Taking my Dad on his "bucket" cruise on the Fantasy... suggestions?

[MtnBikerFallDown]

My Dad is terminally ill, but not doing too very bad yet. He loves to cruise and we'd already planned this cruise for my 40th birthday. Now, he says it's my mid-life-crisis cruise and his end-life-crisis cruise (in case you cannot tell, he has a WONDERFUL attitude. This is not a sad cruise, it's a celebratory one).

Anyway, we're leaving on the Fantasy November 13th and hitting Nassau and Freeport. He has very poor balance and tires easily, so I've strong-armed him into taking a wheelchair, and his cane. Dad is a people person, and loves to people watch. He likes to gamble. Not much of a beach-goer.

So, with this in mind, what would y'all suggest? Help me make this cruise (most likely his last) his best yet. Hit me up with any ideas, from places to see in Charleston to things to do on the ship, to things to do in the ports.

I appreciate your help in advance. Thank you!

[cruise_pirate]

Tell JH your story he may be able to have something very special done for your father! Take lots and lots of pictures!! :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

[MtnBikerFallDown]

Tell JH your story he may be able to have something very special done for your father! Take lots and lots of pictures!! :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

 

I am a scrapbooker, so I even bought an extra memory card for the camera. LOL. My poor Dad is going to feel like the paparazzi is stalking him. :)

 

I feel weird asking JH to do anything. Is it presumptuous? I don't want to be a weenie. :o

[jesron1269]

Whatever you do just make sure you have plenty of time for the two of you. Perhaps the more private the better IMHO. I hope you both have the best time of your lives!

[MtnBikerFallDown]

Mom and my DH are going as well, but I am really going to try to get in some good, quality time with him. He's got a balcony cabin (so glad!), so I'm thinking we can spend some time out there with the ocean and us.

[wrcjr98]

My Dad is terminally ill, but not doing too very bad yet. He loves to cruise and we'd already planned this cruise for my 40th birthday. Now, he says it's my mid-life-crisis cruise and his end-life-crisis cruise (in case you cannot tell, he has a WONDERFUL attitude. This is not a sad cruise, it's a celebratory one).

Anyway, we're leaving on the Fantasy November 13th and hitting Nassau and Freeport. He has very poor balance and tires easily, so I've strong-armed him into taking a wheelchair, and his cane. Dad is a people person, and loves to people watch. He likes to gamble. Not much of a beach-goer.

So, with this in mind, what would y'all suggest? Help me make this cruise (most likely his last) his best yet. Hit me up with any ideas, from places to see in Charleston to things to do on the ship, to things to do in the ports.

I appreciate your help in advance. Thank you!

 

I'm crying reading your post - I hope you all create wonderful memories! Try posting on the "Bahama's" board under Ports of Call, and ask for "Scubagirl's" help - she lives in the Bahamas, and always has such wonderful advice!

[Sunburns]

I am a scrapbooker, so I even bought an extra memory card for the camera. LOL. My poor Dad is going to feel like the paparazzi is stalking him. :)

 

I feel weird asking JH to do anything. Is it presumptuous? I don't want to be a weenie. :o

 

I wouldn't think you were a 'weenie', I would think you are a loving daughter trying to make her Dad's (possibly) last vacation a very happy one...ASK! :D

[MtnBikerFallDown]

I'm crying reading your post - I hope you all create wonderful memories! Try posting on the "Bahama's" board under Ports of Call, and ask for "Scubagirl's" help - she lives in the Bahamas, and always has such wonderful advice!

 

Thank you so much! I didn't even think about the Bahamas board. YAY!!

 

And, do not cry. My Dad told me about his diagnosis, and he said, "I am not going to spend the rest of my life dying. I'm going to spend the rest of my life living. We're going on the cruise, I'm going to see all my friends before it's time, and I'm going to enjoy what I have left. I've had a wonderful life and I'm going to keep having it until I can't." His attitude is amazing and has made it so much easier for ME to have a good attitude. So, don't cry, just go hug someone you love! ;)

[Swayde]

Thank you so much! I didn't even think about the Bahamas board. YAY!!

 

And, do not cry. My Dad told me about his diagnosis, and he said, "I am not going to spend the rest of my life dying. I'm going to spend the rest of my life living. We're going on the cruise, I'm going to see all my friends before it's time, and I'm going to enjoy what I have left. I've had a wonderful life and I'm going to keep having it until I can't." His attitude is amazing and has made it so much easier for ME to have a good attitude. So, don't cry, just go hug someone you love! ;)

 

That's wonderful. I hope you enjoy your cruise and make tons of great memories to carry with you for the rest of your life. I can totally relate to you. My husband and I leave on a cruise Monday. My grandmother just passed away a few hours ago. We were very close, but yesterday she told me she wanted me to go on the cruise and was asking when we leave and all. I am relieved to have her blessing. She was 92 years old, just had her birthday party last month. She had such a great life. 8 brothers & sisters, 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. In her honor, I will wear lots of purple, drink some wine and eat dessert with every meal. How that woman stayed thin I will never understand!

 

I do agree you should contact John Heald. Anything to make the cruise even more special for your dad would be a good thing. It doesn't hurt to ask. You've got nothing to lose =)

[bobsfamily]

So, with this in mind, what would y'all suggest? Help me make this cruise (most likely his last) his best yet. Hit me up with any ideas, from places to see in Charleston to things to do on the ship, to things to do in the ports.

I appreciate your help in advance. Thank you!

 

Let's start with Charleston... A horse drawn carriage ride thru the historic district is a wonderful way to see the town. There are "general" and private:

http://www.palmettocarriage.com/ - they have private ones

http://www.charlestonsfinest.com/sc/carriagetours.htm - lots of others.

 

With mobility in mind there are several bus tours:

http://www.charlestonsfinest.com/sc/motorizedtours.htm

 

The "straw" market, a bit of walking but with wheelchair and/or cane:

http://thecharlestoncitymarket.com/visitor-info.cfm

 

Not sure where you are staying or the budget for this but a nights stay at the Charleston Place downtown on the club level is a bit pricey but what a treat! We have stayed there for many years during the Christmas season even though we live about 15 minutes from downtown.

http://www.charlestonplace.com/web/ocha/club_level_rooms.jsp

 

Now on to Nassau... If he likes to gamble a bit take him to Atlantis (right now the only casino open - Crystal Palace on Cable beach is sometimes open, sometimes not, a LOT of construction going on) and other members of the family could do the water stuff. You can actually get a room at the Comfort suite next door to Atlantis and with the room comes full privileges at Atlantis:

http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-nassau-bahamas-BS003

 

I generally do not recommend the Atlantis but in this case it might be perfect.

 

And Grand Bahama Island (Freeport)...

There is a small shopping area right off the ship that has food/drink and trinkets to buy BUT anything else is by taxi. Most people go to "Our Lucaya" and it's about a 20 or so minute ride. DO not get a "shared" cab, instead go over where the cabs are and tell them you want a private cab for the 4 of you. It's $10 pp each way for the shared cab but they pack them in like sardines. A private cab for the 4 might be $40 (or 50) one way but your dad will appreciate it. The cab can drop you off directly in front of the casino. Plenty of shopping, bars, restaurants (fairly good one in the casino). Some people suggest not getting off in Freeport but I would suggest with this trip going for it.

http://www.grandbahamavacations.com/things-to-do/casinos-and-nightlife/casinos/

 

So hope this helps... I did not center this around beaches as you stated that's not for him.

 

One other note about the wheelchairs and special needs on Carnival - straight from the website:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=35864027

 

 

Have a wonderful time! Do everything as many times as he wants.... eat whatever, drink whatever, LIVE it up! I can say is your Dad has the right attitude. Have a wonderful trip!

[vivavegas]

Do what you need to make this trip special. Don't worry about being a weenie! Cherish every moment with your dad and have a great cruise!:)

[bigcraig]

You have such a fantastic attitude, my dad passed just 1 month before we were to all cruise together. I mentioned this to my travel planner and they had a wreath waiting for us to toss out at sea, a moment I will never ever forget.

[*Luv2Cruz*]

Thank you so much! I didn't even think about the Bahamas board. YAY!!

 

And, do not cry. My Dad told me about his diagnosis, and he said, "I am not going to spend the rest of my life dying. I'm going to spend the rest of my life living. We're going on the cruise, I'm going to see all my friends before it's time, and I'm going to enjoy what I have left. I've had a wonderful life and I'm going to keep having it until I can't." His attitude is amazing and has made it so much easier for ME to have a good attitude. So, don't cry, just go hug someone you love! ;)

Have a great cruise and so glad you both have such a good attitude!!:cool::cool:! Enjoy!!;)

[Brenna's Mom1]

Having just lost my parents exactly a year apart to the day...my Mom suddenly my Dad slowly because of Alzheimers I fully understand your wish to spend time with them. Even I, as I get into my golden years, sometimes just want to talk and reminisce so spend a lot of time with your parents just talking. Pick a nice shady spot, bring Dad his favorite beverage and start the "remember whens". Check on the port threads and I'm sure you'll find one about places to eat. Pick one with "sidewalk" tables and just sit and observe the people walking past...its fun to comment on the idiosyncrasies of others. Present your Dad with a few crisp new twenty dollar bills and sit with him as he gambles in the Casino making sure he knows that you are entitled to half his winnings...he'll love that. And lastly don't be afraid to talk about his death....ask him what he wants, have him let you know what his funeral should entail. My Dad (when he was still lucid) wanted to make sure that we took everyone who came to his funeral to the local buffet for a celebration dinner afterwards...his myriad of great grandkids still ask, these couple of years later, if they can go to "Opa's" restaurant for family outings.

 

Have a great time...and give your parents lots of virtual hugs from this stranger. I so miss mine.

[upstairsmama]

Last November we took this same cruise and in Freeport at Lucaya they have a nice casino not to crowded little shops across the street, we took a van cab cost was like 8 dollars per person one way, we had a great time there. ;) Enjoy and make it a great cruise.

[Fishtales6]

Emily,

 

I so wish we were cruising with you, just for the opportunity to meet your family.

 

All best...

 

Rev. Carl

[michiganredrose]

I hope you have a fantastic trip with your dad. My dad also has a terminal illness and I wish he was strong enough to take another trip with. I take comfort in the fact that we have made so many memories together with my kids and my parents. Hopefully when his time comes we will be able to remember all of the great things we were able to do together.

 

Have fun and make memories.

[proudpatriot07]

I live in Charleston and see the Fantasy almost every time it's in port, as I run the bridge quite often and downtown. You didn't say if your dad was a Veteran or not but the Yorktown is here in Charleston, which is an aircraft carrier, along with a museum. Even if he's not a Veteran he might really like it, and I think everything is fairly accessible. A lot of things in Charleston do require walking, but there is handicapped parking so he shouldn't have to do as much. Market street is really nice, along with the battery. Tons of great places to eat and get dessert too :).

 

Best of luck on your cruise. It was a really touching story, nice to read about his positive outlook... and I'm sure whatever you end up doing here and on the ship will remain etched in your mind forever just because you're spending time with him and it's special to both of you.

[jerseyralph]

Let's start with Charleston... A horse drawn carriage ride thru the historic district is a wonderful way to see the town. There are "general" and private:

http://www.palmettocarriage.com/ - they have private ones

http://www.charlestonsfinest.com/sc/carriagetours.htm - lots of others.

 

With mobility in mind there are several bus tours:

http://www.charlestonsfinest.com/sc/motorizedtours.htm

 

The "straw" market, a bit of walking but with wheelchair and/or cane:

http://thecharlestoncitymarket.com/visitor-info.cfm

 

Not sure where you are staying or the budget for this but a nights stay at the Charleston Place downtown on the club level is a bit pricey but what a treat! We have stayed there for many years during the Christmas season even though we live about 15 minutes from downtown.

http://www.charlestonplace.com/web/ocha/club_level_rooms.jsp

 

Now on to Nassau... If he likes to gamble a bit take him to Atlantis (right now the only casino open - Crystal Palace on Cable beach is sometimes open, sometimes not, a LOT of construction going on) and other members of the family could do the water stuff. You can actually get a room at the Comfort suite next door to Atlantis and with the room comes full privileges at Atlantis:

http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-nassau-bahamas-BS003

 

I generally do not recommend the Atlantis but in this case it might be perfect.

 

And Grand Bahama Island (Freeport)...

There is a small shopping area right off the ship that has food/drink and trinkets to buy BUT anything else is by taxi. Most people go to "Our Lucaya" and it's about a 20 or so minute ride. DO not get a "shared" cab, instead go over where the cabs are and tell them you want a private cab for the 4 of you. It's $10 pp each way for the shared cab but they pack them in like sardines. A private cab for the 4 might be $40 (or 50) one way but your dad will appreciate it. The cab can drop you off directly in front of the casino. Plenty of shopping, bars, restaurants (fairly good one in the casino). Some people suggest not getting off in Freeport but I would suggest with this trip going for it.

http://www.grandbahamavacations.com/things-to-do/casinos-and-nightlife/casinos/

 

So hope this helps... I did not center this around beaches as you stated that's not for him.

 

One other note about the wheelchairs and special needs on Carnival - straight from the website:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=35864027

 

 

Have a wonderful time! Do everything as many times as he wants.... eat whatever, drink whatever, LIVE it up! I can say is your Dad has the right attitude. Have a wonderful trip!

 

Just to add to this wonderful post:

 

There is a new excursion out of Freeport that has gotten amazing reviews. DH and I are taking it first week in Dec. It is titled the

"Historical Windjammer Tour". The ship has quite a history (the Alexander von Humboldt). Check it out.

 

Enjoy your trip.

Gina

[RMM34667]

Just enjoy every moment of it.

 

We sailed last Nov with my dad. We figured it would be his last cruise (but we also thought that in Nov of 2010 so it was kinda a bonus). He left us in May and we often talk about the great time we had on the Destiny.

[nlktx49]

What a wonderful thing to do for and with your dad. I hope I have his attitude when my time comes.

 

As several have said, in Nassau go to the Atlantis, you don't need to buy a pass to go to the casino. It's huge! After gambling you can go to the areas that are open to the public, it's something to see.

 

In Freeport go to My Lucaya, look around at the shopping area, do some people watching, then go across the street to the casino. Do some gambling there. Back at the port there is usually a band playing and places to sit and listen to them. Maybe he'd like that.

 

I wish you a wonderful time together.

[iluvdoxies]

PLease ask John H to do something for your father ---he will be more than happy to oblige

 

Hope y'all have a great cruise !

[Qchell]

The Glass Bottom Boat ride in Freeport was really nice. Tour bus from the ship to Port Lucaya - GORGEOUS boat ride with seating on the boat where you can look out over the water and check out the coast. We even had the opportunity to feed the fish and watch them swarm around the boat. The water is truly the most amazing color.

 

I think it would be workable as long as your father can walk a few steps down onto and off of the boat & bus with some assistance.

 

Afterwards we were able to get amazing lunch at Port Lucaya, do some shopping, and then take the bus back to the ship at our leisure.

 

I would double check with Carnival before booking the excursion to double check accessibility, but I think you should be fine.

 

We cruised on the Fantasy for our honeymoon/first cruise and truly had a marvelous time and are now looking forward to our third cruise.

 

I hope you and your father create the best of memories!!! Enjoy!

[Donna - dsw]

If you have a sea day - get a massage! They are wonderful!

[MtnBikerFallDown]

Well, y'all have made my allergies act up a bit this morning, 'cause I said no crying, so it can't be that!

I just want to say thank you for such kind words and such great suggestions. This is going to help us SO SO much!!! I am making a list, like some Bahama-bound Santa, and checking it twice. We now have lots of great ideas! I didn't want him to just sit on the ship. I wanted him to get out there and enjoy it as best he could. And, with all these wonderful suggestions, I think we can manage that!

Again, thank you so much. I'll be sure to report back after the cruise and let y'all know how much fun he had! :D

 

Oh, and to whomever said I should give him some gambling money and tell him I get half his winnings... funny story! He won't let me anywhere near him when he gambles. He says I am cursed. He will be on a winning streak (big term considering he plays the quarter slots, LOL), and I can just walk by and he'll start losing. So, maybe I can watch him gamble... from afar... with binoculars. ;):D