My mother-in-law was planning to do a world cruise next year with HAL or Cunard (90-some days) but her travel agent warned her against it, saying she should start with a 30 day cruise. She says people find they get tired of it. I know she's disappointed, thinking, at 82, this may be her only chance. Does anyone have thoughts on this? Should she just go for it? Other than tiring out with alot of walking, she's in great health. The most she's done before was a 10 day cruise and a 3 week bus tour. Thanks.

Sue

I suppose it would make a difference if she has done cruising before and if so how long in the past. I have a friend who did 36 days and loved every minutes of it and she was in her late 60's I assume that your Mom is in pretty good shape to be considering this. In my personal opinion make two columns and list the pros and cons ad if that's what she wants to do - the worst she will find is that she never wants to do it again. Take out the insurance and go for it. When my Mom was that age she was quite capable of that kind of travel and seniors actually view life differently than their kids. She may be happy having the chance to meet all kinds of people and see some different places and be pampered and she probably deserves it- what an awesome chance. To me it would make no difference where she is - a cabin moving around the world or sittting in a house or aprtment except at home she may be vegetating and on the ship she can be surrounded by poeple or solitarty. Hope this helps

oops - did not see the health and travel experience - with that being said - I would definitely go for it if she liked cruising - she has done long term things and liked it and sounds like she is into travel and who does not get tired of walking!

At 82 I'd tell her to do what she wants to do, not the TA. Even if the TA is correct, wouldn't she rather be "bored" on a ship going around the world than being "bored" at home? My mother is in her late 80s and still travels all over. We kids tell her to go where she wants to as long as her health is good - and she enjoys it immensely. And she has a point, at 82 it's hard to tell how long one's health will be good. If she liked her previous cruise, I'd tell her to go for it and have the time of her life.

She should go for it!

I definitely think your M-I-L should go and ignore what the TA is saying.

I too have been exploring various cruise lines for a World Cruise. One thing I have learned is to look at how much time they're in key ports. Some are there for one day only. Others spend 2-3 nights in a certain port. So far the cruiseline and itinerary that is shining above the rest is Regent with their overnights in many wonderful ports. Assuming I'll never revisit some of these cities again, I feel like I want to be there for a couple of days not just 8-5.

Good luck to your M-I-L in her choice.

This sounds like the trip of a lifetime and I think she should definitely do it. The TA may just not enjoy cruises much, who knows.

Never heard of a TA tryand talk you out of spending money...I would got for it ! I would take Insurance just in case and you know what if she ABSOLUTELY has had enough, although it will cost her, she can always fly home and not finish the cruise...

It is my understanding that these world tours may also be taken in segments. If she decides not to complete it all at once, she can meet another cruise at her last port at a later date.

i dont think she should go

My wife and I have been on HAL's last two Grand World Voyages - we just retired two years ago. Our longest cruise prior to retirement was 21 days. We originally planned on going in 2012 only, but after the first month, we booked 2013. Holland America does an incredible job, and in terms of your mother-in-law, she'd have a very large peer group and wonderful activities to keep her busy. The average age on these world voyages averages 70-75 - our oldest passenger this year celebrated her 99th birthday! At 60, my wife and I are referred to as "the kids." If she'd like to read my cruise diary covering the good and bad from the last two voyages, have her go to: bcampau.com

We are booked on 2015 as well!

We wish her good luck & happy sailing!

Travel is all about your attitude. If your mom really wants to go, she needs to just do it! If she enjoys being around people, she'll probably have the time of her life and will only be bored if she allows herself to be.

As a world traveler myself, I feel it really enriches your life.

I hope she books and we'd love to hear back about her decision and her trip!