I’ve never given much thought to going on a cruise. It’s always been something that I associated with swinging singles (think Love Boat) and older, retired couples.
My parents, who fall in that older, retired couples category, discovered cruising earlier this year, taking a trip from Australia to Japan and China via numerous islands. They loved it, so much so, that even before they disembarked in Sydney, they had booked a berth on next year’s Dawn Princess world cruise. It was going to be highlight of their year. But it’s a highlight that, sadly, my Dad, who passed away last month after a brief illness, won’t be able to participate in. Dad, who would have been the first to say ‘life goes on’, is, I’m sure, smiling somewhere in the knowledge that Mom is still planning on taking the cruise.
But while my Mom is probably one of the most independent women I know, she really doesn’t want to go on this cruise alone. So, after much family discussion, it’s been decided that I am the most logical person to go with her.
Now, being offered the chance to go on a world cruise isn’t something that any sane person would turn down. But I must admit, I’ve been tempted to say thanks but I’d rather not.
It’s just that I have some reservations about the whole cruise thing, especially about sleeping in a windowless room the size of a matchbox for a month and a half. And being totally at sea for days on end. And travelling with my Mom (last time we did that I was 12). And being disconnected from the internet (and thus the world).
So, what would you do? Would you go on a world cruise?
And more to the point, would you travel with your mother?
Just looking at that huge floating hotel makes me cringe, but a free trip is a free trip—I would go. You’ll probably have fun regardless, especially if you have time to get out of the ports on land and get beyond the disgorged crowds. And you can get online easily when you’re not at sea. (Even at sea if you’re willing to cough up the money.)
Don’t look at it as confinement but rather as a bonding experience with your mom.
1 month to just be together, talk, share, reminisce.
Plus it’s free.
This is how travel books get written
– Unusual travel experiences, an interesting/endearing character, and an opportunity to connect on various levels.
Lola, you’re absolutely right – opportunities like this don’t come around that often. And who know’s what stories I can come up with along the way.
Plus I’m sure that I’ll get over the ‘small room’ claustrophobia feeling once the cruise begins and it will be great to spend time with Mom.
Go!! A ship is huge, so don’t worry about the cabin, you will find you spend little time there. During sea days there are so many different activities you only go to the cabin to change, or nap. You can lounge around open air pools, live shows, info sessions, jog around the decks – plus which you will meet all sorts of interesting people, as will your mother. Most cruises I’ve been on have seen people ranging from kids to seniors, including every stage in between. Join some folks you meet on board for shore excursions, it makes life interesting. Enjoy.
Ya, there are a lot of facilities you could enjoy. Try to mingle with people on the pool side. Socializing with new people always be a fun thing to do.
Fun! I would totally go on a world cruise and being with my parents would be all the better (they’re great fun). We’ll miss you at TBEX10 though. Enjoy!
~Beth
Well, we LOVE cruising, so I’m not exactly impartial! It’s so nice to have everything paid for before you go, to never unpack, to have a comfortable, cozy room to return to, to have wonderful food whenever you want it – even room service! That said, I would not be excited about an inside cabin – maybe you can upgrade? Check close to sailing – that’s how we have upgraded to a huge suite in the past. Strangely enough, I’m heading on an Alaska cruise in September with my mom – in an inside cabin and only because she is paying! I have already been to Alaska so it would not be my first choice but she needs a companion and if it’s free? I am there! I’m still hoping to upgrade though…
I have to admit I’m starting to warm to the idea as the time gets closer, especially not having to work for 3 months (sans writing of course)
As for the upgrade, if only I had a magic wand to make that happen. Other than a magic wand, any one have any tips on getting an upgrade??
You have no choice — you must go with your mother.
But you do have a choice about your attitude. You can choose to make this an adventure, seeking out opportunities from bonding again with your mom, to endless days at sea, to solitude for writing and reflection, to some uninterrupted days to lounge in the sun and relax. Or, you can choose to be miserable.
It’s up to you. And I know you’ll choose wisely! Enjoy the trip!
Yes, go! I am in kind of the same situation, where my mother was really keen to do the cruise, but wouldn’t have done it without a companion, so I’m going with her – on this cruise too. I’m almost 60, and she’s 87, but we’ve agreed that though we’ll do some shore excursions together, at other times we’ll split up and do our own thing – perhaps she’ll stay on board while I go off for the day. We’ve got an inside cabin too, but from what I understand you’re only in it to sleep, so spend the day exploring the ship and meeting people.
Definitely agree with Mary Jo – you can choose what attitude you take.
We might meet up! We’re boarding at Dubai.
Hi Kerry,
We are one week into the cruise and things are going well. The interior cabin isn’t as bad as I had imagined and my mom and I are finding structure to our days. Truth is, she is the much more active one at present, off listening to all the lectures and meeting up with different people. I’m more inclined to relax with a good book. Some days, we barely ever see each other. She’s in her element and has already booked for next year to go by herself.
Would be fun to meet up once you’ve settled on board – just get the desk to ring my cabin and leave a message and we could meet for coffee.
Thanks for providing really nice information. I would like to appreciate really nice effort of the author. I definately go to the world tour in cruise whenever i get a chance