Maybe it's the title "Senior"

[cruznjan]

I just went zip lining in Costa Rica. Whoohoo!!

[Doug R.]

I am 59 DW is 53.

 

I am disappointed that there is no discussion on the relative merits of the stewed prunes on the various cruiselines. ;)

 

Seriously, I do not consider myself a senior although I am an AARP member and take any discount offered for such. My DW one time said she would sleep in the car rather than take such a discount.

 

I think the mental picture of what a senior citizen looks like really discourages those of us who do not fit that stereotype from posting here. Besides I have at least five and a half years before I have to start hiking my polyester dress pants up to chest level and wear heavy flannel plaid shirts starting labor day, regardless of the temprature. :D

 

Happy cruising everyone and remember as long as you can shake it you ain't old!!!;)

[beshears]

Hello everyone, well it is COLD here in Kansas City today. :mad: As you can tell my my writing in where I have been I LOVE :) the HOT/WARM weather.

 

I just wanted to let you know a little "funny" I heard recently. When someone ask my age......I tell them it is an "unlisted number.":)

 

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

[jocap]

Bet it's colder in Cumbria than Kansas! We've just had the highest rainfall ever measured in the UK since records began in 1720, and 1000s of people have been flooded out of their homes. Part of the county is cut off, as all the bridges have been washed away. Now it's colder, so at least it's turned to snow on the mountain tops, which stops the water force.

Our neighbour has just returned from a cruise with Hurtigruten, the Norwegian ferries which go to all the ports up to the north. We thought it was a strange choice, to celebrate her 70th, as these are popular in the summer when they have the midnight sun. But it's always been her dream to see the Northern Lights, which she's finally done!

She loved it; instead of 500 pax, there were only 35, so it sounds like one big family party, with crew and pax together. Might think about it for my 70th.- jocap.

[cruisin'tex]

I find it interesting . . . when I'm on Celebrity or Holland America 70% of the ship is 55+ . . . yet this Board has no action. Does that mean 70% of CruiseCritic members are under 55? I doubt it!

 

I readily admit that whether we are "55" or "95" none of us are "seniors" . . . maybe if they dropped that. What's wrong with being 55+ . . . especially when you consider the alternative!

 

Let me make a point that I make in one of my on board lectures . . . as I see it life divides into three parts:

 

Under 30 - I know these guys think they know it all, but really they are just Figuring Out Which End Is Up

 

Next 30 years - Responsibility . . . and being more candid, "Indentured Servitude" to the mortgage, the family, the career, the company, the kids

 

Last 30 - Your time - to enjoy, to travel, to explore, to do what you've always wanted to do but never had the time to do - if you've always wanted to try skydiving and don't do it now, when are you going to do it? If you wanted to see New Zealand or take the World Cruise . . . now is the time!

 

The last Holland America ship I was on I met two guys in their 90's - alert, in love, and having fun. The one guy was 95, and I swear (well, not much), if I am like that at 85, I'll be very happy.

 

So, jump in . . . let's get some action on the 55+ board . . . and maybe the moderator will drop the semi-offensive "senior" tag.

 

Regards, Richard

 

Loved the way you defined the years.....

[Wandering Writer]

This thread does slow down at times but I'm wondering if it isn't because those of us who relate to this age-wise are out enjoying life and all it has to offer. We've been home six days of the last two months and not enough time to really sit down and reply to threads on the board.

 

We did a month in France on two different river cruises, then two weeks in Seattle with a new grandbaby, followed by a long weekend in NYC for the Christmas tree lighting and Rockette Spectacular. (See my blog for pics and info).

 

So, rather than assume it's because no one wants to be called "senior," I'd say it has more to do with those of us 55+ers being busy.

 

This year we spend Christmas at home. Next year it's a cruise--make that B2B. I love our every-other-year holiday cruise. Anyone else cruise at the holidays?

[wizard-of-roz]

This thread does slow down at times but I'm wondering if it isn't because those of us who relate to this age-wise are out enjoying life and all it has to offer. We've been home six days of the last two months and not enough time to really sit down and reply to threads on the board.

 

We did a month in France on two different river cruises, then two weeks in Seattle with a new grandbaby, followed by a long weekend in NYC for the Christmas tree lighting and Rockette Spectacular. (See my blog for pics and info).

 

So, rather than assume it's because no one wants to be called "senior," I'd say it has more to do with those of us 55+ers being busy.

 

This year we spend Christmas at home. Next year it's a cruise--make that B2B. I love our every-other-year holiday cruise. Anyone else cruise at the holidays?

 

I feel the same way you do about travel and fun at 55. Unfortunately, my DH has health issues that prevail. I must keep my "crazyness" down to a light roar! I make him crazy with my energy to play, play, play!!!!!

We like to cruise right before the holidays or right after.....the decorations are still up....the mood is still filled with happiness and thoughts of family and friends except you're not subjected to all the families celebrating with you.

We like to cruise when everybody else is in school. Love children just don't like them when their parents are too busy to care for them!!!!!

[beshears]

As some of you knew, my friend and I were planning a rock & roll (oldies) cruise in April. Unfortunately, they have cancelled that cruise.:( That's OK, something else will come along that we want to do.

 

Everyone have a great evening.

 

brneyes

[azalice]

We are trying a holiday cruise for the first time. It begins Dec.28 out of FLL. Such cruising was normally more than we wanted to pay, but this one was a deal - even many months ago when we booked.

 

I am actually glad it is after Christmas as I think there will be less kids. We find too many children out of control so we are always happy when we see less of them. I am thankful some of the cruise lines have good activities to keep kids busy.

 

Alice

[MMDown Under]

This thread does slow down at times but I'm wondering if it isn't because those of us who relate to this age-wise are out enjoying life and all it has to offer. We've been home six days of the last two months and not enough time to really sit down and reply to threads on the board.

 

We did a month in France on two different river cruises, then two weeks in Seattle with a new grandbaby, followed by a long weekend in NYC for the Christmas tree lighting and Rockette Spectacular. (See my blog for pics and info).

 

So, rather than assume it's because no one wants to be called "senior," I'd say it has more to do with those of us 55+ers being busy.

 

This year we spend Christmas at home. Next year it's a cruise--make that B2B. I love our every-other-year holiday cruise. Anyone else cruise at the holidays?

 

I agree. All my friends, who are seniors, have a busy life. If we want to organise group activities, we have to book in ages in advance.

 

I've just returned from 9 delightful days in Sydney. We will be spending Christmas at the Gold Coast, as we prefer to spend Christmas at home.

 

Last year, after our cruise, we spent a wonderful white Christmas in Cortina in the Dolomites in Italy.

 

Where are you cruising B2B next Christmas?

[beshears]

Hello everyone, well it has been almost 3 months since I have posted, and I NEED to "catch up" with what's going on with everyone.

 

I made it through the holidays and also my birthday. At Applebees last month they came out to sing, and before they did they said to me...."You are 29, right?" I of course said, "No, let's make it 39." ;) As I've said before....we are ONLY as old as we feel.

 

I just got back from a trip to see a friend who is 12 years "younger" than I. They told me they can hardly wait until they turn 55 this year. They are looking forward to the "discounts" we get.:)

 

I believe I had said my friend and I were planning a Rock & Roll cruise in April, but it was cancelled. We are now planning a cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico in April.

 

If you have been to Catalina Island or Ensenada, Mexico, or on the Carnival Elation ship, would you give me some "tid bits" of what your to see/do?

 

brneyes

[fud2468]

brneyes, glad you posted when you did, otherwise there wasn't any update here for nearly 3 months.

I'm late in finding this topic and have tried to at least scan most of the posts--hope I haven't missed anything, and don't want to be duplicating anything.

I feel that to lump everyone over 55 as seniors is casting too wide a net. Within this group there can be boomers just reaching 55 (many kicking and scratching or at least ambivalent about it) and older people who are old enough to be their parents. With such a disparity in ages, interests, abilities, etc. will be different too. Complicating things may be that for many, age 70 is the new 55.

There will not be as many computer-savvy people who are much older as there are who are younger, so not many who are much older will be posting here.

Ray Mac.

[NMLady]

I find it interesting . . . when I'm on Celebrity or Holland America 70% of the ship is 55+ . . . yet this Board has no action. Does that mean 70% of CruiseCritic members are under 55? I doubt it! ...

 

So, jump in . . . let's get some action on the 55+ board . . . and maybe the moderator will drop the semi-offensive "senior" tag.

 

Regards, Richard

 

I think the reason this board is so inactive is because we're so active on the other boards. I am on the Roll Call for my May cruise. Since it's to Alaska I'm on the Alaska ports of call board. The cruise is on HAL so I spend time reading and posting on the HAL board.

 

And I'm also booked on B2B2B NCL cruises so am on those Roll Calls and the NCL board. I'm also browsing some of the European ports.

 

I am not the only 'senior' posting on those boards, so I think the reason we're not posting on this board is because we are busy elsewhere on CC.

[beshears]

Well I don't feel so bad since it was mentioned that not many people have postd on this in the last couple of months.

 

I really like the post, but I understand.

 

Being a Senior can be (to me) anyone over 50. I have a friend who will be 55 this year, and they can hardly wait. When they are with me, they see the "discounts" I ask for, and want the same. Actually, this is a little funny, but they told me they wished they had been born a little sooner, like in the late 40's, as they LOVE:) the 60's music, which I do too.

 

I as someone mentioned, do get on the other cruise forums on some subjects, but I cannot afford to take off from work for more than one cruise a year. I thinkt he ones that do that, are the ones that are not working now. I am at the age of retirement, but I enjoy working, and hope to do it as long as I can. I am not a home body, so I enjoy being out in the public.

 

My friend and I are planning a cruise in April on the Elation ship going to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. If anyone reads this forum, and have been on the Elation ship or to either of those places, I would like to get some pros/cons on this.

[wizard-of-roz]

We were on the Elation and had a wonderful time. It was a 5 day cruise and was just a perfect respit from work, etc.

The ship is a bit "over the top" in color and decor. She's smaller than most cruise ships we're used to but very well cared for.

The crowd onboard with us [also in April] was a bit over run with a lot of teens [some of whom acted pretty badly] something that was brought to the attention of the security onboard and the kids and their families were delegated to their cabins for the last day of the cruise. Not something that ruined our cruise but it certainly did for the family that they were harrassing! So, there can be some "iffy" crowds on these shorter cruises, especially during Spring vacation.....but, the ships do a pretty good job of keeping the masses tame!

Catalina is a lovely port [go see the glass bottom boat] and the walk [or short ride] into the main street, in Ensenada, was also a fun day! It's a typical "touristy" kind of Mexican town with a lot of vendors/souvenirs and places to have beer/tacos, etc. An excursion to see Bufadoro [blow-hole] is also interesting.

I couldn't do this a lot but if you haven't been in a while [it's been at least 5 years for us], it's fun to do again.

We'll be going onboard the Carnival Paradise in September.

[beshears]

I know this board doesn't pertain "mainly" to cruising in this area, but I want to say thank you to the one that responded back to me about the Elation ship and Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

 

When you mentioned the glass bottom boat in Catalina Island. Are you seeing all kinds of fish and diferent things in the water? Is that what it is in reference to?

 

I'm looking forward "hopefully" to bargaining in Ensenada. I did that in Tijuana, and loved it. :)

[wizard-of-roz]

I know this board doesn't pertain "mainly" to cruising in this area, but I want to say thank you to the one that responded back to me about the Elation ship and Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

 

When you mentioned the glass bottom boat in Catalina Island. Are you seeing all kinds of fish and diferent things in the water? Is that what it is in reference to?

 

I'm looking forward "hopefully" to bargaining in Ensenada. I did that in Tijuana, and loved it. :)

 

Yes! The glass bottom boat was a lot of fun for all ages. And, the bargaining in Ensenada is the same as Tjuana.

Have fun!

[beshears]

Well this really doesn't pertain to seniors, but YES we are seniors and are PROUD of it, and getting ready to go on this cruise, and it is "only" 1 month/1 day until we are "floating" on that ship.:)

 

I will say this, and I not trying to boast, but I am 67 years old, and people cannot believe the strength/vitality/looks I seem to have, and I am very thankful to God that I have it, and still working full time too. There are many people much youger than I that don't feel/act that way. Tomorrow may be another day, for for today............I WILL take it!:)

[wizard-of-roz]

Well this really doesn't pertain to seniors, but YES we are seniors and are PROUD of it, and getting ready to go on this cruise, and it is "only" 1 month/1 day until we are "floating" on that ship.:)

 

I will say this, and I not trying to boast, but I am 67 years old, and people cannot believe the strength/vitality/looks I seem to have, and I am very thankful to God that I have it, and still working full time too. There are many people much youger than I that don't feel/act that way. Tomorrow may be another day, for for today............I WILL take it!:)

 

I'm right there with you. I work a full-time job, as well [with folks who are in their 20's and 30's] and, most of them have a hard time keeping up with me.

I'm collecting my Social Security, while I'm receiving a paycheck [love that], on the advice of Susie Ormond. Take a little extra out of every paycheck to allow for not paying higher taxes.

I do find that on the weekends I'm sleeping-in and I may fall asleep in my chair, watching T.V. but, I think I did the same when I was in my twenties!

Keep that "spring" in your step and that wonderful attitude.

We cruise at least twice a year......We'll be off to Vegas at the end of the month [for a week], neither one of us gamble but we love the food and the shows.....I love the age I'm at! :p And, highly recommend that everyone get there!!!!!!

[shellyc]

We are seniors too. DH just turned 65 last week. We are eagerly planning our Baltics Cruise on the Star Princess sailing June 11th out of Copenhagen. We both retired 10 years ago and we are Disney fanatics but we changed from the Disney Baltics to the Princess Baltics for 2010 because of price. We love both Disney & Princess.

[beshears]

I'm just replying back to some who have responeded lately. Which there were more, but that's OK.:)

 

Wizard-of-Roz, is that your dog named "Brenda" the picture of? The reason I ask, that is my name, and my b-i-l's, when they were young, named their dog Brenda too. Oh well, so much for the name.

 

Yes, I do "draw" my SS also. It is NICE:) having two checks coming in. Yes, I would say I am one of the older ones, there may be a few more around my age, or a little older, but out of 250, I "sometimes" feel I can do circles around "some" of these people. I do exercise, (I don't want to) as I have osteophoris, and I have to, so that, I think helps keep me going also. I've had several of my friends around my age, asking when I plan to retire, hopefully, not until I "want to.":)

 

I want to keep "active" in some way or another as long as I can. I think working helps "stimulate" my brain.

 

Yes, I love to cruise, but it takes "money" , so I am able, so far to do it once a year.

 

Would love to hear from you or others about our "senior" thinking.

[wizard-of-roz]

I'm just replying back to some who have responeded lately. Which there were more, but that's OK.:)

 

Wizard-of-Roz, is that your dog named "Brenda" the picture of? The reason I ask, that is my name, and my b-i-l's, when they were young, named their dog Brenda too. Oh well, so much for the name.

 

Yes, I do "draw" my SS also. It is NICE:) having two checks coming in. Yes, I would say I am one of the older ones, there may be a few more around my age, or a little older, but out of 250, I "sometimes" feel I can do circles around "some" of these people. I do exercise, (I don't want to) as I have osteophoris, and I have to, so that, I think helps keep me going also. I've had several of my friends around my age, asking when I plan to retire, hopefully, not until I "want to.":)

 

I want to keep "active" in some way or another as long as I can. I think working helps "stimulate" my brain.

 

Yes, I love to cruise, but it takes "money" , so I am able, so far to do it once a year.

 

Would love to hear from you or others about our "senior" thinking.

 

Yes, Brenda is my Service Dog and goes to work with me every day and will be on her 14th cruise in November.

She'll be in Las Vegas with us [always a big stir] when people see her walking through the casinos. I have had "security" walking in front and in back of me, at times. I look like a celebrity [not something that someone who walks with an SD really wants] but, since there are not too many people who do walk with SD's [we'd like to see more], we do stand-out a bit!

I didn't get to name her. Service Dogs come to you at about the age of 14 months to 2 years and are already named. Brenda came from the "B" litter, all her littermates have names that begin with "B", [easier to identify the mom and dad that way, in case there's any health issues.]

When I was first assigned to her and she to me......I thought her name was pretty silly [being such a human name], now, when we run into women who are named "Brenda" and they ask me her name.....she becomes a real "star!"

[lovethe24car]

Hello! You might not remember me, but I remember you. I briefly worked for you when you were in Westlake Village. My name is Alana DeGarmo.

 

It's good to see you; I hope you are doing well! :)

[beshears]

Wizard-of-Roz, well I think that is neat that you have a service dog. Unfortunately, I don't know what your handicap is, but I believe you called it SD? I know about MS, as my s-i-l has had it for years.

 

Well they say a person should learn something every day, that doesn't always happened to me, but when you mentioned how you got your service dog Brenda, and the rest of her brothers/sisters names starting with B too, that was interesting to know. Then going on all those cruises with you, yes that does "draw" attention.

 

Talking about attention, we all have problems/accidents sooner or later. A few years ago, unfortunately, I broke my ankel. I have know of people in the past that had done that, by NOT me. Well it is strange, but after going through what I did, when I see people in boots/cast like I did, normally we will strike up a conversation. Sort of like when you buy a car of a certain model/color, I seen to notice "everyone else" with the same kind.:)

 

Someone mentioned about cruising on the NCL, I hope you have/had a great time. My friend and I went on the Star to Hawaii, and to say the least, there were a lot of "unhappy" people.

 

Yes, I like others do get involved in other formats/cruise forums, but I think with the "Senior" line here, we CAN learn from each other. Afterall, we are all from "different parts of the states/world/walks of life.":)

[azalice]

When I last posted, my DH and I were going with friends on b2b cruising over next Christmas and New Years on the Ryndam. Plans have changed; we have cut back to a 7 day on the Ryndam on Dec.5 with plans for my husband to attend one of his seminars in Orlando Dec.14-15. We still get to Belize, Honduras and Costa Maya on the cruise, so we should be able to see Mayan ruins somewhere along that trip.

 

We have been watching HGTV lately and have just seen a House Hunters International episode of a retired couple moving permanently to Panama. Made me think of Richard who started this thread. Richard, are you still reading this thread? Are you still producing coffee there in Panama?

 

Alice

(on the Zuiderdam w/Richard 12/08)