I want to take my mother on a cruise for her birthday.<BR>She's 70, and her only real physical &quot;limitation&quot; is that she has to walk slower than some.<BR>Considering ships' comforts, food, shore excursions, any suggestions?<BR>I'm considering Celebritys Century, the eastern caribbean because she says she'd like to go to St. Thomas.<BR>Thank you for any help.

I've never been on the Celebrity Century, but if that is the ship you end up chosing I am sure it will probably be fine. Celebrity is supposed to be one of the top cruise lines. In my opinion any of the top lines would be ok. I've been on both Carnival and Royal Caribbean and saw many senior citizens. <BR>My husband and I prefer the newer and larger ships. Most of all just pick an intinery that suits you and your mom. Most all caribbean cruises stop in St. Thomas so you will have a lot of choices. Good Luck!<BR>CLWallag

I would recommend Holland America. The ships are smaller, and that means less walking. I think she would enjoy Hal very much. I would avoid the mega liners.

I feel you are on the right track for a wonderful cruise if you choose Celebrity's Century. I have been on her 3 times and had a great time. The food is excellent; the staff and crew are friendly and professional; the cheaper cabins are roomy (if you are so inclined). They treat everyone so wonderfully and try to cater to your every wish. The elevators are in good working order (as of last Oct.)and are seldom crowded. And the eastern itinerary does include beautiful St. Thomas. Be sure to take the sky ride to the top of the mountain near the pier for some wonderful vistas.<BR> When are you thinking about traveling? Prices seem to be quite good several times during the year.<BR> How nice of you to take your mother on a cruise!!

I also think your choice of the Celebrity Century is a good one. I have only been on the larger Celebrity ships but have heard many good things from people who have cruised on that ship. It's well maintained and offers high quality service and very good cuisine with fewer passengers than on the larger ships like the Summit or Infinity. St. Thomas is a picturesque spot especially the harbor area as stated by Cruiser, so do make sure you take the tram ride up the mountainside. I think your mother would enjoy the excusion very much.

While we were on the Celebrity Infinity I kept thinking of the tough time my Mom, who was in her 70s, would have had with the incredibly long passageways. The only other ship I've been on, Holland America's Maasdam, would have been more suitable, so if the Century is a similar sized ship it should be fine. I liked Holland America slightly more though.

I took my mother, also in her 70's, on a cruise on the Century last year. She had a great time. The Century was a great smaller ship and the service and the food were great. I'm sure she'll have a great time. My mom loved sitting in the piano bar listening to her favorite songs.

I too would recommend a smaller ship where there is less walking and places are easier to find. I'm far younger than your Mom but I actually prefer the smaller ships myself for the same reason. The large ships remind me of being in a HUGE MALL and your car is parked waaaaaaaaaay at the other end! Bigger is NOT better!

I think your mom would love the Century, it is smaller than Millennium class ships. We were on the Century last November and loved it. If you want a smaller ship than the Century, try Celebrity's Horizon or Zenith. These two will be doing the Bermuda run this spring and summer, but will be doing the Carribbean this fall and winter.

Thanks so much for your help! I'm going to keep looking into the Celebrity ships and hope to get a better price closer to sail date. I'd love to take her for her birthday in Oct.

mccm: Just keep in mind that Oct. is still hurricane season. Good news: the prices will be great. I did a back to back in Oct. 2002. The only island we missed was Grand Cayman (western). <BR> <BR>With Century doing E and W, they have the flexibility to steer away from the hurricane, but still hit some ports. Or just steer away from the storm and have another day at sea!<BR><BR>I don't know where your hometown is, but I would suggest you also fly in a day early to FLL not only for Oct. storms but for any month of cruising. No stress over missing the sailing because of airport delays--relax and enjoy FLL the day before and hit the ship early (around 11-11:30AM) to start a great cruise!!<BR> <BR>Oh, one more thing while I still have you on this posting--try for a cabin near an elevator. They aren't that noisy, but will save your Mom walking down long corridors to get back and forth to your cabin.<BR> If you opt for the Century and have more questions later, be sure to ask.<BR> Bon Voyage!!

Thank you for all your help. I do plan to get a cabin near midship and elevators to cut down on distances.