This is my first opportunity to comment on the cruise organized by Patrick from which we returned a few weeks ago. It was such a great experience and without Joan's website we never would have known about it. Meeting Joan, Mary, Countrygirl and Miss B in person and exchanging real hugs was very comforting. The programs were well organized. the speakers gave terrific presentations (Yea for Joan!), the food was delicious, entertainment was good. Mary's post describes it quite well. Her daughter was so loving and attentive to her father.
The most lasting effect was the relationship established with the others. I have never felt so much love and support as with this group! The support group meetings were open and helpful and made me realize that I need to seek out such support at home. I'm working on it!
Since booking the trip my husband has deteriorated quite a bit. With the exception of one husband with similar background, he didn't interact much with others. Fortunately, Patrick was nice enough to keep the men active while we were busy with our meetings. A few amusing things happened. My husband, after dinner, often asked where we were parked and where his car keys were. After we came home he kept asking if we were having dinner on board this evening. Now, when asked about the cruise he seems to have no recall at all. Once he got lost even though I had told him and gave him written explicit directions as time & place we should meet. Eventually, we reconnected and he wasn't a bit upset about the incident.
I definitely recommend Patrick's Caregiver Cruise and look forward to going again
I just got off the phone with Patrick. He said they were not taking any more reservations for the Alaskan cruise, but were looking toward 4 shorter cruises next year. I will be on his email mailing list.
I suppose Joan knows that they are not taking any more reservations. Most cruises book close to a year out...that's not unusual. Patrick and I discussed the "unknown" about where we'd be 6-9 months away from the cruise date, and he reminded me that all deposits are refundable up to 90 days before the cruise and one can purchase 'cruise insurance' in case something happens at the last minute. That protects us from losing money.
This is the same policy that individual (personal) cruises offer. So, the risk factor should be nil. Patrick was very nice and informative. We have cruised in the past and it is, by far, the nicest vacation time I have ever spent. No hassles with luggage..or anything!