kja

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!

southeastern

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.

charli

I think she just read that old email about cruising being less expensive than Assisted Living/Nursing Home.

kja

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!

JoanneH

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.

kja

Thanks, JoanneH - good to know that others are successful at it!

Dreps

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.

kja

Thanks, Dreps!

Dayenu

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.

kja

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!

nevermind

Cruise West has a round the world cruise next year. http://www.cruisewest.com/world-cruises

kja

Thanks, nevermind!

someotherguy

Good advice above, but I suggest you head over to www.cruisecritic.com for a larger body of cruise experts.

kja

Thanks, someotherguy! My aunt is currently looking into Semester at Sea - I don't know if she'll do it, but she seemed interested.

TPAYT

I'm not 90, but I am retired and an around the world cruise sounds so wonderful. How great that she can still do that. I think I'll go out and buy a lottery ticket!!That's the only way I could afford it.

kja

Yes, TPAYT, isn't it great to know that someone can make travel a part of her life for so long? Would that we all had the energy and finances to do so!

Rhea58

There is a younger man than your aunt who is constantly
aboard a HAL ship for very long periods of time.
See: http://amazingvoyages.blogspot.com/ to get an idea.

Given her age and HAL's demographics, I would seriously
consider a HAL cruise for her.

kja

I'll pass that along, Rhea58 - thanks! There sure are some great photos on that blog!

traveller69

I have done many cruises (over 50) and mainly with Holland America. I can tell you that on any of the longer cruises I have met passengers well into their 90's cruising and have done the longer round the world cruises. I don't know about the other lines but Holland America is wonderful to the elderly clientele and make sure they always have someone to assist them if mobility is a problem. On my last cruise I sat with a darling lady who was 96 and was taking the 3 week cruise we were on as a warm up for the "round the world" cruise. The staff were just wonderful with her. I think if your aunt is healthy enough and able to afford it she should definitely do it. I wish her a Bon Voyage!!!

kja

Thanks, traveller69 - its very helpful to hear that others have had successful cruises in their later years, as well as the specific information about Holland America.