The cruise industry has long catered to seniors. As such, they offer cruises especially geared toward providing comfort, relaxation, as well as immersive experiences. Here are the 30 Best Cruise destinations for retirees.
Azamara Cruise Line
You have the choice to travel on any of the four Azamara ships that are perfectly sized to cross oceans, rivers, and waterways. Azamara offers cruises in South America, Central America, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld is a celebrated luxury river cruise line. You can explore destinations throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia, and Peru. On the luxurious ships you can experience enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and impeccable hospitality.
Crystal Cruise Lines
Crystal Cruise Lines will allow you to explore the northeast corner of North America, a place rich with history and culture. Visit exciting places like Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Boston.
Tauck Cruise Lines
Tauck is a family-owned travel company that wants you to explore 100 destinations that you have not seen before. You can take small shop cruises or river cruises.
American Cruise Lines
With a name like American Cruise Lines, you know that you will travel to the most amazing destinations across the United States. This cruise line offers an elevated cruise experience through personalized exploration and well-designed enrichment programs.
AmaWaterways
If you prefer river cruises to ocean cruises, then this is the cruise line for you. From Europe to Asia to Africa to South America, AmaWaterways ensures a variety of unforgettable and enriching experiences that connect you to the history and culture in every destination we visit.
Great American Steamboat Company
The American Queen is the largest paddlewheeler ever built, and in 2012 it was relaunched as The Great American Steamboat Company. This charming river cruise can take you to many different destinations in the American South.Â
National Geographic Expeditions
With National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions you will connect on a deeper level to the people, places and cultures you visit. You will visit some of the most unique locations on the planet that bigger ships can’t reach. Each ship is comfortable, well-appointed and purpose-built.
Collette
With Collette you will cruise through beautiful destinations. Imagine yourself on the Danube River in Austria, Yangtze River in China, or the Nile in Egypt.
CroisiEurope
CroisiEurope is the leading European river cruise company. With a fleet of 51 unique and modern ships, you can travel along the most romantic canals, rivers and seas of the world. Destinations include but are not limited to France, Spain, and Germany.
Grand Circle Cruise Line
Grand Circle works to lessen our impact on the environment . So as you travel along the rivers of Europe, you can rest easy knowing that the cruise line you have chosen cares deeply for the planet.
Audley Travel
Through Audley, you can travel by river, lake, or sea. You can visit the Red River Delta in Vietnam or Whitsundays Islands in Australia.
Great Value Vacations
If you’re looking for a cruise option that won’t break the bank, look no further than Great Value Vacations. You can travel to cities like Dublin, London, Athens, and Rome without hurting your wallet.
AdventureSmith
With a name like AdventureSmith, you know the trip will feel like you are on an epic adventure. Journey to magical places like Indonesia, Galapagos, Baja, or Costa Rica.
A-Rosa Cruises
When you book with A-Rosa, you could wake up in Budapest and Amsterdam. You will feel relaxed and safe on a A-Rosa Cruise.
Smithsonian Journeys
Casual meets high end with Smithsonian Journeys. Their ships feature stylish cabins, luxurious amenities, delicious cuisine, and staff known for their friendly and professional demeanor.
Backroads
Backroads may be a strange name for a cruise line, but don’t let the name fool you. Backroads offer trips on cruise ships that feel more like exclusive retreats. These adventures are unlike any other cruise.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the luxury small-ship the m/s Paul Gauguin, providing an exceptional cruise experience. Enjoy your trip as you explore exciting Polynesia.
Victoria Cruises
Victoria Cruises is known for their river cruising. This cruise line has a five star rating from the China Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This is the best way to explore China’s Yangtze River.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways takes the stress out of traveling and lets you relax. Wake up every day to a wide open agenda on one of their luxurious ships.
Aurora Expeditions
Relaxation and a personalized experience are guaranteed on this trip which sets a limit of a maximum of 132 passengers. Aurora Expeditions has a dedicated team of experts to take you on an adventure to the Arctic or Antarctica. Experiences include viewing whales, guided hikes through penguin colonies, birdwatching, kayaking among icebergs, and more.
Regent Seven Sea Cruises
If you’re seeking a stress-free experience in luxury, Regent Seven Sea Cruises delivers and prioritizes accessibility. Although you will see the occasional younger child traveling with grandparents, most passengers are 55 and up. Their packages include everything from airfare to shore excursions within the cost. Regent Seven Sea Cruises travels to over 450 destinations worldwide.
Silversea
If you love being waited on hand and foot, the elegant fleet of Silversea Cruises offers all-inclusive experiences. Pricing includes all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and wines, excursions, and gratuities. SilverSea travels to over 900 destinations across seven continents. Active seniors might consider SilverSea’s expedition cruises, which include adventures such as hiking, kayaking, and more.
Windstar Cruises
For senior travelers seeking an intimate experience, there’s Windstar Cruises. Their small, luxury cruise ships accommodate 148-342 guests. Their crew-to-guest ratio is 1-to-1.5, ensuring lots of personalized service. Plus, Windstar can access ports inaccessible to larger ships, allowing travelers to explore less frequented destinations. Windstar’s all-suite yacht ships feature restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible suites.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is considered one of the best cruise lines for seniors. They offer wheelchair accessibility on all ships, most destinations, and excursions. This allows seniors to fully participate in the remarkable experiences the cruise line offers. There are one-way, round-trip, and Cruisetours with extended land excursions. Princess Cruises features movies in onboard theaters, and world-class entertainment and musical performances.
Viking Cruises
Many take comfort in knowing that Viking Cruises only allows adult passengers aged 50 and up. The familial atmosphere of their cruises enhances the tranquil experience. Viking Cruises offers river, ocean, and expedition voyages. They also feature inclusive pricing that covers meals, activities, shore excursions, Internet access, beer and wine during lunch and dinner, and lectures.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages does things differently with its “no kids, no buffets” policy, making travel ideal for seniors. Virgin offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, training sessions, and group classes. Relax in the wellness spa. There is abundant entertainment, from nightclubs and live performances to casinos. Enjoy 20 eateries at no additional cost, with no set dinner time or main dining room.
Oceania
Oceania offers some of the finest dining at sea, something foodie travelers will appreciate. You’ll find a diverse range of culinary offerings, from upscale to wellness-inspired dishes. Newer ships cater to the needs of the mobility-impaired and offer wheelchair-accessible rooms. Relax in the spa. Oceania offers an extensive range of destinations, including Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Read More: 10 Cheap Summer Vacation Destinations for Families on a Budget
Cunard
Seniors will appreciate the luxurious, classy, and traditional travel offered by Cunard. Enjoy daily afternoon tea in the Queen’s Room, where white-gloved waiters serve scones and finger sandwiches. Both fine dining with indulgent menus and casual options are available. Stay entertained around the clock through live music and theater performances, onboard activities, films, and lectures. Enjoy a themed gala evening.
Read More: The Top 10 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in South America
Holland America Line
Holland America offers a premium experience tailored to seniors. Midsize ships carry roughly 2,000 passengers, while smaller vessels can reach ports inaccessible to larger ships. Holland America focuses on adult-oriented excursions like wine tastings and walks through ancient cities. Onboard, enjoy multiple music lounges, bingo, and more. There’s a diverse selection of dining options from around the world. Staterooms feature accessibility.
Read More: The 20 Most Surprisingly Affordable Cities to Retire To
