I think they are now called Road Scholar, or something close to that.
3 Likes
Yes, that’s it - they keep sending me very large brochures!
Also, Overseas Adventure. Travel has lots of solo travelers and I believe often has no single supplement. We went to Japan with them and really enjoyed it. They have tons of trips all over the world.
2 Likes
I have wondered about the cabins on the Yacht’s. They only have portholes. Do you know anything about them from your brother and his wife?
Only that they are very nice and comfortable and have the best linens and mattresses, but yes, they are portholes on the SeaDream yachts because they are so small. But, you spend very little time in the room. You can even sleep under the stars on the Balinese beds. There are some youtube videos out there that customers have posted as well as the cruise lines. The Wind Star line looks really nice as well and I think you have bigger windows on those ships, they are larger.
2 Likes
I took my mother, then about 78, and her cousin, 80, on a Panama Canal cruise in 2013. They were both in good shape but needed a lot of care taking. My mother had always wanted to do it and it was very cheap, so she got a passport and we made it work. Her cousin was kind of a pain but it gave my mother some company. At the beginning we did a lot together but as the trip (14 days) proceeded I started to do some excursions on my own (like snorkling). They both enjoyed reading and sitting on the balcony was fun for them. They also enjoyed a lot of the shows.
Because this was the end of May, even though it was a Disney cruise it was almost ALL older adults on the ship. There were lectures about the Panama Canal that my mother just loved but that I often skipped (too crowded for me) and I’d wander a lot on my own. I think you’d find that on a late September cruise in Europe too, especially after the Olympics this summer.
I think cruises are great for multi-age groups because there are so many options for people to do on their own or in small groups. If your sister, @busdriver11 can go too that will give you a lot of breaks to do things your mother can’t or to go faster on some shore days.
3 Likes
Oh, I would love for my sister to go, also. The problem I’m finding is that people (both her and my mother) don’t have the desire, and I’m convincing them to do something they don’t want to do.
That is fantastic that you were able to take your mom on a trip, and with her cousin also.
Trying to get people to do something they really don’t want to sounds like an exercise in frustration for everyone. Maybe a railway journey or road trip instead?
2 Likes
There’s been complaining about my nieces suggestion to take an Amtrak train just from Seattle to Vancouver, but that seems like an easy test case.
Yes—it that works well, could catch train down to San Diego or across Canada or to many points in US. It will be relatively short transit time to get everyone use to the idea of making plans and carrying them out!
1 Like
Car and ferry to Victoria might be easy. Gardens,tea, etc. A cruise sounds like a hard sell if it’s something nobody else really wants to do.
4 Likes
On a related note, we could never get my extended family to do more than an on-island staycation, despite lots of talk about going on a vacation together. A few members might be able to do it but scheduling everyone (40+ folks) and finding slots when everyone was available and had room in their budget just never happened.
I wanted it make something happen, so planned several extended family staycations that folks did attend. It wasn’t perfect but people came (as short or long as they could) and our kids built happy memories and stronger cousin bonds.
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.
3 Likes
Just throwing this out there, but maybe Amtrak to Portland then a Columbia River cruise? It’s nearby, small ship, uncomplicated itinerary…
FYI Amtrak to San Diego is still trying to get the track issues in San Clemente fixed. There’s very limited through service (which is subject to change daily) and bus service as a bypass.
2 Likes
You can get off Amtrak in LA and go around LA. Lots to see & do there. It gets in at a decent time, I believe. I would avoid dealing with uncertainty of whether the train goes all the way to San Diego or if you might have to switch to a bus, especially if you’re coaxing mom and sis to travel.
1 Like
One of my favorite trips through the San Juan islands to the beautiful Victoria! Gorgeous!
2 Likes
I love ferries and have been wanting to visit Victoria for ages. I think I know where my next vacation is going to be!!
2 Likes
I was thinking about the same cruise for your mom. I know people that have done this Columbia River cruise and loved it. They raved about the food as well!
1 Like
Victoria is loads of fun. We took a family trip that began in Victoria and then we took 7 ferries to see the Gulf islands.
1 Like
That sounds awesome! Which islands did you see? (I really love ferries and will go out of my way to be on one!)
Gulf Islands | Super, Natural BC Peder, Mayne, Galiano, Salt Spring,Gabriola.
Left from Swartz Bay.
This was about 20 years ago! But it was one of our nicest trips. We had an 8 year old and a 16 year old. Salt Springs is the Artist Island.
Hmm, maybe left further North. They are all amazing.