One of the best parts of retirement for many adults is the freedom and flexibility that comes with it. For some, that means having time to travel to new places or return to their favorite destinations. If you haven’t been on a cruise before, they are a popular vacation option for people of all ages. The destinations and length of travel are endless. As are the benefits for older travelers.
Because many cruise lines recognize that many older adults have time and financial resources to travel, many have packages that cater to seniors. It’s an overall experience that can be enjoyable and economical.
Why Take a Cruise During Retirement?
At Sunrise, several of our residents have found enjoyment in cruises both domestically and abroad. From great food to a wide range of onboard entertainment and excursion opportunities, regular cruisers say the benefits of this type of vacation are numerous.
- Fewer logistics to coordinate: If you’ve ever planned a vacation that involved multiple destinations, you know what a hassle it can be. Arranging transportation from one spot to another, as well as coordinating hotels and dining venues can be time-consuming and stressful. When you opt for a cruise, you’ll only need to worry about getting to and from the ship’s port.
- No unpacking and repacking: While it may not seem like that big of an issue, packing and unpacking your suitcase can be a downside to vacations that include more than one stop. Dragging heavy luggage in and out of hotels and airports can be especially daunting. Because you’ll typically stay in the same cabin throughout your cruise, you won’t have to worry about shuffling suitcases.
- Onboard health services: No one wants to think the worst will happen during a getaway, but the reality is people get sick or can experience an emergency on vacations. Cruise lines usually have an onboard infirmary staffed by professionals. They can typically treat everything from bumps and cuts to colds and viruses. In case of a serious health crisis, they can arrange for a passenger to get off the ship and to hospital.
- Great food and entertainment: You’ve probably heard this one before even if you haven’t been on a cruise. There are a variety of menu choices at every meal. And the entertainment lineup is tough to beat. From top name musical acts to shopping, casinos, pools, and a spa, ships are known for their great activities. Then there are the shore excursions. Though most come with a separate fee, it’s a great way to see a variety of cities and countries on a single vacation.
Best Cruise Lines for Older Adults
Viking Cruises®: This is an adults-only company that targets travelers age 50 and up. They offer both river and ocean expeditions with all-inclusive pricing models. Onboard activities include cooking classes, historical speakers, and cultural programs. Their expedition ships allow passengers to board the covered slips indoors, unlike open-air vessels other cruise lines utilize.
Silversea®: This cruise line is one to consider if you’re looking for luxury. These all-suite, luxury ships come with a butler and concierge to allow travelers to enjoy a very personalized vacation. Services even include unpacking your luggage to keeping the bar in your suite stocked with your favorite beverages. Silversea offers 900 destinations across 7 continents.
Tauck River Cruises: This company’s river cruises cater to a bit of an upscale crowd with an emphasis on personalized services. And pricing is all-inclusive including gratuities. Tauck guides are known for their attention to detail and excellent customer service. Choices range from a trip down the Blue Danube to a cruise along the Dutch waterways.