Regrets. How does one get past something like this?

Mid, I have to disagree. It really depends on the cruise line.

Dh and I recently returned from a cruise on an NCL ship; we visited a lot of interesting historical sites, animal sanctuaries and landmarks. And because we are extremely lucky in out timing, there was no outbreak amongst our crew or guests.

There were actually a lot of older folks than us (we are 68) and some of them were pretty frail (wheelchairs, walkers, being helped by adult children).

As we get older, we find cruising to be a gentler way of travelling and seeing the world.

We could all write a chapter of the book “Things I would have done Differently” But we make the best decisions we can at the time. Your family chose a trip that I hope, given the medical conditions, will be healing and fun for them. And you did the best for you

So, sis and dad went and you stayed home? Or you and dad stayed?

In all honesty, unless you are a partier, cruises are pretty overhyped. DH and I took one a few years ago and we got off the ship after 6 days and swore we'd never step on another cruise ship ever.

Regrets leave us--you can't live the rest of your life regretting following drs smart opinion that a cruise ship is a pretty bad way to be traveling these days. We went during Norovirus and while we felt they did a good job keeping things 'clean'---we actually regretted GOING. Too many people, too tight of quarters--we felt like we were in a floating toilet.

I can't imagine that a cruise with a terminally ill woman and a sick old man could be much fun for anyone. Think on that for a while. Your regrets will fade over time.

Are you saying that dad and sis went?

This is a part of what everyone in our nation is now experiencing. We are in the third year of a pandemic that isn't going away yet. I am so sorry. It has had such severe repercussions for you. I think there is no question that it would be unwise for your Dad to go on this trip, or risky. He will have to make his own decisions. While Omicron is often not a problem for healthy individuals it is quite capable of killing someone who is older and has underlying problems. I think the decision not to go for your Dad is a wise one. Others will have to make their own decisions. It is very very sad. It is worthy of regrets. But all said and done there is little to be done about it but accept the realities of the situation.
It must be a very sad disappointment to all. I wish you the best.