David Goldstein deleted answer April 20, 2018
As mature travelers, seniors tend to value different things from families, college students, and young couples. Seniors typically looked for lines that feature top-notch service, quality onboard activities and enrichment programs for adults, programs for older single travelers, exciting itineraries, and discount opportunities.
Every senior is still unique and has a different opinion about the type of cruise they would like to take. As you think about what you would like to do on your next cruise consider what you are most looking forward to. Is it relaxation in the spa, excellent enrichment programs, or spectacular dining? To help you have a better idea of what cruise lines might best suit your needs and desires here is a list of several of our favorites and their features:
Crystal Cruises: Crystal Cruises are known for their great enrichment program. If you appreciate sophistication you will love the atmosphere of these ships. There is a range of lounges including coffee/wine bar, cigar bar, piano bar, disco, nightclub, show lounge, cinema and casino. The gourmet cuisine also includes low fat and low carb selections. Enrichment programs include courses from language lessons to keyboard lessons and do not cost anything extra. For any single women or women travelling with non-dancing partners, there are social hosts that will twirl you around on the dance floor. Crystal Serenity is known for having the best and largest spa facility. If you are not comfortable with dressing up and mingling in sophisticated surroundings then this cruise line is not for you.
Celebrity Cruises: The Millennium class of ships is best in this cruise line. This is one of the best cruise lines that offers excellent value for the cost. There is top notch cuisine along with light options for those watching their diet. In Millennium class ships offer the use of a thalassotherapy pool for free. Enrichment programs on this line have had a series of celebrity lecturers in the past such as Rita Moreno, Ernest Borgnine and broadcaster Sander Vanoucur. There is a music library onboard and multi-million dollar art collections. If you prefer a smaller ship or adventure travel you may want a different cruise line.
Holland America Line: The best ships for seniors in this line are Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Statendam class. Holland America also offers excellent value for your dollars. If you enjoy traditions such as announcements of dinnertime with chimes and fresh flowers throughout ship you will love this ship. This line features one of most expansive restaurants at sea. Your voyage also includes a complimentary canvas bag, free popcorn at movies, after dinner coffee and hand dipped chocolate. If you are looking for a cruise with vibrant night life you might want another line as many of the passengers choose to retire early.
Royal Caribbean International: The Voyager class of this line offers the best ships for seniors. Royal Caribbean is one of the best lines for active seniors who want an array of options. It offers activity filled days with everything from bingo to basketball tournaments. There is also a variety of nighttime entertainment including dancing, musical revues and ice skating shows. You can be entertained in the five story theater, practice your swing in the golf simulator or putting on miniature golf course. There are many senior focused fitness programs. If you are more adventurous you might want to try your hand at the rock climbing wall, in-line skate at the onboard rink, or shoot some hopes on the basketball court. These vessels are huge, so if you are not up for a considerable amount of walking then you should choose another line.
Princess Cruises: The best ships in these fleet are the Grand class, Diamond Princess, and Sapphire Princess. This line is also great for active seniors who want a variety of choices for day time and nighttime activities. The food is delicious and the entertainment is great. You can dine wherever and whenever you like, but also there is also the option of traditional seating. Enrichment programs include pottery, culinary arts, computer lectures, photography, and much more. This line features ‘Movies Under the Stars’ on a big, Times-Square style poolside movie screen. This line is also not recommended for people looking for a smaller ship.
Cunard Line: All the ships in this line are great. Cunard is known as the best cruise line for ocean crossings. It is a British style line which makes it great for passengers who like a certain amount of formality. Onboard you will find a planetarium that presents excellent shows. There are plenty of enrichment opportunities such as language classes, art lessons, and enrichment lectures organized by University of Oxford in England. You will be sure to enjoy the civilized British customs such as afternoon tea with live music. Dancing hosts will escort any ladies on the dance floor that do not have a partner. Cunard ships are big vessels that may appear impersonal to solo travelers, so if you plan to travel alone you may want a different line.
Carnival Cruise Lines: The Conquest class is best in this fleet for seniors. These ships are best for seniors on a budget. They offer activities that are excellent for active, fun loving seniors. Carnival even offers a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your experience and gives an AARP discount. You can find a variety of activities such as bingo, golf lessons, trivia contest, sing-along sessions, and dance lessons. There are Vegas-style revues and a great spa area. You can bring grandchildren and Camp Carnival is available to let you have some adult time as well. If you do not like constant party ambience or big ships you might want another line.
Disney Cruise Line: All ships in this fleet are good for seniors. This is the best line for three-generational reunions and traveling with grandkids. There are adult only areas including an evening entertainment district with clubs and adult only restaurants if you need some time away from the grandkids. A plus of this line is that cabin bathrooms are divided so that two people can use them at the same time in privacy. Disney is great option that offers amenities and facilities for all ages. Not to mention Mickey, Minnie, and other pals are onboard. There are no casinos on Disney ships but there is bingo. If you do not like Disney or children this is not a good cruise line for you.
Silversea Cruises: Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper ships are the best in this line. These cruises offer the best deluxe small ship cruise line for seniors. Seasoned and affluent seniors enjoy relaxing in the elegance of these ships. All the rooms on these ships are suites. There are excellent enrichment programs with distinguished lecturers. The interiors are refined, the service impeccable, and the cuisine gourmet. A shore side activity or event is included in many of the itineraries. If you like big ships you may feel confined on these smaller vessels. If you would rather not be immersed in sophisticated surroundings this line is not for you.
