As people grow older and think about retiring, many are interested in going on a fancy cruise. They enjoy the idea of sailing to new places or relaxing on calm waters. They aim to create lasting memories in beautiful settings.
Choosing the right cruise is crucial for older adults seeking a fulfilling and unforgettable experience. There are many cruise choices for seniors, like river cruises with beautiful views or ocean cruises with cultural experiences.
Let’s explore some of the best cruises for seniors that provide peace, fun, and more.
Windstar Cruise Line
Windstar Cruise line offers the best cruises for seniors. They have small ships with fewer guests, making it easier to get on and off the ship and providing personalized service. The ships offer the best cruises for senior citizens because they have accessible areas and elevators for easy navigation. The atmosphere on Windstar Cruises is relaxed and quiet, which many seniors prefer.
Windstar Cruises also have medical facilities and staff on board for any health issues. They accommodate guests with mobility challenges by providing accessible staterooms and public areas, and assistance for special needs. Windstar Cruises offer good value for money, with amenities like beverages, entertainment, and some shore excursions included in the fare.
Passenger Capacity Range
Windstar operates a fleet of six small, yacht-like ships, with passenger capacities ranging from 150 to 350 guests.
Suite Facilities for Seniors
Windstar offers a variety of suite categories that cater to the needs of senior travelers, including:
- Classic Suites: These spacious suites range from 400 to 530 sq ft and feature amenities like separate living areas, private verandas, and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers.
- Owner’s Suites: The largest suites range from 530 to 575 sq ft on board, offering separate living and dining areas, private verandas, and enhanced amenities like complimentary in-suite dining and priority embarkation and disembarkation.
- Accessible Suites: Windstar has a limited number of suites designed with accessibility features, such as wider doorways, roll-in showers, and other modifications to accommodate guests with mobility challenges.
Onboard Activities for Seniors
Windstar provides a range of onboard activities and amenities suitable for senior travelers, including:
- Enrichment Programs: Lectures, workshops, and demonstrations on topics like history, culture, and wellness.
- Culinary Experiences: Cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and regionally inspired cuisine.
- Fitness and Wellness: Yoga and stretching classes, fitness center, and spa services.
- Water Sports: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water-based activities (subject to ship and destination).
- Entertainment: Live music, movies under the stars, and other evening entertainment.
- Social Spaces: Lounges and outdoor areas for relaxation and socializing.
Itineraries
Windstar offers a diverse range of itineraries, including:
- Mediterranean Cruises
- Caribbean and Central America Cruises
- Tahiti and South Pacific Cruises
- Alaska and West Coast Cruises
- Northern Europe and Scandinavia Cruises
Holland America Line
The Holland America Line offers the best cruises for seniors because the ships have a calm and classy feel that many seniors like. The rooms on their ships are made with older travelers in mind, with features like bigger bathrooms and safety bars in the showers. The staff on these ships are friendly and helpful, anticipating and providing personalized assistance for seniors.
Holland America ships have medical facilities with trained doctors and nurses to help seniors who might need medical assistance during the trip. They also offer shore excursions that are accessible for seniors with mobility issues, with options for special needs.
Holland America gives seniors discounts and perks, like lower prices, freebies, and special events just for older guests. Their loyalty program rewards frequent cruisers with extra benefits, which is great for seniors who like to cruise often with the same company.
Passenger Capacity Range
Holland America Line’s ships vary in size, with passenger capacities ranging from around 1400 to 2,600 guests. This range allows seniors to choose the ship size that best suits their preferences, with smaller ships providing a more intimate experience and larger ships offering a wider range of amenities and activities.
Suite Facilities for Seniors
Holland America Line offers several suite categories that are well-suited for senior travelers, including:
- Signature Suites: These spacious suites feature amenities like a private veranda, whirlpool bath on pool deck, and access to exclusive amenities like the Signature Suite Lounge and priority embarkation and disembarkation.
- Neptune Suites: These suites provide access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge, concierge services, priority dining, and other privileges. Many Neptune Suites also offer accessible features like roll-in showers and wider doorways.
- Accessible Suites: Holland America Line has suites designed for guests with mobility challenges, featuring wider doorways, roll-in showers, and other accessible amenities.
Onboard Activities for Seniors
Holland America Line offers a variety of onboard activities tailored to the interests and needs of senior travelers, including:
- Enrichment Programs: Lectures, workshops, and demonstrations on topics like history, culture, and wellness.
- Culinary Arts Center: Cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes led by renowned chefs.
- Digital Workshop: Classes and workshops on topics like photo editing, social media, and computer skills.
- Fitness and Wellness: Low-impact exercise classes, walking tracks, and spa services.
- Entertainment: Live music lounges, trivia, and bingo.
- Social Clubs: Bridge, knitting, and other social clubs for seniors to connect with like-minded travelers.
Itineraries
Holland America Line offers a diverse range of itineraries, including:
- Alaska and Yukon
- California and Pacific Coast
- Canada and New England
- Caribbean
- Hawaii
- South America & Antarctica
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Ocean is the best cruise line for seniors. The ships are small with fewer guests, offering a luxurious and enriching cruising experience. Viking Cruises are known for their exceptional service, with a high crew-to-guest ratio. The staff is trained to anticipate the needs of seniors and provide personalized assistance when necessary.
Viking Cruises offers both leisurely and more active shore excursions for seniors who prefer moderate physical activity like hiking, biking, or walking tours. The fares for Viking Cruises include many amenities like shore excursions, Wi-Fi, beer and wine with meals, and alternative dining options. This means seniors don’t have to worry about extra costs during their trip.
Passenger Capacity Range
Viking operates a fleet of modern ocean ships and river ships. The ocean ships typically accommodate between 928 and 930 guests, while the river ships have a capacity ranging from 190 to 198 guests.
Suite Facilities for Seniors
Viking offers a variety of suite categories that cater to the needs of senior travelers, including:
- Explorer Suites: These spacious suites range from 757 to 1,163 sq ft feature separate sleeping and living areas and a private veranda. Explorer suite amenities include priority boarding and disembarking, cleaning twice a day in their suite, and free laundry and shoeshine services.
- Penthouse Veranda Suites: These suites provide ample living space, a private veranda 338 sq ft, and additional amenities like priority reservations and a welcome bottle of wine.
- Owners’ Suites: The largest suites on board (1,448 sq ft) offering separate living and dining areas, a private veranda, and enhanced amenities like complimentary laundry service, a private wine cellar and Free Wi-Fi is available, but the speed of the connection may change.
Onboard Activities for Seniors
Viking offers a range of enriching activities and amenities designed to appeal to senior travelers, including:
- Enrichment Programs: Lectures, workshops, and demonstrations on topics like history, culture, and art, often led by experts in their respective fields.
- Culinary Experiences: Cooking classes, wine tastings, and regionally inspired cuisine in multiple dining venues.
- Fitness and Wellness: Yoga and exercise classes, walking tracks, and a spa offering various treatments and services like Sauna and Snow Grotto
- Entertainment: Live music performances, theater productions, and movies in the onboard theater and most famous cultural performing arts of the area.
- Social Spaces: Lounges, libraries, and outdoor areas for relaxation and socializing.
Itineraries
Viking offers a diverse range of itineraries, appealing to senior travelers with varied interests, including:
- Alaska
- Antarctica
- Europe
- Russia
- Egypt
- The Caribbean
- Australia & New Zealand
- North and South America
- China and Southeast Asia
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruise Line offers the best cruise for seniors and is known for its great food, cozy atmosphere, and top-notch service. These ships have a calm and elegant atmosphere, appealing to seniors looking for a sophisticated and comfortable cruise.
Oceania Cruises offers shore excursions designed for seniors, including options for those with mobility issues. These tours have comfortable transportation and accommodation for special needs. There are plenty of wellness facilities on board, like spas and fitness centers, to help seniors stay healthy and relaxed.
Oceania Cruises offers discounts and special amenities for seniors, such as lower fares and exclusive events for older guests, so seniors can relax without worrying about extra costs.
Passenger Capacity Range
Oceania Cruise line has six ships that include Marina, Riviera, Nautica, Regatta, Sirena, and Insignia. Marina and Riviera can carry 1,250 passengers each, while the other four ships can carry 684 passengers.
Suite Facilities for Seniors
Oceania cruise offers a range of suite accommodations, including Penthouse Suites, Oceania Suites, and Vista Suites. These suites feature amenities like 24-hour butler service, complimentary laundry service and free welcome bottle of champagne.
Onboard Activities for Seniors
- Enrichment programs: including lectures, cooking classes at Culinary Center, and wine tastings.
- Wellness programs: such as yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes tailored to different ability levels.
- Relaxing venues: libraries, card rooms, Aquamar Spa and Vitality center, and lounges for socializing.
- Entertainment options: Jazz nights at Martinis and Dancing at Horizons and many others.
Itineraries
Oceania Cruises offers a diverse range of itineraries, including voyages to destinations in
- Europe
- Alaska
- The Caribbean
- South America
- Asia, and more
Cunard Cruise Line
Cunard Cruise Line offers the best cruises for seniors. They have classic ships that are elegant and modern and offer special cruise experiences for older travelers who like tradition, elegance, and good service.
The crew on Cunard ships gives personalized help to seniors. Cunard ships are designed to be easy to get around for seniors with mobility challenges.
Cunard is known for its high-quality British food and formal dining rooms. Seniors who enjoy dancing can have fun at the elegant balls on Cunard ships. Cunard cruises include free dining, afternoon tea, and entertainment, so seniors don’t have to worry about extra costs.
Passenger Capacity Range
Cunard Cruise Line operates three ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. The Queen Mary 2 is the largest, carrying up to 2,691 passengers. Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are smaller, with capacities of 2,061 and 2,081 passengers, respectively.
Suite Facilities for Seniors
Cunard offers a range of suite accommodations, including Queens Grill Suites, Princess Grill Suites, and Britannia Club Balcony Staterooms. The suites feature amenities like priority embarkation and disembarkation, concierge service, access to exclusive lounges and restaurants, and dedicated butler service.
Onboard Activities for Seniors
- Enrichment programs: including lectures, workshops, and seminars on topics like history, literature, and art.
- Traditional Activities: Afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, and formal evenings with dress codes.
- Wellness Facilities: Spas, fitness centers, Aqua therapy center, and swimming pools on lido deck.
- Relaxing venues: Panorama Pool Club, Grills Terrace, Libraries, card rooms, and lounges for socializing and relaxation.
- Entertainment options: Live music and food, theater productions, and other entertainment options.
Itineraries
Cunard offers a diverse range of itineraries, including voyages to destinations in:
- Asia
- Europe
- Australia
- The Caribbean
- North America
- New Zealand
- Africa and Indian Ocean
Regent Seven Sea Cruises
Regent Seven is the best cruise line for older adults who are looking for a luxurious cruise. Everything is included in the fare, so seniors can enjoy fine dining, drinks, excursions, and internet without extra costs. The ships are smaller, giving more personal experience with excellent service.
The rooms are all suites, offering comfort and luxury. The cruise line is accessible for seniors with mobility challenges.
Passenger Capacity Range
Regent Seven Cruises operates a fleet of six ships, with capacities ranging from 490 to 750 guests. The smaller ships provide an intimate and personalized experience, with a high crew-to-guest ratio.
Suite Facilities for Seniors
Regent Seven Cruises ships suites include Deluxe Veranda Suites to the lavish Master Suites. Suites feature amenities like spacious living areas, private balconies, marble bathrooms, and walk-in closets. Suite amenities include 24-hour room service, personalized butler service, and luxurious bedding and amenities. The Regent Suite is a very luxurious and spacious living space (371 plus m2) with top-notch amenities like free dry cleaning, phone time, exclusive party invites, and more.
Onboard Activities for Seniors
Enrichment programs: including Captain’s Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet and other cultural activities.
Wellness facilities: Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Serene Spa & Wellness, fitness classes and many others.
Culinary experiences: including Culinary Arts Kitchen Classes, wine and cheese tastings, and many others.
Relaxing venues: Libraries, LA Veranda, and Meridian Lounge for relaxation and socializing.
Entertainment options: Live entertainment, including Nine-piece Regent Signature orchestra, Live pianist performances, and various shows.
Itineraries
Regent Seven Cruises offers a diverse range of itineraries, including voyages to destinations in
- Asia
- Europe
- Alaska
- Australia
- South America
- The Caribbean
- The Mediterranean
- Offers special trips to faraway places like Antarctica and the Arctic.
FAQs – Best Cruises for Seniors
Which Cruise Lines Offers Best Cruises for Seniors Over 70?
When choosing the best cruise lines for seniors there are several options. Seniors over 70 can enjoy Viking Ocean Cruises for small ships and immersive destinations. Holland America Line offers traditional cruising with enrichment programs. Celebrity Cruises provides upscale amenities and accessible staterooms. Princess Cruises is affordable with diverse itineraries and activities.
Which Cruise Lines Offers Best Cruises for Seniors Over 60?
Cruises for seniors over 55 and 60 have several best cruise line options to choose from. Cunard Line provides a classic cruising experience with elegant ships and enrichment programs. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has flexible dining options, diverse entertainment, and modern ships. Oceania Cruises offers upscale cruises with destination-focused itineraries and fine dining.