Managing Caregiving
Without Losing Yourself
November 30 to December 7, 2024
Round trip from Ft. Lauderdale, FL
You’re invited to a Caregiver Conference in the Caribbean with senior care planning concierge and founder of Care Right Inc., Annalee Kruger. This cruise is designed to empower and re-energize caregivers, provide a safe and supported travel environment for seniors, and guide individuals and families to an appropriate aging plan made through informed decisions. Between private sessions with Annalee and workshops with her exclusively for our group we will travel throughout the Caribbean to dreamy destinations like Cozumel, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.
WHERE WE’RE TAKING YOU:
Pre-Cruise:
Join us for an optional pre-cruise stay at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel! Guests arriving by plane will be met at the airport by an Elite Cruises staff member for escort to the group hotel. Get a chance to relax and meet the other travelers before the fun begins on our fully accessible, dementia-friendly Caribbean cruise and caregiver conferences!
Day 1:
We will depart our pre-cruise hotel as a group and meet any local travelers joining our group at the cruise port where the impressive Holland America Nieuw Statendam awaits! Once onboard the Elite staff will assist you in getting settled before you rejoin the group for dinner and a night on the town where we’ll take advantage of the many entertainment venues onboard.
Day 2:
Our adventures begin with a full day in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. This island is everyone’s favorite spot, with white sand beaches and stunning blue waters. Spend the day here feeding the fish, taking a glass bottom boat ride, relaxing in a cabana, and enjoying a beach BBQ! It’s the perfect spot to begin your vacation.
Day 3:
This day at sea marks the beginning of conferences and workshops with Annalee. Topics can include What is an Aging Plan and Why is it Important, Combatting the Isolation of Caregiving, Landscape of Senior Care and Why Advocacy is Critical, and Differences in Levels of Care. This day at sea will feature programs such as music and art therapy so caregivers can take advantage of the ship amenities in the afternoon, including the hydrotherapy spa pool or wine tastings.
Day 4:
Jamaica is always one of our most fun stops, especially because it’s home to the Appleton Estate rum distillery. Learning about the history of the island and how rum is made is fascinating but the true highlight is getting a tasting flight. Or for travelers looking for some adventure ask us about tubing excursions on the White River! There’s something for every traveler of every age here and we are happy to recommend excursions that will be fun for each member of your family. Upon request excursions can be accompanied by an Elite Cruises staff member for additional support or adult daycare programming can be arranged so caregivers can enjoy a shore excursion on their own.
Day 5:
The Cayman Islands have a thriving turtle population and hopefully today we’ll get a glimpse of one of these majestic animals on the beach or snorkeling, but you definitely will if you choose to make a stop at the Cayman Turtle Center. Or spend your day embracing your inner pirate and tasting some rum aged under the sea or indulging in the rum cake the island is known for. There’s something for everyone in Georgetown whether you’re getting in touch with nature or exploring the city sights so it’s a good thing we have a full morning and afternoon at this beautiful destination! Upon request excursions can be accompanied by an Elite Cruises staff member for additional support or adult daycare programming can be arranged so caregivers can enjoy a shore excursion on their own.
Day 6:
Cozumel is an enchanting island off the coast of Mexico but it feels like its own unique paradise. Here you and your family can snorkel, swim with dolphins, go on a submarine adventure, or spend a lazy day on the beach. But whatever you do don’t leave this tropical getaway with tasting some tequila! Upon request excursions can be accompanied by an Elite Cruises staff member for additional support or adult daycare programming can be arranged so caregivers can enjoy a shore excursion on their own.
Day 7:
CThis day at sea gives you another chance to take advantage of Annalee’s knowledge and resources. Conferences will take place during the day before we have a farewell dinner and one last night with all the new friends we’ve made on this trip. Overnight we will arrive back in Ft. Lauderdale for morning disembarkation but if you’re not ready for the fun to end ask us about a post-cruise hotel stay!
We offer the following on each Elite Supported Cruise so you and your loved ones can enjoy life to the fullest:
• Daily caregiver break time
• All-inclusive cruise featuring onboard dining, beverage package, and WiFi
• Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7, as well as trained support staff. Staff to client ratio is 1:4.
• Meet and greet at airport
• Transfers to/from cruise ship
• Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff
• Accompanied excursions as well as $100 excursion credit
• Group dinner seating plus 2 specialty dining experiences
• Events exclusively for our group
Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, etc.
VIEW PRICING AND ITINERARY
*Holland America cruise refund available with purchase of Platinum Insurance. Elite Cruises and Care Right fees are refundable if Allianz Travel Insurance has been purchased up to 10 days after cruise deposit date. Final payment date is August 20, 2024.
Managing Caregiving Without Losing Yourself
Onboard Conferences with Annalee Kruger
Annalee Kruger has helped families navigate aging, family caregiving, dementia progression, and care options for over 28 years. Via creation of an Aging Plan she has brought families together to better prepare for current and future care needs of loved ones so they are not blindsided by unexpected care costs, hard decisions, or stages of dementia progression and to ensure families are not operating in crisis mode or experiencing caregiver burnout.
In 2011 Annalee created Care Right Inc, a nationwide concierge consultancy dedicated to helping families plan for the future and navigate the challenges that come with aging. She also started the Care Crusade, a national campaign pushing to improve the quality of care for seniors and vulnerable adults.
This unique voyage brings together Elite Cruises supported travel services and the knowledge and resources of Care Right Inc for a vacation like no other. With a special focus on Managing Caregiving Without Losing Yourself, caregivers traveling with us can focus on relaxation, respite, and a higher quality of life once they disembark the ship. While onboard the Elite Cruises staff will take over caregiving duties for a couple hours each day so caregivers traveling can participate in workshops with Annalee featuring topics such as:
• Aging Plans and the importance of having one
• Understanding care options and costs
• Differences in care levels at a variety of facilities
• Combating the isolation and loneliness of caregiving
• Managing difficult behaviors and behavioral changes
• Incorporating technology for respite
• Self-care for caregivers and its importance
In addition to access to conferences and workshops with Annalee travelers will receive:
• One hour onboard private consultation with Annalee for a customized aging plan to meet your family’s unique needs, plus option for post-cruise consultations and support.
• Electronic Grab & Go for emergency preparedness plus printed copy to take home
• Copy of Annalee’s book The Invisible Patient: the Emotional, Financial, and Physical Toll on Family Caregivers
• Access to Care Right Family Caregiver Solutions Facebook Group
M.S. Nieuw Statendam offers vacation experiences for all ages!
Create lifelong memories with all generations of your family on this impressive vessel. Younger family members will enjoy dedicated activities and entertainment at Club HAL while adults unwind at Greenhouse Spa or keep things lively at B.B. King’s Blues Club. All generations can come together for some fun at the spacious Sea View Pool or at one of the many music venues on board.
VIEW PRICING AND ITINERARY
*Holland America cruise refund available with purchase of Platinum Insurance. Elite Cruises and Care Right fees are refundable if Allianz Travel Insurance has been purchased up to 10 days after cruise deposit date. Final payment date is August 20, 2024.
