Better weather is on the way, the pandemic seems to be truly behind us, and cruising is booming!  No doubt, part of this sudden interest in taking to the high seas has been piqued by breathless stories about a new generation of massive cruise ships that dwarf the Titanic, include as many as 40 restaurants, feature multiple swimming pools, waterfalls, “central parks” complete with living flora, and can accommodate more than 5,000 happy cruisers in suites with oceanside balconies across their 20 decks!

After not uttering the word “cruise” for several years, suddenly the participants of my dementia care partner support groups are asking, “Should I take my loved one with dementia on a cruise?”  I could end this column right now by saying, “Don’t!” but I’m not going to do that.  The topic is so popular that it deserves serious discussion.

First, let’s step back from this giddy new popularity of cruising and talk about travel and dementia care in general.  Many of the unhappy moments in caring for a person with dementia are caused by overstimulation, too much lighting, too much noise, too much hubbub and hustle, and too many people.  This is practically the definition of the new-gen cruise ship.  They are, almost in a literal sense, Las Vegas on the water. 

Tips for Taking Someone with Dementia on a Cruise

Just be aware of this.  What seems like a lot of fun to most of us can be a horror to a person living with dementia.  And if it becomes a horror for them, it will be a horror for you. 

Here are some suggestions:

If it is within your budget, include others in your plan; hopefully, a couple who understands your situation and has experience with dementia care.  They can help you with the many tasks of managing your person and keeping them happy.

Wandering, which can be a problem in a normal environment, can become more dangerous and even life-threatening in a floating city of thousands of strangers.  Think about putting an electronic tracking device on your loved one.  The cruise line you have chosen may have them available.

Pay attention to the location of your suite.  Do you really want an ocean-side balcony suite 20 stories up?  Consider bringing along portable alarms for the out-going doors.  Bring along black mats to place in front of the doors.  People with dementia are unlikely to cross a black mat because they perceive it as a hole.

Not just the exciting ambiance, but also the scale of the larger ships can be challenging to your person with dementia.  Yes, I know you would like this exciting new experience as much as anyone but consider a cruise on a smaller ship that may make daily stops where your loved one may disembark for a few minutes in a more familiar environment.

Consider the extra stress of getting to and from your cruise ship.  Does it include a flight of several hours across the country?  Air travel and airports create their own challenges for a person with dementia.  Going and coming is an important – and possibly trouble-fraught – part of the experience.

We know you are looking for a break from your daily life with dementia, but have you considered a “dementia-friendly” cruise?  Yes, they exist.  Just google it.

I believe we all deserve the best, and this is why I say, “If your loved one has dementia, cruise with caution!”  Dementia care requires you to do your research, talk to others in your situation who have gone before you, consider the rigors of the whole trip from door to door, over-prepare for contingencies, lower your expectations, and follow the same rules of safety that you do in your home.

Happy cruising with dementia . . . if you must!

About Debbie Selsavage, CDP

Debbie Selsavage is a Certified Trainer and Consultant in the Positive Approach to Care and a Certified Dementia Practitioner.  She is a passionate provider of dementia education to individuals, groups and organizations of all sizes. Debbie authors this monthly column to assist caregivers in coping with Dementia. Her company, Coping with Dementia LLC is dedicated to making life better for individuals living with dementia.  Contact Debbie at deb@coping.today.