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My 90.5 year old aunt just mentioned that she is thinking of taking an extended – perhaps year-long – cruise around the world before moving into a retirement community. She is amazingly energetic and in very good health for her age. She has traveled extensively, although I don’t believe she went on any cruises. I would love to help her gather information about her options and hope that the Fodorite community will help me do that. Because I have never taken a cruise, I don’t even know where to begin! Any comments, suggestions, or tips would be most welcome. Thanks in advance!
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Year-long cruise around the world?
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I would also post this on the louge and europe as cruises isn't as busy as the others. You will get better and more results, I believe.
I think she just read that old email about cruising being less expensive than Assisted Living/Nursing Home.
My sense is that she heard that some people go on a cruise before moving into a retirement community, and given her love of travel, the ideal appealled to her. I followed southeastern's advice and posted my question on the lounge, where I've gotten some very helpful comments and suggestions. Please keep the good information coming!
If she is in reasonable shape tell her to go for it. I have met many 90+ cruisers who are enjoying life. Yes it can be cheaper than nursing home, depending on line and how you purchase your tickets and it can also be costly. Something we all should remember your dead a long time - so enjoy your life do what you want and can do while you can.
Thanks, JoanneH - good to know that others are successful at it!
I think most people who take extended cruises take World Cruises that essentially circle the globe. I don't think I've ever seen one that lasted longer than 150 days. (I did find a 335-day cruise on Cruise West, but that doesn't sound like the right venue for your aunt; it was on vacationstogo.com and was over $200,000 per person.) I imagine that one could add something on to both ends if one really wanted to spend more time on the seas. Most of the better known cruise loans have these types of cruises. It's a matter of how luxurious one wants and can afford. Also, if your aunt is traveling alone, there is likely to be a hefty single supplement. At the high end, Regent's 135-day World Cruise for 2010, which is totally inclusive, begins at about $75,000 per person, and I think the single supplement on Regent is now 100%, i.e., a single pays about $150,000! By comparison, a suite on Holland America (not all inclusive) for their 114-day 2010 World Cruise about half the fare, and I don't know what their single supplement would be.
Thanks, Dreps!
You should also figure out how to communicate with her if needed. Does she know how to use e-mail? If not, will her cell phone, if she has one, work in all countries? Yes, there is a phone in each cabin, but the charges can be monstrous.
Thanks, Dayenu - I'll be keeping track of all of these excellent questions in the event that she decides to take a cruise of whatever length!
Cruise West has a round the world cruise next year. http://www.cruisewest.com/world-cruises
Thanks, nevermind!