Cruising is very popular amongst seniors, and for good reasons. It is relaxing and constant walking around is not required. The ship itself will take you to places and you can decide if you want to disembark for a day trip. Even onboard the ship, there are many food and entertainment to keep anyone busy. Judging by the millions of elderly opting to go on cruise on their vacation, the choice is clear.

Yet, because there are so many choices, it is often difficult to choose. When should you go? Which cruise line to choose? What if you are single? Accessibility? Or special dietary needs? This article will answer some of the common questions seniors ask about going on a cruise.

When to go?

Any time of the year is great for cruising. Depending on where you are going you may want to avoid hurricane season. Each particular basin has its own seasonal patterns. Although on a global scale, May is the calmest and September is most active. On the other hand, it is during hurricane season that you can find more special deals because cruisers are reluctant to go during this time for this very reason.

If you want to pay less, the off-peak season are definitely cheaper because there are fewer travellers. Off peak seasons are January (after the week of New Year's Day), the first half of February, May, September (after Labor Day), October, the first three weeks of November (before the week of Thanksgiving), and the first three weeks of December (before the week of Christmas).

Which cruise line?

Carnival would probably be the only line to stay away from. There are lots of parties, drinking, gambling, and whatnot. The crowd onboard Carnival ships are usually young. If you want a great cruise for seniors, look into something like:

1. Cunard
2. Holland America
3. Oceania
4. Celebrity
5. Crystal

They are all good. The higher end cruises are even better for seniors because fewer kids will be onboard and they deliver a more sophisticated atmosphere.

Cruise attract all ages of people and most cruise lines have a variety of age of people onboard. Another exception to that, besides Carnival, is Holland America. They tend to attract more elderly people. Being in a mixed demographic group or seniors majority group have their advantages and disadvantages. So the choice is yours.

Singles cruise?

Not all cruise line offer singles cabin. For a person to occupy a double room, expect to pay double in what they call singles supplement. Essentially, you will be paying for the price of two even if you are going on your own. The few cruise lines that offer singles cabin are:

1. Cunard Line
2. Costa Cruise Lines
3. Norwegian Cruise Line
4. Princess Cruises
5. Orient Lines

Cunard has the most singles cabin by far. However, if you are willing to share a double cabin with a stranger. Most lines can help you find a compatible mate for single traveller.

A few lines offer special programs to cater to single traveller. These ships have a male host usually ages 45 or more to dance or social with the ladies. They are simply someone to dance and social with on more formal events on the ship. The rest of the time, there are many other travellers or entertainment on the ship so it is easy to keep socialized.

Similarly, not all cruise lines offer a dance host. Cunard, Crystal, and Orient definitely do. Do ask your travel agent about dance host if you are interested.

Dietary Needs?

You can make special requests for dietary needs, but there is no guarantee that they can accommodate for minor personal preferences. Ships do offer diabetic diets, low fat, and other popular dietary choices. Also, there are many places to eat on the ship. The main dining rooms will have 3 or more choices for dinner each night and you can pretty much always get steak or chicken every night even if it is not on the menu. Also there is at least one large buffet area which offer many different types of food. If you have any unique dietary needs, do call and ask your travel agent before you book your trip.

Accessibility?

All cruise lines have special cabins to accommodate wheelchair users. Also, all of the main facilites are accessible by law. As far as shore excursions, obviously it depends on the excursion. Most will be wheel chair accessable but there will be a few that you won't be able to do. The Cruise Lines International Association Guide helps wheelchair travelers find and choose cruise companies to meet their onboard requirements.

You Are Their Favorite Customer?

The truth is, cruise lines love senior citizens because you know how to relax, appreciate, and often is a returning customer. This might not seem like much, but consider the typical family going on a cruise. The dad can't leave work behind and continue to hold angry business calls on the phone in public places. The mother wants a break from the kids and is grudging all day to insist everyone have a good time. The kids, on the other hand, often misbehave, cause trouble, or just out of control. Seems like a typical TV family right? Well, interviews with cruise staff reveal that the truth is not far from it. Not only do the younger generation require more staff time, the problematic ones also degrade other passengers' experience too!

Cruise lines prefer senior customers and offer many discounts specifically for you to get your valued business. Do remember this and always ask if the line offers any senior discount, service, and anything extra to enhance your experience.

On the other hand, if you already love cruising and is returning often, why not consider moving in?

Photo by Maddie Digital