how to please two people

[Tamara]

I'm going on an Alaska cruise with my mother-in-law(we get along really well, so, no mother-in-law jokes allowed!) on Holland America in May. We're going round trip from Vancouver. We live in Vancouver. I really want to make this trip great for her, she was widowed a couple years back, so, here's the deal:

she's 70 years old (not that there's anything wrong with that) and I'm 45 (not that there's anything wrong with that, either)

she hates crowds and doesn't do well meeting new people. I love schmoozing and meeting new people

she hasn't travelled anywhere outside of the province; I've travelled all over the world

she's never been on a cruise; I went on a Carribean cruise 20 years ago and hated it (maybe it was the company - horrid ex-boyfriend?)

she loves routine, meals at a certain time; I hate routine and consider holidays a time to escape from that

she doesn't like anything too "foreign"; I love everything exotic

but:

we both like to get up early and must have coffee when our feet hit the floor

we both love quite time and reading (I just like to have my quite time interrupted by some wild time)

My question is, how can we both have the trip that we want?

[sailingrose]

You both can do your own thing without a problem. I've only sailed HAL once but we found it to be a restful trip. Since your MIL likes smaller groups I suggest you request a table of 6 or so. You'll get to meet new people and she won't be overwhelmed by a larger table.

My DH isn't an adventurer and enjoys quiet days looking at the sea. I like more nightlife, dancing, talking to others, etc. He's the rest daytime, casino nighttime kind of person. I'm constantly going somewhere.

In Alaska (which is one of my favorites, as well as Vancouver) I did all the activities I could and he remained behind for those that he chose to skip, like the helicopter to the glacier.

Cruising has been our vacation choice for years because we both get to do what we want. Land vacations don't work for us as hubby doesn't want to do anything that I want to or if he comes, he really doesn't enjoy himself because he's just a spectator.

[dreamer]

I say try Princess. They have personal choice dining so you can go to the dining room and request a table for two, or four or what ever. Their room service is great, the age mix is great, ( I think HAL might be a touch older and quieter) Princess is elegant( no silly pool games) plus I understand they have guest lectures on the ports that are actually informative( unlike the useless ones most cruiselines give in the Caribbean which are such sales pitches for their prefered stores) It will be quiet enough for your MIL and still have enough options for you( you are around my age) .Good shows etc.

That all said I guess I should say that although my mom( age 72) has never been on Princess, she has been on HAL and really liked them!

Good luck!

[hillorama]

Wow! I think you'll have a great time! Get a table for two at breakfast, with coffee as soon as your feet hit the ground. Everyone in Alaska speaks English, so nothing will be foreign. Maybe a little larger table at dinner. So you can meet a small variety of new people, nothing too overwhelming. Does she like to play bridge? She might be able to meet a group of card players that needs a fourth. Probably a few nice lectures and some time on board with a good book. She'll probably be more outgoing on a ship, as "the roof is the house" and you sort of run into a lot of people over and over, and feel like you know them. That's my hope for you. You will have a wonderful time!

Love, Elena :rolleyes:

[hazelson]

Tamara - nice to see someone else from Lotus Land on the boards - we are from Langley. Your MIL will probably surprise you - when she meets others her age she will no doubt have much in common with them - who knows - you know what they say - Love Boat and all. Whatever you do don't stress - it will all fall into place - she will likely be the belle of the ball - Have a great time - Jennifer