Single Grandparent on the Cruise? Is it fun for them?

[Cinderelli]

Hi all,

We are anxiously waiting to book our 1st cruise. We've watched the DVD over and over again. We've seen the online posts of Navigator's Guides. The kids are so excited they want to go TOMORROW!. We are currently planning on booking a 4 day Wonder in May/June 2006. We've gotten rates from DU and plan on booking before the end of this month. Today, I'm telling my DM about our trip. She is recently divorced from my SD and would love to be able to go on a vacation. This would give her something to plan and look forward to (although she is not the huge Dis fan we are). I, of course, tell her how excited we are to be planning our first cruise and - I invited her to go with us.

Now, I'm worried. Will there be stuff for a single grandmother (62) to do. We had planned on the kids doing alot of stuff in the kids clubs (which they are sooo ready to do) so DH and I could have some quality time. I'm worried that my DM won't have enough to do without me "entertaining" her each day. My DH fears that this will cut into our quality time with each other.

Has anyone else ever cruised with a single grandparent? Did you get any quality time with your spouse? Did the parent have a good time without you having to spend every minute with them?

Any experiences or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Lissa

 

[Memaw2Wm]

LOL ... I'm a single grandparent and took my DS, DD and three GK on a cruise last September. I had a great time ... I explored the ship, spent time relaxing on our veranda. Checked the GK out of the club to take them swimming.

There are tons of activities that I never bothered doing.

The only time I "insisted" that DS and DD spend with me was dinner ... otherwise we pretty much went our own way on the ship, although we did let each other know where we were heading.

I'd say it depends on your mom, if she expects you to entertain her at home, she's probably going to expect you to entertain her on the ship. I'd talk to her about it ... explain that the kids are planning on spending time in the clubs and you and your hubby are looking forward to some quality time.

 

[Cinderelli]

Thanks for the input. By the way - I love your screen-name. I want to be a Memaw some day, too. Sounds like if we communicate up front, there should be no problems, and she can decide if she wants to go or not. I guess we should start there.

Looking forward to any other responses, and - You sound like an awesome Memaw!

Lissa

 

[mommasita]

Hi, my widowed FIL has now sailed with us twice, and I am sure he is up for another as well... He loves it. He is 64, and enjoys sun, swimming and really anything the kids love, so does he...

We do make sure to give him his alone time, so we start the day together, and drift here and there, he is independant, and we respect that...

I am sure she will LUV IT...

 

[Madden6]

Thanks for asking this question! My mother will be sailing with us in less than three weeks. It has only been 4 months since my Dad passed away, but she seems to be very excited about the trip and my DD's are excited to have her coming with us!!

 

[Cinderelli]

Thanks Mommasita. Sounds like you have it down pat. Madden6, I hope your mother enjoys the cruise. It's great that she has this to look forward to. I'd love to hear a report afterwards about how it went.

Lissa

 

[gavin'sgrannie]

Earlier this month I took a four day Wonder cruise with my daughter and two year old grandson. I am 62 and wasn't overly crazy about Disney or cruising before then. Now I'm hooked. I loved everything, it was a wonderful time of bonding with my grandson who lives in another city. My only regret was that we were unable to land on Castaway Cay, but we did have a good time in Nassau. There were fun things to do all the time and I didn't have time to do everything I wanted. Your mother will love it.