CanadaDeb Posted August 14, 2016 #1 Share Posted August 14, 2016 Hi Everybody, I'm so excited! I've convinced my sweet mom to come on her first ever cruise! It's actually her first ever holiday and I can't wait. Had to share because my non cruising friends don't get it lol. We've booked the Jewel for the southern Caribbean and I'm wondering if you wonderful people can give me to ideas to make it extra special because I think my mom is the best. I've been sick for almost 30 years and she has been with me every single step of the way. This needs to be the best time of her life :) Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoyMouse Posted August 14, 2016 #2 Share Posted August 14, 2016 I think it's going to be small touches/surprises depending on her interests that will make thing extra special (as well as spending time with you). Pre-order chocolate covered strawberries to be in your stateroom when you get onboard or bring her favorite candy/treat from home. Surprise her with a new book/music, massage, specialty dinner, manicure or thermal suite pass. Budget allowing, pay for the next level of stateroom (outside to balcony, etc.) and not tell her. Unless you enjoy very casual dining, breakfast and lunch in the main dining room will feel more special and pampering. Breakfast (room service) in bed. Ask at guest services for the week's movie schedule and preselect a movie she would like to see in the cinema or on the pool deck. She sounds like a wonderful mother and she is blessed with a thoughtful and appreciative daughter. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted August 14, 2016 #3 Share Posted August 14, 2016 Pick up a guidebook from the library and let her read up on your ports...you read it, too! Have fun planning your shore days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaDeb Posted August 14, 2016 Author #4 Share Posted August 14, 2016 Thanks very much for your suggestions. DH and I cruise regularly but I'm trying to think outside the box for my mom, you know? I will definitely use your suggestions. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karena1 Posted August 14, 2016 #5 Share Posted August 14, 2016 maybe get decorations for her cabin. My husband loves them for special occasions. Get her a package for what she likes, soda, water, booze. There are so many little things you can do. Get her some gifts/gear to take along. I love the little pouches to carry my seapass and a little cash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doralice Posted August 14, 2016 #6 Share Posted August 14, 2016 I surprised my sister with chocolate covered strawberries and a bubbly beverage on our cruise in June. She love it. I thought about room decorations and told her but she liked what I got better. If you are sailing out of San Juan, try to go in a few days early to explore a little. We did that and it made for a very special vacation. It was our first vacation since 2003. [emoji3] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PTAngel Posted August 14, 2016 #7 Share Posted August 14, 2016 A few years ago, I took my mom on a road trip for a week. I gave her a AAA book & told her to pick a couple of places to see that she hadn't seen yet. It was the best thing I could have done. She picked one place I would not have known about or done but since it was her choice we went & we both really enjoyed it. We also did some shows including a dinner show, music, & 2 outdoor historical drama. I had double prints made of the pictures I took & put them in an album for her. That album came out every time someone stopped in at her house. She really had a good time, I think, because I involved her in the decision making. You only have your mother for a limited time so enjoy her while you can. My mom is gone now & I really miss our time together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaDeb Posted August 15, 2016 Author #8 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Thanks for the further comments...I was thinking about something for the Stateroom ( I booked a Jr suite ), either the decorations or the berries/champagne...maybe I'll just do both! I have bought her a beach bag and am filling it with all little things that she will need, I can't wait to give it to her! Thanks again, I am loving your ideas! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogimax Posted August 15, 2016 #9 Share Posted August 15, 2016 I wouldn't worry about it. The cruise itself will be extra special for her. Don't over plan, simply take the time to enjoy every day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaspercat Posted August 15, 2016 #10 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Enjoy the cruise with your mom! My mom and I went on a cruise to Alaska together and is one of my fondest cruise memories. Like others say, ordering a bottle of champagne from gifts and gears so it's in the stateroom chilled and ready for her (and you), some decorations in the cabin. Having a 'formal' picture taken on-board. Tossing in the beach bag you bought some of her favorite tea so she can enjoy a cup in the suite or out on the balcony; maybe even some Rogers or Purdy's truffle chocolates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted August 15, 2016 #11 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Maybe a treatment at the spa?!? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faymuiheng Posted August 15, 2016 #12 Share Posted August 15, 2016 I know!.. Get her something from one of the shops on board..... I know I can always find something I like. Even if it's something small, she will know you got it onboard and love it even more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gagirl7143 Posted August 15, 2016 #13 Share Posted August 15, 2016 Which cruise.? We are on Serenade and would to mee you both. Such a wonderful pair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaDeb Posted August 16, 2016 Author #14 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Thanks everybody for your wonderful ideas....my plan has taken shape! gagirl7143 how kind of you! We are on the Jewel though...have a wonderful cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfguyxxx Posted August 16, 2016 #15 Share Posted August 16, 2016 I had taken my mom on her first cruise when she turned 80 years young. The thing she liked best was just doing what she wanted, when she wanted. Bingo, sure; no show tonight, OK; take a nap now, perfect. We did a lot of getting to know each other and taking a lot of pictures. She loved to have a cocktail at 5 (at the same bar every night of course), loved having the same waiter each night and loved to sit on her balcony in the morning and just before bed. Creature of habit :cool: Plan on doing a lot but be happy with the time you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffy116 Posted August 17, 2016 #16 Share Posted August 17, 2016 My daughters and I went on a cruise and took my Grandson and a friend (high school grads). Being there were 5 of us, the three of us shared one cabin. We were a bit nervous about getting along in tight quarters for a week but we had THE BEST TIME. We ordered a cheese and fruit plate, the spinach dip and popped open a bottle of wine one night and it was like we were all in a college dorm sitting up giggling with our BEST FRIEND. We lounged out by the pool, had lunch in the MDR on the sea day, went for an afternoon nap one day, sat at the promenade cafe and had one dessert treat too many EVERY night before heading to the cabin and took lots of photos of all of our crazy moments in the cabin, around the ship and in the ports. When we got home, one of my daughters made a Shutterfly book for each of us from the photos and it's a wonderful to look back at that crazy week...so take LOTS of photos. The best ones are the ones you don't get fixed up and pose for. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted August 17, 2016 #17 Share Posted August 17, 2016 Maybe a treatment at the spa?!? I share this idea. Pampering at the spa is memorable for most ladies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAHIAPRINCIPE Posted September 15, 2016 #18 Share Posted September 15, 2016 Hi everyone, hope your enjoying your cruise, we are going 24th Sept, im trying to find out what Formal nights land on which days, so i can book Chops Grill and Giovannis, can anyone help, hope someone reads this, thank you Melanie:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemydogs Posted September 15, 2016 #19 Share Posted September 15, 2016 First, let me say that this is a wonderful, positive post and you are a thoughtful, sweet daughter! I feel the same way about my mom - she's just the best and I love to spoil her. I took my parents on a cruise for their anniversary last year. We had the same room steward, so each day I would ask him to place a little surprise and note in their room -- candy, a photo in a frame, some beach sandals. I don't think we ever grow out of enjoying little surprises! Also, maybe plan to go to one of the ship's "freestyle" photographers and have some nice portraits taken of the two of you. Enjoy your cruise; I know you will! --Heather Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare chemmo Posted September 15, 2016 #20 Share Posted September 15, 2016 (edited) If your Mom does not already have an easy, small digital camera I am sure she would love one to record her own memories.... Have a wonderful family cruise! Edited September 15, 2016 by chemmo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerLady Posted September 16, 2016 #21 Share Posted September 16, 2016 Thanks for the further comments...I was thinking about something for the Stateroom ( I booked a Jr suite ), either the decorations or the berries/champagne...maybe I'll just do both! I have bought her a beach bag and am filling it with all little things that she will need, I can't wait to give it to her! Thanks again, I am loving your ideas! I hope you ladies have a great time!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesr3939 Posted September 16, 2016 #22 Share Posted September 16, 2016 I can't really add to these great ideas, except! Before you go have a couple of dinners together, look at the shore excursions, deck plans and etc. Take a lot of photos and when you return do a hardcover photo book. I have done two of those for prior family vacations and surprise the kids with them. They are both sitting on our coffee table we thumb through them frequently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBB Posted September 16, 2016 #23 Share Posted September 16, 2016 I know you'll have a wonderful time! Chocolate covered strawberries are always great, but I also like bringing little decorations to have up at the start. For my friend's birthday, I sent her out some errand and decorated while she was gone. It made the room festive the entire time. On other girls trips I've put together bags of things that may be useful like highlighters, post its, list of fun tips for the ship, bubbles for sail away, even some glow in the sticks for on deck at night if they're having a late night party or BBQ. I love the idea of little random surprises throughout the week. I love doing that for my friends. Enjoy! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kccrzr Posted September 16, 2016 #24 Share Posted September 16, 2016 A cruise is such a great experience to share. I know you are having as much fun in the planning as your mom will have on the cruise. :) A Mimosa in the morning at a table by the windows, on the walking deck or on a private balcony is hard to beat. Personal photos , taken by you and by the photographers on board are a great memento - I always look forward to getting at least one photo taken by the ship photographers on the dock at a port of call. It's fun, casual, everyone is eager to explore and looking back at the photos always brings good memories. A message in the cruise compass thanking your mom and commemorating her first cruise would be a special surprise. Hope you have a fantastic time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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