The best cruises for older travellers: How to pick the right one for you
Right now is a really great time to book a cruise holiday, as airlines continue to face challenges from rising fuel costs and conflict.
And one of the best things about a cruise is the variety on offer. Families can opt for ships with onboard waterparks, young couples can lean into adults-only lines, and singles can seek out cruise companies that cater to solo travellers.
But what is the best cruise for seniors?
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Now is a great time to embrace cruising. Getty
Well, it depends on what you want.
Are you hitting the high seas with your grandkids in tow, or are you celebrating retirement with your spouse? Maybe this is the first time you're travelling solo, or you're looking for a short journey for your first cruise.
Here are some tips for narrowing down your best options.
Consider your 'goal'
The atmosphere on a ship varies wildly by cruise line. Are you looking for a quiet retreat where you can soak up some leisure time, or are you after a social trip and the chance to make new friends?
Cruise lines like Princess or Celebrity are a great choice for those who want a "big ship" feel with plenty of activities and entertainment. They're good if you've got family in tow - but you still appreciate sophisticated dining and quiet adult-only retreats.
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On some cruises, all the beauty can be seen without leaving the ship. Supplied
Do you want excursions?
Not all itineraries are created equal. Some require a high degree of mobility, while others prioritise "scenic cruising" from the comfort of your balcony.
And some don't even stop in port, but instead the cruise is about enjoying the facilities of the ship.
If you'd prefer to keep your adventuring to a minimum, a cruise to New Zealand through its fjords is ideal. This is often more about the stunning views from the ship, making it ideal for low-impact sightseeing.
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All-inclusive cruises could save you in the long run. Supplied
Evaluate your budget
This one's essential, whether you're a senior or not.
When researching, be sure to check whether your fare is 'all-inclusive' (covering gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions), otherwise you might be hit with a large bill at the end of the voyage.
Cruise firms like Regent Seven Seas or Silversea may appear to have a high upfront cost, but nearly everything (including flights and excursions) is often included.
Meanwhile, on lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival, there is a lower entry price, but you'll pay extra for specialty dining, beverages, and daily "service charges" (gratuities).
Royal Caribbean is a great choice for family trips. Supplied/Royal Caribbean
Determine any special needs
Senior travellers often value comfort and accessibility more than 20-somethings who cruise.
Maybe you expect to spend a few hours of downtime in your cabin each afternoon, so it's worth finding a ship with bigger staterooms or balconies.
If you use a mobility device, larger ships that have more accessible options for getting around could be a better choice.
Look for ships that offer "mid-ship" cabins on lower decks if you're prone to seasickness, as they experience the least amount of movement.
Solo cruising is becoming more and more popular. Getty
Who are you travelling with?
Going it alone? Solo travel is booming among Aussie seniors, but "single supplements" (paying for two people when you're one) can be a budget-killer.
Look for a cruise line that offers single cabins at a reduced rate or solo traveller meet-up events that'll ensure you're not lonely.
Meanwhile, if you're bringing the family along, go for a larger ship that has something to offer everyone. Disney and Royal Caribbean are frequently named the top cruise lines for kids.
But if you want to AVOID kids altogether, both Viking and Virgin operate adults-only cruises.
Celebrity Cruises President, Laura Hodges Bethge, also recently told nine.com.au that they work hard to coordinate on-board activities to keep families in one place and couples in the other, giving everyone the best of both worlds.
There are short cruises you can do from Sydney all year round. Supplied
Figure out your perfect length
Here, your options really are endless.
Shorter cruises are great for travellers who don't want to be away from home for too long - maybe you have medical concerns, or you're not keen to fly halfway around the world to start your journey.
There are plenty of great, short cruises that leave from Sydney year-round.
Cruises around 10 days in length are another good option, as you can enjoy downtime on the ship and also make the most of port days and ship excursions, without having to cram your itinerary.
Or perhaps you're finally retired, or taking long service leave, and want to celebrate. Round-the-world cruises are a popular way for people to traverse the globe and see all their dream destinations without having to move around at all.
