Traveling the world is on the bucket list of most individuals, including seniors over 60. Getting to do this while moving over the ocean on a cruise is even more exciting. Multiple cruise companies offer some of the best river cruises for seniors across various price points. So, there are worthwhile packages for all. These may include onboard and onshore activities, food and beverages, and all the fun one could have in their golden years.
Cost of river cruises
The price of a cruise may differ based on one’s destination, the season, cabin choice, and amenities. Other factors influencing the price may include one’s onboard excursions, a la carte dining experiences, and flights. So, one must check the cruise line’s website to get a specific price for a cruise. With that in mind, seniors could pick from some popular premium and affordable cruise options.
Luxury cruises
Seniors over 60 who are unfazed by higher ticket prices and desire all-out luxury on a river cruise could consider these options.
Windstar Cruises
Seniors who have aspired to go on a near-private yacht-style cruise experience should add Windstar Cruises to their list. Each yacht holds between 148 and 342 guests and offers a 1 to 1.5 crew-to-guest ratio. Windstar Cruises has access to ports that even mega-ships are not allowed to enter, allowing one to explore rarer destinations and smaller cities. On board, passengers could enjoy lessons in chart reading, listen to live music in the lounge, or relax in the pool. The ship sails across various countries, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Muscat. Other destinations include Asia, Canada, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
Azamara
An all-inclusive, senior-friendly brand, Azamara, includes a list of perks in its base fare. A one-time payment should also cover meals and beverages, and one could always upgrade to a better meal package. Other amenities include self-service laundry, cultural evenings, and onboard or onshore performances by locals. Azamara’s line of ships has staterooms designed to accommodate guests with mobility limitations. The company has custom shore excursion tours for guests with disabilities too. Seniors could also unwind with activities like darts, ping pong, arts and crafts, shuffleboard, trivia contests, and bingo. Dance and song performances should also be included in this package. Some destinations on Azamara include ports throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
Oceania Cruises
Travelers, including seniors over 60, may enjoy Oceania Cruises for its onboard culinary programs – deemed some of the finest at sea. Its line of ships sails to several locations, including Asia, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. There are also transoceanic voyages and 180-day world cruises. Highlights of this cruise include a specialty kitchen offering wellness-inspired meals for those focused on their upkeep. One could also enjoy five-course menus across other onboard restaurants.
Budget-friendly cruises
For seniors who wish to enjoy the open waters on a budget, there are more than a few options to explore.
Carnival Cruise Line
This cruise line is known for listing a suite of offers, including ticket sales for travelers who are 55 years or older. All one has to do is visit Carnival’s website and look for “Cruise Deals” to find the most relevant offers on cruise tickets. As for the itinerary, its fleet of cruises sails to a range of destinations, including Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, and Hawaii. While onboard, one can enjoy activities like table games, spa, and swimming pool. Live music shows, theater, comedy, and movie screenings could also be part of one’s package based on their cruise selection.
Royal Caribbean
With cruises to prominent destinations like Asia, the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, the Royal Caribbean does a lot to impress travelers, including seniors. Its cruises offer shore excursions, allowing seniors to explore places like Mount Etna in Sicily. Seniors interested in a little more adventurous activities could also try the Royal Caribbean’s snorkeling and scuba excursions. There’s also a ton of deals to explore on their website.
MSC Cruises
MSC’s destination selection leans towards places like the Mediterranean and Northern European locations like the Netherlands, the UK, and the Norwegian Fjords. It may also sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas. The cruise line offers plenty of options for seniors who like adventure as well as those looking to relax on the beach. During the cruise, one can enjoy various shows and day and night activities. Outdoor activities could include relaxing with a cool beverage by one of MSC Cruise ship’s many pools or having fun at the onboard Water Park for the adventurous soul. There’s also an art wall onboard one of its cruises that features paintings of a contemporary artist.
Tips to get affordable cruise prices
One could book a cruise early or at the last minute for potential savings. A cruise line usually offers the best prices and incentives to those who book months in advance or offers discounts closer to the sail date to fill unsold cabins.
Seniors could travel during off-peak seasons. In addition to lower prices, one could enjoy fewer crowds onboard and better service. One should note that the off-season may differ based on where one wants to travel. For instance, cruising in Alaska in April may differ from traveling to the Caribbean in October. So, one must do their research to find the off-season to book a cruise for a destination.
Joining a loyalty program could involve perks like cabin upgrades, onboard credit, exclusive events, and discounts on future bookings. And while a loyalty membership might cost an upfront fee, it usually pays off after just one cruise.
