Is 95 too old

[bobbisailsolo]

My mother is going to be 95 years old. She has some vision problems and is a little unsteady on her feet, but other than that she is pretty healthy. I know she is getting bored cooped up in the house... she really cant do much since her vision is so bad (macular degeneration). But her mind is still very good. I was thinking of taking her on a cruise up the coast of norway. I know she wont see details, but she'll be able to see some,as we cruise the fjords.. and it wont be necessary to get out at all the ports.. as they are just small villages. Possibly a bus tour might work, though I really dont know if she'd see much. She wont use a wheel chair, but uses a wheeled walker. And I would probably go with one of the smaller ships on Holland america. And we'd probably each have our own cabin.. Just wondering what others think. Am I getting my self into too much? Would it be too difficult for her? Would she be bored? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Please be honest. Do you think she is too old and I'd be risking her health?

[cb at sea]

Of course not! You're never "too old" to do what you feel like doing!!

 

If she wants to go, then do it! If she'd rather not, then let it go. Leave it up to her! I don't think this is a "health" issue, but an enjoyment issue. So, let HER be your guide!!!

 

My grandmother was 95 when she passed....and had she not had dementia, she would have LOVED a cruise...and she had macular degeneration, too. She could see larger landscapes much better than a single face, for example.

 

If your mom wants to...just realize it's a "get away" and not a big "sightseeing" thing!

Edited March 2, 2015 by cb at sea

[srlafleur]

I see you're in Michigan. If your mom is, as well, bear in mind that the trip over the pond to catch the cruise will be long and exhausting, and potentially throwing all sorts of monkey wrenches in timing for medications (if applicable).

 

Of course, with that in mind, if visiting Norway is important to you and/or your mother, then sure, go for it. If it's basically just to see someplace new, personally, I would try to stick a bit closer to home, if possible.

 

If she's already on that side of the pond, well, sure, definitely go for it!

[bjbear]

My mother is going to be 95 years old. She has some vision problems and is a little unsteady on her feet, but other than that she is pretty healthy. I know she is getting bored cooped up in the house... she really cant do much since her vision is so bad (macular degeneration). But her mind is still very good. I was thinking of taking her on a cruise up the coast of norway. I know she wont see details, but she'll be able to see some,as we cruise the fjords.. and it wont be necessary to get out at all the ports.. as they are just small villages. Possibly a bus tour might work, though I really dont know if she'd see much. She wont use a wheel chair, but uses a wheeled walker. And I would probably go with one of the smaller ships on Holland america. And we'd probably each have our own cabin.. Just wondering what others think. Am I getting my self into too much? Would it be too difficult for her? Would she be bored? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Please be honest. Do you think she is too old and I'd be risking her health?

 

 

No, I don't think she's too old if she wants to go. We took my Dad on a Caribbean cruise when he was 94 and he had macular degeneration also. We used a wheelchair taking him through the airport and to the ship but, once on board, he used a cane. He didn't do a lot, sat out on his balcony, ate and enjoyed the ship but he was an old sailor and just loved being on the sea. He didn't get off at the ports but we did and he was fine for a few hours. He had his own cabin and we also had the best room steward ever who was so nice and helpful with him. He and my mother had traveled extensively and he loved dressing for dinner and having a cocktail in the lounge. We had drinks and snacks on his balcony every night before dinner and he loved it. He passed away a year later at 95 and I will never regret taking him on that cruise. I also had my sister and her husband - we had 3 balcony cabins next to each other and worked out great.

 

I would echo what another cruiser said that you are from Michigan and if flying across the pond is too much for your mother, maybe consider a cruise that leaves from the US. Alaska, Caribbean, California Coastal, New England and Novia Scotia? Alaska has some of the most beautiful scenery and Holland and Celebrity both go there. Whatever you choose, good luck and happy cruising! :D

 

Sue

[bobbisailsolo]

I see you're in Michigan. If your mom is, as well, bear in mind that the trip over the pond to catch the cruise will be long and exhausting, and potentially throwing all sorts of monkey wrenches in timing for medications (if applicable).

 

 

 

Of course, with that in mind, if visiting Norway is important to you and/or your mother, then sure, go for it. If it's basically just to see someplace new, personally, I would try to stick a bit closer to home, if possible.

 

 

 

If she's already on that side of the pond, well, sure, definitely go for it!

 

 

Meds shouldn't be a problem. The long flight could be... But now that they have extra leg room in some of the seats she may be okay... If we can get a direct flight.

She doesn't have much interest in going anywhere warm like the Caribbean, And the sun bothers her eyes. I just thought Norway was more doable... Any suggestions for something closer? I guess we could do Alaska, but I don't remember the cruise being real scenic other than a few days...

But I'm actually have second thoughts. At her age, any illness, like the flu, could be very serious... Maybe she should just stay at home..,

 

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Edited March 3, 2015 by bobbisailsolo

[srlafleur]

Meds shouldn't be a problem. The long flight could be... But now that they have extra leg room in some of the seats she may be okay... If we can get a direct flight.

She doesn't have much interest in going anywhere warm like the Caribbean, And the sun bothers her eyes. I just thought Norway was more doable... Any suggestions for something closer? I guess we could do Alaska, but I don't remember the cruise being real scenic other than a few days...

But I'm actually have second thoughts. At her age, any illness, like the flu, could be very serious... Maybe she should just stay at home..,

 

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If she hasn't been to New England/Canada, that's a very nice option. Doesn't have the grandeur of Norway, which IS impressive from the ship, I must say, but it does have its own charm. I checked, and, realistically, Alaska is nearly as far as Norway. If you sail out of Southampton (as we did on Royal Caribbean), I think the flight might actually be shorter than to AK.

Regarding the flu - she could catch that at home. As long as she's had the flu and pneumonia vaccines, and perhaps a prescription for Tamiflu to take along just in case, if her MD will allow, what the heck, might as well go for it.

As they say, you only live once, and at 95...:o

[orchestrapal]

Has your mother ever been on a cruise?? You say her mind is good so why not let her make the decision weather to go or not. Any forty year old with a heart condition who cruises all the time has probably more risk than your mother.

[bobbisailsolo]

Has your mother ever been on a cruise?? You say her mind is good so why not let her make the decision weather to go or not. Any forty year old with a heart condition who cruises all the time has probably more risk than your mother.

 

 

Yes, she's been on several! At 89 we did a 21 day med cruise!!

She is just self conscious about her "handicaps" and very proud. She tried to hide them. I just think Norway sounds perfect for her... Out of Amsterdam. It's a bit longer flight than Alaska... Seattle or Vancover. I don't think there is enough to see from the ship doing New England, and she has been there, but she could not do any walking at the ports...if we went, I'd request a table for 2.. As she has difficulty using her knife and fork due to poor vision. And the cabin would need to be next to an elevator... She would get lost on the ship without me escorting her...the halls are too dark for her. But I could certainly set her by a window... And she could read her kindle. Yes, she can still read... But just wondering if it's worth the trouble. Her first reaction when I mentioned it, she kind of blew me off. But then warmed up to the idea. So it's a matter of my convincing her to go.., .. . If I think we should. I know the plane and airports are the worst part. Honestly, I think she'd be fine on the cruise...

 

Here's a photo of her... Pretty snazzy for 94

 

 

 

 

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Edited March 3, 2015 by bobbisailsolo

[orchestrapal]

Any one would be delighted to have that attractive lady cruise with the.

Talk her into it and arrange to have an escort at the airports and try to fly business class. Have a wonderful time if this does come about.

[srlafleur]

Looks like a lady who would totally enjoy herself. Good for her!

We went on a cruise to Norway last year. Many of the available excursions were in buses, with little or no walking involved. I think, unlike the Caribbean that caters to a younger crowd and families, many of the European cruises try to cater to an older clientele with limited mobility, since that tends to be more of the demographic.

[icat2000]

Nope. I was once at a table with a lady who was 99 and her daughter. She was great company, funny as. She told the wait staff that she didn't want to be stuck with any noddies. :D Also, she said to her daughter if she made it she wants to go on a cruise for her 100th birthday.

 

Age is just a number.

[SadieN]

Take her if she's willing and able.

 

We once cruised with 'The Really Old Guy'. We know that because the whole group had tshirts saying so. His said, 'I'm the Really Old Guy!' He was celebrating his 100th onboard.

[bobbisailsolo]

Wow! Thanks for all the encouragement! Cruising at 100! If they can, don't see why she can't!

 

 

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[cruisingmimi]

I say you should go on that cruise w/ your mother and enjoy yourselves! I hope that I can still cruise when I get to be that age. LOL

 

Age is just a number (to quote icat2000) but it's the attitude that's important. Sounds like your mother would be able to handle a cruise. We meet so many people that have handicaps, use wheelchairs, scooters, and canes that it is just not anything that is a big deal if you cruise. The ships are wonderful to those w/ handicaps of any type. She may be able to see more than you think at times.

 

I have a younger sister that has very limited vision (she had to leave her teaching job in her early 60's because she could no longer drive herself). She has a condition that is very similar to MD. She has had multiple surgeries but nothing has changed her loss of vision. Sometimes I am amazed when we go somewhere with what she can see.

 

Explore some itineraries on the different cruise lines. I do think that HAL might be a good fit for her as far as age is concerned. It's more laid back on HAL ships. If you book a cruise w/ a travel agent then he/she can alert the cruise line about her vision issues and make note of any special needs.

 

As far as eating dinner at a table for 2, I would suggest that you re-think that thought. Ask for a small table of 6-8 so that you can all interact with each other and the others can experience the uniqueness of sharing a table with you and your mother. Trust me, you won't feel out of sorts at all. One of our cruises we shared our table with a lovely couple that were in their 80's and the husband had MD. Didn't deter them at all. The wait staff usually go over the dinner specials every evening and I am sure that your mother would enjoy being waited on. You could also check the menus before dinner so your mother can get a heads up of what is on the menu. They are usually posted right before you enter the dining rooms. Wait staff are very accustomed to having people w/ special needs onboard and they treat them in a special way. I think your mother would love a cruise!

 

If you can get a balcony I think this would be helpful as well as she can sit out and enjoy the weather, what views she may be able to see, etc. If she doesn't feel like leaving the cabin she can sit on the balcony and you can still get out and about for a while. Do think positively about this, you deserve something special too.

 

Now go find that cruise! Get back to us with questions, etc. We love to help.

[OCruisers]

Think it depends more on health rather than age. ;)

LuLu

[zoncom]

Just make sure she has the proper insurance that covers foreign health care and medical evacuations. Medical care is very limited on board.

[bobbisailsolo]

Thanks for all for the comments. I think HAL would be a good fit.. The ships are smaller and they do cater to seniors. It would either be the Rotterdam or Prinsendam. The new ship is just too big. I'm debating on 2 outside cabins or one suite. The balcony would be nice, but the weather could be too cool to use it... And the sun could hurt her eyes, so I'm not sure about the balcony. I know I would like it, but it may be too cramped for two of us. My mom moves very slow, and I sometime lose patience... So two outsides might be better. With single supplements the cost is about the same per person...Definately I'd buy insurance...

 

 

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Edited March 4, 2015 by bobbisailsolo

[cruisingmimi]

When are you thinking about going and how long a cruise would you want? Rotterdam has a nice 7 day Norse Legends cruise that might fit the bill, not too long but mostly Norway ports, starts and ends in Rotterdam. Just watched one of those international home shows in Rotterdam. Only 3 dates, July 4, Aug. 1 and 29.

 

Does she wear those very dark glasses? My sister has them. So maybe 2 outsides would work better and you could get adjoining cabins. A suite would be nice as well. HAL ships have larger cabins that other ships. A Vista Suite on Rotterdam has 292 sf and a balcony. I like cabins close to elevators, not so far to walk. Your decision.....

 

Good points on insurance but I'm sure you would purchase. It doesn't matter the age you never know what might happen on a cruise.

 

Here's a thread I found w/ some helpful info on it for people w/ disabilities.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2139395

 

Does your mother use a walker or wheelchair? Might be something to consider after you read the above thread. You can also rent them and have them delivered to your cabin. You might also consider a handicap accessible cabin as it gives more room. If she did have a walker or a fold up scooter would be easier access.

 

Other things to consider: 1) special assistance boarding and disembarking; 2) main dining room access, no stairs; 3) muster drill - discuss options as they are very strict about everyone participating. I am sure they have options for handicapped people getting to muster station.

 

http://www.specialneedsatsea.com

(rental of chairs, scooters, etc.) Read the thread for what people say. Your mother may not want special equipment but something to think about. Lots of walking on those ships.

 

Good luck. Keep us posted..

[bobbisailsolo]

Thanks Mimi! I had found that thread earlier! No, she doesn't wear the real dark glasses, in fact, that would make her sight worse. She requires lots of natural light to see things. (22 hours of daylight in Norway is a plus!). Hard to gauge just what she can and cannot see. Literally changes all the time. I did consider a wheelchair, but she seems to feel better with just the walker... I suppose I could rent one just in case the ship is too much for her. I was considering a 14 day north cape on the Rotterdam May 2016, or there is a b2b viking/fjords in May as well...or maybe a 12 day Hurtigruten Norway voyage. 7 days seems to short considering the flight from the states... Not sure which has better scenery. She seemed to like the idea of Hurtigruten.. Because it's so low key and casual. And not a lot of passengers. And with such short port visits she doesn't feel obligated to get off. She also mentioned she doesn't want to deal with the jewelry sales on deck. And all the crowds at the buffets..Lol. But I don't know if you actually cruise the fjords on Hurtigruten as you would on HAL. I just want a nice relaxed cruise, get her away from home for a change of scenery... While she is still able. Resort type trips are no longer something she would enjoy as she had some bouts with skin cancer.

 

 

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Edited March 4, 2015 by bobbisailsolo

[cruisingmimi]

We did an Alaskan cruise in July one year - so bizarre to see 24 hr. of daylight! It's nice for sightseeing tho as we were able to go into Denali and stay til 10 pm and it was still daylight.

 

Sounds like your mother knows what she wants! LOL I don't blame her for wanting to avoid the jewelry sales. I don't bother either. I have more jewelry than I need right now, could sell it.

 

Buffet crowds - agree. We like to go to the MDR for breakfast and occasionally lunch as it's so relaxing. They don't hurry you, we have some wine and just enjoy the occasion. You can always do room service too. Sometimes we order room service the night before and have a nice relaxing breakfast in our room. You do what you want on a cruise.

 

We did the fjords on Princess going into Norway, it was very early am so we had to get up to see it. I'm not a morning person. LOL We also did a floatplane trip in Alaska and did the Misty Fjords, landing on the lake and saw a brown bear coming out of the woods. So cool.

 

I agree that 7 day cruises are not long enough, you just get on the ship and have to get off. We like the longer cruises. I believe you do cruise the fjords on Hurtigruten. You could call the cruise line and speak to a customer service rep.

 

I just bring lots of sun screen when we cruise as my DH has had many skin cancer bouts and he has to be careful in the sun.

 

I know that you don't want to get your mother all riled about using a wheelchair but maybe you can compromise and just do the walker or rent one of those walkers w/ the chair seats on them. I think that your mother might enjoy having it once she's onboard the ship. We have friends and the husband has walking issues so they bring their own scooter onboard. They fold up so easy to carry and it's a definite advantage onboard the ship, your mother will get preferential treatment in boarding and disembarking the ship as well as going off the ship for tours, etc. Think about it.

 

Good luck, the rest is up to you. I love cruising as we meet so many wonderful people and will always have fond memories.

[kellanrevere]

I think it's wonderful and your mom are considering a cruise. She sounds in better physical shape than me, LOL. Might I suggest a wheelchair (just in case) and a handicapped room. Ships are much bigger with more walking than we realize and a handicapped room would be large enough for two. Handicapped cabins are no more expensive than regular cabins of the same category. Please keep us informed. Your mom is lovely and I'd love to hear if you go on the cruise.

[bobbisailsolo]

Thanks Kellanrevere. Will let everyone know what she decides...

 

 

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[Tom47]

Thanks Kellanrevere. Will let everyone know what she decides...

 

 

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Hi

DW and I took the Hurtigruten 12 day trip in 2009 and loved it. I don't remember balcony cabins being available. We booked a junior suite because standard rooms are small. We have never been on HAL, prefer Celebrity.

My wife and I think that your mom should go for it!

Tom:)