or Saint Lawrence Seaway Cruises and they are easily accessible by car starting points and available but highly desirable seeing places many few see that way. They are 7 to 8 days too.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Solid design, shoddy execution.

PS4RS Cruise For Justice & Return To Penn State Football Culture!

Is that Admiral Albert Lord PS4RS last meeting? Damn where is Franco did he drown looking for Due Process? Looks like Trustee Barbara Doran is put in the back of the Boat and there Trustee Lubrano doing the Jesus pose for Easter asking for help by trying to prove Penn State was crucified and knew of no crimes?

 

[McCool]

in addition to the comments above, if your mother isn't as mobile and funds aren't an issue, a smaller ship like regent may be more to her liking. better dining and less walking to get from one side of ship to the other. also, the haven area on some norwegian ships is very nice; private access to pools, bars, etc. she won't have to compete with the mob for deck chairs, swimming pool, etc. i'm sure the boys would enjoy the bigger boat.

 

[Hailpitt]

Pittgirl
Don't be defensive. Embrace being a member of the 1% club. I do! The others simply did not do what they had to for membership. There is no need for jealousy--we all are what we are.

 

[pitt-girl]

Pittgirl
Don't be defensive. Embrace being a member of the 1% club. I do! The others simply did not do what they had to for membership. There is no need for jealousy--we all are what we are.

I've stopped being threatened with whatever tags anyone wants to hang on me. But to be perfectly honest we are not in the 1% club. We're trying to get there but having kids is a constant drain. We thought we were getting close to discharging them from the payroll, but now our oldest is headed to graduate school for another 3 years. Little bastards.

 

[Swervin27]

anybody wants to insult me by calling me or assuming im rich, feel free.. i'll even invite you over to my house to see my wealth in all it's glory, just bring some spackling with you, and a can of paint..