Cruises are a vacation nearly everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or physical ability. Many cruise lines offer services and amenities specifically designed for seniors. Cruises have several advantages over other types of vacations. For example, you will have plenty of time to relax, and you can travel from one destination to another without repacking your bags. Here are some of the best cruise lines for seniors:
1. Viking Ocean Cruises
This is a relatively new line, but they have quickly gained a loyal following among older travelers. The Viking Longship, built in 2017, is a vast ship (91,800 tons) that can carry up to 930 passengers. Viking Longship is among the very most significant cruise ships in the world. The Viking Long ship offers 16 different itineraries, starting and ending in the Mediterranean. Viking focuses particularly on history and archaeology, so Viking Long ship offers a “Visions of Antiquity” program led by some of the world’s top experts in the field.
2. Silversea Cruises
This is a bit different from Viking Cruises in several ways. While Vikings strongly focus on history, the Silverseas are more general. Silversea’s reputation for catering to older travelers is well deserved, perhaps based on several factors. These Cruises have an extreme focus on service, with excellent food and cabin staff known for going above and beyond the call of duty to make passengers happy. Another thing that sets Silversea apart is the sheer size of their ships. They have a fleet of three enormous vessels, ranging from 99,000 tons to 132,000 tons.
3. Holland America Cruise Lines
In terms of size, Holland America is somewhere in the middle. Their largest ship is 75,000 tons. But Holland America is the oldest cruise line in the U.S. Having been around since 1915, when a small sailing “yacht” took passengers on weekend trips from New York City to the Caribbean. Holland America’s ships are more modestly sized, but they also have a great reputation for offering excellent service. Their ships are also famous for their “dining experience,” which is a fancy way of saying that passengers rave about their meals.
4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas has a massive reputation for luxury travel at the other end of the spectrum. They have just two ships, but they are huge. The largest, the Seven Seas Explorer, weighs in at 226,000 tons. The ship amenities on Regent ships are among the most impressive in the cruise ship industry.
5. Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean is the biggest cruise ship operator in the world, with an extensive and diverse fleet. They have large and small ships, but they are most famous for their mega-liners. The most famous is the Oasis of the Seas, which is 345,000 tons. Royal Caribbean has a reputation for offering a fun and active cruise experience, with lots of entertainment, loud music, and activities.
Cruising is an excellent option for seniors, especially those that want to relax but not sit idle the whole time. There are endless activities to do and see, and the cruise ship offers passengers a wide range of amenities. If you want a vacation where you can relax, be pampered, and see new places, then a cruise is the perfect option. Cruise ships have everything you could need, including delicious food and drink, comfortable rooms, and lots of entertainment.
