Wayne wrote:
> We are considering taking my elderly parents on a ~7 day cruise in late
> Nov. or early Dec. Any suggestions anyone may be able to offer as to
> which cruise line to use, itinerary, etc. would be appreciated. Any
> preferences for passing through the Canal eastbound or westbound?
>
> Price isn't a huge concern, but our tastes are fairly simple and we
> aren't big partiers. A table for four in the dining room is a must -
> meeting new people and simultaneously dealing with meals is more of a
> challenge for them than a pleasure.
>
> Limited mobility will require one of the cabins to be wheelchair
> accessible and we won't be planning on doing a lot of touring at ports
> of call.
If you want a cruise that does the Panama Canal, it is going to have
to be a 10 day or longer cruise. The 10 day cruises are round trips
that go through the Gatun Locks, then turn around and head back
through the same locks again. They usually start and end at the same
port in Florida and stop at some other ports before and/or after the
Panama Canal.
It is rather late to be booking this type of cruise for Nov. or Dec.
this year. We are sailing on the Volendam, Panama Canal cruise in
early Jan. and from what I see it is sold out. The other issue is that
it might not be possible to get a handicapped cabin this late.
I would suggest sitting down with a cruise only travel agent and
seeingif they can help you, esp with this time frame. If you can't
find anything for now, why not book something further out. I see you
said there are health issues to work around, so if you book something,
just buy cruise insurance that has pre-existing conditions covered.
Another option if you really want to go this nov. or dec. is to look
at a Carribbean sailing, instead of the Panama Canal. There are plenty
of options and in the Carribean you can get a seven day sailing.
Good luck!!
sue |