7 Best Cruise Lines for Seniors

Cruises are the best option for those looking to enjoy scenic travels. Those who want to get away from the bustle of city life can book a cruise trip and experience a serene and scenic escapade. Some cruise lines also offer seniors the chance to make the most of traveling after retirement. So, for those seeking a senior-friendly, convenient, and calm holiday experience, here are some top cruise lines offering perks for older adults:
Avalon Waterways
For seniors looking to travel across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America, Avalon Waterways offers river cruise packages for four to five days. As a result, these packages are just the right option for seniors who are apprehensive about spending too many days at sea. Occasionally, the cruise comes with niceties such as Storyteller Stories: an onboard event involving famous authors. Avalon Waterways is known for its ships taking on fewer passengers and offering larger suites, making travel much more relaxing for the elderly. What’s more? Travelers can also enjoy off-boat activities like painting and kayaking if they want to make the most of their cruise holiday.
Viking Cruises
Arguably the most renowned cruise line, Viking Cruises provides its passengers with a range of entertainment options, from river sailings to ocean tours and expeditions. Older adults who are into art, history, science, cuisine, and local culture will truly enjoy the host of onboard activities offered by Viking. Unlike other cruises, Viking Cruises offers travelers an adult-only voyage experience, making it ideal for seniors to spend some time relaxing on the trip. In addition to inclusive pricing, internet access, meals, and fun activities onboard, the company offers travelers an opportunity to do things on their bucket lists. For instance, one can pay a little extra to include onboard cooking classes in their travel package. Apart from that, there are several other culturally enriching activities, such as educational and historic lectures related to Viking’s various ocean itineraries. Further, Viking has one of the best spa thermal suites to offer complete relaxation to cruisers. All these features make the cruise line a top pick for seniors.
Silversea Cruises
One of the best senior-friendly cruise lines, Silversea offers ultra-luxury ships under both expedition and ocean categories. Once onboard, travelers will be treated to upscale and personalized services. For instance, a dedicated butler is assigned to handle the luggage unpacking, meal reservations, onboard refreshments, and entertainment for every passenger. Additionally, to make the cruise experience comfortable and convenient for seniors, Silversea offers individually curated tours and makes arrangements between ports so that passengers can meet the ship at the next destination. The cuisine on this cruise is particularly impressive. One can get special meals such as the French fare at Le Dame by Relais & Chateaux. Additionally, they can try Indochine and Seishin, serving Asian-inspired cuisine. If travelers wish to have delectable Italian cuisine, they can choose La Terrazza for a unique Italian culinary experience.
What’s more? Silversea staff takes good, professional care of seniors with mobility issues. So, one can ask for wheelchairs and scooters onboard without hassles. Additionally, the cruise line has a low single supplement—an additional charge for solo travelers to occupy a room meant for two passengers alone. This makes the cruise trip ideal for widows, widowers, and other solo travelers.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar offers small motorized yachts and sailing ships that accommodate about 150 to 350 passengers. The low passenger count makes for a pleasant traveling experience perfect for seniors. Many Windstar travelers tend to be senior couples, solo travelers, or a couple of friends looking for a rich traveling experience with stunning destinations, less noise, and a smaller crowd. The premium features of this cruise line mean that its voyages tend to be child-free. Some of Windstar’s key cruise offerings are an outdoor deck party with a delicious buffet spread. Additionally, there is a conga line for late-night parties. What’s more? The meals on the cruise are prepared by world-class chefs affiliated with the James Beard Foundation, a reputed and premium culinary organization. Additionally, the ships here can travel to quiet harbors and out-of-the-way places that big ships cannot.
Azamara Cruises
Like Windstar, Azamara Cruises also provide a relaxing experience for senior travelers. The trips are reasonably priced, catering to seniors who do not wish to spend a lot of money to get an upscale cruise experience with world-class ambiance, amenities, and onboard customer services. There are many amenities for passengers to enjoy apart from the ambiance. Some of these include an onboard boutique, faux fireplaces, stacked and beautiful libraries (called The Drawing Room), hotel-like decor, and incredible evening programs for seniors to sit back and enjoy. Further, the company mentions on its website that it “discourages” travelers below the age of 18 from booking trips on Azamara cruises.
Royal Caribbean
Seniors looking for the best onboard cruise entertainment can consider Royal Caribbean for their next trip. The cruises here are known for providing uber-luxurious facilities and top-notch events like concerts and other entertainment amenities onboard. While booking a Royal Caribbean cruise might be expensive, senior travelers looking to splurge on a premium experience should consider the cruise line. It also offers a wide variety of foods, beauty and cosmetic services, and recreational events. Further, one can book wheelchair-accessible rooms onboard.
Celebrity Cruise Line
This cruise line is one of the oldest companies on the list. With 34 years of experience, Celebrity Cruise Line is arguably the most credible company to consider. Seniors can enjoy and savor the luxurious ambiance, world-class concierge and customer support services, irresistible cuisine options, and incredible entertainment on the cruise.
In addition to the abovementioned options, one can consider the Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises while shortlisting senior-friendly cruise lines.