When I was a non-cruiser, I never thought I would like cruising. I was fearful of being confined, cooped up, and claustrophobic. I was worried about getting seasick. I longed for an active vacation of riding bicycles and hiking mountains. I didn’t want to get fat eating meals round-the clock. I dreaded being around all those old people.
However, cruises have now become an appealing vacation option for my husband and me. After cruising on two of the Parkinson Research Foundation’s educational cruises, my husband and I found the seminars and classes to be informative and practical, particularly Mary Spremulli's Voice Aerobics program with useful tips that can be implemented in everyday life.
We hope to go on the next educational cruise sponsored by the Parkinson Research Foundation from January 8-15, 2012 (see below).
For details, check out info at: http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/cruise.aspx
Educational cruises are often ideal vacations for those with Parkinson’s and their families. Participants can be as busy or as leisurely as they choose. There is an activity for every member of the family. While the patients are attending educational seminars, their family members can enjoy the same or other educational seminars or choose from the many activities on the cruise.
Other non-cruise tours require travelers to constantly change hotel rooms as they travel. On a cruise, it is not necessary for cruisers to schlep their luggage from place to place and pack and unpack until they depart.
Scooters can be rented by those who have difficulty getting around on foot.
Some cruise phobias and solutions I’ve discovered to conquer them include:
Phobia: The cabin is tiny. It’s true that most of the average cabins are smaller than most of the average hotel rooms. The cabin on our last cruise had a large bed in a tiny room. And I felt claustrophobic, like I was in a MRI machine. And there were no port holes with views of the ocean which resulted in feeling confined. It was necessary to synchronize our actions—one of us couldn’t open the closet door while the other was going in and out of the bathroom.
Solution: Pay for a larger cabin with a view. Handicapped accessible cabins (which are usually larger) are available for those in need of such accommodations.
Phobia: Many people are fearful of seasickness and afraid of spending the entire time hanging over the toilet being seasick. Cruise ships are usually scheduled during times of calm waters and warm seas. Because of the large size of the cruise ships, they are usually stable.
Solution: There are many over-the counter and prescription remedies for dealing with seasickness.
Phobia: Too much food and gaining weight
Solution: Choose sit-down dining instead of cafeteria-style meals to prevent over-eating. If possible, walk the stairs instead of taking the elevators and walk on the top deck at sunrise to wear off some of the calories from the frequent and heavy meals.
Phobia: Pre-assigned dining times and dining mates
Solution: If you dread the thought of sitting with the same table full of strangers night after night, before booking your cruise, talk to your travel agent about flexible dining and seating arrangements.
And my GREATEST FEAR is being surrounded by old people with Parkinson’s. It forces me to look at the realities of aging with Parkinson’s. It’s true that many cruisers are seniors, and a Parkinson’s cruise will tend to attract an older population. But right beneath those aging exteriors, you will find inspiring persons with amazing life experiences. And at age 61, I have become an inspiring senior living with Parkinson’s AND with amazing life experiences to share.
So we’re choosing an educational cruse as a fun way to learn as well as enjoy the fresh ocean air, watch glorious sunsets, and relax in the cool sea breezes with miles and miles of ocean as far as we can see. As for being around old people with Parkinson’s, these former strangers may become friends who both inspire and amaze us.
Happy Cruising!
Fear makes strangers of people who would be friends. Shirley MacLaine
Your blog is great to read, very inspiring.
Posted by: Hypnotherapy London | September 13, 2011 at 09:54 AM