persimmondeb

We are strongly considering taking a cruise from NY to St. John next June. We being myself, my DH, our DS15, and my 83-year-old father. I've done a lot of research, but we've never cruised before (overnight cruise ferries many years ago, but that's it), and I have a few questions.

I think Carnival is probably a good line for us, but is it okay for an elderly person, or is it full of the young and rowdy (or middle-aged and rowdy, for that matter)? He uses a cane, but has pretty good mobility, and is alert and active, if occasionally a little vague. He also likes ships and the sea, and enjoys traveling to Canada.

Speaking of, is the dock in St. John in the town, so that my father and I may get off the tender and just stroll around? DH and DS are planning to take a shore excursion to the Bay of Fundy, but my father and I have seen it, and those excursions are so expensive that it makes no sense unless you REALLY want to do whatever it is.

Obviously, Carnival is not planning to starve us, and I understand that their food is quite decent, particularily considering that it's an inexpensive line. I am trying to figure out if I should budget for the supper club, or if it's really not something we need. The menu looks good, but so do the ones for the dining room. Also, apparently they have discontinued the midnight buffet, but there are reports on "Funville" that they do have midnight snacks available, in addition to the pizzeria/room service. I'm not sure that any of us are going to feel a need for "midnight snacks", but does anyone have experience of them?

Aristotle

I think your elder person may feel a bit overwhelmed on Carnival from what I hear. Some other lines strioke a bette balance. Royal Caribbean for example. We were on HAL this year and it had a lot of kids who seemed to be having a good time.

jacketwatch

We did the NE/Canada cruise on CCL last Oct. Actually these days you find quite a few senior citizen passengers, esp. on this route so I don't think your dad will be out of place at all. I'd be more concerened about the 15 yr. old but as this cruise is in June or during summer vacation months then it should have enough younger kids on board. As for St. John we docked in town and did not tender in at all. A short walk from where we docked is a big market so that would seem to be perfect for you and dad.
The food on CCL is, and bear in food food is such a sticking point as its so subjective, on a par with the other mass market lines we've been on which includes Princess and RCI. In fact I think the buffet food for lunch was better and whet we got on RCI, my opinion only. CCL also has frrre soft serve ice cream BTW. I amnor sure about the MN buffet but there is 24 hr. room service. No one starves on a cruise.
Overall we've enjoyed our CCL cruises and would not hesitate to book another though I would avoid their older ships. Cheers, Larry

persimmondeb

Thanks! We're not too concerned about company his own age for DS, since he has high-functiong ASD, and while he's well behaved and enjoys this kind of travel, has little in common with most other children his own age (since he alternately acts like he's either 10 or 50-calls us Mommy and Daddy, still plays with toys, orders the broiled fish, and is obsessed with 20th century military matters, marine life, and oceanograpy/geography).

Dad's not all that social either, but he might feel out of place if he were the only person over 60. A lot of noise and craziness would be more of a concern. He'll enjoy walking around the town, though.

Also is an evening gown alright for the formal night, or should I stick to a cocktail dress? I work in a bridal shop, and in addition to all cocktail dresses I own recently got a stunning black backless dress at work for $23! It is not extremely formal, but it is full length and and has a little bit of sparkle. I swear, when they get to clearance they just jump off the rack and yell "Buy ME!".

jacketwatch

There is no need for a formal gown unless you prefer it. A cocktail dress is fine and honestly by comparision even with that you will be overdressed. . Your $23.00 find will be fine. If you are stopping in Halifax as most NE/canada cruises do your son may like to go to the maritime museum which actually has some artifacts from the Titanic. Its probably too far for your dad to walk but there should be shuttle buses at the dock. Cheers, Larry

persimmondeb

Thanks, Larry. This one doesn't go to Halifax (no good date for that one), but that would be right up his alley. We'll keep it in mind for another trip.

jacketwatch

You're welcome.

ParrotMom

Let me just recommend you check out another line instead of Carnival, especially for your 83 year old father.. fIRST, there is NO reason to take an ships excursion in St. John.. there is a free bus after you disembark that will take you downtown and from there another bus to the Reversing Falls.. There is/was a ferry at the end of the stairs that will take you back..In Halifax, one of our favorite ports..you can hire a taxi.. and they will take you on a tour and hard to believe but the graves of the Titanic Victims was a highlight, then the Citadel for the Changing of the Guard, there is the Maritime Museum, a Glass factory, and if you want.. a Hop on Hop off Bus which goes into the water.. But, if your coming into Boston.. take the Duck Tour.. much better..You should check into the Celebrity Summit for a more laid back atmosphere..As for the cocktail dress.. the black one sounds perfect..

persimmondeb

Unfortunately Celebrity has no Canadian itineraries that would work for us, since they are not only substantially more expensive, but much longer. Dad is thinking that he doesn't want to spend a lot of time on a ship, so it'll likely just be 3 of us.

bonniejns

Carnival is not a wild party ship. Yes, you may spot someone who is partying too much but again you may not see anyone like that at all.

My husband and I are 66 and have seen MANY people a LOT older the us on Carnival (we are VIP on Carnival). On short cruises, 3-5 days, you will find a lot more young people as many can't afford a 7 day cruise. And some really like to party but you don't really see this on 7+ days cruises.

At any port you can wander around as much as you want. If your dad has trouble walking you can get a wheel chair to use from Carnival.

The supper clubs are nice but we'd rather spend out money elsewear. On the 1st formal night (that you don't have to dress formal for)lobster and prime rib will be on the menu.

The last night they also have prime rib- VERY good. There is also an everyday menu with shrimp cocktail, steak, chicken and the out of this world chocolate melting cake you can get every day.

Your DS will meet others and you'll rarely see him!

persimmondeb

We finally took the plunge and we're booked! This is after deciding to go to Ireland, and then entertaining both Las Vegas and driving to Branson as alternatives. Wish us luck!

1965

We are a 63 and 66, and use CCL a lot. There are lots of cruisers older than us. I think both Dad and Son will be happy cruisers. On elegant night I always wear dressy black slacks and dressy top. DH wears polo shirt with collar and sport coat, slacks. Many, many are not even that dressed up. Evening gowns and tuxes are being seen less and less. We've cruised several lines and find not much difference in the food from one line to the other. It's good. Try the MDR before deciding if you need to eat dinner at the specialty restaurants. We haven't found we need to pay extra to eat better. Buffet, pizza station, MDR, grill-all have good food and many choices. We're taking the Carnival Magic from Barcelona to Galveston in Oct. on a 16 nighter. Can hardly wait!! Only 244 days til we set sail. Hope you have a wonderful time cruising with family.

Eschew

carnival party ship reputation came from their "fun ship" tag, plus they are really party boats if you are on the shorter cruises during spring break.

What craeted the "party" is the destinations/itnenary more so than anything else. Your typical Mexican Riveria, Bahamas, Western Carribbean shorter cruises etc will have much younger demographics as oppose to Alaska, New England, Europe/Asia etc.

Carnival is fine. Everyoen is going to have a good time and want to do it again.