When people envision a cruise line, they often picture a large ship with flocks of people. While this may seem fun to some, others, especially seniors, may prefer smaller ships with an intimate atmosphere. Small cruise lines, which typically accommodate under 2,000 passengers, provide a perfect setting for a leisure vacation. This allows seniors a better opportunity to connect with fellow passengers and enjoy a private experience while traveling at a significantly reduced cost.
Benefits of a small cruise for seniors
Seniors prefer small-ship cruise experiences for a myriad of reasons. One of the main attractions is that these small ships can dock in smaller ports, which are often inaccessible to large cruise liners. As a result, passengers on these cruises have a chance to visit smaller cities and quaint towns, which may not have been possible otherwise.
The smaller passenger capacity on such cruises also means lower chances of encountering crowds and long waiting times, letting seniors make the most of their time onboard. They also have a better passenger-to-crew ratio, which can be an added advantage for those looking for a more tailored experience.
Lastly, small cruises have access to fewer amenities, reducing their staff and maintenance costs. While this may be a deal breaker for some, it plays a massive role in bringing down the overall cost of the trip, allowing seniors to experience the wonders of the world economically.
What to expect on a small cruise ship?
Every cruise ship is not built in the same way. Certain small cruises offer amenities such as a variety of restaurants, a well-maintained gym, a spa, beauty salons, staterooms, and theaters, among others. Before booking a holiday, seniors must carefully check what the ship has to offer in terms of amenities and itineraries since these can vary significantly from one ship to another.
Best small ship cruises for seniors
Seniors must choose from two main types of cruise vacations—river cruises and ocean cruises.
River cruises
These types of cruises have been gaining a lot of popularity among seniors, with new destinations added each year. Generally meant to accommodate up to 200 people, these cruises offer stunning shore excursions. Keeping seniors’ mobility needs in mind, there are varying levels of walking intensities, along with arrangements for mobility assistance devices. While some elderly people enjoy the thrill of exploring a new area, others may choose to take advantage of the onboard amenities, such as lounges, pools, spas, and more.
- American Cruise Lines: Seniors interested in sailing on rivers within the country are sure to enjoy cruise vacations hosted by American Cruise Lines. To ensure proper accessibility, the company ensures that every floor is accessible by elevators. They also have massive public spaces, along with large staterooms with interior entrances, to ensure a well-balanced mix of privacy and interaction.
- Viking Cruises: This well-renowned cruise company caters to older adults. Also nicknamed the “thinking person’s cruise,” these ships run several excursions and programs focused on history and culture. The ships also host musical events, lectures, cooking demonstrations, and a whole lot more to keep passengers entertained throughout their journey.
- Avalon Waterways: Seniors who are new to cruise traveling and looking to explore may enjoy Avalon’s four-to-five-day cruises. These sail around the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America and offer tons of special interest journeys with experts and authors. Passengers can also try out off-boat activities like picnics, kayaking, painting, etc., during their trip.
Ocean cruises
These cruises are generally much bigger. Mid-size ocean cruises can comfortably accommodate up to 2,000 passengers, while smaller ships have a capacity of up to 1,200 people. Thanks to their sizes, these ships also offer more amenities in the form of onboard activities, dining options, and pools, among others. This option is ideal for older adults who intend to remain onboard throughout their journey.
- Holland America Line: This cruise line stands out as a top choice for seniors looking to embark on a cruise adventure. Its staterooms are carefully designed with mobility in mind, featuring convenient amenities such as roll-in showers, grab bars, and lift systems. The cruise sails through a diverse range of destinations, including South America, Antarctica, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Alaska.
- Silversea: For a more luxurious sailing experience, seniors can consider Silversea’s small ships. These cruises have 50 to 304 suites onboard, which come with a dedicated butler to help with basic tasks (packing and unpacking included). The cost of gourmet meals, beverages, gratuities, and activities is covered in the initial booking price, making it easier for seniors on the go.
- Princess Cruises: Popular as one of the most sought-after cruise ships for seniors, Princess Cruises offers a variety of options, including multiple departure cities, one-way or round-trip cruises, and tours with land extensions. These destinations and excursions have been curated with senior mobility in mind so they can make the most of their vacation.
- Cunard Line: This cruise line offers mature travelers over 50 a luxurious British cruising experience. With four ships that focus on sophistication and culture, passengers can enjoy a variety of activities onboard. From afternoon teas to gala evenings and formal events, there are ample opportunities for seniors to engage and immerse themselves throughout their voyage.
