I need help convincing my dad.......

[Santyclaws]

My dad would like to surprise my mom for their anniversary with a trip to Rome. I think they would be best cruising, and visiting other ports, along with a land based trip. This may very well be their only trip to Europe.

 

I have put together a few different packages including a cruise. Trouble is, he will need some convincing to get on a ship.

 

He can't swim.

He's never been on a cruise.

I know Carnival ships, and what they have to offer, eg. 24 hour pizza and ice cream, etc. What does RC offer that could peak my dad's enthusiasm for the ship?

 

The cruises I am looking at would leave from Rome, so I believe it is the Navigator of the Seas.

 

If you know about this ship, I'd sure love to hear about it!

Also, any tips for an 'apprehensive, possibly, first time cruiser', would be much appreciated!

 

Santy

[TonyRic]

My dad would like to surprise my mom for their anniversary with a trip to Rome. I think they would be best cruising, and visiting other ports, along with a land based trip. This may very well be their only trip to Europe.

 

I have put together a few different packages including a cruise. Trouble is, he will need some convincing to get on a ship.

 

He can't swim.

He's never been on a cruise.

I know Carnival ships, and what they have to offer, eg. 24 hour pizza and ice cream, etc. What does RC offer that could peak my dad's enthusiasm for the ship?

 

The cruises I am looking at would leave from Rome, so I believe it is the Navigator of the Seas.

 

If you know about this ship, I'd sure love to hear about it!

Also, any tips for an 'apprehensive, possibly, first time cruiser', would be much appreciated!

 

Santy

 

My father is the same way... Best thing to do is to not "Convince" him to do it... If he isn't inclined, look for another option.

[Santyclaws]

LOL! That's funny! :rolleyes: Um......how shall I rearrange my question to NOT make it sound like I am forcing him!

 

I have not yet asked him, so at this point, a cruise is still an option. I will be planning their trip and I want to relay the most information of EACH option so he can choose himself.

 

I would just like to hear about the ship and what it has to offer.

 

Thank you!:)

[RoofingPrincess]

I'd point out that, on a cruise...

he unpacks his suitcase once and wakes up in a new port almost every morning

breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are "at his fingertips"

there is entertainment right on board - not just the nightly shows, but a mini-golf course, a rock-climbing wall (if he'd like to try something like that) and an ice-skating rink!

 

I've been on the Explorer, sister to Navigator; if you'd like to show him some pictures, follow the link in my signature....

[mjyanne]

My dad would like to surprise my mom for their anniversary with a trip to Rome. I think they would be best cruising, and visiting other ports, along with a land based trip. This may very well be their only trip to Europe.

 

I have put together a few different packages including a cruise. Trouble is, he will need some convincing to get on a ship.

 

He can't swim.

He's never been on a cruise.

I know Carnival ships, and what they have to offer, eg. 24 hour pizza and ice cream, etc. What does RC offer that could peak my dad's enthusiasm for the ship?

 

The cruises I am looking at would leave from Rome, so I believe it is the Navigator of the Seas.

 

If you know about this ship, I'd sure love to hear about it!

Also, any tips for an 'apprehensive, possibly, first time cruiser', would be much appreciated!

 

Santy

 

Navigator is a beautiful ship. As to not knowing how to swim use the line from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Tell him the same thing Paul Newman said to Robert Redford whe Redford refused to jump when he says he can't swim. "The fall will probaly kill you".

 

Seriously, not being able to swim isn't even a factor as you don't go in the water (unless you want to).

 

The other suggestions from other posters also sound good. Pack and unpack once. And if you combine this with a land tour they will see even more of Europe.

[ktharris120]

How about getting your hands on a cruise in review DVD for him to look at...or one the travel channel specials?

[cb at sea]

Swimming is not a pre-requisite for cruising. If the ship should sink, not even a strong swimmer would be likely to survive....unless they were lucky! Swimming is NOT something that should be considered to cruise!

The best thing is to let THEM choose what they'd like to do....even tho' you may LOVE cruising, that might not be the best option for them. And if it is, let them contact a TA and find out for themselves...that's part of the fun..the planning!

[linkerbink]

Meals are included so they won't have to search for a good place to eat and perhaps be disappointed.

 

There is something "decadent" about being on a cruise...I can't think of a more luxurious way to spend an anniversary.

 

They can go several days early and see Rome beforehand, or do it after the cruise.

 

If he notifies the ship that they are there on an anniversary, they will do something special for them (probably a cake).

 

Good luck!

[Sue L]

Well if this is their only trip to Europe I wouldn't suggest a cruise...don't flame,....I think a nice comprehensive tour with a good tour company , (not sure if I can mention any on here) would be the best thing.

 

 

I am a cruisealholic but a cruise will only give you a quick flash of a place. If you want to "see" Rome you need to spend more then 5 hours there. A cruise is a great way to get a sampling of a place where you want to go back to, for a more in depth look. But if this is going to be there only time there I would do it by land.

[John Henry on CC]

Well if this is their only trip to Europe I wouldn't suggest a cruise...don't flame,....I think a nice comprehensive tour with a good tour company , (not sure if I can mention any on here) would be the best thing.

 

 

I am a cruisealholic but a cruise will only give you a quick flash of a place. If you want to "see" Rome you need to spend more then 5 hours there. A cruise is a great way to get a sampling of a place where you want to go back to, for a more in depth look. But if this is going to be there only time there I would do it by land.

 

I agree.

[lostdart58]

Meals are included so they won't have to search for a good place to eat and perhaps be disappointed.

 

 

You mean there is no chance of being disappointed on the cruise? :eek::eek::eek:

 

 

 

I also agree that spending five hours of a cruise ship is NO WAY to see Rome.

[we like it hot]

Santy,

 

I would suggest you consider taking a cruise on the Brilliance of the Seas out of Barcelona, Spain. Book them on the route that takes you to Venice or the route that goes to the Greek Isles. Either would be fine. We did the Greek Isle trip last year, and to say the least, it was the trip of a lifetime (Turkey was special).

 

I recommend the Barcelona port because it is easier to travel from the city (hotel) to the ship. Since this will be their first time cruising, it is best to keep travel to the port as simple as possible.

 

Brilliance ports in Rome on the third day. By then your parents should be very comfortable to cruising. I would recommend they take a RCCL excursion into Rome. Life in Rome can be overwhelming to say the least. RCCL does an outstanding job escorting their guests through the sites of Rome. Be prepared for a long day.

 

Brilliance of the Seas IMO is a very elegant ship. Navigator of the Seas may be more adventurous, but Brilliance may suit your parents better because of its royalty like features. Also, a balcony cabin would be preferred because the ship travels within sight of land much of the time. The scenery is spectacular.

 

I would recommend a cruise in May or October. Summers are very hot when you are inland touring the cities. Enjoy the waters in the Mediterranean. You will not find waters more richly blue in all the seas.

 

Please make sure you arrive in Europe at least two days before your cruise leaves port. Jet-lag can take some time to adjust to. Especially for those of us with a few years to our credit.

 

Finally, if you are concerned about your father's fears, consider sending them on a 3 or 4 day cruise out of Florida to get them hooked on cruising before traveling to Europe.

 

Good luck with your plans. You are very kind to be helping "dad" out with his surprise for "mom". An extra surprise would be to have family traveling with them. RCCL will make them feel like a real monarch and matriarch of your family....

 

Joe

[donaldsc]

Is he more interested in the "getting there" or "being there"? If the interest is in the "being there", he would find a cruise very unsatisfying as you get to spend one day at each stop.

 

I cruise and I travel and they are totally different experiences.

 

DON

[Mlkkc]

I guess we all have our fears and mine is flying,but i rather fly than drive.The Navigator is such a beautiful ship with a full line of entertainment from ice shows to comedy shows.The food on the ship is a couple of specialty restaurants[sp] like the steak house chops and italian portofino's which are good,but of course you also have your main dining room,windjammer,johnny rockets and other places aboard to get quick bites so they'll never be hungry or bored.A balcony is a very nice place to relax read and just enjoy the ocean.

[MMluvsWDW]

We did a Europe cruise out of Barcelona and I would definitely recommend this for them. We were able to take some great excursions and got to come back to a preplanned meal and show each night. We only had to unpack once. We knew our accommodations would be great as acommodatons can be different in the US than Europe. We didn't have to worry about converting our electrical inputs. There were so many benefits to doing the cruise and then a one week stay somewhere. We all agreed it allowed us to see much more of Europe than we would have otherwise. PM me if you or he have any questions!

[uksimonusa]

My FIL was the same, my DW works for his company and we're doing a works cruise over new year on Freedom, he was not interested in going and being stuck on a ship, our friend was working on the Indy,so one weekend we drove down and took FIL on the ship for the day, he soon changed his mind when his idea of a cruise ship was shown to be so totally wrong.

 

Probably not possible for you to tour a ship, but try and put together a scapbook of photos and compasses, to show him what the ship is really like.

 

We did the cruise out of Rome on the Nav last year and had a great time

[Santyclaws]

I just want to thank each of you for all of your help and advice!

 

I'm going to put a few different plans together, some land, some cruise, some both.

 

My mother in law went on land based tour of Italy last year and she was absolutely wiped! She felt rushed through the entire trip. I don't want my parents to feel rushed.

 

I'm thinking a bit of both (land and sea)will be fantastic, but that's just me! Whatever, however they get there, it'll be great! (according to you all!)

 

Thanks again!:):)

[ginger2000]

Are you paying for this 100%?

We had the same situation - surprising my parents for their 50th. My dad had never shown any interest in a cruise but just booked it for them and they are coming with us. When we told them a month ago - we made them a little video about the cruise and that is how we told them. We also told my dad that - this is your gift!!!! It is rude not to accept a gift!!! He lightened up after a bit once we told him this is costing him nothing and I think now he's looking forward to it! Make sure you give them plenty of notice - with my dad - telling him 6 months ahead of time - he's getting excited! Good Luck!

[Santyclaws]

ginger,

As much as I'd LOVE to treat them to a trip to Europe, well, it just won't be happening! No, my dad will be paying for this. He wants me to do the "leg work" on the trip and this way my mom won't see anything she's not supposed to until the right time.

 

My dad doesn't like the unfamiliar. A cruise is unfamiliar to him. I just want to point out all the good points to cruising to him........just in case!

 

Aw, how nice! That is so fun planning a surprise like that for your parents! We did the same thing 2 years ago and surprised them with a trip to Hawaii! I like your video idea!

 

My dad knew about the Hawaii surprise a little earlier, but we surprised my mom by having her open a series of clues, (it was Christmas)some clues were letters, some clues were things she could bring on a plane, the last clue sending her to the computer. Then there was a site you could type in your message and Rudolph would say the message. We had it all set up that Rudolph told her she was going to Hawaii. It took a minute for it to sink in, and then she screamed, and laughed and cried! We are blessed to have such wonderful parents!

 

I would have so loved to go with them, but we're already booked on the Dream Feb. 2010. (YAY!)

[donaldsc]

Are you paying for this 100%?

We had the same situation - surprising my parents for their 50th. My dad had never shown any interest in a cruise but just booked it for them and they are coming with us. When we told them a month ago - we made them a little video about the cruise and that is how we told them. We also told my dad that - this is your gift!!!! It is rude not to accept a gift!!! He lightened up after a bit once we told him this is costing him nothing and I think now he's looking forward to it! Make sure you give them plenty of notice - with my dad - telling him 6 months ahead of time - he's getting excited! Good Luck!

 

I hate to be the scrooge here but after buying and paying for the cruise ahead of time, what else could he do but be excited.

 

You give people ties or other small gifts w/o asking them if they really want it. Giving them an expensive gift such as a cruise is just being pushy.

 

There are people in the world who would spend their entire life cruising if they could; there are people in the world who never will and never want to cruise; and there are people who enjoy cruising but also enjoy other types of trips (that is me). Why does the group who live to cruise seem to assume that the rest of us would just come over to their side if we just got the proper incentive or we realized how wonderful cruising is?

 

Also, as I mentioned in a previous post, if your interest is in "being there" as opposed to "getting there", a cruise is just not for you. IMHO, if you can not spend 3 or 4 days in a city, it is hardly worth going to the city. You can hardly say that you have been to city X if you get off the boat at 9:00, take a 4n hour tour of the city, and then return to the boat.

 

DON

[LeesSummitCruiser1]

My dad would like to surprise my mom for their anniversary with a trip to Rome. I think they would be best cruising, and visiting other ports, along with a land based trip. This may very well be their only trip to Europe.

 

I have put together a few different packages including a cruise. Trouble is, he will need some convincing to get on a ship.

 

He can't swim.

He's never been on a cruise.

I know Carnival ships, and what they have to offer, eg. 24 hour pizza and ice cream, etc. What does RC offer that could peak my dad's enthusiasm for the ship?

 

The cruises I am looking at would leave from Rome, so I believe it is the Navigator of the Seas.

 

If you know about this ship, I'd sure love to hear about it!

Also, any tips for an 'apprehensive, possibly, first time cruiser', would be much appreciated!

 

Santy

 

 

I love med cruises, but if you want to see Rome a cruise is not the way. It is far from the port and you can only really see the 10000 foot view in 8 or 10 hours. Rome needs at least a week on its own. I highly recomend it in the fall and winter when the weather is in the mid to upper 50s during the day and upper 30s low 40s at night and the crowds are thin. The heat is oppressive during the summer and every where you go there is a 2 to 3 hour wait in line. If they want to see a variety of places then I would push the cruise.

[LeesSummitCruiser1]

Meals are included so they won't have to search for a good place to eat and perhaps be disappointed.

 

There is something "decadent" about being on a cruise...I can't think of a more luxurious way to spend an anniversary.

 

They can go several days early and see Rome beforehand, or do it after the cruise.

 

If he notifies the ship that they are there on an anniversary, they will do something special for them (probably a cake).

 

Good luck!

 

 

I have never had a bad meal in Rome and you can never get enough gelato.

 

They will give them a cake and then put it on their sea pass account:)

[donaldsc]

I'd point out that, on a cruise...

he unpacks his suitcase once and wakes up in a new port almost every morning....

 

And leaves the port at 5:00 PM or earlier every day. Just think - you get to see all of Rome in 8 hours.

 

If this is 2:30, it must be the Vatican but do not spend too much time admiring the art as we have 7 other stops before we have to get on the ship.

 

DON

[donaldsc]

Meals are included so they won't have to search for a good place to eat and perhaps be disappointed.

 

 

 

Good luck!

 

Or perhaps get a wonderful meal. Again, I do cruise and I do enjoy it but there is a big difference between trying out a different restaurant each night (some winners and some loosers) and eating at the same restaurant with the same people every night. Not better, not worse, but different.

 

BTW, one way that I find good restaurants in a city is to ask at my hotel where they would eat if they were having a special occasion. Most of the time, they come up with good choices.

 

I will always remember one local place in Crete where we had a good meal and after the meal, the owner came to our table, gave us some wine (without having it put on our account), and chatting with us for about half an hour. You could never get that on a ship.

 

Or there was another place in Crete where we had coffee every morning for several days. After a few days, the lady running the place knew us by name, knew what time of coffee we wanted, and told us what she thought were the best pastries that morning.

 

Wonderful!!

 

DON

[RetireeWannabee]

Is he more interested in the "getting there" or "being there"? If the interest is in the "being there", he would find a cruise very unsatisfying as you get to spend one day at each stop.

 

I cruise and I travel and they are totally different experiences.

 

DON

well stated. I agree. a cruise is much about the cruise and not much time for immersion in shore culture.

 

I think it would be fun to do a TA one way, fly the other, and in between, spend time packing in as much as I could. three months seems about right for Europe ;)