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Original poster

Help me plan our first cruise

79 replies

Justlurking8 · 27/07/2026 09:53

Hello,

I need some help please. I would like to take my 80 year old on a cruise. Just the 2 of us. It’s always been on her bucket list, she loves being on a boat/water.

We’ve never been on one. They’re so expensive, I want to get it right. This might be the only cruise we do.

There are so many options!!! So far I’ve narrowed it down to Tui (as gratuities are included & I want to know upfront how much it’ll cost). Thinking about a week or so in Sept/Oct, when it’s not too hot.

  1. Iconic islands (Greece)
  2. Norwegian fjords
  3. River cruise eg Danube

My mum loves nature/animals. Neither of us are interested in sunbathing/pools. Entertainment isn’t really important. I think we need a room with a balcony to enjoy the views. She’s in good health, but can’t walk for ages, and hilly areas are challenging.

Would one of these options be better than the others? Are there other factors we need to consider? Ideally around 3K but would pay more for the best experience.

Am grateful for any tips/advice you’d like to share. Thanks!

OP posts:
Kirschcherries · Yesterday 14:26

Justlurking8 · Yesterday 12:27

@MustTryHarderAndHarder the Arvia ship

@Kirschcherries is a wheelchair necessary? My mum would be horrified, she’s fiercely independent and has been known to still occasionally run up escalators at tube stations. Moderate activity is fine for her. It’s just hilly areas and a whole day of walking that might be too much for her.

Will look into the suggested FB group.

I need to look into the excursions and plan those, v exciting :)

@Justlurking8 Based on your description your Mum will be fine walking on the ship.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · Yesterday 19:58

@Justlurking8 Mum could wear black trousers and a satin top, or maybe a lace top? You truly don’t need sequins, gold lame or cocktail dresses. Just not casual. Some will go over the top, but many don’t.

MustTryHarderAndHarder · Yesterday 20:12

Justlurking8 · Yesterday 12:27

@MustTryHarderAndHarder the Arvia ship

@Kirschcherries is a wheelchair necessary? My mum would be horrified, she’s fiercely independent and has been known to still occasionally run up escalators at tube stations. Moderate activity is fine for her. It’s just hilly areas and a whole day of walking that might be too much for her.

Will look into the suggested FB group.

I need to look into the excursions and plan those, v exciting :)

Ariva is by far the best ship and my favourite. It is their newest ship.

MustTryHarderAndHarder · Yesterday 20:21

Justlurking8 · Yesterday 13:58

@BG2015 I’d like to do the formal night as I NEVER get to dress up. But will see if my mum is up for that, she prefers casual wear.

Thanks for the FB tip!

The good thing about Arivia is that you can dress up and your mother doesn't have to and you can both have the formal/celebration night meals. BUT you have to make sure that you book the Olive Grove on Celebration night because you can have the formal night meal without dressing up.

If you like eating early like me, you can book the Olive Grove for 5.30pm or 6pm 3 weeks before you go (it use to be 2 weeks before, but last time we went they opened the booking 3 weeks before). If you don't want to eat early then you have to join a virtual queue on the day.

On the other ships, you can only eat the formal meal if you dress up and you can't book restaurants before you board.

Let me know if you have any other questions as I have been on Arvia many times.

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