i think I need to give more information. My In laws have owned boats since before I knew my H. First sailboats and a sports fishermen powerboat for the last 15 years. They have crossed the Atlantic via sailboat, lived on a sailboat in the Med and Adriatic for 3 yrs, sailed from Australia to Ca via sailboat, taken their powerboat up to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska multiple times, sailed the Caribbean on both sail and power. All of that skipping a few other trips. All those were with my FIL as captain. They have only has “crew” for the ocean crossings. They just spent 2 weeks out on some local islands where for most of the trip it was just the 2 of them. They are sharp mentally but the knees are a problem.
With that said we have all spent time up in Alaska, British Columbia and the San Juans with them so I don’t think they have a desire to go back to Alaska on a commercial vessel.
I’m thinking a 7 day cruise with added time for travel. My S feels he could be gone 10-12 days. Most of the kids get 2 weeks paid vacation but several of them can take added time off. Mil wants to take the grandchildren somewhere special. We have all suggested closer and less expensive alternatives but they want it to be Europe or Galapagos.
My understanding of Galapagos is that there is a lot of transferring from large ship to small zodiacs and similar–not sure how difficult that would be on aging knees.
Having read that, I would make a plug again for Greece. The boat is less about the entertainment it provides and is more a way of getting from place to place. Truly dual purpose hotel and transportation. I think what you need to decide is if what size boat you want. We’ve always liked smaller boats, but there are others who prefer large ones.
The beauty of the Greek Islands is that there’s a great combination of scenery, recreation, culture, history, sights, food, shopping, etc. And the locals are basically getting around the same way you are. It’s one of the few cruises which, when compared with doing it on your own, actually optimizes the trip.
Three years on the Mediterranean and Adriatic! Someone adopt my boat-hating husband- I’m going!
@mom60 I actually did a multigenerational trip to the Galapagos (my parents, spouse, my kids). It was amazing. However, my parents are pretty physically fit for being in their 70s and have snorkeled all their adult lives. It’s not all snorkeling there; lots of hikes over very rocky terrain. My mom was nervous about that, her balance isn’t what it used to be. I ended up holding her arm for a lot of that.
OTOH, I’ve done a couple European river cruises (Viking). Very nice, high end, didn’t take the kids. Kids would be very bored on a river cruise. Wifi is iffy if they’re addicted to their screens, other than that, between stops it’s a lot of “let’s sit and watch this amazing scenery.” It takes some age and maturity to be able to want to just sit and watch scenery.
I have a couple of links if you’re interested.
The Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona to either Itsly or Greece would work. So would some of the river boat cruises. If you can add a day of travel time on either end…you probably can find a cruise there that is 7 days cruising.
The nice thing…there would probably be something for everyone at each port…either sightseeing, or hiking, or whatever.
If they have a very high budget for this trip…look at the Paul Gaugin cruises around Tahiti and neighboring small islands. Amazing…but very expensive. We know several who have been. They say it’s the trip of a lifetime!
Although Greece can be a lot of steps up and down hills.
@thumper1 - Tahiti is amazing. On the trip from Australia to Ca my in laws spent a good amount of time in Tahiti. We were lucky enough to be able to visit them. My D is probably one of the few of her friends who can say they went to Tahiti when they were just 5 yrs old. Whenever my in laws took extended cruising trips they generously paid for their children to visit them. With that said Tahiti is on The bucket list for places H and I want to charter one day.
Would love names of specific cruise lines people have enjoyed in Europe and Galapagos. I don’t think any of us have ever been on a cruise. Small boats 200 passengers or less would be the preference. I like the idea of a small barge through France with bikes to ride along but I don’t know if that is not as interesting for the young adults. Plus we have all spent time in France before.
I’m going to look up the Norway link @doschicos suggested.
For those who have done river cruises do you think the passengers will skew old.
If I were not concerned about budget, I would do this trip – to arctic Norway to see the polar bears. I know someone who did it and said it was beyond fabulous. Small ship with less than 150 passengers. They call it 11 days but that includes travel to and from US.
http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/expeditions/polar-bears-cruise/detail
Here’s more info about the same trip:
http://m.expeditions.com/destinations/arctic/land-of-the-ice-bears/
I agree that the young adults could end up being bored on a river cruise. They will definitely skew older. Celebrity XPedition has cruises to the Galapagos as well as Europe. Azamara has lots of cruises in Europe . https://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/ Cruising sounds great in this situation . People can do as much or as little as they like. Royal Caribbean has lots of cruises in Europe but ships are bigger and may not be high end enough for your family, from what you’ve described. But the young adults might enjoy it and find lots of stuff to do on board.
I would wholeheartedly agree on an Alaskan cruise - great for all generations as a cruise ship offers something for everyone. Look for one that includes Glacier Bay. Alaska (in my opinion) is one of the most beautiful cruises I’ve ever taken. Excursions can be pricy because your in America and we have rules, safety regulations and insurance requirements. However, we looked at it as “once in a lifetime” and acted according. Helicopter ride with stops and hikes atop 2 different glaciers, the Yukon Pass train and a seaplane ride into the fiords and landing on a float to watch bears were highlight excursions (we booked independently) - we went in 2010 & still talk about it with as much delight as we did before we went!
@mom60 has said they have all been to Alaska and the in laws want to go to either Galapagos or somewhere in Europe. I did really enjoy my Alaska cruise though. Enjoyed a British Isles cruise as well.
Friends who have taken the Mediterranean cruises have done so in May or September, primarily because it is mighty hot there in the summer.
What will the weather be like in the Galapagos when it is summer here?
Another cruise that friends have done…and raved about was one through the Panama Canal. I do not know th details, but they sure had a good time.
The reason I suggested the Paul Gaugin cruise in the Tahiti area is that the folks ON the ship, and the program’s done on the ship, as well as the land stops, are quite different than your average cruise ship. When my friends were on this trip, Jacque Cousteau’s son was also on board…and was fascinating.
What about a cruise around the Hawaiian islands?
Being pretty much right on the equator, it doesn’t get too cold at any time of year and I don’t think there is a “bad time” to go.
http://www.galapagosislands.com/galapagos-resources/galapagos-weather.html
Keeping it to a 200 person type commercial cruise does limit options. Some of the luxury lines would definitely be skewed to an older, affluent crowd. The average young adult may or not feel out of place, depending on their personalities and what they like to do. I would think luxury lines like Seabourn or Crystal would not be appealing to most young adults. Celebrity Xpedition to the Galapagos is small (about 100 guests) but I think would attract more of a mixed, active crowd. But may be difficult for the folks with knee issues. Agree with @thumper1 that Paul Gauguin would be interesting as well (a family member has lectured on it a few times ) but your in laws have already been to Tahiti and haven’t expressed an interest in returning for this trip. Since this may be their last major trip that includes everyone, I would try to focus them on one or two places that they are most interested in going and going from there. I think that what may have worked for their friends that are giving them suggestions, may not necessarily work the best for them or your family. Sounds like fun. I’m sure you’ll come up with something great since having to keep costs down significantly does not seem to be a big issue here . That always opens up more options.
I’ve done the Galapagos - it’s physically challenging and I wouldn’t recommend it based on what the OP said about her in-laws. (Otherwise, it’s an amazing experience!)
Last year we took a cruise to Iceland and the Norwegian fjords. It was fabulous. Like all cruises, there’s something for everyone which is why they’re so perfect for multi-generational groups. And the scenery was just breath taking. We flew in and out of London (the cruise started and ended in Southampton). Easy as pie. I’d highly recommend this to the OP.
I would consider whether the in-laws, for whom this might be the last trip of its kind, feel strongly about the Galapagos. My family went one year ago and it’s truly incredible but it is physically demanding and there’s lots of snorkeling (although I saw above that the snorkeling would be fine). I would normally not think it’s a good trip for those in their 80s or even 70s, depending on their physical condition. However, if someone older in my family wished to see it, I would go for it. Since budget is not a significant issue, I’d contact the top boats and discuss the age issue and any limitations with them. Definitely one of those “once in a lifetime” destinations, moreso than Europe.
If the in-laws don’t feel strongly about the Galapagos, I’d pick a cruise in Europe, perhaps one that stopped in ports where the majority of people have not yet been. Cruises are great for multi-generational groups.
OP, how fun for you and your family!
I agree. We have taken multi generational cruises and it has worked out very well. The OP is asking for specific cruise recommendations. What line were you on for Iceland and Norway?
Sounds like the in laws have knee issues but are still very active and engaged. Since they have suggested either Europe or Galapagos, I would pick the Galapagos and take some ibuprofen and folding walking canes along. I get the impression they are not the types to want people to see them as unable to keep up. Go while just their knees are bothering them. When they have slowed down more, you can do the slower paced European trips.
We have some friends doing a Mediterranean cruise. Their ship has less than 400 people, which was what they wanted. I’ll see if I can find out the name of the cruise line.