Plus sized women..Comfort on cruise for Plus sizes?

[daughterinlaw]

Hello, although this may not seem like you run of the mill questions. I am writing discreetly for my mother in law. We are all booked on a family cruise, this will be my husbands and i's first cruise, also my mother in laws first cruise. She is a plus sized woman, and a little insecure and worried about different aspects of traveling and going on the cruise. I am not plus sized but I try to reasure her that everything will be fine. I have heard her mention specifficaly, being worried about the plane and if she would fit in the seat, and also the chairs onboard. She feels if the chairs in the formal dining rooms/ buffets have 'arms' she will not fit and feel embarassed and uncomfortable. i am nervous for her but stay positive, as this trip is a gift from us to her, actually one of her first real vacations. I just want to try to set her mind at ease. IShe is also concerned there are only 'beach beauties' onboard, and she will feel uncomfortable. In case you are wondering, I would say she is prob about 320lbs or so, from comments I have heard her make. So any help you may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated. -Daughterinlaw judy:o :)

[Ehpride]

There was quite a mix of shapes, sizes, colors, personalities, etc on board.

 

Also, I don't remember all the chairs in the dining room having arms on the Inspiration. Of course, I can't speak for all ships.

[ezjack1825]

I do feel for her concern. A family member of mine used to be plus size - she has since lost a LOT of weight very fortunately. I still do look around at things to see how accomodating things are, remembering the troubles she had.

 

If I recall correctly, the last Carnival cruise i was on the dining room chairs did not have arms, there were probly more plus size women than twiggy little sticks, and all was just fine for people of size.

 

I will let you know that the bathrooms in the cabin are quite small and that will be about the largest concern hopefully - The attack of the clinging shower curtain. But at least that's in the priovacy of your cabin.

 

Relax, don't worry, and have a great trip!

[binkey36]

Our friend is over 400 lbs. They brought a chair without arms for him to use in the dining room. There are also many plus sized women and men on board..not "bathing beauties". Hopefully, she will a wonderful time!

[VentureMan_2000]

Unfortunately... there are not than many babes in relation to the many cruisers on board. Probably due to the age... not that many 20 year olds can afford to cruise... but there are a lot more 30 and 40 year olds...

 

Tell her to come and have fun...

[daughterinlaw]

:) oh good, I am sure she will have a great time. The thing w/ my MIL is that she has always been a bit heavy, but gained more weight in the last few years after the passing of her husband. :( So, I am very careful about this situation, and feel so much love and concern for her and just want her to enjoy herself and relax. Thanks again-judy:)

[cruisienewbie]

That's sweet of you to inquire for your mother-in-law. I am also plus sized and have been on a couple of cruises. As far as the cruise goes she should be fine. Here are a few thoughts...

 

Airplane--The seats are small and she may need a seatbelt extender. It all depends on where she carries her weight (pear vs. apple shaped). What I usually do is when I get on the plane I ask one of the flight attendants for a seatbelt extender. They are very discreet and will slip you one no problem. The only other question is who are you're flying on? Southwest may make you buy an additional seat. I was about 305 in January but I have never been asked to buy an additional seat.

 

Cruise Ship--I really didn't have any problems with seats, gangways, etc. I can't remember the chairs in the dining rooms if they had sides or not.

 

As one of the previous posters said you will see a diverse population. She'll have so much fun she won't have time to even think about it. Have fun and good luck!:cool:

[emmysmommy]

I think that it is wonderful that you are blessing your MIL in this way!

 

I'm not sure if the booths in the dining room (being seated on the outside) would be a better option?? It depends on the number of diners in the party. I don't recall arms for the chairs either.

 

Enjoy your cruise! :)

[mrdood]

There is an entire dedicated forum for this:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=182

[Ichellebereel]

Hello daughterinlaw, when I begin cruising I was so self conscious about my weight. On my first cruise I was weighing 303 lbs, 5 feet 6 inch, I was soooo embarass:eek: about my weight I didn't even put on a swimsuit. But when I seen so many large and lovely women as myself (proud to say) I have been wearing swimsuits every since. I have so many swimsuits now I can open a store...lol. I'm have lost a 30 pounds and I am still large and lovely! My motto is that "A woman a size three doesn't have anything on me". My personal experience was that I had to gain more confidents in who I am, not because the size I am but because of the but heart I have. My husband tells me I have more confidents than money can buy. Tell her yes there are beach beauties on board and I'm one of them! As far as the chairs, I never had a arm chair. Tell your mother in law do worry about her size because if I can do it (and I wear it well), she can do it too. Tell your motherinlaw to go and enjoy herself, with all the other large and lovely women such as herself.

 

Large and loving it!!!!!:D

[melissa&greg]

Hi Daughterinlaw! I can completely understand where your MIL is coming from....my husband and I were on the Spirit this Jan, and we are both large people. The only problem that we had was with the chairs on the lido deck (regular chairs, not deck chairs.) We ate all of our Lido deck meals in a booth, which gave us plenty of room! The chairs in the dining room had arms on them as well, and would have worked, but we were always there before our dinnermates, so we always just sat on the booth side. As for the "bathing beauties"...we sure as heck didn't fit into that crowd (which there were some of them there) But it's my vacation, too! I can be comfortable and have fun, just like them! Tell her to go and enjoy herself. Have fun!!:cool:

[jw4jg1mg2eg1]

We have 10 people in our lil traveling party & all of us have weight issues.After researching & studying the pics of the dining room on the Elation, the first thing I did when we got on board was go to the pursers desk & ask if we could all have armless chairs at our table. It was "no problem, mon!" In the buffet, there were booths with chairs facing them, as well as regular tables & chairs(all the chairs have arms).

If she is really self concious, I've read on these boards that lots of folks get their plates & take them to their rooms to eat for various reasons.

The only other thing I can think of that might be a problem for her is that the deck chairs are those plastic lawn chairs. However, we did notice some large very sturdy storage boxes (I'm assuming storage for more life vests?), that lots of folks sat on occasionally. There was always,a drinking cup or coffee cups, ash trays...etc sitting beside these.

It sounds like your MIL has spent her life raising her kids & working hard. It's time for her to get out & live a little. Tell her not to be self concious about her weight. She's gonna be surprised at how many of us over weight Granny's there are on that ship.

When is your cruise & what ship are you sailing?

I hope you have a WONDERFUL cruise!:)

[cathyoo]

There is an entire dedicated forum for this:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=182

 

Mr Dood, she wasn't asking about fashion for heavy people she was asking about the environment on the ship so that link really does her no good.

[LoriTX]

I am a large woman at 260 lbs! Heavy on the bottom.

 

On planes I just ask for a seatbelt extender....never had a problem. Last year I actually flew on a newer plane and the seatbelt actully FIT!!! (dont recall which airline it was) I think the rule for them making you pay for the extra seat is you have to fit between the armrests....if you cant...then you pay for extra seat.

 

Most seats and chairs on the ships are oversized.....so shouldnt be a problem for most large people.

 

Lori

[Scoutcat]

I was just on the Valor last December. At 53, I am definitely plus-sized---at 5'9" tall and about 300 pounds. I only experience a litle discomfort in a couple of instances:

>>>>The airline seat always bother me, even when I was skinnier as I have long legs. Best thing to do there is 1) see if you can sit in a seat by an emergency exit (although that would mean that your MIL would need to be able to handle removing the door in an emergency---I have arthritis, but I can still handle that) for extra leg/wiggle room: 2) discreetly ask the flight attendant if the plane is not full and if so could you be seated next to an empty seat (most are very kind about this) and 3) as mentioned by a previous poster, ask for the seatbelt extender--you CAN be comfortable AND safe!

>>>>>I remember that the armchairs at our dining room table were not all that comfortable for me--but we had a table that had chairs on one side and a banquette on the other (booth type seat). I just explained to my family that I was much more comfortable on the banquette and they always let me sit there.

 

The deck chairs and the balcony chairs on the Valor (we had two balcony cabins on the Empress deck) were very sturdy and held up under me just fine. I did not see what I would call cheap plastic patio chairs. I must admit that the chaise lounges were a mite low for someone with funky knees (years of being a jogger in my younger years, believe it or not). DH or DD was always kind enough to lend me a descreet helping hand.

 

I didn't have any problem with the cabin bathroom. It does help to attach some sort of clips to the bottom of the shower curtain, which weight it down and keep it from flapping---but that would be true no matter what size a person was. Some of the public bathrooms are a little bit cramped--but that is true just about anywhere. I always use the handicapped stall if there is one--besides being a bit larger than the others, the grab bars are almost a necessity for someone with bad knees!

 

I definitely saw all shapes and sizes of folks on the ship. If your MIL takes pride in her appearance (wears clothes that fit her queenly shape properly and is well-groomed) she will probably look better than half the people on the ship :rolleyes: . (My favorite "what was she thinking?" moment---the lady on formal nights who wore 60's era granny dresses, had long hair in ringlets (and appeared to be at least in her 50's), and carried a furry, stuffed animal type backpack.:eek: )

 

BTW,in addition to being plus sized, I also have a skin condition that causes me to have a lot of pinkish/purple pigment spots on much of my body. I went snorkeling in St. John and frequented the hot tub in the spa....and no one ever said an unkind thing, laughed at me or even gave me funny looks. Bottom line, most everyone on board is too busy having a wonderful time to be worried about someone else if they are not bothering them.

 

Hope that helps!

 

Best wishes for your MIL to have a fabulous time!!

 

"Scout" aka Carol

Dayton, OH

[nimbex1970]

I just wanted to add what everyone has said. Although the carnival commercials and pamphlets show you the "beautiful" people, carnival is a wonderful mix of EVERYONE, all shapes and sizes.

 

In addition, I find carnival to be a very friendly cruise line where everyone chats with the "next guy", or maybe I just chat too much;) . Please know that a size 14 would NOT be noticed as out of the "norm" at all. And PLEASE encourage her to at least bring a bathing suit to enjoy the pool, sun and excursions..... you're on vacay.... everyone is busy having a wonderful time, not looking down on others.

 

You'll only see people checking each other out on formal night, and the usual comments are "nice dress", oh, you look beautiful.... yep from strangers, people seem to go out of their way on formal night to compliment each other, not the other way arround.

 

Cruising is not only for the beautiful and "elite" as previously thought... which might explain her worry... Cruising is for everyone, and it's a frickin blast!!!!

[moonvine]

There is an entire dedicated forum for this:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=182

 

Huh????? That is the "Cruise Fashion" board. Doesn't have anything to do with this topic in particular that I can tell.

[moonvine]

Hi,

 

I'm a fat chick and cruise EVERY chance I get.

 

Make sure she's not flying Southwest. They may or may not make her purchase an extra seat. I use American. Make sure she asks for an extender. Get her an aisle seat of course, make sure it is one with an *aisle* armrest that raises. This will make both her and the person seated next to her more comfortable.

 

The seats in the dining room on the last ship I was on (Triumph) did have arms. I just asked for an armless chair the first night and after that it was there every night.

 

I'll chime in on the cheap plastic deck chairs on the Lido. The booths in the Lido restaurant were just fine for me, though I am sure if I had requested it they would have found me an armless chair here too. I'm not fond of the Lido deck so in general I stay off of it. Although I would not fit into all seating in any particular area, there was always some seating into which I would fit.

 

There are definitely not just thin people on board. I go in the hot tub and go SCUBA diving and snorkeling with no problems. I would do this even if other people did have a problem with it, though.;)

 

If you have any more questions feel free to ask away. I'm a pretty experienced fat traveller.:)

[mrdood]

Huh????? That is the "Cruise Fashion" board. Doesn't have anything to do with this topic in particular that I can tell.

 

The title is very misleading I apologize!!!

 

 

...the hosts that run the site also misinterpreted - if you can find this, it was moved to fashion ...

 

...but still regardless if they are on Carnival or not, there are other more appropriate forums to post this where it would have been carefully answered...

[sharonella]

I am a former plus size (22+). On my last cruise there were several plus size friends & relatives in our group. Suffice it to say the guy was a 4x & some of the ladies were significantly bigger than size 22.

 

On the plane, as soon as you are seated, determine if you need an extension. (If the regular seat belt is even slightly uncomfortable at it's largest GET THE EXTENSION.) Ask a stewardess right away for a seatbelt extension.

 

There were NO complaints about the size of the bathroom or shower from anyone in our group. I thought they were definitely big enough - even when I was 22+ ! And our 4x friend was raving about how much he liked the shower!

 

I myself have never had a problem with the shower curtain "clinging" to me, but maybe because I tend to shower with the bathroom door cracked open at least an inch? - I think it gives better air circulation & less fog in the bathroom. The bathroom doors are hinged in such a way that they will usually stay open as little or as much as you like.

 

Regarding the chairs at dinner - if there isn't one without arms at your table & you need one, feel free to ask your headwaiter for one 1st night. No need to make a big deal - just ask the waiter for a chair with no arms - period. They do it all the time. One of my sisters asked & it stayed at our table all week, the others were fine with the seats with arms. They 4x guy & his wife were at a booth with another couple & they had plenty of room.

 

The only "problem" I have ever had is with the deck chairs. Even at size 12, I find them ungainly & many don't work right (the adjustment for the seat backs are broken sometimes.) As the lovely DIL you obviously are, you may want to help your MIL find a "good" deck chair & help her adjust it properly. Once seated, they are quite comfortable!

 

I know she'll have a ball!

 

Sha

[NewCruiserKim]

I took my first cruise last fall with the Figure at Sea group (Figure is a magazine for plus-size women), specifically so I wouldn't be the only BBW on board. I, too, had seen the commercials and brochures for cruises showing all the thin, tan, bikini-ed women and men with six-pack abs and thought, "I'd love to cruise, but would I fit in?" So I went the safe route and booked with the group, knowing I wouldn't be alone.

 

It was a completely comfortable and positive experience. I'm at least as big as your mother-in-law and saw women (and men) larger than myself having a great time. The only really tight seats were the chairs on the Lido deck so when we ate at the buffet, I sat on the bench side of the table. There was a mix of armed and armless chairs in the dining room, so that was no problem.

 

The biggest surprise to me was how quickly I became comfortable walking around the ship in shorts or a swimsuit and sarong--just like one of the "bathing beauties" I was so afraid of.

 

The most positive affirming thing that happened was after the Figure fashion show, which they had opened up to the entire ship. As I was waiting for the elevator, a very good-looking young man asked me if I had been in the fashion show and then told me he thought it was a great show. I actually asked him if he was serious because I thought he was being sarcastic. He said he was absolutely serious and that the women looked fabulous and like they were having the "time of their lives."

 

Have a great time on your cruise!

[Anni L]

I'm going to add my two cents...

 

My hubby and 1 and two other couples - ALL of us plus-sized - went on our first cruise - on the Carnival Valor - in January. We had a BALL and no trouble at all with any of the places on board or on land. As long as you choose intelligently as you walk in (and she KNOWS how to do this, believe me!) she will have no trouble.

 

Because they say a picture is worth a thousand words....here is the link to a slideshow of our cruise. Go here and then click on the sunset picture to see the slideshow of the cruise. It might take a bit to load, so be patient!

 

Click the following link to view the collection:

http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewalbum.html?bm=92920

 

 

Mostly, all of you...ENJOY!

 

Anni

[jixjix635]

I am so glad to see this post. We have been wondering about this situation. MIL's boyfriend is a larger man and requires a 5X tux, which we will be buying him as a gift before the cruise. We were concerned about the shower and the chairs in the casino. I seem to remember them being a bit tiny. Any suggestion for that? Usually he stands and lets MIL play, but I think he will be spending a great deal of time there, since he is not a pool guy. I will definately request an arm free chair. Since therem are 7 of us going, I am hoping for a round table.

[Doug&Suzy-Q]

Being a former plus size I am aware of special situations you find yourself in. :eek: One thing not mentioned is tendering or not. When we docked our table mates thought the dock was to far to walk & arranged a golf cart type vehicle to take them down the pier to shore.

When we tendered, they had no problem other than "the ol' knee" thing, which so many of us have knee problems. I do not look like a gazelle getting into a tender;)

 

Back to the seating. You could check your dinner seating when you first board to make sure it is suitable. Then the anxiety over making changes when so many people are around might help. Just tell her, lets go look at the dining room & where we will be seated. She won't even know what you are doing.

Both the dining room & lido deck have booths, chairs with & without arms. Some have half booth/half chairs.

The pool & swim suits?? I'm well over 50, size 12 (today anayway) & I have flabby legs & arms. I figure everyone has some oddity.

 

Does anyone else have comments on the dock vs tender situation?? I just never saw much of a problem, but it might cause her concern when she sees the tenders.

Suzanne

[moonvine]

Does anyone else have comments on the dock vs tender situation?? I just never saw much of a problem' date=' but it might cause her concern when she sees the tenders.[/b']

Suzanne

 

I had no problems docking or tendering. There are usually several people to help you into the tender. Maybe if she saw some pictures of tenders beforehand she might be less concerned?