Taking a cruise is a great way to see the world. It feels great to be on the ocean breathing in the fresh air, and you can stop at ports and go sightseeing, enjoying places you may otherwise not get to see.
One advantage of being over 55 is the extra time in your life that you have to travel. You can feasibly cruise all seven continents! In fact, some cruise companies will take you to the seven wonders of the world! Sit back, relax, and unwind as a beautiful boat takes you to exotic dream destinations.
Silversea Cruises
One of the best cruise lines for seniors, Silversea offers all-inclusive cruises so everything is put together in a convenient package deal. A smaller cruise line than some of its competitors, Silversea ships only have a few hundred cabins on their biggest models. This makes each cruise feel a little more intimate and cozier, and they’re geared for adults so there are fewer kids around.
Activities for seniors offer a variety of options for everyone to engage in, including dance classes, wine voyages, and cooking lessons. A number of fine dining choices makes it easy for seniors on a particular diet to find something they like to eat. Some destinations to consider include Australia, Canada, Antarctica, the Mediterranean, and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ghana.
Customized white glove service means that attendants will be glad to wait on you and make your trip memorable while you relax in your gorgeous ocean view suite. Prices run the gamut from a few thousand to upwards of $20,000 per guest depending on what kind of trip you take.
However, it’s worth every penny to have the chance to visit all seven continents from Silversea’s small, luxurious ships; and, best of all, you don’t have to worry about your budget because everything is included, which takes some of the stress off of seniors just out to unwind with no worries.
Can’t decide where you want to go or you’re torn between two dream destinations? Silversea offers the chance to take a combination cruise, which packs two ports into one trip, such as a stop in Venice and Barcelona on the same boat. These and other options, such as holiday cruises and extended expeditions, along with a bounty of amenities, make Silversea a great way for seniors to enjoy the finer things in life and see the world at the same time.
Carnival
If money is a factor when planning your trip, Carnival is the way to go. This affordable cruise line allows you to embark on a beautiful vacation without spending your whole retirement fund. Carnival makes it easy to pick a cheap cruise from many destinations, including The Bahamas, Hawaii, Europe, or Alaska by filtering your selections on their senior cruise calendar.
Seniors receive special discounts and extra savings that can get you a lot for less. All of Carnival’s ships have been modified to make it easier for seniors with disabilities to get around the ship, and there are accessible tables, cabins, and elevators. If you don’t feel like going into the restaurant to eat, Carnival offers around-the-clock room service.
There are cruises that cost as low as $50 a night. You can also look for weekly and monthly specials that Carnival offers all year long. Carnival boats are large, and can hold thousands of passengers. There are lots of fun things to do, like stage shows, casinos, and contests. Food choices vary, from burgers and fries to luxurious, high-end dining choices for every palate.
Carnival offers fun options for you to cruise with your whole family or even with your grandkids since they offer a lot of family-oriented activities. With all of the discounts they offer guests, the company is proud to boast that over a million senior citizens each year pick their affordable cruises to their vacation destination.
This cruise line ensures that passengers with special needs are their top priority, and you’ll find accessible elevators, routes for easy accessibility, cabins that offer perks for guests with needs, and help for any guests who need assistance getting from place to place on the ship.
Seniors can enjoy partaking in the range of activities on board, or simply spending the day on the beach in Mexico or hanging out by the pool in a lounge chair.
Holland America
Holland America rolls out the red carpet for its senior guests and makes it a point to ensure seniors have a top-notch cruising experience. The expeditions aren’t packed with people, so there are fewer guests for a smaller feel so seniors don’t get overwhelmed.
This cruise line caters to seniors with a variety of tastes, and activities range from blues performances and bingo to formal galas and cocktails. Service is exquisite, and with destinations like Cuba to pick from, there is an exciting vacation ahead if you choose this cruise company.
Cabins are plush and deluxe, while wheelchair accessibility is a staple on these ships. On Holland America cruises, seniors can also rent a scooter, wheelchair, or other mobility device on board and leave theirs at home, making travel just a bit more convenient. Holland America goes the extra mile to cater to their senior guests, making these cruises convenient for travelers over 55.
Pick from places to port like Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, and South America. And, while you’re on the boat, go to seminars or classes, such as wine tastings, computer lessons, or culinary demonstrations, go to dinner when you desire with versatile mealtimes that fit your schedule, and take in a movie on board.
For art lovers, Holland America is proud to present a large collection of art displayed on their ships. You can also brush up on culture before you get off the boat that’s relevant to your destination, such as a drumming workshop on your way to the Caribbean.
This award-winning cruise line promises a wonderful vacation packed full of amenities, as long as you’re not on a budget. Though Holland America does not offer senior discounts, it promises affordable trips that pack as much value into the experience as possible along with premiere service and comfort for senior guests.
The company’s most popular senior cruises include the 10-day plus cruises as well as the Alaskan cruise packages.
Royal Caribbean
If you have ever wanted the classic cruise experience on a vast ship chock-full of things to do, Royal Caribbean is the perfect cruise line to choose. For seniors who like to stay active, a Royal Caribbean destination vacation is a great fit. Did you know that Royal Caribbean offers the biggest cruise ships in the world?
There is so much to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Your options are endless, ranging from swimming, exercising, and attending a Broadway show to shopping at the indoor mall, reading a book at the library, or playing cards in the ship’s card room. There is something for everyone, even if you just want to sink down into a comfortable chair and take in the 360-degree view of the sky blue sea.
This cruise experience is known for its interesting dining options; namely, there are five larger dining rooms and six small ones that match a variety of taste preferences including Italian or Asian meals; there’s something for everyone here. For the budget-conscious, Royal Caribbean does offer some discounts to senior citizens. This depends on which cruise vacation you choose.
Some of Royal Caribbean’s destinations include Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, the Bahamas, and England, among others. According to reviewers, the company doesn’t offer its specials as boldly as Carnival does, so you may have to get on the phone and book your trip with an agent or book through a travel agent. However, there are deals to be had, and prices vary according to the length of your cruise and your chosen destination.
A tip to travelers; Oasis and Serenade are known for being the most senior-friendly cruise ships from Royal Caribbean. These cruise ships are also accessible for seniors with special needs; you’ll find staterooms that are accessible. These ships are constantly renovated and updated with the most modern amenities. Whether you’re ready to see a show or dance or you just want to hang out onboard, you’ll never be bored on these ships.
Princess Cruise
A trip to Alaska could be just what the doctor ordered. Princess Cruises lets you see Alaska in all its beauty from their gorgeous ships. For seniors, Princess makes it easy to maneuver whether you’re in a wheelchair, a scooter, or just need a bit of help getting from place to place.
Each ship is accessible from top to bottom, including eateries, theaters, elevators, lounges, and doors. You won’t have to worry about your wheelchair, because you’ll find convenient wheelchair seating in all areas of a Princess ship. Princess also makes concessions for hard-of-hearing and vision-impaired guests.
Princess is known for catering to travelers 55 and over, and because of this, seniors will find a lot of activities they can engage in that are just right for their age group. Some of these include shuffleboard, bingo, wine tastings, cooking classes, and golf.
Unfortunately, Princess doesn’t offer a senior discount, however, they do offer specials throughout the year to destinations like Mexico, Hawaii, Asia, Japan, and New Zealand, so check their website to see what they’re booking. Some cruises offer built-in gratuities to make cruising a little more cost-efficient for seniors.
Princess Cruises serves up smiles with their handmade dining options that have garnered them awards like the Best Cruise for Food Lovers from “Food and Wine” magazine. Five-star chefs whip up made-from-scratch options to take your taste buds on an adventure.
Keep things quiet when you head to the adults-only Sanctuary on the top deck of a Princess cruise ship; no kids allowed. Peaceful and tranquil, Princess promises you’ll unwind at their onboard spa when you’re not taking in a Broadway-caliber musical. Between dream destinations, fine foods, and comfortable cabins, Princess has a lot to offer travelers over 55.
Choosing the Right Cruise – Senior Buying Guide
Cruises are an easy way to take a vacation that doesn’t require getting on and off an airplane or long road trips. They’re convenient because everything you need is on the boat, and when you stop, you’re getting off at a beautiful vacation destination. You can cruise for as many days as you want and stop at one or more destinations.
Cruise ships are also known for their numerous entertainment options, wide selection of foods, and comfortable cabins. Take in the fresh ocean air while relaxing in the sun, and you won’t have to worry about stopping to get a meal or airplane food because cruise ships offer fine-dining options created from scratch by world-famous, five-star chefs.
Whether you’re active or prefer a more laid-back vacation, cruises let you customize your experience by choosing from activities like golf and shuffleboard or games like bingo and casino options. There are shows, spas, lectures, tastings, and classes to fill up your cruising calendar.
Pick a cruise that’s all-inclusive so you don’t have to worry with your wallet, or stick with a budget-friendly cruise that lets you tailor the cost to your needs. One of the best things about going on a cruise when you’re over 55 are the discounts!
You may think that since you’re in a wheelchair or handicapped you can’t enjoy a large cruise ship, but that’s not the case. Most, if not all, cruise ships are accessible for handicapped persons and offer large enough elevators for wheelchairs, accessible ramps and routes, and even scooters you can rent so you don’t have to travel with your own.
Cruise alone, with friends, or with family, and finally see all of the places you’ve dreamed of from the stateroom of a luxurious ship packed with lots of premium options and amenities to make your vacation relaxing, enjoyable, entertaining, and affordable.
Options to Consider When Choosing a Cruise
If you’ve never taken a cruise, you may feel completely clueless. Shed some light on any cruise questions you may have so you can compare the various options when you’re shopping for the right cruise ship and package for you.
Choosing a Ship
The first thing you’ll have to do is pick a cruising company. This depends on what type of experience you want to have. If you want to go full-scale with a more traditional cruise experience that a large ship can give you, you’ll want to look at a company with bigger ships, such as Royal Caribbean or Carnival. This could also mean families and children will be present on the cruise, which is a good fit if you are taking your grandkids or cruising with extended family.
However, if you’re looking for a more intimate experience that’s tailored towards adults-only, look for small cruise ships that only carry a few hundred passengers, like Holland America. Many cruise ships like this may gear their vacations towards adults, and some are known for their senior guests, which could put you at ease among travelers in your age range with similar interests and tastes.
Selecting a Package Deal – Pricing
Not everyone is on a budget, but some travelers are. If cost is of the utmost priority, you’ll want to look for a vacation that offers senior discounts or markdowns on vacation prices throughout the year. You can talk to your travel agent to keep you abreast of deals, or sign up for email newsletters from cruise companies you like.
If you’re not booking with a senior discount, keep in mind that many specials book up sooner rather than later, so you may find yourself packing your bags for your cruise pretty quickly to get in on a good deal.
Which Cruise Should You Select?
When it comes to choosing the right cruise for you, keep some considerations in mind.
When you’re choosing a cruise, you can narrow down your options by deciding what interests you the most. Are you looking for the most exotic destinations? Then check out Silversea’s once-in-a-lifetime trips to Africa.
Do you live near Los Angeles or mind leaving from Los Angeles? Princess Cruises calls LA home and offers significant savings if you depart from this city. Interested in lots of new, updated activities and sparkling restaurants? Choose an innovative ship like Royal Caribbean that’s constantly updating their boats.
Do you have a medical problem that requires you check in with a doctor, or is your health relatively fragile? For seniors that have medical worries, a cruise ship with an around-the-clock medical staff and onboard hospital, such as a Holland American cruise, is ideal.
Hate having to take out your credit card constantly and don’t want to worry about your budget your entire trip? There are no worries when you pick an all-inclusive package from Silversea that you pay for ahead of time. You won’t have to worry about tips, drinks, activities, or anything because you already paid for it so you can just relax.
For a high-end experience with no money limitations, you may want the white glove service that comes with a cruise like Silversea or Holland America. For a more budget-friendly experience that’s family-oriented, Royal Caribbean or Carnival fits the bill, plus, Carnival offers senior discounts for likely the cheapest cruise you can find.
Looking to enrich yourself while you travel? Royal Caribbean offers numerous classes, a library, music, and culture. For art lovers, Holland America has onboard art galleries.
If you’re seeking a small, intimate vacation with other seniors on a small ship, Holland America and Silversea keeps things small, which works well if you become overwhelmed with too many people around.
Are you a foodie? Princess gets high marks from travelers for their world-famous meals and fine-dining options. They also offer a wide range of activities tailored for seniors, like shuffleboard.
For an extended, exciting vacation, consider a week-long expedition from Holland America to Ghana or another country. If you’re not in a hurry, combine destinations to maximize your trip and enjoy sightseeing.
Looking to take your grandkids on a vacation but don’t want them to be bored? Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer exciting activities for people of all ages, so you and your grandkids can all have a fun time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all cruise ships offer discounts?
No, they don’t. Some cruise companies, like Carnival, have a discounts page on their site. Other ships such as Royal Caribbean may offer discounts but they’re not advertised. Holland America does not offer discounts. Your best bet is to talk to a travel agent and let them help you book your cruise.
Are all cruises handicapped-accessible?
Most all of them are. Some are more accessible than others. For instance, you don’t have to bring your wheelchair or scooter with you on a Holland America cruise.
Other ships may offer wheelchair rentals as well, and most do offer accessible cabins or staterooms as well as elevators and dining rooms. Some cruises are even accessible for hearing and vision-impaired guests.
Can you take your pet on a cruise?
If you can’t bear the thought of your constant companion home alone while you cruise, not many ships let you bring a service or companion animal, though Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 does let you bring a dog or cat into your cabin with you.
Azmara Club Cruises also allow you to bring your animal. Be sure to let your travel agent know when you book your cruise that you’d like to bring a dog or cat with you.
Do you have to get off the boat?
No, you don’t. Most ships allow guests to get off and explore ports, but if you’d rather stay on board lounging by the pool, grabbing something to eat, shopping, or enjoying a game of shuffleboard, you can.
Can you get deals on cruises through AARP?
Yes, you can. Check online if you’re an AARP member and see what discounts are available to you. You can also get a discount if you are a veteran from many cruise companies.
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