Seniors Cruise Tips: Too Many Cruisers Over 55 Fall For These 8 Cruising Traps

Seniors Cruise Tips: Too Many Cruisers Over 55 Fall For These 8 Cruising Traps

Cruising over the age of 55 brings unexpected watchouts that younger cruisers simply don’t need to think about. I know, because I’ve been there. I’m in my 60s, and since I turned 55, I’ve been on 100 cruises. And I’ll admit, some of the things I discovered the hard way – but these showed me where and how we should approach cruising differently to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Welcome aboard, I’m Gary Bembridge and I’ve got news about traps and opportunities you won’t hear if you’re listening to advice aimed at younger cruisers.

Let’s start with itineraries, because this is where I see many over-55s trip up.

Choosing Right Itinerary

One of the joys of being older is having more time or flexibility as not tied to school vacation and public holiday breaks.

More time means looking at longer voyages and world cruise segments as they have more over 55s on them, and explore less well-trodden parts of the world like South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

It also means avoiding the busy cruise regions of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Alaska which tend to have more 7-night itineraries well suited for younger more time limited travellers.

But if those three regions appeal, then I recommend you avoid cruising in peak school vacation seasons as not only is it cheaper, but it also means fewer crowds in ports and less full ships.

For example, I’ve found for us the Caribbean is best in November/ early December, or January/ February, the Mediterranean is best in June and October; and Alaska May / early June and late September.

Also, when cruising those regions, look for itineraries longer than 7-nights as they tend to have more 55 plus travellers on them and less families.

Repositioning cruises at the start and end of each region’s cruising season are another perfect option for us, and so you’ll find many fellow aged travellers on board. I am a big fan of these and always have these in my plans.

The most popular are Transatlantics between Europe and Caribbean, and Transpacifics between Alaska and Japan. But you can also find them moving between the Mediterranean and Asia, and from Australia to Alaska via the South Pacific and Hawaii.

They’re usually fantastic value, and because they include plenty of sea days (around 5 or 6), they’re more relaxing than port-intensive itineraries.

That leads me to another itinerary consideration as we age: stamina. As much as we don’t like to admit it, an itinerary with a port every single day could start to wear us down. So, look at those which do have more sea days.

Also, when looking at the detail of itineraries, look if there are tender ports and how many. They may be awkward and stressful getting on and off them if mobility starts to wane.

Something many over 55s have told me is that they now avoid itineraries at times of the year when extreme climates, especially heat, is a factor. Like the Mediterranean in July and August which can be sweltering and more draining for us.

There is another itinerary suggestion I have, which is consider river cruising especially in Europe, as they are more intimate smaller ships, with routes, excursions and sights designed with more mature travellers in mind.

Once you’re clear on the itinerary, there’s choosing the line to get right too.

Choosing Right Line

Most cruise lines today seem desperate to attract younger travellers and families, even though the West has an aging population so plenty, and ever-increasing numbers, of over 55s looking for great options.

Lines traditionally focused on our age group are chasing families. For example, Holland America run “Kids Travel free” or discounted rates and Princess new ships and programs are targeted more at the family market.

Other than when looking for cruises for a multi-generational family trip, most over 55s (me included) are looking for kid-free cruise options. Our choices are narrowing.

Adult-only lines are few and far between.

Viking and Virgin Voyages are the only two mainstream global 18+ only lines.

Though UK cruisers have the option of the Over-50s only Saga, and adult-only Ambassador Cruise Line, with P&O Cruises having two adult-only ships (Arcadia and Aurora) and Marella running one adult-only ship.

Carnival has been testing out some adult-only gambling focused cruises out of Florida, so one to watch.

The premium and luxury lines tend to be better suited to us as they have programs with more enrichment talks, wine tastings, cooking classes, live music, trivia and dance classes than resort-style attractions on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC Cruises. But you cannot assume they will be all adult as much as in the past.

Premium lines like Holland America, Princess, Cunard, and Celebrity are growing more popular with families, especially in Alaksa and the Mediterranean. But tend to have few outside of school holidays even with active Kids Clubs running.

If your budget is bigger, the luxury and ultra-luxury lines tend to attract even fewer families as most have no Kids Clubs or programs, so lines like Oceania, Windstar, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea and Regent.

But you need to be cautious in this category as the new Explora Journeys is actively targeting younger travellers with year-round Kids Clubs, while Crystal’s Kids clubs are only open seasonally at peak school vacation times.

Even choosing a line, which ship you choose within their fleet matters to us too.

Choosing Right Ship

As many lines expand, the type of ship they are introducing is changing. Making some ships in their fleets better for us than others. Generally speaking, the older ships being a better match.

For example, Celebrity. The new Edge class are very different ships with different venues, dining arrangements, and even cabin types to the older more classic Solstice and Millennium classes.

Cunard’s Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth ships are strikingly different to the newer Queen Anne.

The older Princess class ships with smaller ships, are different to not only the Royal Class like Sky and Majestic Princess, but even to the more mega-ship style Sphere class Sun and Star Princess.

Generally, I find the smaller ships in the fleets are easier to navigate, more classic and often a better match.

If you do though want to have a truly big ship and more resort-style cruising experience, then consider the “ship within a ship” options like Norwegian’s The Haven, MSC’s Yacht Club, Royal Caribbean Star Class, or Celebrity’s The Retreat in peak vacation times. As while not guaranteed adult-only, will usually offer a calmer space to step out of the bustling and boisterous big ship experience.

Now, let me talk about cabins – something where younger travellers are often keen to choose a lower cost “guaranteed” fare that just ensures a grade but not a specific cabin.

Choosing Right Cabin

Maybe it is just me, but I have found that as I get older, I have got fussier about my cabin and where it is located.

I want to ensure I am not going to be affected by noisy and late-night venues like nightclubs, live music venues, or theatres as I am less likely to be in them partying, but in my cabin trying to relax or sleep.

I don’t want pool deck chairs being scraped as people move them about when relaxing during the day or having a lie in.

I do spend more time enjoying and relaxing in my cabin than when younger.

That’s why I recommend you book a fare and chose your cabin, following my “be surrounded on all sides by other cabins” rule and check the deck plans to ensure not near potential issue venues.

But also, these days I find many over 55s also say that the following is important too.

When mobility becomes an issue, a cabin closer to elevators are better, and more mid-ships to reduce walking distance to dining rooms or theatres.

And, paying more attention to the bathroom set up becomes important, avoiding cabins with showers over bathtubs, in favour of those with walk in showers instead.

If accessibility and mobility is, or is becoming an issue, it is important to check the line rules. Most require a wheelchair or scooter to be stored in the cabin, and so it must be of a size to fit through the cabin door. Many also require users to book an accessible cabin, or at a minimum let them know and get approval if you use a wheelchair or scooter in advance.

Mobility equipment, oxygen, and other mobility equipment can be hired through specialist providers that partner with the lines and can be delivered directly to your cabin. Check with the line who their partners are.

Having got some of these cruise basics right, there are ways us over 55s can pay less than younger cruisers for the same cruise and cabin. Here’s how.

Getting The Right Price

But first, a watch out as you look for fares and deals.

Unfortunately scams targeting older travellers are on the rise especially on social media sites like Facebook. Also scammers are buying ads that look like legitimate cruise line ones that show up on Google search. They require phoning to get the deals, but they connect to a scammer. So be vigilant about where and who you book with.

I have suggested trusted cruise-expert travel agents in several countries in an article on my blog at TipsForTravellers.com/agents

There’s also a silver lining for us: senior discounts offered by several lines.

Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival offer discounts for travellers over 55, and MSC Cruises for over 65s on certain sailings.

In the USA, if you become an AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) member, they offer discounts and added perks not just on cruises but also on hotels, flights, and even excursions you may need for your cruise too.

Of course, Cruise Loyalty programmes could work too. Because many of us cruise more often, choosing one or two lines and sticking with them could unlock major perks over time.

And here’s another tip on fares: book your next cruise while you’re still onboard. The deals and bonuses are usually much better than anything you’ll find on land.

Another thing to consider, which can be attractive price wise, is consider going on a Group or Escorted cruise.

Many travel agents of all sizes will create cruise packages that may include hotels and transfers, but will have discounted fares and added on board perks. Many will have a host from the agency along to assist.

Even some independent agents offer them. For example, Walter Biscardi of Where’s Walter Travel, one of the agents I recommend in the USA, runs frequent hosted groups.

Next, I want to talk about getting the in-port experience right.

Choosing Right Port Excursions

First, port excursions are another area where being realistic about your limits pays off.

It’s tempting to book that “must-see” excursion without properly checking how demanding it is.

I’ve seen too many people caught out by long walking tours over uneven cobblestones, excursions that involve steep climbs in hot, humid weather, and on a recent cruise in French Polynesia where most of the people on an eBike excursion struggled as it involved steep hills and off-road terrain, and many had to withdraw part way through.

Always read the descriptions the cruise line has in the notes of the tour carefully, or ask the Shore Excursions Team if unsure.

The tour description small print will include fitness levels, distances, type of ground, number of stairs and so on. I have been on way too many excursions where people cannot cope.

One thing to consider is to sidestep cruise line excursions and find alternative small-group or private tours where you can go at your own pace, and the guide can easily adjust to the small group needs. They do not have to be costly as a site like ToursByLocals.com lists local guides often at very affordable rates.

Of course, also look at companies like Shore Excursions Group (if you use the code “TFT5” in your basket and you will get 5% off all tours), Venture Ashore, and Viator as they list options too.

And remember, you don’t have to do something in every port. Pacing yourself is better than overdoing it, and mixing up some tours with more casual self-exploring could make all the difference.

Packing also changes as we get older; there’s a few things to note

Packing Right

First, I recommend packing as light as possible, and consider using the laundry more. Lighter means having less to lug around the airport, cruise terminals and so on. It will be much more pleasant.

But, if you do want to bring more, do what I do and book transfers and hotel arrangements with the cruise line.

This means my bags are handled for me. They take them from the airport to the hotel, usually I can them leave them outside my hotel room and they collect and load into the transfer bus and so on.

A few other packing things that apply more to us.

Medications are critical. Ships don’t have pharmacies to fill our prescriptions, so bring more than enough of what you need. I bring several weeks more than the cruise.

Keep it in your hand luggage, and I like to bring in original packaging and a photo of my prescription just in case.

Next, a personalised first-aid kit is a must, too. As means avoiding the costly medical centre for more mundane issues.

Finally, don’t forget technology – cruise lines now run so much through their apps and so having your phone and tablet ready to use with the cruise line App already loaded will make your life much easier. The App runs without having to buy a Wi-Fi package,

Making Sure Things Go Right

Finally – and this is a really important point – you need make sure things go right even when they go wrong.

Travel insurance is non-negotiable, but it must be the right kind. Make sure your policy covers pre-existing conditions and includes medical evacuation off the ship and repatriation home.

The reality is that as we get older, the chance of needing medical help statistically goes up, and evacuation costs can be eye-watering.