It looks like I will be putting my master bath remodel on hold. Hubby’s cancer is steadily getting worse. This year is our 30th anniversary and we have talked about going on a river cruise in Europe. I was thinking about something that goes through Germany, Switzerland, maybe ends in England but have no idea where to start.
The other issue is that H is having slight mobility issues- walks with a cane because he has residual swelling in his left leg from his spinal cord surgery in Dec. They had to add stents in the vein in his leg to help the blood flow properly and the doctor said it could take months before the swelling goes down. Other issues- he is having trouble breathing- can’t walk and talk at the same time without sounding winded. He did the 6-minute walk test and passed- his O2 never dropped below 92 (not good, but not bad enough). He sees the pulmonologist on Tuesday to talk about a procedure that may help with the breathing.
So IF things get a little better. IF IF IF. I hate that word.
I was thinking about a trip in September/October. BUT I don’t know if he could do the uneven walking (cobblestones) in those places. Or should we just plan a trip for England, Scotland, Ireland that is not boat related? Or somewhere else that is more relaxed and not touristy?
This would more than likely be the last big trip we do as a couple. I hate to say it but he is on “Plan G” for cancer treatment and his CEA markers go up, then down and then up again. never getting close to normal and more spots/nodules in his chest area during every CT scan. The doctor mentioned palliative care for the first time, so that is another indicator things are not going well.
As usual, you guys are great with ideas, so please throw them my way. thanks!
I would probably rather stay in the US or Canada so I could be near medical treatment if needed and there wouldn’t be any cobblestones.
Maybe a train and boat? Train rides can be pretty relaxing, as are boats. Whatever you do, I’d be sure to buy trip and medical evacuation insurance in case his medical needs increase.
You probably should ask that he get tested to see if he needs extra oxygen to fly. It’s called a high altitude simulation test, HAST.
You can take river cruises in the US and Canada on the Columbia river, Mississippi, St. Lawrence, etc. With any cruise, you should be able to prearrange a tour that you meet right off the boat so your H won’t have to walk too much. Getting on and off the boat may be a lot for him if it’s a large boat, so make sure it’s small.
My in-laws went on a Danube river cruise and they felt it didn’t give them enough time in each city. They were highly mobile though, and didn’t like being on the boat so much.
I would not plan any type of walking tour. As much as I know you’d like to go to Europe, I would definitely wait on that. I would also stay in the U.S. or Canada. I am so very, very sorry about your husband.
On a train, they will deliver meals to you if you prefer rather than you walking to the dining car. You can get a sleeper unit that converts the seat into a comfy bed.
I have a neighbor who is not very mobile. They have nothing but good things to say about Viking ocean cruises. The cruise line was very helpful for them getting on and off the ship. They also have excursions based on the mobility of the passengers.
As long as your husband is stable and the doctor agrees, I guess I disagree with some of the previous posters. I had a bil who had various long term health problems. He traveled a lot with the family despite them. You do what you and your husband feel he’s up to.
And I’m really sorry you have to deal with us. And know that I and I’m sure others, think about you.
My father has been mobility impaired for quite a bit and loved cruising. In some ports he didn’t leave the ship but at most places he could choose a bus tour.
Sorry to hear about your husband’s health issues, @ChuckleDoodle.
One trip I’ve been wanting to take that you might look into is cruises in the fjords of Norway. The focus is on the spectacular scenery and from what I’ve read they are adaptable/accessible to those with mobility issues.
Best friend and her wife travel a lot. Her wife has advancing MS. She walks with a cane, can’t walk very far, has to nap every afternoon. They have done a number of cruises. They have recently done the Baltic, Alaska, and New Zealand. They travel slowly to the departure city, stopping so flights aren’t too long. They pick the excursions that will fit her energy and schedule. They have enjoyed the trips tremendously even if they cannot do everything. They do splurge on upgraded travel accommodations.
@HImom’s suggestion of a combined train/cruise trip within North America is a good one. There are combined cruise/train trips in Alaska and Canada.
The Mississippi River boat cruises are good too. Start in New Orleans and make your way up north to St. Louis.
Long plane flights are not conducive to somebody with stents/swelling in the leg unfortunately. So better to keep things domestic and avoid as much long air travel as possible.
I am very sorry for your H’s health issues. I hope he is well enough come the fall. If you do decide to go to Europe, my parents go on 4-6 trips a year, usually to Europe. They love the river cruise when they go by themselves calling them floating hotels. They go to sleep on the boat and wake up in a new city to explore. Many of the cruise lines cater to older and/or less spry people. Many times they chuckle that they are the most fit (in their 70s) on the ship. I’m sure those lines would have day trips that would be ok. And going on a cruise, should you need medical attention, they have staff to help navigate the system and the language barriers. While they have never had complicated health issues, they have gotten ill and needed to see a doctor in Port.
But if you prefer a train ride, check out scenic train rides in Switzerland. We rode over the Bernina route. It was stunning, but was only one day. they have longer ones that might be more up your alley.
There’s a train ride to Glacier National Park, and short boat rides within the park. Lots of trains in Canada and San Diego to Seattle plus along East Coast.
The Famous Orient Express!
Venice Simplon Orient Express is pretty luxurious from what I can tell.
Venice to London. 3000 per person roughly. Exactly the route you’re looking for initially. Very posh and quite a memorable experience for you.
“Journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train can last from one to several days. The traditional and most popular route between London and Venice takes two days, with one night on board. See Journey Search for details of our other departure”
Here’s what they say about disability which I know overstates your husband’s mobility condition but seems like it would be perfectly ok.
“Orient-Express are able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties. However, it is recommended they are accompanied by a carer. We regret that the carriages cannot be boarded on wheelchair. Staff are able to assist passengers to their seats and folding wheelchairs can be stored during the journey.”
So sorry to hear about your husband. Please be careful about insurance. Some insurers may cover preexisting conditions as long as a doctor will say you are fit to travel at time of purchase.
This year is our 30th anniversary and we have talked about going on a river cruise in Europe. I was thinking about something that goes through Germany, Switzerland, maybe ends in England but have no idea where to start.