Steve......man, thanks for the great info, you SOLD ME!! I'm going to start thinking about late Spring to do this cruise-thang to the Caribbean...wish i knew, or could meet, some people on the ship. Nothing against my mother, but i don't want to spend THE WHOLE time with her. Are there any groups that do a cruise at same time...or, younger-oriented (baby boomer) cruises??? My mother is a very younger thinking 68 yr old, so i think she'd like the younger cruise too.
As you might remember, i'm in Tampa Bay area, so i'm sure i could get a ride to the port, but not sure i'd need the hoyer, or how to get it there.
I really loved your detailed info, thanks a million. BTW, what kind of work do you do??? I'm just curious!!! ; ))
please ask Hurricane Jeane to start curving North....
tony ; )
In a message dated 9/25/2004 8:18:40 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
If you and your mom have never been on a cruise, it will be the best possible vacation you could ever give her.
First, the transfer issue. I use a Hoyer lift which I have brought on board with me on each of my cruises. The accessible rooms have open bed frames to accommodate the lift.
The accessible rooms also have incredible bathrooms with roll in showers and comodes. If you do not have a shower wheelchair that you would bring along, they have a fold down shower chair that looked substantial for practical use.
Accessibility on board is remarkable on virtually every deck. On the newer ships you would be completely independent with the possible exception of needing help with an elevator button to get to your preferred floor. Someone is almost always moments away.
I challenge anyone to make a case that cruising is not the best bang for your buck. A single price per person gets you your travel, room, all meals and entertainment. You only pay additional for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (carbonated sweet drinks, not iced tea) and any excursions or gambling including bingo which is offered daily.
Cruises run from 3-10 days or more. Expect to pay approximately $100 per day, per person for a quality cruise unless you come across some incredible deal. Be careful, this is one of those areas where you get what you pay for. A 3-4 cruise is nice, especially if you are unsure of what you are getting into. One week is perfect for me, as my job is pretty stressful and it takes me 3-4 days for my body and mind to let go and succumb to the pleasures and relaxation.
Every cruise has at least 1-2 formal dinners which require a coat and tie for men, and a dress or equivalent female attire. I strongly recommend taking advantage of these dinners, even if it is not your personal preference. Your mom will feel like a queen. The service is extraordinary. There are non-formal options available if preferred by you and your mom.
Don't expect much in terms of accessibility at the ports of call. It varies widely from completely inaccessible to moderately accessible at best. You can still have a terrific time and never leave the ship.
Entertainment is available and free every night. It will be geared towards an older crowd, but it is professional and entertaining nonetheless. Almost every cruise features some form of karaoke, so you will be able to showcase your talents.
If you have someone who can drop you off and pick you up, you will save about $10 per day for parking your van.
Cruising rules! If a C4 quad with a large power chair like myself can have a terrific time on 2 different 7 Day cruises, a rambling dude like yourself will be thrilled, and trust me, your mom will talk about little else for weeks afterward.
I could go on, but will leave the rest available for questions if you or anyone else has any.
Start saving and planning today! You won't regret it!
Steve
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