Cruising with my mom...should I or shouldn't I?

[NancyIL]

My mom has been on quite a few cruises in the past 23 years, and all of them have been by herself - paying a single supplement. About a month ago she asked if I'd like to go on a 3-day DISNEY cruise...but we could never see things eye to eye. She wanted a nice cabin with a verandah because she doesn't get off the ship, whereas I wanted a longer cruise and a cheaper cabin. Therefore, that idea went by the wayside.

Now she is looking at a 7-day Caribbean cruise with Holland America from Port Canaveral (very close to where she lives) for the first week in March, and has again asked me to join her. She has opted for the much less expensive inside cabin. This time she has offered to pay the same amount as if she were cruising alone, and I would pay the difference - so my cost would be ~ $500. First of all - would you cruise with your 78-year-old mother, and second - how is Holland America?

 

[Beauty]

Yes I definatly would cruise with my mom...just think of the memories....besides if you disagree about something all you have to do is "disappear!"

 

[DMickey28]

I went on Holland America's Zuiderdam this past March. The ship is beautiful. I don't know how old you are, but I am 25 and found the ship to be a little too "old" for me. I am not looking for a party ship by anymeans, that's why I stay far away from Carnival. However the daytime activities where things such as Snowball Jackpot Bingo and Art Auctions. At night the shows where things such as the juggling act of Barnaby. The casino was our saving grace. Now mind you, the food is wonderful and the ship was beautiful The ports were excellent, we went to Nassau, St. Kitts, St.Thomas, St. Johns and Half Moon Cay. If you aren't looking for the nightlife, this would be a great cruise. Agian I don't know what sort of activities you would like out of a cruise ship, but the food, pools and overall atmosphere were top notch.

 

[Pooh93]

would you cruise with your 78-year-old mother,

I guess it depends on your relationship with your mother. Sometimes if you pass up a chance like this, you never get it back again. My own mother was 48 when she died. I went on a cruise two years with her before she died. I realize 46 is alot different than 78, but I'm glad I did it. My dad is almost 72 and if he wanted me to take a trip like that with him, I would.

I don't know anything about Holland Cruise Lines.

 

[WDWLVR]

Nancy,

If you think you can get along in close quarters for a week I say do it! There is usually so much going on each day that you don't have to spend time 24/7 if you don't want to. I used to cruise a lot with my mom and wish she were still with us as she would love the Disney Cruise Line.

Holland American in a good line. I've never sailed them, but know people who have.

I say go and enjoy - you never know if you'll get that chance again!

 

[MAC3]

Nancy,

As frustrating as we all can be at times. The ship is a mighty big place and you can always find separate places to be your own person. But most importantly we all have a limited time on this earth and it will be a memory you can hold with you forever.

Even if you drive each other crazy, some of our funniest memories of my grandmother are when we were all disagreeing over something stupid. But we all knew that we Loved each other dearly!

Life is funny and precious! Enjoy!

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks so far! I'm leaning towards going, but really wanted others' opinions. Three days with my mom is about my limit when I visit her home, but then - we just sit around her house. Thank God she has cable TV!

I've never been on a cruise before, but my mom realizes that I will be running around, and she is fine with that. I think she mostly wants someone to share meals with.

I'm aware that Holland America caters more to the older crowd. I'm not a party gal, but I'm not ready to join AARP, either! The casino, pools, and ports interest me, though - so I think I'll be fine.

By the way, this cruise would be instead of my almost annual birthday trip to WDW in April.

 

[momsal]

Not to lay on the guilt butttttt

I wish with all my heart that my Mom was still alive to take a cruise with!

 

[Toad2]

I'm with you momsal. I'd go in a heartbeat...if I could.

 

[Towncrier]

Sue went on a 3-day Disney Cruise with her mom and aunt last September. They had the best time. Dreams Unlimited even managed to get them a secret porthole room. Sue's aunt still talks about that cruise. Go for it Nancy.

 

[Michelle]

Heavens YES, go! The Zuiderdam is a beautiful newer ship and how much time will you spend in the stateroom anyway? (The answer is NOT MUCH!)

My only issue with cruising with my tiny, energetic mother is that she SNORES like you wouldn't believe and I am the lightest sleeper known to mankind. I take earplugs and I made her wear a Breathe Right strip and she STILL snored. Small price to pay, though, it was worth it.

Enjoy!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

At first I thought you were meaning driving with mom - that I can' hardly stand to drive her around town - let alone any distance

but

since you are talking Cruise - for about 500 - sure why not - you can only see her at meals and at bed time

 

[NancyIL]

Originally posted by WebmasterMichelle
Heavens YES, go! The Zuiderdam is a beautiful newer ship and how much time will you spend in the stateroom anyway? (The answer is NOT MUCH!)

My only issue with cruising with my tiny, energetic mother is that she SNORES like you wouldn't believe and I am the lightest sleeper known to mankind. I take earplugs and I made her wear a Breathe Right strip and she STILL snored. Small price to pay, though, it was worth it.

Enjoy!

Michelle - this would be on the Zaandam - also a newer ship. I don't know if my mom snores, but my DH says I do!

BTW - my mom and I went on a little 2-day driving trip 2 summers ago when I accompanied her to her 48th high school reunion - and we had a nice time together.

 

[SeaSpray]

Nancy:

It sounds to me as if your mom has already compromised by looking at an inside cabin, and planning a 7 day cruise, in order to entice you to go with her, so I think she must REALLY want you to go.

I definitely think you should go with her, unless you really can't stand your mother (and it doesn't sound like this is the case) then there's no reason you should be thinking twice about this, unless of course you just didn't have the $500, but again, it doesn't sound like this is the case.

Go and have a GREAT time!!!

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

Personally, I would. You are not always going to have your mother and you should spend some time with her on this adventure.

Having said that, in order to make it special, you are going to have to go with the attitude that this trip is FOR YOUR MOM, not you. I am sure that you are going to have many more opportunities to cruise in the manner that suits you, but your Mom's time on earth is limited.

My DH lost both of his parents last year after 2 years in assisted living. His dad's mind was completely gone for the last year and his Mom was the type that focused on her ailments all the time so was no fun to be around.

My own father is fighting cancer and won't be with us much longer.

Do this FOR YOUR MOM ... it may not be the most fun vacation for you, but give yourself an opportunity to see your Mom through new eyes in a different environment. You may find in the coming years that you will be glad you gave yourself the gift of your Mom's time.

 

[FleurdeLise]

I tok my 70 year old Mom to WDW a few years ago,she snored and drove me crazy.

I wouldn't trade those memories for anything. Go for it!

 

[NancyIL]

I called my mom today and told her "yes"! Good thing she got a quote yesterday, because today the prices jumped ~$120 per person! Her travel agent was able to convince the cruise line to honor the quote from yesterday - so 9 months from today - I'll be cruisin'!

Thanks for all your replies.