River cruising is becoming popular with senior citizens. Seniors can enjoy the same amenities as younger guests but in a more relaxed setting.
Mostly, river cruise lines offer special programs for seniors and those with disabilities to improve the cruising experience.
Are you planning for a river cruise soon? There are plenty of river cruises for seniors with activities and amenities customized for seniors.
Seniors get discounts on cruises. Even so, not all cruise lines offer discounts.
The cost of a Mississippi River cruise is between $1,300 and $5,000, depending on the time of booking. Generally, 55 years is the age considered a senior cruise.
River Cruises For Seniors
River cruises for seniors are an excellent way for seniors to enjoy retirement. Luckily, the cruise industry has grown in popularity with the best options for senior citizens.
Because of affordability, flexibility, and convenience, most seniors prefer river cruising.
River cruisers can choose from different itineraries on rivers such as the Danube or Rhine.
In addition, seniors get to experience new destinations every day with no need to travel long distances by plane.
What Is The Best River Cruise Line For Seniors?
1. Crystal Cruises
The best river cruise line for seniors is Crystal Cruises. Crystal has a variety of activities and excursions that appeal to older travelers.
Still, the company offers special cruises on its ships. For instance, the Crystal Serenity has an onboard spa and fitness center.
Besides, the Crystal Symphony features live classical music performances in each stateroom.
In addition, there is a senior-only dining experience called Senior Moments. It includes three meals per day plus snacks and beverages throughout your journey.
What’s more? You access all the amenities you expect from any other ship.
Some of the amenities include swimming pools, hot tubs, exercise facilities, and saunas among others.
There are also plenty of things to do during your free time like arts & crafts projects, games or just relaxing by the pool.
2. Viking Cruises
Viking cruises are popular for river cruising because of their variety of choices for people. Mostly, the company offers 2-5 night cruises aboard luxury ships.
Besides, you get six-plus nights on smaller vessels.
Viking provides unique experiences such as culinary tours and wine tasting excursions.
If you want to relax or do some sightseeing during your vacation, Viking’s itineraries include visiting historic cities.
There are several accommodations available. They include; standard cabins, suites, private balconies, and staterooms. Some of these rooms come equipped with kitchenettes.
The Viking River Cruises travel to the heart of Europe, Russia, Australia, Asia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean Rivers. Thus, it allows you to tour the world in style.
What Makes Viking Good For Seniors
a) Accessibility Features
Wheelchair users can easily navigate around the port area using their wheelchairs. Most public restrooms have grab bars and handrails.
Again, restaurants and shops inside the ship have ramps. In addition, Viking offers accessible seating arrangements for the elderly.
b) Activities
While touring, guests may participate in various activities such as painting, photography, yoga, meditation, walking, cycling, and kayaking.
Besides, guests take part in snorkeling, fishing, archery, volleyball, and other sports. These activities help keep everyone fit and healthy.
c) Dining
All menus offer special dietary requirements. For instance, vegetarian, kosher, halal, lactose intolerant, diabetic, allergy-friendly, and gluten-free items are part of every meal.
Other cuisines are also served depending on where you stay.
3. Holland America Line
The Holland American Line is another cruise for seniors. Most of the vessels have a design specifically for those over 60 years old.
Its unique design gives passengers more room to move about while still offering all modern amenities.
Better still, there are three categories of Holland America Cruise Lines.
They include; luxury liners, voyagers, and adventurers. Each type comes with varying prices and services.
What Makes Holland America Cruises Good For Seniors
The cruises have movies in the lounge, gardening classes, meditation courses, and Spa treatments.
Additionally, you have an expansive range of eating options. The options include specialty restaurants with menus that meet the dietary needs of people over 50 years old.
There are special shops offering products picked by staff members who know good things for an active senior’s life.
The cruise has activities for 55 years and older.
Still, the cruises have spacious staterooms with simple furnishings for the seniors.
4. Emerald River cruises
The emerald cruises are a series of luxury river cruises on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. Australian business person and philanthropist Glen Moroney founded the company.
The Cruise offers a relaxing and luxurious stay. Besides, all the crew is attentive to seniors’ needs through the cruising period.
Why The Emerald River Cruises Are Suitable For Seniors
The cruises are suitable for senior citizens or those with disabilities.
Here’s why. First, they have wheelchair-accessible cabins, ramps, and an elevator to ease movement.
Besides, guests have unique assistance at meals and onboard entertainment.
In addition, the cruises offer tours and visits to local villages and temples. During these tours, seniors learn and interact with different cultures.
All the activities happen through traditional dance performances. They explore cooking demonstrations, music concerts, and storytelling sessions.
We liked the fact that cultural activities help guests connect more deeply with their surroundings.
Some of the onboard activities for seniors include meditation workshops, traditional Thai massage, local craft workshops, and storytelling sessions.
Booze cruise Jamaica Montego Bay
FAQs
Do Seniors Get A Discount On Cruises?
Seniors get discounts on cruises depending on the cruise line and their age. Often, the most common discounts are 10% off for those over 65, 20-30% off for people in their 60s and 70s.
On the other hand, those between 75 to 80 years old get a 50 percent off.
Still, some lines offer additional discounts if you book your trip with them before reaching retirement age. Even so, booking early means that you’ll take advantage of any special offers available.
Some cruises may also not offer discounts directly but booking through a travel site guarantees you better offers.
Thankfully, travel sites offer comparisons which help you make booking decisions based on the available discounts.
What Is The Cost of A Mississippi River Cruise?
The cost for Mississippi river cruises for seniors varies depending on the length of your cruise. Mostly, the average price is $1,500 per person but can go as high as $2,000 for luxury travel.
If you only need something simple like an overnight trip with dinner, plenty of options are available at much lower prices.
Booking early and last-minute deals saves you money. Usually, if you book ahead of time, you’ll get better rates than when booking just before departure.
Booking late has two outcomes. You can pay higher fares because there aren’t many seats left or you get better deals because the line requires filling the spaces.
Even so, keep in mind that the cost of cruising may depend on other factors like the period of cruising, the number of cruises on board, and the type of ships on the cruise line.
What Age Is Considered A Senior Cruise?
In the cruising world, only those at the age of 55 years of age or older are considered to be seniors. Such, can sail on an adult-only ship.
But, many cruises welcome passengers as young as 50 and even younger.
The quick way to learn if your favorite cruise line has any special programs for you is by calling their customer service department.
If they have nothing specific in mind, ask them what activities they offer for river cruises for seniors over 60.
You may also want to check with other travel agents who specialize in cruises.
Are River Cruises Worth The Money?
River cruises are worth the money because they allow you to see a lot of different places in one trip. If you’re not going on an all-inclusive cruise, then you must get out and explore as much as possible while still having fun with friends or family.
Most senior cruises have activities perfect for seniors on the same cruise. This makes it easy for seniors to access activities of their choice.
What Is The Average Age On A Viking River Cruise?
The average age on a Viking river cruise is 45 to 65. The youngest passengers are just eight years old, and the oldest are in their 80s. In most cases, people enjoy cruising with friends or family.
So, if you want to choose a cruise, first check the age and activities available. In return, you’ll get a cruise worth your investment.
Are There Things To Consider When Booking Senior Citizen Cruises?
Before booking a senior citizen cruise, you should know that most of these ships are for people over 50 years old. This means they may not be as comfortable or safe as other types of cruising vessels.
You also find that most seniors prefer smaller and less expensive boats rather than larger ones. If your budget is tight, it makes more sense to book an older ship with fewer amenities instead of one that has many extra features.
River cruises for seniors are available throughout the year. All you need is to identify the cruising route and check for the cruises.
Luckily, senior cruises have everything customized for seniors. If you want to get a senior cruise with ease, take some time and check on the recommendations above.
