Active Aging
As you enjoy your retirement years, adding travel and adventure to the mix is a wonderful way to stay physically and mentally active.
Cruises for older adults are a popular choice since the ease of travel is unbeatable. Most cruises are all-inclusive, making it easy to step on board and let go of logistical challenges.
While there are thousands of cruises to choose from, here are some of the best options for active seniors who can’t wait to explore the world.
Viking Cruises
Stepping aboard a Viking Cruise is like entering a floating museum, off to explore different cultures. Viking Cruises specializes in adventures for adults 50+ who are interested in local culture, art, history, and science.
- Destinations: Ranging from Alaska to the Mediterranean
- Onboard activities: Every voyage is different, but there are always abundant onboard classes and activities. Examples include cooking classes, history lectures, and entertainment that focuses on the cultural aspects of your destination.
- Shore excursions: Activities focus on local culture, art, and attractions that make each destination unique. Geared towards adults 50+.
- Fitness offerings: Ships offer spas, a complete fitness center, several pools, and yoga and Zumba classes geared towards older adults.
- What makes it special: Viking Cruises navigate many rivers and waterways that other cruise lines don’t travel, making it easier to adventure into the best parts of Europe and beyond.
Holland America Cruises
Holland America Cruises offers carefully crafted adventures that introduce the rich world to anyone seeking connection and a sense of shared humanity.
- Destinations: Worldwide, including the Panama Canal, Australia, Africa, Norway, and the South Pacific.
- Onboard activities: Daily arts and crafts, creative writing, afternoon tea, onboard library and casino, music clubs, and other culturally-specific events.
- Shore excursions: Everything from sailing to museum tours, every port has excursions designed by the cruise staff.
- Fitness offerings: Ships have a fitness center, basketball court, pool, spa, spin classes, Tai Chi, and even Pilates.
- What makes it special: Holland America is one of the best options for anyone with mobility challenges. They have wheelchair-friendly staterooms and other supportive amenities available.
Silversea Cruises
If you’re looking for a luxury, personalized cruising experience that can take you all over the world, Silversea Cruises might be your best option.
- Destinations: Pole to pole, with new destinations added every year. World cruises that visit multiple regions are a particular specialty.
- Onboard activities: Library, movie nights, guest lectures, and special SALT (Sea and Land Taste) culinary adventures.
- Shore excursions: Personalized private tours and special access to cultural locations. Destination experts are available to help you plan your time on shore.
- Fitness offerings: Pool, steam room, fitness center, and personal trainers
- What makes it special: Every suite comes with an ocean view and a dedicated butler who handles everything from unpacking your luggage to making dinner reservations.
American Cruise Line Cruises
Rather than venturing around the globe to experience art and culture, why not stay closer to home and learn more about U.S. history during a luxurious cruise? American Cruise Line uses American-made ships and offers smaller, intimate experiences that focus on our shared heritage.
- Destinations: Rivers and shorelines around the United States
- Onboard activities: Lectures, classes, music, and events related to the cruise destination with onboard historians and experts.
- Shore excursions: Small group adventures that range from active excursions like kayaking to private museum tours.
- Fitness offerings: Exercise area on every ship.
- What makes it special: Destinations close to the United States can make it easier to take the leap for your first cruise. A smaller ship (up to 200 people) also makes navigating the space much easier.
Road Scholar Cruises
Road Scholar Cruises specializes in educational journeys for adults 50+.
- Destinations: Worldwide, with specific emphasis on culturally relevant destinations
- Onboard activities: Lectures and events designed by experts to support learning about the destination; other ship-specific activities are always available, too.
- Shore excursions: Designed with learning in mind. Road Scholar is a non-profit organization, so the experiences are focused on your immersive adventure.
- Fitness offerings: Fitness centers and classes on most ships. You can also choose your cruise based on the desired level of indoor/outdoor activity, making it easy to have a more easy-going or challenging experience.
- What makes it special: Instead of being a specific cruise line, Road Scholar Cruises works with a variety of lines in every region to create the best offerings for each theme and destination.
As you’re planning your cruise, don’t forget to use resources like AARP to find travel deals and helpful information for the best trips in these golden years. With so many wonderful choices, it’s easy to find the perfect cruise for the new year.
