Mediterranean Cruise for Seniors

[wendydarling826]

My husband and I are researching a trip for our 50th anniversary. We would most like time in Rome and the Vatican, and we are considering a Mediterranean cruise. We are not wheelchair dependent, but we both have some mobility issues. Are there any seniors here who have done this cruise? Is it even possible if we can't walk long distances?

 

[sponica]

Not on DCL but my 82 year old grandmother just did a Mediterranean cruise. I can't remember the ports of call off the top of my head, but she uses a walker that converts into a chair to get around, so she must have found some way to make it work.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

My husband and I are researching a trip for our 50th anniversary. We would most like time in Rome and the Vatican, and we are considering a Mediterranean cruise. We are not wheelchair dependent, but we both have some mobility issues. Are there any seniors here who have done this cruise? Is it even possible if we can't walk long distances?

If Rome and The Vatican are your priority I would look into some sort of land trip, group or escorted travel instead of a cruise.

The Mediterranean ports in the summer are brutal. The port days are long 10 hours or more, walking on uneven surfaces in the burning heat in big crowds. There is very little air conditioning.

The port where the ships dock for Rome is called Civitavecchia and its about 2 hours on a bus from Rome. The Rome day is go go go, as there is a huge amount to see and not that much time to see it.

 

[starry_solo]

I agree with the prior poster who suggested a land trip.
There are those that cater to senior citizens, but if mobility is an issue, Europe (in general) is not very friendly for those with issues.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

if mobility is an issue, Europe (in general) is not very friendly for those with issues.

Agree. Americans forget that many of the places that are deemed must see by tourists are hundreds and many times thousands of years old and built long before the invention of cars, air conditioning and modern day mobility / accessible legislation. What is standard in America is very often not even allowed by heritage and conservation laws.

 

[Mommb]

If you do a Mediterranean cruise, I strongly recommend booking private tours with drivers who will meet you at the port for Rome and perhaps Naples and other ports where you want to see a lot. The drivers will have air-conditioned cars and be able to tailor the itinerary to your interests and abilities.

One advantage of a cruise is the ability to see many different cities without having to check in and out of hotels each night. Another is knowing there will be a variety of foods easily available every morning and every evening, with guaranteed seats.

If you are most interested in just a few places, though, a land tour might be better. You could easily spend a week in Rome seeing different areas each day at a leisurely pace.

 

[Pens Fan]

I agree with the previous poster that a cruise is not the best way to see Rome - with one exception. If you choose a cruise that either starts or ends in Civitavecchia, you can spend a few days in Rome as well. We did that on our Med cruise back in 2019, spending three days in Rome before our cruise and it was lovely.

I also agree with that same poster's assessment of summer in the Med. Don't do it unless you have a high tolerance for heat and crowds. We took our cruise in late Oct / early Nov and it was delightful. We had great weather (even needed coats at times) and the crowds weren't an issue in most places.

Mobility issues are rough in Europe in general. You will need to do your research about what you want to do in port. Utilizing private guides can help with that as you aren't stressed about keeping up with a group, though that can be pricey. That being said, I have two knee replacements in my future, but that's not stopping me from booking another Med cruise for Fall 2025. We will just be careful what we plan in port.

 

[Flossbolna]

One thing to keep in mind: even if you have a private driver, many of the sights are not along large streets and more and more places limit driving access to the major sights just because of the sheer amount of tourist traffic.

I think indeed a land tour might be better. Also, avoid June through August (maybe even into September) because of heat in that area.

 

[kylenne]

I agree with others that a land vacation is probably going to be best for you to Europe. My first cruise was in the Eastern Med on RCCL and my senior aunt with mobility issues (at the time late 70s with COPD) saw a really hard time. She ended up tapping out entirely when we were in Kusadasi and just hung out at the port while we toured the Ephesus ruins with a private guide I booked. There's a ton of walking on European itineraries, lots of climbing hills and stairs, cobblestones, etc. We went in August and the weather and crowds were miserable.

Personally I could never justify the DCL premium for Europe, especially the Med. Med cruises are very port intensive and imo more about the itinerary than the ship.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Just back from the Med 9 nt, beginning of June. Not spring chickens anymore-late 50's, but in good physical shape. Fantastic cruise. That said it was hot and the attractions crowded. We booked private tours- still hot and crowded. Lots of walking, uneven walking, climbing hills and many stairs to see the sites. To be honest, with mobility issues, I would pick a quieter time of year and a land based tour

 

[iivye]

We did a Med cruise with my mom who doesn't get around so well. Prior to the cruise we flew to Venice for a few days and then took the train to Rome and stayed for a few days to have plenty of time for the sites. We booked private tours for everything which allowed us to take things a little slower and usually included transportation. There was still a lot of walking at the actual sites but it helped. We actually booked everything wheelchair accessible for my dad but he passed away before the trip. I would not try and do Rome on a cruise stop as there is too much to see. My advice would be to spend the extra money on skip the line private tours especially at the Vatican.

 

[auntlynne]

As to mobility, I did a port day in Rome (on an 11-night port intensive cruise), overweight and having injured my knee on the Transatlantic cruise on the way to Europe. Used crutches for part of the first cruise. Limped a bit for the European part.

But it was doable. And late April. Still hot in Rome.

Sometimes, it is more the standing in lines to get into a venue than actual walking that wears on me.

And crowd levels seem to be rising.

Pick the shoulder- or off- season to get smaller crowds (on and off ship), cooler weather, and better cruise and air fares.

Since you have an expressed interest in Rome, I agree that a cruise starting and/or ending there would be an excellent choice.

Assuming you are traveling from North America and will probably have an overnight flight, I actually think ending in Rome and then seeing the sights might be a better choice. When I have flown to Europe, the fatigue on arrival means a bad day of tourism.

We had one long port day for Rome. We used the train and then subway or foot in e in town. I didn’t even attempt to cover both the fountains and Coliseum part AND the Vatican. It definitely deserves more than a port stop - if you can work it that way.

We also had to choose between Florence and Pisa. I went with the easier, shorter day: Pisa. Once again, great city was further inland and deserved more than a very tiring 12-hour stop (with 2 hour rides both directions). And some galleries are closed on Monday! Which was our port day.

Easter is April 20, 2025.

Unless you want Disney characters and theming, I suggest Princess or Celebrity for a similar level of cruising to what Disney offers. Or Holland America. I am experienced with Princess. Done research in the other two lines.

I like to use Vacations to Go to see what is offered among various cruises. You do provide your email, but can opt to not receive advertising or emails.

 

[auntlynne]

Here’s a sample of a cruise for May 2025. Mediterranean. Celebrity cruises.

It’s a bit blurry. I pasted the text below.



Brochure Inside$3,147
Our Inside$1,178

You Save63%
Brochure Oceanview$3,387
Our Oceanview$1,286

You Save62%

---

Brochure Balcony$3,747
Our Balcony$1,724

You Save54%
Brochure Suite$6,183
Our Suite$4,737

You Save23%

---

Inside Offer! Book select categories and receive a FREE $50 per cabin onboard credit.

Oceanview Offer! Book select categories and receive a FREE $50 per cabin onboard credit.

Balcony Offer! Book select categories and receive a FREE $50 per cabin onboard credit.

Suite Offer! Book select categories and receive a FREE $50 per cabin onboard credit plus the following offers:
1. A Premium Beverage Package, which includes top shelf alcoholic beverages and select non-alcoholic beverages onboard, and
2. Unlimited Internet access
Promotions may not be combinable with all fares.
Prices are per person in US dollars, based on double occupancy, and include port charges and government taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change without notice by cruise lines until a deposit has been made, and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. Prices do not include airfare or airport taxes or fees. Prices and promotions are for new bookings only, in accordance with cruise line policies.

Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
Monday, May 5	Ravenna, Italy		5:00pm
Tuesday, May 6	Zadar, Croatia	8:00am	5:00pm
Wednesday, May 7	Dubrovnik, Croatia	9:00am	7:00pm
Thursday, May 8	Split, Croatia	8:00am	6:00pm
Friday, May 9	Kotor, Montenegro	8:00am	6:00pm
Saturday, May 10	At Sea
Sunday, May 11	Messina, Sicily, Italy	8:00am	6:00pm
Monday, May 12	Naples, Italy	8:00am	7:00pm
Tuesday, May 13	At Sea
Wednesday, May 14	Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy	7:00am
Thursday, May 15	Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy		5:00pm
Friday, May 16	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy	5:00am

This one allows for a more thorough visit to a Florence.

Add land trip at end for Rome.

So many options!

I agree that the paying the Disney premium for the Med is not always the best choice.

 

[Travel60]

I agree with the prior poster who suggested a land trip.
There are those that cater to senior citizens, but if mobility is an issue, Europe (in general) is not very friendly for those with issues.

If Rome and the Vatican are your interest, you want to spend 3-4 days in Rome, not a few hours. I think Tauck has some land-based trips to Rome. Also, if you are Alums of a larger university, they may have an alumni travel program.

 

[Marthasor]

I agree with the others that you may want to consider a slower paced, land tour. The Med ports tend to be very far from the cities/attractions you may want to visit when in port. Consider looking into Road Scholar - they offer some land options for mature travelers who may need a slower pace.

 

[starry_solo]

If Rome and the Vatican are your interest, you want to spend 3-4 days in Rome, not a few hours. I think Tauck has some land-based trips to Rome. Also, if you are Alums of a larger university, they may have an alumni travel program.

And in the spring or fall too!

 

[pjacobi]

Be sure to account for significant jet lag from US flight to Europe. This is always a challenge, especially for the first time. Jet lag to Europe is hard for most healthy people! If you have additional health issues, you may need to budget extra rest days in your first couple days in Europe. I always plan at least 14 days in Europe to make it worth fighting the jet lag.


-Paul

 

[Dznypal]

I have to add about getting a private tour
We did that for London last sept and it was terrific. Driver picked us up dropped off at hotel.
He took to all the spots on our list usually taking shortcuts and telling facts as we were driving
He took us to princess Dianna memorial abbey road buckingham palace Tower of London Crown Jewels plus other places
Unfortunately they have chain g of the guard but the palace guards were out marching not sure how they did it since it was 92 out.
We got all this done in a bit over 4 hrs. So I would definitely consider doing the private tour
Have a great time and happy anniversary

 

[oufpat]

My husband and I did a Mediterranean cruise last September for our 50th, both in our early 70's. We sailed on Royal Caribbean Odyssey out of Citavecchia. The best part was spending a couple days in Rome before hand. I would highly recommend a golf cart tour to get your bearings initially, and then in the following days we did small group tours, including the Vatican and Underground Coliseum.Yes there was lots of walking both in Rome and other ports, but we paced ourselves and slept well every night. Life is short, enjoy it!

 

[MrMagoo]

I will echo the sentiments that Europe in general is NOT handicapped friendly!
I don't believe it is good even for those with just mobility issues but can still walk.
You do a LOT of walking.

I did see an elevator at the Coliseum. But that was an exception.
Even the hotels don't seem to be handicap friendly. Our hotel in Rome was on a cobblestone street and I don't remember seeing
any handicap access.

I agree if you want to see Rome, you should do it before or after a cruise and not from a cruise excursion.
That way you would be able to take your time and take breaks when needed.
I also recommend a guide. Especially one that will get you tickets to any attraction you want to see.
And you will need a private guide and not be in a group. They should also have private transportation for you.

Almost everything in Europe is ancient and they do not want to and many place they can't make the sights handicap accessible.