Elderhostel cruise fit the bill

I took the “Pearls of the Baltic Sea” trip with Elderhostel (Boston, MA; 877/426-8056, www.elderhostel.org), sailing on the Minerva II out of Dover, England, July 13, 2006, and returning there on the 30th. We were among 70 Elderhostel travelers on a Swan Hellenic (Commack, NY; 877/800-7926, www.swanhellenic.com) cruise, and the rest of the 600 passengers on board were middle-aged British.

No bingo, no napkin-folding classes and no gambling of any kind but superior lectures (!), a wonderful library, an excellent spa, an exercise gym and fine food. Public areas were linked by elevators. For me, it was a wonderful cruise.

The swimming pool was small, as the British did not use it. Many times I was the only one in one of the two hot tubs or the pool. Older British women say that they “do not even own a swimming dress anymore.”

In a single cabin with balcony, the total cost of this Elderhostel program was $9,117. There was no charge for shore trips offered with Elderhostel; it cost extra for the Swan Hellenic excursions. I did not go ashore in some of the ports, as in St. Petersburg where I had previously spent time and on some of the tours where the walking was impossible for me.

I travel alone, using a wheelchair at airports and managing well with a cane. I just cannot do museum tours, etc., any more. This was such a good cruise for me, and I would like to know about other small ships with similar accommodations.

Formerly a backpacker world traveler, I am a lifelong traveler and want to continue even with my rather limited mobility. I would like to hear about any particular cruises catering to travelers with my limitations. Write to ITN.

CAROLYN KEARNS YOUNG
Dayton, OH