It seems sort of absurd to label a cruise as “popular with seniors”. Just because someone is more mature in age does not mean they don’t want to have fun and adventure on their vacation. There is even a website that suggests that seniors not travel in the winter because the cold weather may be too much for their frail constitution! All the same, there are particular cruises that may be appealing to more mature cruisers. Here are the top five suggestions from across the web.
Great Lakes
Cruising the Great Lakes is a once in a lifetime experience. Cruises run the gamut from three-day trips through the Soo Locks (Sault Ste. Marie) or the Erie Canal to the ultimate, two-week Chicago to Newport, Rhode Island adventure. The trips give everyone a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Great Lakes coastline at a slower pace while meandering into quiet bays, down rivers and canals, and into quaint coastal ports. Whether during the warm summer months or for a fall foliage tour, the Great Lakes is a popular choice for seniors.
Alaska
The great state of Alaska is on many people’s list of dream vacations. Seniors seem to especially like the idea of visiting such an untouched piece of nature. The weather for summer travel to Alaska is cool but pleasant and the shore excursions are exciting, from whale watching and dog sledding to glaciers and helicopter rides. Amateur and professional photographers alike love the wildlife.
Adventures Afloat
Elderhostel, now called Road Scholar, pioneered the concept of seniors traveling abroad for adventure and life-long learning experiences. Many companies now offer this type of cruise in such exotic locales as the Yangtze River in China, the Black Sea, the Panama Canal or even the Galapagos Islands. Each cruise is a quest for knowledge, excitement and memories of a lifetime.
Ocean Crossing
For the ultimate in luxury, seniors can try an ocean crossing. The biggest ships in the world offer transatlantic journeys with such on-board indulgences as spa services, movies, lectures by college professors, sushi bars and even a planetarium.
Mississippi Riverboat
When the relaxing journey itself is just as important as the destination, many seniors turn to traditional travel along the Mississippi River in a classic, paddle-wheeling riverboat. Small ships, historic ports of call and a friendly atmosphere are all part of the appeal.
This list is not all-encompassing, but it does provide a starting point for researching great cruise ideas for seniors.
