Smooth Sailing Horizons- Senior Cruisers Only

Royal Caribbean: 9-Night Eastern Caribbean

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Caribbean aboard the Grandeur of the Seas. This spectacular 9-night cruise departs from Miami and takes you to five stunning ports of call: Nassau, Labadee, San Juan, Basseterre, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Prepare to be captivated by pristine beaches, colorful marine life, and the rich history of the Bahamas. Continue your journey to the historic city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, where you can wander through the charming cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, and savor the delicious local cuisine.

Your final port of call, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, offers the perfect blend of Dutch and French influences. Vibrant shopping districts and exquisite beaches invite you to relax.

The Royal Caribbean cruise described here is one of many offered by Royal Caribbean that are perfect for senior travelers. There are other cruise lines as well, each with its own appeal and design that caters to all different age groups. But for senior adventurers, cruising can be your best way to travel.

Why Cruise?

Cruises offer advantages for travelers of all ages, but for seniors, conveniences like being able to visit many destinations without packing and unpacking, arranging flights, transfers, checking in and out of hotels, finding restaurants, and booking excursions are especially important. Also, for seniors with limited mobility, those cruise features just might mean the difference between taking a wonderful trip or staying home.

All Seniors Are Not the Same

Generalizing about individuals of any age, especially seniors, just doesn’t work. Physically, many are as active and capable as 25 year-olds, while others may have limitations that prevent long walks or managing heavy luggage. Some are curious and want to see every detail on an itinerary. Others are content to relax and watch the scenery go by. Many are entertained by learning new things or hearing from expert lecturers, while others enjoy nightlife and live shows. Limited budgets are not unusual among seniors with fixed incomes, while others can afford to choose more luxurious options.

Cruises for Every Need

There are cruises that meet every need. In fact, most large ships have so much to offer that couples or groups of friends cruising together can choose the activities they enjoy most. They then meet up for dinner or cocktails at the end of the day. Solo travelers have opportunities to meet others during meals, excursions, or onboard activities. Many cruise companies and ships pay particular attention to amenities that make travel easier and more appealing for seniors, especially those with special needs. Travelers as young as 50 may be eligible for special discounts on cruises. So it’s never too early to start planning a cruise for this next phase of your life.

Top 5 Cruise Destinations for Seniors

According to AARP, here are the top 5 cruise destinations that are perfectly suited for seniors.

1. Cruises to the Sun

For Seniors who are snowbirds, cruises to warm places are always a winner. The Caribbean remains the most popular of all sun destinations. On the Pacific side, cruises to the Mexican Riviera make for a great getaway. Take a cruise through the Panama Canal, or sail to the Hawaiian Islands.

2. European River Cruising

Imagine exploring some of Europe’s most iconic cities along the banks of scenic rivers, while enjoying regional cuisine, wines, and local hospitality. River ships dock in the heart of the cities and villages. This allows for easy sightseeing and exploration. Complimentary tours showcase the highlights of each town, with ample free time to wander and explore on your own. Each evening, return to your river vessel to enjoy a gourmet cooked-to-order meal and wake up to the next wonderful city. River cruises are convenient, comfortable, and much easier than any coach tour!

3. Cruises to Asia

Cruising is a great way to travel to Asia. Your floating resort transports you from country to country, without the need to travel through foreign airports or fuss with language issues. You visit exotic locales and cultures from China and Japan to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. You can go on a multi-week holiday, as most ships move throughout the region during the entire season.

4. Expedition Cruising

Expedition cruising appeals to adventurist seniors because these voyages are on small, intimate ships of less than 300 guests. They present a wealth of learning opportunity and discovery in otherwise unreachable lands. Whether it’s a journey to the Polar region, the deep Amazon, or the biodiverse Galapagos, expedition cruising brings you up close and personal with the sights. You see the flora, and fauna of remote regions. It’s a great combination of soft adventure and personal enrichment. The well-appointed vessels ensure your journey to the ends of the earth without sacrificing on comfort and amenities. You should be mobile but there are some companies and destinations designed to be accessible for seniors and people with limited mobility.

5. World Cruises

For those who have the time, a world cruise or extended voyage is a perfect way to cross off your must-see destinations on one trip. Typically 100+ days in length, world cruises depart every January and circumnavigate the globe, some hitting every continent. Extended voyages typically range from 30-60 days, visiting a specific region such as circumnavigation of South America or Australia, are also available.

I hope you find this guide useful and now you feel ready to choose your next cruise destination. Whether you’re traveling with your partner, family, friends or solo, there’s a cruise line out there that will cater to your travel needs.

Discover your next cruise today! Contact me to plan your cruise dream.

Happy travels!