We recently bought a time-share which came with rewards we can use toward half-price vacations - cruises included. My husband and his step-mother have been talking lately how we want to go on an Alaskan cruise and so does she, but how his father doesn't. We were talking about it the other night, and with our package, we could pay for them to go and it really would only cost as much as we had originally budgeted for it (that is before we got the half-price deals). So we're seriously thinking about taking them on an Alaskan cruise in 2010 for their 25 anniversary and our 5th anniversary! We'd like it to be a surprise, but we've got to tell them so they can plan for it too. It sounds like it's a long way off, but I'm sure it'll be here before we know it!
[question posted by reinydawn]
responses and comments:
An Alaskan cruise sounds amazing - I could certainly why you would want to do it for a special occasion - I do think though that it would be wise to tell them as I always plan really far ahead for holidays and I go away this year to Florida and I have had that booked since 2007!! lol [frankiecesca]
We'll have to tell them, although it would be nice to surprise them with it. It would be horrible if we planned it then found out they had planned something else! [reinydawn]
That sounds like a lot of fun, but i dont think i could stand my inlaws for that long lol. My FIL is fine, but MIL drives both me and my husband a little crazy. . [Sissygrl]
We are very fortunate in that respect. My husbands father and step-mother are great. We always have fun with them. Granted, the longest we've gone with them is on day-trips. But with a cruise you don't always spend every minute together. I'm so excited already. [reinydawn]
I did some research on Alaska a while back and found out it really has a lot to offer especially for sight seers. Some very interesting places to see and learn about. Time will pass by so quickly, it will be here before you know and yes I think it is a good idea you tell them about it so they can make plans well in advance of the trip. Nice idea! [fairydew]
Time will really fly and by letting them know in advance they can enjoy the anticipation as well. [GardenGerty]
That is a wonderful gesture on your part. I am sure your in-laws will really enjoy the cruise and will bless you for it. I have been married for 28 years and have been planning to go on a holiday, but have not been able to get out. With one daughter married last year and the other one finishing her studies in a year's time, i was planning on going on a cruise in 2012. Three years to go but still i am looking forward to it. it will be our 31st anniversary. [mercuryman3a]
That's cool! It's great to know in advance so you can start saving up for it. We put a little bit of money away out of each paycheck for our vacations. I'm sure you'll have a great time on your cruise too! [reinydawn]
He may like the cruise idea better when he learns he does not have to pay for it. It sounds like a very memorable way to celebrate anniversaries. [GardenGerty]
For some reason he doesn't really like to "get away"... I'm sure he'll make time for this though if he's not paying, you got that one right I'm sure! Of course there's always the possibility that they wont LET us pay for it either... We'll talk with them more about it when the 2010 schedules come out. [reinydawn]
Hi reiny! Now that sounds like something really nice to do! I would love to see Alaska too! It is supposed to be a magnificent place! From what I have seen of it from pictures it does look like it would be a very scenic place to visit! I think that does sound like a very nice plan and you are right that starting to plan now is a good idea. I personally can't make plans for a day ahead, but that's just the way I am! I think you all would really enjoy it! I still have never gone on any kind of a cruise and wonder if I ever will. [Opal26]
Oh, you should definitely try to get on a cruise. They're lots of fun! I've only been on one and we had a blast!!! I love killer whales and am really looking forward to hopefully seeing them on the cruise. That would be awesome for me! [reinydawn]
Do you think his father does not want to go because of health issues or money issues? You might bring up the cruise and if he says he does not want to go find out way before telling him you guys will pay for it. [teapotmommommerced]
Not me I like one item not one item from each place. [teapotmommommerced]
We did a cruise to Alaska 6 years ago. The best way to describe it was awesome. One of the excursions we did was a private tour recommended by others from a cruise message board I post to. We took a helicopter that landed on top of a glacier. Itwas so totally awe inspiring. The ice is really blue is parts, I thought it might be scary, but it was not. There are so many things to do and see. We took a train ride up into the area they used to pan for gold. We also did a ghost tour in another port. You can also go whale watching or bear watching, visit a rain forest. We went in June, very long days. but a little cool. Bring layers for clothes, if you go into Glacier bay, it will be cool. We were on Royal Caribbean, our favorite cruiseline. We are not young, we were both in our Mid fifties when we went. Make sure you budget money for tipping. [Barbietre]
I have heard remarkable things about the Alaskan cruises and I am so excited! My in-laws are in their 70's but still pretty active, we're mid-40's so that's hopefully not going to be a big deal. We've been putting money away for this for a while so we should be ok on the finances! [reinydawn]
I think that is really nice ,what a great surprise for them .I cannot wait to hear how it all goes.Next year will soon come round. Alaska what a beautiful place plenty of warm clothing needed there.I would love to go on a cruise one day and see some of the world,floating around on a massive hotel,they have lots of things to do on those cruises shows, disco,swimming pool,sauna.All that food and drink,My parents went on a nile cruise once and they had a brilliant time,they all dressed up one night as romans and had a great night,they said the cabin was just right and had ensuite ,all the meals cooked,no washing up,and maid cleaned the room a couple of times a week,they used to go for deck walks and watch the sun go down.They went ashore and saw the sights luxor and the pyramids what a wonderful thing to see.I am so glad the time share has worked out so well for you. [suzzy3]
We've been on one cruise so far and we absolutely LOVED it! I can't wait for this one! [reinydawn]