Frequently Asked Questions

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A cruise companion is your personal travel support partner—there to make your cruise feel joyful, easy, and safe, without crossing into medical or caregiving roles.

I’m by your side as your onboard advocate, cruise logistics expert, and dignified support presence. I’m not a nurse, but I make cruising feel possible again.

• Seniors who want to cruise but feel overwhelmed by the logistics, mobility challenges, or fear of burdening family.
• Couples where one partner needs more help and the other wants to still feel like the spouse, not the caregiver.
• Seniors who want to travel without feeling rushed, overlooked, or unsafe.
• Family members looking for a trusted, non-medical companion to join their loved one on the cruise.

• Packing and unpacking support (always with your privacy and comfort in mind).
• Navigation of airports, cruise terminals, and the ship itself.
• Guidance for managing excursions, meals, and daily transitions with ease.
• Emotional support and companionship, including reassurance, advocacy, and social engagement.
• Coordination of special equipment, dietary needs, and mobility logistics—without providing personal care or medical supervision.

I offer three clear packages based on how much support you want—not just time blocks.

Option 1: Cruise Confidence Care

For seniors or couples who want a calm, reassuring presence during key moments of the cruise.

Includes:

• Pre-cruise planning session.
• Support with embarkation, excursions, meals, and travel transitions.
• Evening and independent times respected—you get privacy when you want it.

Option 2: Full Journey Companion

For those who want me by their side from suitcase to ship to safe return home.

Includes:

• Pre-trip logistics and planning.
• Full presence during travel days, on board, and during excursions.
• On-demand support for navigating the cruise day smoothly.

Option 3: Cruise Day-Only Support

You or your family handle the planning—I join you just for the cruise itself, offering dignified daily presence and logistics help while respecting your independence.

Every cruise is different.

Once we connect and I understand your comfort level, support needs, and cruise plans, I provide a clear, customized quote that includes:

1. My service fee (based on the level of support package you choose).
2. Travel expenses (such as my cruise fare, flights, hotel if needed).
   No surprises. No pressure. Just clarity.

Yes—I specialize in helping seniors travel with mobility or health considerations in non-medical, dignified ways.

I assist with:

• Navigating airports, cruise terminals, and the ship itself.
• Using elevators, ramps, and learning the ship layout.
• Supporting daily transitions—getting in/out of bed, chairs, or walking longer distances.
• Handling logistics for mobility devices (walkers, scooters, wheelchairs), oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, etc.
• Assisting with rentals through trusted suppliers like Special Needs at Sea—making sure equipment is booked, delivered, and ready for use.
• Providing reassurance and comfort during excursions, transitions, or unexpected moments.

Absolutely. I work with the cruise line to make sure your dietary needs are understood and respected—before, during, and off the ship.

You’ll never have to worry about finding safe meals or snacks again.

Yes—many clients prefer private, one-on-one companionship during their cruise.

I work with solo travelers, couples, or small groups (up to 3 clients).

Your comfort, safety, and privacy are always respected.

I can—but only if you want me to! I offer customizable packages that range from full-service planning to light-touch support. The cost depends on how much involvement you’d like from me before and during your cruise.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s possible:

• Full-Service Planning:

I take care of everything. This includes helping you choose the right cruise line and itinerary, booking the cruise, organizing flights and transportation, arranging shore excursions, coordinating travel insurance, managing paperwork, and making sure all your special needs (like mobility equipment or medical devices) are taken care of in advance. If you want a stress-free, start-to-finish experience—this is the package for you.

• Partial Planning Support:

Maybe you’ve already booked your cruise or chosen your destination—great! I can step in to handle just the parts you want help with: flights, pre-cruise hotels, excursions, packing checklists, or coordinating accessibility services. You’re in control, and I simply help make it all smoother.

• Cruise-Only Companion Services:

You plan the trip, and I join you just for the cruise itself. I’ll support you on board with mobility, meals, personal care, and companionship. This is perfect if you or a family member already love booking travel but need someone to assist during the actual journey.

Every package is tailored to your needs and priced accordingly. During our initial consultation, we’ll talk through your preferences, your level of independence, and how much or how little involvement you’d like from me. Once we’re clear on that, I’ll provide a transparent quote—no surprises.

Whether you want a cruise planner, a travel buddy, or a full-on guardian angel… I’ve got a package to match.

While I am not a medical provider and cannot provide emergency care, I am there to support you emotionally and logistically if anything unexpected arises.

I assist with contacting onboard medical teams, advocating for you with ship staff, and supporting your needs with care and discretion.

You will never feel alone—but I do not replace medical or emergency services.

For solo women travelers, yes—this can be arranged, with clear mutual agreements in place for comfort, privacy, and respect.

For male clients or mixed-gender groups, I require separate cabins.

We discuss all living arrangements transparently during the booking process.

Yes.

Many clients hire me for:

• Cruise-only support.
• Travel-day-only support.
• Shore excursion days.
• High-stress transitions (boarding, disembarking).

We customize the support to your comfort level, not a cookie-cutter package.

Absolutely.

Many clients book me as a support layer for the senior traveler while the rest of the family relaxes and enjoys the trip together.

I help reduce family stress and make sure everyone gets to enjoy the cruise on their own terms—while your loved one has dignified, non-medical support.

I am not a medical provider and cannot provide emergency care.

If an emergency happens, I assist with contacting onboard medical teams, communicating with staff, and advocating for you or your loved one.

My role is to support you emotionally and logistically—not to replace medical services.

No.

I do not provide any hands-on personal care, medical supervision, or physical handling of clients (bathing, dressing, toileting, or medication administration).

If you require personal care, I can assist you in arranging support services through the cruise line or reputable agencies.

Yes.

My services are designed exclusively for seniors and retirees—because that’s where my heart, passion, and experience lie.

I believe seniors deserve to cruise with dignity, independence, and freedom, without stress or overwhelm.

By focusing solely on seniors, I’m able to provide the kind of specialized, thoughtful support that makes these trips feel joyful, safe, and possible again.

This is not just what I do—it’s what I love.

Yes.

Carefree Cruising Companion Inc. is fully insured for non-medical, companionship-based cruise services.

I also work within a clear client agreement and service scope to protect both parties.

If you need to cancel after signing our client agreement, our cancellation and refund policy will apply—outlined clearly in the agreement you receive before booking.

Refunds are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case, good faith basis, depending on the timing, reason for cancellation, and any non-refundable costs already incurred (such as my travel bookings).

I encourage all clients to carry their own comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage.

Life is unpredictable—but I always aim to handle cancellations fairly, within the terms of our agreement.

I assist with gathering, organizing, and ensuring you travel with the correct documentation (medical notes, equipment approvals, ID copies, insurance paperwork).

I do not provide legal or insurance advice but can support you in preparing your documents before departure.

Yes.

I help plan, coordinate, and accompany you on excursions suited to your comfort, abilities, and preferences.

I help ensure you enjoy the ports safely, without worry about logistics or accessibility.

During the cruise, I am available during my standard support hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., as outlined in our client agreement.

If you wish to have additional evening or late-night presence or support beyond these hours, I offer an Evening Companion Add-On for extended availability until midnight, subject to an additional fee.

This ensures clear expectations, personal boundaries for both of us, and a dignified, comfortable experience throughout the cruise.

We will always discuss and confirm your comfort level, support needs, and any evening arrangements before your trip, and document them in your custom service agreement.

Ideally, as soon as you start dreaming of the cruise—6 to 12 months in advance is common.

This allows us to plan calmly, handle equipment logistics, and make sure you get the best cruise options.

I take a limited number of clients to ensure personalized care.

Absolutely.

I partner with travel agents to complement—not replace—their expertise.

If you already have a travel agent, they will continue handling the cruise booking, travel arrangements, and insurance.

I only provide non-medical companion services layered on top: travel day logistics, accessibility coordination, onboard support, emotional reassurance, and peace of mind.

Your travel agent keeps their commission and relationship.

Together, we ensure you have a seamless, dignified cruise without overlap.

Yes, I can support you through the whole planning journey—but always as your companion and logistics partner, not as a seller of travel.

I can:

• Help you pick the right cruise, itinerary, and dates.
• Guide you through the booking process directly with the cruise line or a trusted travel agent I can recommend.
• Coordinate logistics, travel day support, accessibility needs, and onboard companionship.

Important: I do not take commissions, and I never act as a travel agent.

I remain your dedicated companion and advocate, while bookings are made directly with the cruise line or a travel agent.

This ensures clarity, transparency, and no conflicts of interest.

My services are designed exclusively for cruise travel.

That’s where my expertise, experience, and insurance are focused—and where I can offer the safest, most specialized support for seniors.

I do not offer land-based or general travel companion services.

If you’re dreaming of a cruise, I’m here to help you make it feel possible, joyful, and stress-free.

For other types of trips, I’m happy to connect you with resources that may better fit your needs.