My first solo cruise at 76 years old

Fred Olson line ‘Borealis, (Arrival day), for my first solo cruise at 76 years old.

The Borealis is a smaller ship than the Princess line, which I preferred as the staff got to know me over the days onboard, my on -suite cabin was quite large and very comfortable and not far to a lift which a bonus as it went down two decks straight to the entrance to the restaurant or up one deck for the lido deck and bars. After sailing, passengers had to find their emergency station, which was easy in my power chair, where I asked how I would get here in an emergency. I was told that I was already booked in for assistance, so don’t worry, everyone onboard has to find their own lifeboat station and tag in using their room key. If you don’t, the captain will be in contact.

Once onboard, we were directed to the lido deck where lunch and refreshments (wine for me) were beside the swimming pool, and we waited for the call to tell us that our cabins were ready.

Day two

After a lovely evening, I woke up eager to explore the ship. After showering and dressing, I got on my chair and, shock, horror, it wasn’t working. Then total panic set in, I suffer with ‘emotional lability' and couldn’t control my crying, what the hell am I going to do now? I kept on trying to turn the machine on, only to hear a loud beeping sound. At that moment, my cabin lady knocked on the door and asked if I was ok. I explained my situation, and she said she would contact an electrician who came quite quickly; however, he couldn’t do anything.

After he left the room, I started to read the manual and identified by the number of bleeps what was wrong; my joystick control box was broken. Again, panic set in, then the phone rang, it was the medical centre offering a manual wheel, but I had to see a doctor to hire a chair, which was too expensive.

I can walk but when on my feet I suffer with excruciating pain and have to sit down, once sitting it goes away instantly, I’ve had this problem for 14yrs and have had various treatments which didn’t work, any way by then I started to settle down and started thinking “how can I overcome this issue” then I remembered that I always carry my stick for such occasions and that’s how I got around the ship but I couldn’t explore like I wanted too nor could I get ashore.

It was during this cruise that I realised how disabled I am. I was determined to enjoy my cruise, and I did, with my little backpack and my stick. I spent my time with short walks and long sitting down, usually in a bar looking out of the windows, but always aware not to drink too much wine.

Enjoy the photos and happy cruising, everyone.