shelldogok

Oakman58:  No, he smoked from the age of 12 to 65.  He's been diagnosed with COPD and he doesn't take care of himself like I think he should.  

Which has started me thinking that maybe he's just not fit enough for a cruise.  It would stink to travel all that way and be confined to the boat and miss out on some great Alaskan excursions.  

We put down a deposit for our first ever cruise to Alaska taking our children (ages 17, 20, and 22) and my father (age 75).  However, after spending some time with him at Thanksgiving, my husband and I are concerned that this might not be a good idea for him.  

He gets extremely winded after walking about 30 feet.  

How far are the excursion departure sites from the ship?  

I have a feeling we may have to take his scooter (I'm not even sure we can) or figure out renting one (do they even do that?).  

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Shelley

What an amazing forum! So glad I found this but it's making me even more overwhelmed.

None of us have ever cruised.

We're looking at an Alaskan cruise with people aged 17-75. We'd need four rooms....one with my husband and I, one with my three kids (ages 22, 20, 17), one with my brother and family (mom, dad, 18-year old nephew) and one for my dad (age 75).

My dad isn't in the best of health because he smoked since he was 12. He can't walk long distances without having to rest and breathe heavy. He does have a scooter that he uses on occasion although he hates to use it. Would he be able to do any shore excursions? How about getting around on a ship? Would a smaller ship be better?

We're probably fly out of Seattle. We're looking at 7-day cruise.

Any advice and tips would be so greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!!

Shelley

What an amazing forum! So glad I found this but it's making me even more overwhelmed.

None of us have ever cruised.

We're looking at an Alaskan cruise with people aged 17-75. We'd need four rooms....one with my husband and I, one with my three kids (ages 22, 20, 17), one with my brother and family (mom, dad, 18-year old nephew) and one for my dad (age 75).

My dad isn't in the best of health because he smoked since he was 12. He can't walk long distances without having to rest and breathe heavy. He does have a scooter that he uses on occasion although he hates to use it. Would he be able to do any shore excursions? How about getting around on a ship? Would a smaller ship be better?

We're probably fly out of Seattle. We're looking at 7-day cruise.

Any advice and tips would be so greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!!

Shelley