Looking for suggestions for a Caribbean cruise for my parents. They are in their 70's and in fairly good health, and are experienced cruisers. I was thinking of a western Caribbean cruise, but it seems that most of the cruises to that area emphasize snorkeling and diving, neither which they can do for health reasons. Do older people who don't snorkel or dive find other enjoyable things to do in the western Caribbean? They have already cruised the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, so wouldn't want to go that route. Any suggestions for other Caribbean destinations? They prefer not to have to fly, and are within driving distance of Miami, New Orleans, Tampa, so prefer to leave from those ports. I realize this narrows down their options, but all suggestions are appreciated.

Hi Jean: My in-laws loved Bermuda how about 7 day cruise from New York? There of course are easy flights from your parents area to New York. My in-laws are late 60's and not in the best of health and no problem sightseeing around there.They even rented a scooter ( I know, if I didn't see the pictures I wouldn't have believed it either!) If they are going in the winter season how about the southern Caribbean. On any cruise there are always excursions that they would find enjoyable. From relaxing boat excursions along the coastline to guided bus trips that show off the best of the island. If the island time is what is concerning you then you should book a cruise that has less ports. Alot the western Caribbean cruises just have 3 ports. In Jamaica there is shaw gardens which would be leisurely for them, in Grand Cayman there is a tour which would take them to Hell and back and to the Turtle Farm which may interest them and in Cozumel there is the excursion to the mayan ruins by bus that they could do. So you see you don't have to be a snorkler or diver to enjoy these islands. We are going on the Paradise in may to the Western Caribbean and we are not divers although we may snorkle with the stingrays. Karen

My family and I cruised last August on the Enchanted Isle out of New Orleans. It is a small, older ship that holds about 750 people. There were many older people on board and not a lot of little children. The people around your parents age seemed to enjoy themselves. It is run by Commodore Cruise Lines.

We took my parents on a 50th anniversary cruise with Royal Caribbean on the Miami, Labadee, Ocho Rios, etc. cruise. All of us (including 5th grader) had a great time.

Alot of the eastern cruises talk about snorkling as well. I think that if they went on RCCL or HAL that they would find plenty to to do other than snokle. There is always sight seeing, shopping etc available. If they want, they can just stay on the boat and do some of the things that are busy when at see. I think RCCL runs bingo somedays while in port, anyway good luck in finding the right cruise.

There are many other excursions offered for people who do not snorkel or scuba dive. I travelled to this area about 2 years ago and don't snorkel or dive myself. The excursions I took were: Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica, went ashore on my own and walked around shopping at Cozumel, visited a resort on the beach and went shopping in Grand Caymen (the turtle farm tours are popular here). One thing I would warn you and them about prior to travelling on the Western Caribbean itinerary is to be careful in Jamaica if you are stopping in Ocho Rios. My parents just returned from a cruise here and agree with me that this is not the place to sightsee on your own. I highly recommend taking a package tour there. I hope you find them the right cruise and they enjoy themselves!

Hi Jean - <BR>My husband and I enjoyed a Carnival cruise which departed from New Orleans and visited Tampa, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. <BR>I understand the itinerary has changed <BR>now - the ship does not go to Tampa, but <BR>instead does a stopover in Jamaica, then <BR>Grand Cayman, and finally Cozumel. Grand <BR>Cayman would be a lovely stop for them. <BR>There are numerous shops and interesting <BR>sightseeing places very near the tender <BR>area, and shore excursions are offered to tour the island, etc. Cozumel is much the same, with even more local "flavor". I would recommend this cruise highly for the type of trip you are considering.