When you’re cruising with seniors, it’s important to take into account their safety needs. Many seniors in wheelchairs can still enjoy a cruise vacation – with a few precautions in place. Check our tips to help make your cruise travel safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. We covered a few great cruising stories on offMetro, like this River Nile cruise experience!
Can Seniors Travel on a Cruise?
Cruising is a great way for seniors to travel – it’s safe, convenient, and relatively affordable. But before you book your cruise, there are a few things to consider.
- If your senior is in a wheelchair, be sure to request a wheelchair-accessible cabin.
- Make arrangements for any special medical needs they may have.
- Be sure to pack all the medications they’ll need for the duration of the trip, as well as any other essential items like oxygen tanks or CPAP machines.
Seniors with limited mobility can travel on cruise ships, but they may need some assistance getting around the ship. If your senior is not able to walk long distances, be sure to request a wheelchair or scooter from the cruise line. Choose the proper vehicle size so that your elderly person can feel comfortable in it. Consider a heavy-duty mobility scooter for obese seniors. Most cruise lines will also have staff members who can assist with getting seniors around the ship.
Watch this video to see the best cruise ships for seniors:
What Should You Bring When Cruising with Seniors?
In addition to their medications and essential medical supplies, there are a few other things you should bring when cruising with seniors:
- A list of your seniors’ medications, as well as the name and contact information of their doctor.
- A list of any allergies your senior has.
- Comfortable clothing and shoes.
- A small first-aid kit.
- Binoculars (if your senior enjoys watching the scenery).
Cruising can be an ace way to spend time with your seniors. With a little planning, you can ensure that everyone has an enjoyable trip.
Safety Tips to Follow When Traveling with Seniors on a Cruise Ship
- Make sure your senior is aware of the location of the muster station and lifeboats.
- If your senior is mobility-impaired, make sure they have a stateroom that is close to an elevator or has handicap-accessible features.
- Be familiar with the ship’s medical facilities and staff in case your senior needs assistance.
- Make sure your aging parent wears their life jacket during emergency drills.
- In case of an emergency, follow the instructions of the ship’s crew. Do not try to go back to your stateroom for personal belongings.
- If your parent is seasick, ask the ship’s medical staff for help.
- Make sure your parent stays hydrated and drinks plenty of fluids.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while on the cruise, as it can intensify seasickness.
- Pack any medications your parent needs in their carry-on bag in case of lost luggage. Bring along a small first-aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
- Be aware of potential scams targeting seniors on cruises. Do not give any of your personal information to strangers, and be cautious of unsolicited offers for services or products.
- Do not leave your parent alone in public areas for extended periods of time.
- If your aging parent uses a wheelchair, make sure to bring along any necessary accessories, such as a cushion or footrest.
- Pack comfortable clothing and shoes for your parent to avoid blisters and sore feet.
- Make copies of all travel-related documents, such as your passport and travel insurance policy. Keep one hard copy with you and leave another copy with a trusted friend or family member at home.
- Check what type of assistance your cruise line can provide for passengers with disabilities. Some companies offer complimentary “guest assistance” to help seniors with special needs. Read this post to learn more.
- If your elderly parent has dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or another cognitive impairment, consider investing in a GPS tracking device. This handy tool will serve you in case your parent wanders off and becomes lost.
Does Your Parent Need Insurance When Cruising?
If your parent is healthy and doesn’t have any preexisting medical conditions, they may not need travel insurance.
However, if your parent has a chronic illness or disability, it’s a good idea to purchase a policy that covers emergency medical evacuation. This coverage will pay you for the cost of transportation to the nearest hospital in the case of a medical emergency.
Conclusion
Traveling with aging seniors can be a great way to spend quality time together. By following these safety tips, you can ensure your trip is stress-free for your cruising senior.