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Me and my husband never really cared about going on a cruise, now friends have asked us to go with them in January. Just curious and a fun topic!

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I have been on a couple of cruises, and I have really enjoyed them for a few reasons. One, I am on vacation and going to somewhere I've never been. Two, I don't have to cook because there is food available ALL the time lol! Three, the beauty of being in the ocean is unparalleled. Each time, we did things together on the boat as a family such as trivia and dance lessons. These are things we still remember to this day. I would encourage your to give it a go...you and your hubby might really enjoy this vacay with your friends❤️
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Go you will have fun! There's dancing, gambling, fun activities, swimming, adventures at the ports, lots to do. Just take a Dramamine before getting on the ship. 🚢
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I have been on three and enjoyed each one. There is always something to do on ship. I did not like the land cruise I did before our Alaskan cruise. I am not a morning person. Because we went to a different place each day, our luggage had to be outside the door by 6am. We had to carry a bag around with everything we may need just in case our luggage did not make it to the next point, I loved when we got to the ship and did not need to live out of my suitcase. Its really a nice experience.

For reasons I will not go into here, we did not do our excursions with the group we were with. The one. we went with a couple and did not want to go the same places they did. They like the beach. So do I but I burn very easily. We did something else. They wanted to return to the ship by bus after a tour. We wanted to go by ferry. You enjoy what you want to and then meet up for dinner. You will have time to be together on the days your out to sea.

I recommend you make sure that your cell phone has WiFi calling. When out to sea, the only way you can keep in touch with ur group. Other than the phone in ur room. I use Bonine OTC for seasickness recommended by a freqent cruiser. Take when you go to bed, it does work 24 hrs but will make you drowsy. You sleep it off.
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My experiences with cruises might provide a different perspective worth considering. I'm kind of an introvert and I don't thrive in group social events. I'm more relaxed and comfortable with small gatherings in a peaceful environment.

Ask yourself if you love cocktail parties, large dinner parties, going on extended day trip outings on a bus, dancing at a disco, socializing with strangers at a bar. Have you ever been to Las Vegas and did you enjoy it? If your answer is YES to all of the above, you will love cruising.

I've taken cruises on big ships and small ships. For me, small ships are better. But there are elements about every cruise that grate my nerves and make my hackles rise: Loud announcements from the ship's PA system by your , overly friendly captain just chatting on and on about nothing. The obligatory manic giddy upbeat mood that everyone is expected to participate in every minute of the cruise. The cringe worthy entertainment venues. The shopping malls on the ship. The tacky "fun" amusement park venues on the ship. The drunk, loud obnoxious people that you just can't seem to get away from. Listening to strangers at dinner bragging about themselves. The ship's "elegant and refined" environment that's not.

But that's just me. Plenty of people adore cruising.

You might read "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again" by David Foster Wallace.
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I loved it.
As a couple, you can join in all the activities, or be lazy and lounge on your deck or by the pool. The food is amazing, they have nightly Vegas style shows in the 3 story front theatre, a full casino, various small nightclubs or romantic hideaways with music, internet rooms, video rooms, beauty spas and gym. You can dress glitzy, or wear shorts and t-shirts. You have a room steward who puts a flower or chocolate on your pillow every night.
Best of all...NO TIPPING IS ALLOWED. You prepay a gratuity fee, so no outstretched hands constantly. You have a lovely room with view, big TV, and I'd pay extra for a room with a deck! The modern cruise ships don't make you queasy with all the stabilizers.
You can go on excursions....or not. You get a credit/ID card for your pocket to use all week.
Plenty of shopping aboard a magnificent vessel that is so clean you don't see a gum wrapper on the floor. Gorgeously furnished, with numerous high speed elevators in the lobby (the ship is generally 12-14 stories tall) and plenty of places to eat at all hours. Mexican, Chinese, Italian, pizza, desserts...you name it.
You are waited on by pros, who seem to disappear. The cost includes everything but sodas and liquor. All meals, desserts, and snacks included.
These ships are fully climate controlled, unless you go to outside deck areas thru glass doors.
Depends on where the cruise will be....Mexico? Caribbean? Alaska?
To me, it's the ultimate stress free vacation and awesome experience. No rental car driving, your luggage is handled, no cooking, just luxury on a multi-million dollar ship like nothing you'd ever dream! It takes over a week just to check out all the amenities on the entire ship, much less take the various excursions.
Note: The first day boarding is a madhouse, with people, luggage and activities. The next morning, the ship seems almost empty for the rest of the week.
My trip was a 7 day Carnival Cruise to Mexico's Baja Peninsula.
Bring your cellphone, good sunglasses and don't OVERPACK. Some sparkly tops with flowing skirts or stretchy pants for night, with pretty flats. Daytime is bathing suit with coverup, tee shirts and light pants, shorts, light jacket and tennis shoes. Like Hawaii, don't fret over your windswept hair, just ponytail or clip it.
See how the rich live for once in your life! DO IT!
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Wow, thanks to guys! You have me sold dawn! Thanks 😍
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I love cruises but they aren’t for everyone. Just go for it see if it is for you.
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I have friends that love cruising. I hate it. We are great friends and can travel together, just not cruise. I don't eat at buffets, I don't like crowds, I don't gamble, I enjoy a nice quiet drink but not a nightclub, and I wouldn't go in the pool if you paid me money as it's just a petri dish of germs. We've been on 2 cruises - one a short 4 day cruise and one a 7 day cruise to Bermuda. I keep thinking that I'll find something that would change my mind but so far that hasn't happened. I might try a European river cruise as I understand they are much more low key and less party. So, think about your style of fun and entertainment as you make your decision as there is no right or wrong answer.
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European river cruising is my idea of a cruise, not a HUGE ship like Carnival with 1500 people and screaming kids, a tender boat to get to land, lines so long it takes 2 hours TO get off the ship, the possibility of rough ocean water causing seasickness, lackluster shows, etc. But that's just me. The first cruise I went on was in 1982 on the Love Boat Pacific Princess around Alaska's inside passage. I loved it. It was a smaller ship with no kids and no tenders to get to shore, making things a lot less of a hassle. Plus the day trips offered were amazing, as was the scenery. In 2015 we did Alaska again on Norwegian and never again. A huge ship we did not enjoy at all.

In 2013 we took a Christmas cruise of the Danube River starting in Prague, boarding the river boat in Germany, going to all the Christmas markets in little towns and villages along the way to Budapest. The boat would pull up to the dock and put out its gangplank, and we'd walk right off into the town. It was a magical experience, to say the least. No gambling on the boat, no nightclub, everything laid back and elegant with only 100 guests on board. It was an unforgettable experience I highly recommend. Nothing at all like a huge cruise ship with thousands of people.
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I have been on one cruise and my son is on his 3rd cruise right now. It was one of the best vacations ever.

Boarding is a bit chaotic, but everything is taken care of for you. Everything is paid for except alcohol and soda. You can do clubs, gambling, games or do nothing but stay on the deck and relax. Food was available all hours. There is something for everyone.

I started off with a 5 day cruise if I ever go again I will do 7 days. It was truly a great experience.
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Thanks tigerlilys, and btw Tiger Lily's are one of my favorite flowers.

We just are getting into this travel thing, and it stresses me out.

But I think what mostly stresses me is mom of course.
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My parents loved cruising and often invited us to come with them. DH was never willing. After mom died, dad kept telling me he wanted just one more cruise before he died. We were both sure he would outlive my husband, his health was so much better, and we talked about going on a cruise together after my husband passed. As it is, dad died earlier this year because of a fall, he never got his "one last cruise," and husband continues to hang on. I regret that we never took mom and dad up on their invitation and I regret that dad never got one more cruise in his lifetime. All that to say -- GO!
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If it is to a place that you would like to go and spend some time it might be a great way to get an idea if you would want to go back for a longer vacation.
Or if it is to a place where you might never get to.
Bucket list of cruises for me would be Alaska (not in January though🤣) and a Mediterranean cruise. maybe the Galapagos.

It is a relaxing vacation once you get to the boat.
I have decided that all the "stuff" that has to be done on your phone adds to my stress. (I am not tech savvy by any means)
You can do what you want, as much as you want or as little as want.

It is good to get away from everyday stress.
One thing to think about is getting hold of you could be expensive and there is not much you can do if something happens so make sure that there is someone at home that you can rely on to make decisions if something happens if you are caring for someone.
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Ever since I read this, I’ve been looking up cruises. We like gambling and adult nightclub shows (some middle age cussing is fine no drag queens though) and hot tubs. We don’t want kids around from minors to about age 25. I unfortunately have developed arthritis that makes me wish I considered this five years ago but at this point it’d be great to get some walker accessible excursions in case I need.
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Peggy , there must be one that suits your needs.

I get it your on vacation, you don't want a bunch of kids running around. I'm thinking as long as it's not a vacation week, should be ok
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Check out Viking Cruises - their river cruises are strictly for adults only. I think Viking might be exactly what you're looking for...
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Lost, Viking does not have a casino, which is a must for dh. We are looking pretty hard at Regent Seven Seas Grandeur
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Nice, we are going on the Norwegian Epic, in January, I'm getting excited about it. It does have a casino, that is definitely not a must for me. I don't even buy lottery tickets, but there is one on it.

Then in September I'm going to Ireland just for a few days to my sons wedding, asked the friends we are going to the cruise with to come with me, and I'll pay the hotel.

Going to be an exciting year, for someone who never leaves her little home town. 🫨
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@Peggysue, I think the Regent line is a very good choice. Some friends swear by this cruise line - they've been on several extended cruises with Regent in Asia. Beautiful cabins, overall very peaceful environment, good service, plus good amenities (casino, etc). Enjoy!
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I've never been on a cruise, never had the desire to be surrounded by all that ocean, lol, however my mother and grandmother used to go all the time and loved it! Now, where my Mom has FTD/PPA, I've thought of taking her on one, but not sure it's a good idea where she does exhibit alot of dementia behaviors and recently PAD , a blockage in her leg she refuses to treat. I just thought she might enjoy it, but I can't get her to leave the house or TV or her cigarettes for very long. Ideas? Suggestions? Thoughts?
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My suggestion would be to take a cruise or vacation and leave mom home.

I think the cruise might be ok for her, but the travelling to and from. Sounds like a nightmare,

I'm not sure how your mom is out but I feel like it would be pretty stressful for her. Airports are so stressful to people with our dementia.

I actually never had a desire either then this couple asked us, we really weren't even friends, friendly, play boccie together, but not friends, me and my husband looked at each other and said , why not!! 😂 So that's how that all happened.
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There are actually cruises for those with dementia plus caregivers.

https://www.elitecruisesandvacationstravel.com/eastern-caribbean-january-2025.html
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@Stormy65,

Your mother has already been on cruises.

She prefers to stay home , let her be.
Don’t try to get Mom to do things that she used to enjoy . Mom is different now .

The better idea is Mom goes in respite care and you get a break from caregiving and go on a vacation .
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@Stormy, I was like you before Aging care.

Every store I went to I would bring mom, if I didn't, I would see things, oh mom would like that , I'll have to bring her next time.

Every vacation I would be in a hurry to get home to mom, or by her something.

6 months after, life's about me now , then my husband, then mom.
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