How do you decide if you would lie a cruise?
Mar 17th, 2017, 06:05 PM
#1
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How do you decide if you would lie a cruise?
Never been on cruise..only "boat" trip i've been on is a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, Canada
Have a chance of lifetime ::::.QE2 NYC to London. My MAIN attraction is the program ...Lectures on Art given by an expert sponsored by Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel --arranges educational programs for"seniors") Great programs
I am 82, recent widow, in good health but don't know if I am "cut-out" for 14 days on a boat with an assigned roommate in a room with porthole OR window(only accommodations left )
I get along with people but value my privacy
MOST STRESFUL 14 days of "confinement" and if commit $6,000 , not refundable a month before sails. Can take out insurance but only cover illness not "changing" mind...
I have the money but definitely a stretch...Small issue..what if health fails..after all I am 82,cardiac issue in family and a retired nurse...soI have seen lots of elderly people fall apart .
Bottomline, if this course was offered at a retreat--on land ..no problem with decision.
I could find 2-3 separate programs on art in US ..which I could afford and would enjoy
what a dilemma ...
Appreciate any observations
Have a chance of lifetime ::::.QE2 NYC to London. My MAIN attraction is the program ...Lectures on Art given by an expert sponsored by Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel --arranges educational programs for"seniors") Great programs
I am 82, recent widow, in good health but don't know if I am "cut-out" for 14 days on a boat with an assigned roommate in a room with porthole OR window(only accommodations left )
I get along with people but value my privacy
MOST STRESFUL 14 days of "confinement" and if commit $6,000 , not refundable a month before sails. Can take out insurance but only cover illness not "changing" mind...
I have the money but definitely a stretch...Small issue..what if health fails..after all I am 82,cardiac issue in family and a retired nurse...soI have seen lots of elderly people fall apart .
Bottomline, if this course was offered at a retreat--on land ..no problem with decision.
I could find 2-3 separate programs on art in US ..which I could afford and would enjoy
what a dilemma ...
Appreciate any observations
Mar 17th, 2017, 08:37 PM
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I would not take a transatlantic voyage as my first cruise, that's for sure. Depending on time of year, the sea could be rough and not sure if would have motion sickness.
Having an assigned room-mate maybe a problem too but if you two have common interest, what a way to meet new friends!
You will have fabulous food, good entertainment, great service, the lectures you wanted and good company for the 14 days.
The boat is huge. It is a mini city. Think 10 times the size of the BC Ferry that you are familiar with.
They have doctor and nurse on board. They have a sick bay; and something that they don't mention on any brochure: a decent size morgue. Hate to say it, people expires on a cruise, and it is more often than you want to know.
Your cabin will be small. If you have not cruise before, much smaller than you imagine. Think about the smallest size hotel room you've been in and half that. But you are not confined to the cabin. There are plenty of public area that you can go, sit, relax and people watch or read a book. The QE2's library is fabulous and is quiet. It's 24/7 and if your room mate snores, you can practically sleep here.
$6000 is a bit steep for a transatlantic cruise, but then it is a theme cruise and the price includes the Rhode Scholar lectures.
Not being a fan of the "art", so I can't say if opportunities like this are available elsewhere. If this is a once in a life time adventure, why not? But be fore warned about the potential motion sickness, small shared cabin and prepare for it.
Having an assigned room-mate maybe a problem too but if you two have common interest, what a way to meet new friends!
You will have fabulous food, good entertainment, great service, the lectures you wanted and good company for the 14 days.
The boat is huge. It is a mini city. Think 10 times the size of the BC Ferry that you are familiar with.
They have doctor and nurse on board. They have a sick bay; and something that they don't mention on any brochure: a decent size morgue. Hate to say it, people expires on a cruise, and it is more often than you want to know.
Your cabin will be small. If you have not cruise before, much smaller than you imagine. Think about the smallest size hotel room you've been in and half that. But you are not confined to the cabin. There are plenty of public area that you can go, sit, relax and people watch or read a book. The QE2's library is fabulous and is quiet. It's 24/7 and if your room mate snores, you can practically sleep here.
$6000 is a bit steep for a transatlantic cruise, but then it is a theme cruise and the price includes the Rhode Scholar lectures.
Not being a fan of the "art", so I can't say if opportunities like this are available elsewhere. If this is a once in a life time adventure, why not? But be fore warned about the potential motion sickness, small shared cabin and prepare for it.
Mar 18th, 2017, 05:24 AM
#3
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Also you should know that the QE2 is more formal than ships on other cruise lines. That may or may not affect your decision.
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Mar 18th, 2017, 07:57 AM
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I’m quite prone to motion sickness so avoid cruises, but I can definitely recommend Road Scholar. We went to New Zealand with them a couple of years ago and felt it was excellent value in all respects. The accommodation and meals were better than we anticipated, and the guides and educational activities were top notch.
We came back from that trip wanting to do one or two more with RS every year, but the falling Canadian dollar and visits to family in Australia have made a big dent in our travel budget. However, I recently ‘bit the bullet’ and signed on for a safari trip to Kenya and Tanzania later this year.
If you are in good health, I wouldn’t worry about a sudden medical emergency. That can happen anytime, anywhere to any one of us, and if we let that dictate our movements, how boring life would be. I would also expect that you would find compatible fellow travellers. The people in your group will be there for many of the same reasons you are and will, like you, want to meet others they can enjoy the experience with.
I know many people who have travelled, often repeatedly, with Road Scholar and have never heard any complaints. No doubt it is not only because they provide an excellent experience but also because they attract the kind of traveller who is curious and has an open mind, willing to adapt to new experiences and overlook minor inconveniences. If you are that kind of traveller, chances are it will work out just fine.
We came back from that trip wanting to do one or two more with RS every year, but the falling Canadian dollar and visits to family in Australia have made a big dent in our travel budget. However, I recently ‘bit the bullet’ and signed on for a safari trip to Kenya and Tanzania later this year.
If you are in good health, I wouldn’t worry about a sudden medical emergency. That can happen anytime, anywhere to any one of us, and if we let that dictate our movements, how boring life would be. I would also expect that you would find compatible fellow travellers. The people in your group will be there for many of the same reasons you are and will, like you, want to meet others they can enjoy the experience with.
I know many people who have travelled, often repeatedly, with Road Scholar and have never heard any complaints. No doubt it is not only because they provide an excellent experience but also because they attract the kind of traveller who is curious and has an open mind, willing to adapt to new experiences and overlook minor inconveniences. If you are that kind of traveller, chances are it will work out just fine.
Mar 18th, 2017, 09:24 AM
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Here's a list of Queen Elizabeth sailings from VacationsToGo, a reputable cruise agency (although I haven't used them, others here have). The $6,000 seems high for a 14 day transatlantic cruise.
http://vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm?...sm=0&tm=0&sp=y
and NY to London
http://vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm
http://vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm?...sm=0&tm=0&sp=y
and NY to London
http://vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm
Mar 18th, 2017, 09:25 AM
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What is your sailing date? I could not find QE2 TA cruises but did find some on the QM. Maybe that's me though. 
.
I agree 6k seems high for a TA crossing especially with a window room and no balcony.
Is this too much to take for a first cruise? Well you're pushing it given duration and having a stranger to share a cabin with.
Also TA cruises should take like 4-5 days so what is the itinerary? Are there stops along the way which would enable you to get out for a bit?
.I agree 6k seems high for a TA crossing especially with a window room and no balcony.
Is this too much to take for a first cruise? Well you're pushing it given duration and having a stranger to share a cabin with.
Also TA cruises should take like 4-5 days so what is the itinerary? Are there stops along the way which would enable you to get out for a bit?
Mar 18th, 2017, 09:32 AM
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All just personal, of course.
I do not like small, one day boat tours or ferries, but
I love cruises.
I have done one TransAtlantic cruise and would possibly do another because it was extremely relaxing, but I would not have liked it as a first cruise.
I was an Art teacher, so enjoy museums and Art related activities, but
For a first cruise, I would not try to combine the interest in Art with a cruise.
Also, has someone offered this opportunity as a "once in a lifetime" thing, or you feel with age, it might not be a possibility later?
Go to RhodesScholar.org to see all the many adventures they offer, including art focused cruises.
However,
It seems you have done Rhodes Scholar adventures before and enjoyed them.
If you book through RhodesScholar.org, they do include insurance (not sure what kind, but at least medical).
The art cruise on the QM is less expensive that the QE2. See what they offer.
While I didn't recommend a TA as a first cruise, it might be fine for you since you will be involved in the Art program. It would be nice, however, if you found a week or slightly longer with an Art focus.
I would probably find a cheaper land based Art program, then also find a friend to do some kind of week long cruise, to relax and enjoy the cruise experience. Some other cruise lines do have interesting speaker programs.
Hope you really enjoy whichever you choose.
I do not like small, one day boat tours or ferries, but
I love cruises.
I have done one TransAtlantic cruise and would possibly do another because it was extremely relaxing, but I would not have liked it as a first cruise.
I was an Art teacher, so enjoy museums and Art related activities, but
For a first cruise, I would not try to combine the interest in Art with a cruise.
Also, has someone offered this opportunity as a "once in a lifetime" thing, or you feel with age, it might not be a possibility later?
Go to RhodesScholar.org to see all the many adventures they offer, including art focused cruises.
However,
It seems you have done Rhodes Scholar adventures before and enjoyed them.
If you book through RhodesScholar.org, they do include insurance (not sure what kind, but at least medical).
The art cruise on the QM is less expensive that the QE2. See what they offer.
While I didn't recommend a TA as a first cruise, it might be fine for you since you will be involved in the Art program. It would be nice, however, if you found a week or slightly longer with an Art focus.
I would probably find a cheaper land based Art program, then also find a friend to do some kind of week long cruise, to relax and enjoy the cruise experience. Some other cruise lines do have interesting speaker programs.
Hope you really enjoy whichever you choose.
Mar 18th, 2017, 11:17 AM
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I took a look on the Road Scholar (not Rhodes Scholar) site and it appears the cruise the OP is considering is only 8 days at sea. The rest is in the UK. On board there are daily lectures on the history of British art and architecture, then site visits during the land portion. Plus all the activities and amenities of the ship while at sea. I can see the appeal for someone who is interested in the topic.
The included insurance covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, and compensation for baggage loss, damage and delay. The medical insurance has exclusions for pre-existing conditions, as is frequently the case. More comprehensive insurance is offered at an additional charge.
The included insurance covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, and compensation for baggage loss, damage and delay. The medical insurance has exclusions for pre-existing conditions, as is frequently the case. More comprehensive insurance is offered at an additional charge.
Mar 19th, 2017, 03:39 PM
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Funny how auto correct can screw things up. Happens to me all the time.
I checked the RoadScholar.org and found the Queen Mary 2 itinerary. It's $4700, probably USD so it would be about $6000 CDN with the exchange rate, or worst.
When you factor in that the flights are included, visit to art museums in NYC and London, meals on land, hotel etc, the price is actually reasonable.
Going back to my original comments: motion sickness, cramped sleeping quarter aside, if it is something that you love and enjoy, why not?
I checked the RoadScholar.org and found the Queen Mary 2 itinerary. It's $4700, probably USD so it would be about $6000 CDN with the exchange rate, or worst.
When you factor in that the flights are included, visit to art museums in NYC and London, meals on land, hotel etc, the price is actually reasonable.
Going back to my original comments: motion sickness, cramped sleeping quarter aside, if it is something that you love and enjoy, why not?
Mar 19th, 2017, 07:35 PM
#12
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First of all...thanks to everyone for comments
..AND I stated QE2 but really meant Queen Mary2..
Sadly the QE2 was sent to Dubi 2007-8 ..maintained for a while by small crew..
almost scrapped but recently refurbished ---March 2017 schedules to move out of port to some unknown location??
Maybe the same fate as Queen Mary that was in harbor in Long Beach as "tourist"attraction .
The RoadsScholar cruise price includes 2 nights(which I did not notice) each side of the "pond" all transfers,fees for all museums, and out 2/3 of meals ..Does not pay for how you get to NYC or back home from London...I have enough miles to cover most of this...Also the insurance is 90% comprehensive sponsored by RS and since they deal with mostly seniors, are well aware of problems of aging people..
Jn my case, I get along with people well, accepting of divergent attitudes ..
(Worked as Home Care RN for many years)
Small cabin I can adjust to for 10days..first and last are "easy" I hear good result with Dramamine patches..which I would try way ahead for effectiveness or side effects..
I am amazed at the varied and thoughtful comments..
Deposit holds my place until July 1 st..if I back out the deposit can be applied to
any other program.
Thanks again..
..AND I stated QE2 but really meant Queen Mary2..
Sadly the QE2 was sent to Dubi 2007-8 ..maintained for a while by small crew..
almost scrapped but recently refurbished ---March 2017 schedules to move out of port to some unknown location??
Maybe the same fate as Queen Mary that was in harbor in Long Beach as "tourist"attraction .
The RoadsScholar cruise price includes 2 nights(which I did not notice) each side of the "pond" all transfers,fees for all museums, and out 2/3 of meals ..Does not pay for how you get to NYC or back home from London...I have enough miles to cover most of this...Also the insurance is 90% comprehensive sponsored by RS and since they deal with mostly seniors, are well aware of problems of aging people..
Jn my case, I get along with people well, accepting of divergent attitudes ..
(Worked as Home Care RN for many years)
Small cabin I can adjust to for 10days..first and last are "easy" I hear good result with Dramamine patches..which I would try way ahead for effectiveness or side effects..
I am amazed at the varied and thoughtful comments..
Deposit holds my place until July 1 st..if I back out the deposit can be applied to
any other program.
Thanks again..
Mar 20th, 2017, 04:13 AM
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Sounds like you have a good plan and if all that is included then it's a decent price. I would say that ff mile awards go fast so if you decide to go jump on that award.
I too am a retired RN with mostly open heart ICU experience but did home health 15 mos. after I retired from the university. I'll bet we could swap some interesting stories.
.
Cheers, Larry.
I too am a retired RN with mostly open heart ICU experience but did home health 15 mos. after I retired from the university. I'll bet we could swap some interesting stories.
. Cheers, Larry.
Mar 20th, 2017, 12:12 PM
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Do it! You'll love those sea days--total relaxation, lots of planned activities or just sit and watch the water go by. We have done transatlantic and will do transpacific next year. Our favorite days are those at sea.
Mar 20th, 2017, 10:38 PM
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Looks like you have decided. Great! Post a trip report please! I looked at the roadscholars web pages and there are some very interesting programs.
I studied Greek and Roman mythology and I would love to take part on some of their adventures.
Good luck on your trip!
I studied Greek and Roman mythology and I would love to take part on some of their adventures.
Good luck on your trip!
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