The profile of today’s “senior” cruiser is very different from what it was just several years ago. Mature adults are living longer, healthier lives and are far more active. When they plan a cruise, they want to curate a memorable experience that includes immersive experiential travel, cultural enrichment, unique under-the-radar offerings, soft adventure and exceptional culinary options.
They want to explore exotic new destinations or old favorites that recapture the first time they fell in love with travel. And they want to stay connected with access to reliable Wi-Fi, computers and their smartphones.
When looking for cruise lines that appeal to mature travelers, we sought out lines that cater to adults, some with inclusive pricing, and several of our choices feature activities for seniors as well as families. Our favorites also offer longer itineraries with a focus on cultural immersion, and many can accommodate, with advance notice, limited mobility issues.
If you’re looking for the cruise line that checks all the boxes, see our list of the nine best cruises for seniors.
1. Viking River and Ocean Cruises
Viking’s river and ocean cruises target well-traveled adults 50 years of age and older who are interested in history, art, science, local culture and cuisine. All its ships are adults-only (18 years and up) and offer competitive inclusive pricing, covering all meals, beer and wine during lunch and dinner, port charges, internet access, lectures, activities and one shore excursion in every port.
Viking River Cruises‘ ships are a relaxed and intimate way to see the world with unique opportunities to experience local life. Go hunting for truffles in Provence or attend a ballet or opera from the world-renowned Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The line has many extended itineraries, several as long as 23 days, in destinations like Europe and Asia, with the ability to add pre- and post-cruise tours.
Viking Ocean Cruises‘ current fleet of five 930-passenger luxury ships also offers longer itineraries, including a monthslong world cruise. Optional excursions afford privileged access to places and experiences not offered by other cruise lines, like a visit to a small family farm outside the Norwegian town of Bergen. Also, Viking’s Resident Historian Program, comprising esteemed historians, provides essential historical and cultural highlights to the journey.
Onboard, passengers can delight in a Scandinavian thermal experience with a trip to the snow grotto, take in a lecture or TED Talk, and learn new techniques and recipes with a cooking class at The Kitchen Table. They can also watch a 3D film in the Explorers’ Dome, a high-tech planetarium-like theater on Viking Orion.
Viking excels at offering dishes inspired by the ship’s cruise region at the World Cafe and the Restaurant. Specialty restaurants focus on international cuisine, such as Italian at Manfredi’s and Norwegian at Mamsen’s in the Explorers’ Lounge. Or try one of the rotating menus at the Chef’s Table, including Mexican and pan-Asian.
When it’s time to relax, the sleek Scandinavian design and interior of Viking ships provide bright, comfortable and inviting public spaces perfect for reading a book or playing a board game. Viking does not have casinos, and much of the onboard entertainment focuses on cultural enrichment.Related: Saga Cruises vs Viking Ocean
2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises‘ four all-suite ships travel to more than 450 destinations around the globe and boast the world’s most inclusive luxury cruise experience. Most passengers are upward of 55 years, although you will see an occasional family traveling with younger children.
The all-inclusive price includes airfare, accommodations, all meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, gratuities and most shore excursions. Regent Choice Shore Excursions are optional for a discounted fee. These are behind-the-scenes tours of…
This article was sourced from CruiseCritic.com