Question from mother who just lost husband

[Francophile]

My spouse and I are booked on the 25-night TA-Mediterranean beginning September 12th. My mother, who loves ships, has always traveled with her husband. Unfortunately, he passed this last week. I was encouraging her to come with us on this journey.

 

She wanted me to ask whether those experienced on Cunard think there would be other people in her circumstances who are active, who enjoy bridge, golf, and socializing? She's worried about finding people among whom she could feel connected. I realize this isn't a simple question, but I think what I'm asking is a demographic one. Is everyone going to be coupled in an older age group or are there going to be others of either gender who are not and who would be looking for colleagues in the same demographic with whom to socialize?

 

Many thanks for any response you might be able to make.

[Ryancoke]

There are always numerous solo mature ladies travelling Cunard on the TA. And probably on the other routes. Speaking to the M'D would likely result in being placed at a large table where she could connect with several if the initial table didn't have any. There are also bridge lessons and other activities to meet people at. I think mature singles could easily meet others of their demographic on this line. Good luck with it and please accept my condolences.

[Salacia]

My spouse and I are booked on the 25-night TA-Mediterranean beginning September 12th. My mother, who loves ships, has always traveled with her husband. Unfortunately, he passed this last week. I was encouraging her to come with us on this journey.

 

She wanted me to ask whether those experienced on Cunard think there would be other people in her circumstances who are active, who enjoy bridge, golf, and socializing? She's worried about finding people among whom she could feel connected. I realize this isn't a simple question, but I think what I'm asking is a demographic one. Is everyone going to be coupled in an older age group or are there going to be others of either gender who are not and who would be looking for colleagues in the same demographic with whom to socialize?

 

Many thanks for any response you might be able to make.

 

Dear Francophile, please extend my sympathy to your mother. How thoughtful of you and your husband to encourage your mother to accompany you on your voyage.

 

From my experience of mourning, no matter what we do or where we go or who we are with, there remains the pain of loss; mourning takes it's own sweet time. Having said that, I'm sure your mother, should she accecpt your invite, will find quiet times and nice people, no matter their age or gender. I've encountered the most amazing, surprising company on QM2; no doubt she will too.

 

Sorry I don't know the demographics of the voyage you have planned. I'm a New Yorker, and I've learned that neither demographics nor statics tell the real story.

 

 

With sympathy for your loss,

 

Salacia

[north east girl]

My spouse and I are booked on the 25-night TA-Mediterranean beginning September 12th. My mother, who loves ships, has always traveled with her husband. Unfortunately, he passed this last week. I was encouraging her to come with us on this journey.

 

She wanted me to ask whether those experienced on Cunard think there would be other people in her circumstances who are active, who enjoy bridge, golf, and socializing? She's worried about finding people among whom she could feel connected. I realize this isn't a simple question, but I think what I'm asking is a demographic one. Is everyone going to be coupled in an older age group or are there going to be others of either gender who are not and who would be looking for colleagues in the same demographic with whom to socialize?

 

Many thanks for any response you might be able to make.

Hi Francophile, so sorry to hear your sad news. We are on the med part of your trip. I hope your mother decides to do this voyage, it will be hard especially because she is used to travelling with her husband.

 

Like other people have said there are plenty of single ladies that travel on QM2. I have found every body to be very friendly.

 

Thinking of you all at this time.

 

Catherine and Tony.

[Rotterdam]

My condolences to your Mother & your family.....it certainly is a difficult time for you all...

 

 

I too have loved travel by ship since I was a child & over the years I have taken crossings & cruises for many reasons...one of which was to mourn, think & recharge after the death of my brothers & father.....

 

If a ship/crossing & cruise are of a comfort to your Mom - she will find her way...there are always plenty of people to play a hand of bridge & both the golf simulator & shore excursions would give her an opportunity to partake in those activities. Of course the Cunard ships are very social with all types of entertainment...cocktail hour is wonderful, shows & the Promenade Deck are all there for one or more.

 

I do hope she decides to go.....with you & your spouse along it will be a comfort.....

 

Most of all I hope happy memories of her life comfort her through this difficult time.....

 

Full Moon & Smooth Seas to your Mother & your family!!!!

[PvTraveler]

My condolences to you and your mother. Please tell her that there are many mature single ladies on the ship. The first day out there is a single's meeting, age is usually 50 and up and you can exchange cabin numbers so that you can always find someone if you want company on an excursion or to meet for lunch or any other activity on the ship. Please encourage her to join you as the planning, preparation and anticipation for the trip will hopefully mitigate her grief.

[GB1]

My deepest sympathy to your family on your loss.

My advice would be to encourage your mother to come along. There are many people on their own on QM2 and plenty of activities in which to participate, for example bridge, line dancing, the lectures, table tennis (ping pong), groups of knitters and embroiderers, golf, suffleboard to name just a few. Chat to people while sitting in the hot tub or swimming pool. If your mother enjoys dancing there are male escorts each night so she doesn't have to be a "wallflower". Afternoon tea at 3.30pm in the Queen's Room - again the mail escorts will look for people on their own and ask to join them - you can say "no". There are meetings arranged for singles and it is usually in the Veuve Cliquot lounge and advertised in your daily ship newspaper. If all else fails, ask any of the entertainment staff what has been organised. If you can't find any then they are always in The Red Lion at 10.30am for the daily trivia quiz - another activity people are always wanting extras to join.

Enjoy.

[pb82]

Let me add my condolences as well. And let me suggest that on the crossings your mother might enjoy visiting the kennels for a kitty-fix and/or a puppy-pat. (Visitors are welcome there, you don't have to bring your own pet.)

[Salacia]

Let me add my condolences as well. And let me suggest that on the crossings your mother might enjoy visiting the kennels for a kitty-fix and/or a puppy-pat. (Visitors are welcome there, you don't have to bring your own pet.)

 

pb, Lovely advice. Thanks for sharing that info. Regards, Salacia

[bkecky]

I am always in the minority on board being 23 and I travel with my grandparents. I always said to them that I will definitely be cruising in my senior years because the single ladies on board seem to have such a fantastic time! I met one of my dearest friends on board who started cruising when her husband passed. She has discovered a new lease of life on ships and has met many others in a similar position to herself. There is so much to do and I am sure she would love every minute of it. The singles get togethers happen regularly so it is a great way to meet other solo passengers and you are really never alone.

[SeaMatesNYC]

I am always in the minority on board being 23 and I travel with my grandparents. I always said to them that I will definitely be cruising in my senior years because the single ladies on board seem to have such a fantastic time! I met one of my dearest friends on board who started cruising when her husband passed. She has discovered a new lease of life on ships and has met many others in a similar position to herself. There is so much to do and I am sure she would love every minute of it. The singles get togethers happen regularly so it is a great way to meet other solo passengers and you are really never alone.

 

I think bkecky is on to something here. My husband and I have had the incredible pleasure of being at table with just the type. We shared stories of her dearly departed early on. But I must say, she was living life to the fullest and looking forward to each and every day. Hard to keep up with her actually!

 

You have my heartfelt condolences. Do tell your Mom that she will likely find her days onboard full of delightful distraction.

 

M

[Francophile]

Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I think you made a real difference. :0) Now we just have to deal with the waiting list!

[Salacia]

Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I think you made a real difference. :0) Now we just have to deal with the waiting list!

 

 

You're welcome Francophile.

 

Regarding wait list: if your mother really wants to take the voyage, I'm sure she will prevail.

 

Que sera, sera.

 

Regards,

Salacia

[Francophile]

Based on your replies, she booked the voyage and seems quite excited. Once again, thanks to all of you for your kind consideration.

[Salacia]

Based on your replies, she booked the voyage and seems quite excited. Once again, thanks to all of you for your kind consideration.

 

Francophile, you're welcome, and thanks for the update. I suspect your mother booked the voyage not because of replies here, but because she is well loved by her family.

 

Cheers,

Salacia

[north east girl]

Based on your replies, she booked the voyage and seems quite excited. Once again, thanks to all of you for your kind consideration.

Really pleased your mum has decided to come on this trip. I'm sure as the date gets closer we will organise a meet for our part of the trip.

 

Catherine

[2irisheyes]

Francophile - my condolences also. As regards bridge, when we sailed transatlantic May 2009 in addition to bridge lessons (in the mornings I think - we didn't attend them) there was duplicate bridge each afternoon from about 2-4 pm. The tournament director was American and she also took the morning lessons. She was assisted by her son. The afternoon bridge sessions were very well organised and well attended. Players who were alone were paired with other single players. They could have been travelling alone or maybe their other halves didn't play. As the weather was a bit miserable it was good to have this activity. P&O could learn a lesson here as they don't actually organise bridge. It is just left to passengers to run things themselves.