"Wayne" wrote in message
news:CYHTg.71406$5R2.16715@pd7urf3no...
> 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.
Wayne, as suggested by other posters here, go to www.Vacationtogo.com .
There are cruises for the Panama Canal listed there from Oct.8th to
Jan.8th...But check them out thoroughly and contact a cruise only T/A (we
have several on this newsgroup who can help you; ask for names if you do not
already have a T/A ) as soon as you have found a cruise that you like. I
would suggest a Holland America ship. Their ships usually are a little
smaller than other cruise lines and have a wrap around balcony which would
solve your problem of wondering which side of the ship was preferable
through the canal. They also have a lovely viewing area at the top of the
ship, The Crow's Nest, where they will get a wonderful view of the workings
of the Panama Canal.
If mobility is a big problem, I'd also suggest a balcony cabin at the lowest
level for their viewing pleasure..We have sailed through the Panama Canal
twice; once on the Carnival Elation, from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles and
the second time on the Norwegian Crown enroute to South America and both
times I wished that we had chosen a lower balcony..They were not available
at the time of our booking.
Have your T/A request a table for four. That should not be a problem.
Next January, we will be going on a group sailing of the HAL Volendam and
were fortunate to get a lower balcony. If you can delay your cruise plans,
we'd love to have you join us!
Happy hunting, let us know if you need further help and how well things turn
out for you!
--Jean
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