Would an 80 year old woman enjoy a Caribbean Cruise?

Question

My 5 children are considering this for my 80th birthday and I'm still in pretty good health, just not sure it's something I would enjoy. Would like to hear other's experiences.

Answer 1

Well Grandma-G I am coming up on 65 really fast myself and I still enjoy cruising enough to have several more booked for this year and next. But let me give you some specifics to consider; the things you may enjoy on a cruise.

Great meals All day: So you wake in the morning and want/need a cup of coffee or tea and don't really feel like getting dressed to go to breakfast in the dining room, or the buffet. So you pick up the phone in your cabin and order coffee/tea and whatever else you may want for breakfast. They bring it, its free, just tip the server a couple bucks.

There are great, no fabulous, meals at lunch and dinner. Things like lobster tail, fillet mignon, prime rib, roast duck, baked salmon, and all types of soups, salads, and accompaniments to choose from each day. And deserts like baked Alaska, cheese cake, cherries jubilee and ice creams and cake. The meals each day are different. You will likely be sitting with other people at your dinner table so you get to meet new people. That is in addition to those new people you meet at breakfast and lunch, or on tours off the ship.

Great Cabins: the ships' cabins these days are much much better than even 10 years ago. And they always clean your cabin twice a day, providing new towels. The Royal Caribbean and Celebrity lines have upgraded their beds to pillow tops. The majority of cabins on ships are now balcony cabins; be sure your kids get one for you. The rooms on some ships now have flat panel high definition TV's, but regardless you can watch movies in your room.

Shows: every cruise line has shows every evening, actually do them twice so all get to go. And that is in addition to shows in the lounges and piano bars.

Casino: All ships except Disney have a casino that is open as long as the ship is not in port. Table and slots available.

Library: ships usually have a library; sometimes just an area that has books, or bring your own. But you can sit and read.

Internet Cafe: Ships now have internet cafes; usually really expensive but if you just need to get online its available. I always suggest that people wait until port stops where prices are always much cheaper.

Game room: There is always a game room with board games and cards provided. So there is a place for you and friends to sit in comfort and have game of whatever.

Pools and Spas: Most ships have multiple pools, some enclosed in a solarium, and also hot tubs. They also have fully stocks gymnasiums if you want to work out or just use a tread mill or bicycle. Then you can also pay for massages and wraps and other pampering things.

Tour and activities: there will be organized games and activities on ship each day and also tours you can take from the ship to a variety of activities.

Quiet time: Now if you just want to find a quiet spot away from the crowd to just read or enjoy the scenery, the ocean sounds, you can find that. Ships have so many varieties of places to relax, on one of the decks or your private balcony.

Disability accommodations: All of the cruise lines make accommodations for the disabled (not saying you are but just in case) . I have seen them helping people in wheel chairs and scooters on and off ship and also helping them get seated in the show rooms. You may prefer a cabin for handicapped just because it has more space, a wider doorway and handles in the shower. Ships have plenty of elevators, 4 to 6 per elevator bay, so getting to any deck is no problem.

Now go for it and make sure that they get you a balcony or suite cabin.

Answer 2

I was on a cruise to the Bahamas last week and met a 78 year old woman on board. She was there with her daughter's family and was having a great time. It was her first cruise. There are Vegas style shows in the theatre, bingo, casino, duty free shopping, live "game show" type games in the theater during the day, swimming pool and lounge chairs, free room service 24 hrs a day, buffets, nice dining room, and lots of good shopping in the ports.
We did a snorkel trip on a small boat and has lots of people in their 70's and 80's along on that excursion. Some snorkeled and some just went to see the sights on the boat ride.
I think you'd have a great time! If you do a Carnival cruise, they have a guarantee. If you don't like the cruise, just tell the purser's office the evening prior to your first port of call and they will make arrangements to take you and your luggage to the airport and fly you back to the port where you left at their expense AND refund part of your cruise cost based on unused nights.

Answer 3

I think you would find that you would enjoy the time on the cruise. There are many activities (bingo,movies,) that you might enjoy. If you are going with family it is super because you can have your dinners and activities together with out having some of the anxiety of having to plan alot of details.
Try this website for further information on cruises.
have fun.

Answer 4

MIGHT I SUGGEST AN ALTERNATIVE TYPE CRUISE. Instead of an ocean cruise, try a Mississippi River cruise on the old steamship paddle wheel ships. There are many of them and voyages are from 1 to 14 days. These cruises are on ships which feature stops at various river points, with land tours, shopping, etc... They have the advantage the ships don't rock and roll so they are easier to handle. Everything on a cruise ship is offered on these river cruises.
I have been on both types and both are great. The river is fun and historic.

Answer 5

OH YEAH! I travel with my 86 year old grandma and she does well, but I noticed there arent so many people her age on NCL. Anyway, it is the best value and great!!! Youre never more than 2 minutes away from your cabin and there are always elevators and people to help you. Also, allthough you might not want to do so, when you arrive at the pier, ask for a wheelchair and you and your family will be in your room in less than 15 minutes. Even quicker than if you were in a suite! Great fun! go! You will love it! Bon voyage!

Answer 6

Sir, your questions are bally ridiculous, but the answers are hilarious. The naivety of some people has the tears running down my face. Your housekeeper is a slacker sir, replace her with a 15year old filly as soon as possible. She will work for under the minimum wage 14hours a day 6 days a week. And will live in to be on duty in the evenings, and Sundays..

Answer 7

Absolutley YES. We just went on a cruise and it's a simple as this all the oldies had a much better time than us young ones. I think they are catered better for the oldies lots of shows, Old time rock and roll, Bingo, pokies and lots lots more and lets face it you oldies are up a the crack of dawn so u dont miss out on anything and you get to enjoy it all and know whats going on every time. GO U WILL HAVE A BLAST!

Answer 8

Absolutely. It's like have a floating hotel room. Lots to do but you are always just minutes away from your room if you want to rest. There are shows and movies and lots of entertainment. If you like the ocean you will love a cruise. It will be especially fun since you are taking your kids. You'll have instant party any time you want.

Answer 9

I'm going to agree with everyone else because my husband and I took an aunt and uncle on a cruise to celebrate their annivesary. We went to the Caribbean and they loved it! My aunt actually went to bed after we did, and I'm a night owl!

Answer 10

Of course! Cruises have activities for everyone! From toddlers to senior citizens. You would love it!