7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel by sea

The best senior cruises mix adult-focused onboard activities with fascinating destinations ashore. No two retirees want the same thing from their travels. However, generally, most seniors have time to dedicate to longer itineraries. Some have saved their money to enjoy a more premium cruise ship experience, but all are happy to snap up a cruise …

Jan 20, 2025 - 05:13

7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel by sea

The best senior cruises mix adult-focused onboard activities with fascinating destinations ashore. No two retirees want the same thing from their travels. However, generally, most seniors have time to dedicate to longer itineraries.

Some have saved their money to enjoy a more premium cruise ship experience, but all are happy to snap up a cruise deal or find a promotion offering increased value from their cruise booking.

How did we choose the top cruises for seniors? We prioritized cruise lines that target couples and adults rather than families, as well as cruise ships with fine dining, grown-up entertainment and plenty of opportunities to socialize. We looked for destination-intensive cruises offering immersive cultural opportunities, bucket list itineraries and a range of sailing lengths.

We dismissed the huge ships with their whizbang top-deck attractions, although these are ideal for grandparents on a multigenerational holiday with family. We also skipped the small expedition ships that require a level of physical fitness not all seniors possess — but if you’re fit, those trips can be great adventures.

Based on those criteria, here are the seven best cruise lines for seniors who love to travel and are looking to spend more time at sea.

Viking: Best for seniors who prefer an education-based, adults-only sailing

Viking Cruises Sky Tromso — VIKING CRUISES

Viking’s 930-passenger ocean ships top our list of the best cruises for seniors because they are designed specifically for an adult crowd. No one younger than 18 is allowed on board, and all the programming is created with passengers aged 50-plus in mind.

These cruises are ideal for academic-minded seniors. Viking chairman Torstein Hagen says that he set out to create “the thinking person’s cruise,” and lectures and other destination-specific programming are the main forms of entertainment on board. That doesn’t mean Viking cruises are boring, though. In fact, the crowd-pleasing ABBA tribute show in the theater is not to be missed.

Viking ships are comfortable, homey oases done up in sophisticated Scandinavian decor.

Itineraries are focused on getting senior cruisers to key attractions around the world, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a daily shore excursion is included in the cruise fare. Thrifty retirees will appreciate the “no nickel-and-diming” philosophy and cruise fares that cover everything except cocktails and spa treatments.

Complimentary dining includes a specialty Italian restaurant and the chef’s table experience, which offers rotating tasting menus featuring international cuisines.

Also recommended for the senior and baby boomer crowd are Viking’s river ships in Europe, Vietnam and Egypt (among other destinations) and the line’s expedition products in Antarctica and on the Great Lakes, which have similarities to the ocean ships, including the all-inclusive pricing.

Windstar Cruises: Best for seniors looking for an intimate onboard experience

A four-masted sailing ship gliding along emerald-green water — ROGER PAPERNO/WINDSTAR CRUISES

Windstar’s small sailing ships and motorized yachts range from 148 to 350 passengers. Although kids 8 and older are allowed on board, you are unlikely to see many on these upscale vessels. Most Windstar cruisers are for active seniors who come as couples, pairs of friends or solo travelers looking for a destination-rich experience on ships where they won’t feel lost in a crowd.

Windstar has two types of ships. Older couples celebrating a milestone anniversary should choose a sailing ship, with its vast open deck space and picturesque sails that set the mood for romance. Seniors who prefer more personal space should seek out the line’s more yachtlike cruise ships. The line currently operates three 312-passenger yachts with all-suite accommodations and will add two more 224-passenger cruise ships to its fleet in late 2025 and 2026.

Cruise highlights on all ships include an outdoor deck party with a lavish buffet and a late-night conga line, as well as meals created by James Beard Foundation-affiliated chefs. (Windstar partners with the prestigious culinary organization.)

Because of their small size, all Windstar ships can visit quiet harbors and out-of-the-way places in destinations like Tahiti, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean that big ships can’t.

Azamara Cruises: Great for seniors seeking an upscale but budget-friendly cruise

Cruise ship Azamara Quest docked with the sun in the background — ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

With four nearly identical ships holding fewer than 700 passengers each, Azamara has carved out a niche catering to well-traveled seniors looking to cruise in clubby surroundings.

The line’s cruises are best for seniors who don’t want to splurge on a fancier luxury product but still want an upscale level of ambience, service and amenities. While kids aren’t banned, the line makes clear on its website that it “discourages” passengers younger than 18.

Each ship’s decor is reminiscent of a boutique hotel. You’ll even find faux fireplaces in the impressive libraries on each vessel.

The line’s destination-focused itineraries in Europe and elsewhere spend more time in ports than average ships, staying overnight in key destinations. This is ideal for passengers who want to explore on their own. The line also offers complimentary “AzAmazing Evenings” programs on every cruise. They feature cultural performances ashore in amazing destinations, such as Turkey’s ancient city of Ephesus.

Holland America: Best for seniors with limited mobility

A cruise ship sails along the coast and prepares to pass under a bidge near dark with its lights aglow — HOLLAND AMERICA

Holland America is one of the best cruise lines for seniors because it hits the sweet spot with its midsize ships. Carrying no more than 2,650 passengers, these vessels offer big-ship amenities but lack the more over-the-top waterslides and thrill attractions found on megaships. The line is a great choice for baby boomers and older seniors who wish to enjoy the line’s alternative dining options, casinos and choice of entertainment.

An older crowd does not necessarily mean a sedate group. Holland America hosts live music in a big way. Passengers dance the night away at venues that include B.B. King’s Blues Club and the Rolling Stone Lounge, featuring some of the best live bands at sea. Onboard programming is designed to educate passengers about the destinations they visit.

The ships are also particularly accessible. Many cabins offer roll-in showers and other assistive features, and the vessels are equipped with a lift system for pools and tenders.

In addition to one-week cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska (the line’s specialty), Holland America explores South America, the South Pacific and other destinations around the globe. The line also offers monthslong world cruises and lengthy voyages to far-flung destinations that sail round trip from U.S. ports (no international flights required).

Cunard: Best for seniors who prefer traditional cruising

A rear side view of a Cunard cruise ship near mountains — SJO/GETTY IMAGES

Senior travelers with a penchant for traditional cruising should check out Cunard’s ocean liners. Founded in 1840, the cruise line has a long legacy and is proud of its less casual vibe that includes nightly dress codes. Go old-school with dress-up galas held in real ballrooms with high ceilings and twinkling chandeliers.

Those same ballrooms host daily afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches and scones with cream, served on fine china by white-gloved waiters. Other refined onboard activities include watching shows in Queen Mary 2’s planetarium, attending lectures by guest speakers, fencing, taking art classes and enjoying classical concerts.

Not everyone stays in a fancy suite, but seniors ready to splurge should book either Queens Grill or Princess Grill rooms for upscale accommodations and meals served in exclusive, intimate restaurants.

QM2 offers regular transatlantic service between Southampton, England, and New York. The 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth, the 2,061-passenger Queen Victoria and the new 3,000-passenger Queen Anne (which debuted in 2024) spend time in Europe and other destinations like Alaska and the Caribbean. Additionally, the cruise line offers around-the-world cruises annually.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Best for seniors looking for a luxury cruise experience

A cruise ship floats on wavy blue water near a rock outcropping with lots of fluffy, white clouds in the blue sky background — REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Retirees who have worked hard and are ready to treat themselves right will find that Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the best cruise lines for seniors looking for luxury.

The cruise line brags of operating the most luxurious ships afloat. It’s hard to argue that point, especially on the line’s latest ship, the $545 million, 746-passenger, all-suite Seven Seas Grandeur. The ship has a football field’s worth of marble, an impressive art collection and one of the most expensive suites at sea — a Regent Suite that’s priced at $11,000 per day, per couple.

Other high-end lines, such as Seabourn and Silversea, operate intimate ships with extraordinary service, accommodations and cuisine. However, Regent differs with its shore excursion-inclusive, one-stop-shopping fares and grand European hotel ambience — especially on its newer ships (Seven Seas Splendor, Explorer and Grandeur).

The other Regent ships are well-maintained, older 480- to 684-passenger vessels. On all, if you don’t feel like going to one of the restaurants, you can stay in your bathrobe and order a meal served course by course in your suite.

Also, except for summer and holiday periods, you are unlikely to find kids on board.

Regent sails to some 450 ports of call around the world, including many that are part of world cruise itineraries, so senior travelers can find sailings to all the destinations they’ve been waiting to explore.

Oceania Cruises: Great for health-conscious and foodie seniors

A cruise ship floats on the water near dusk with a nearly dark sky behind it and its interior lights lit — OCEANIA CRUISES

Wellness-focused seniors love Oceania Cruises‘ 670- to 1,250-passenger ships for their spa and fitness centers and healthy food options. The line’s signature spa sundecks invite relaxation with thalassotherapy pools and cushy lounge chairs.

Foodies are drawn by the inspired dining, with dishes ranging from health-conscious to decadent. PBS host and cookbook author Jacques Pépin has a French bistro on two ships, Marina and Riviera, and he’s one of the line’s culinary advisers. All the line’s ships include impressive steakhouses, and some feature Red Ginger, an extraordinary modern take on Asian cuisine, as well as other eateries.

The ships provide an appealing ambience, reminiscent of a country club, that is upscale without being fancy. Older passengers tend to be the sort who like to entertain themselves, though they might be distracted by the standout attraction of a real cooking school where expert chefs give classes (found on Vista, Marina, Riviera and the line’s newest ship Allura, set to launch July 2025).

As a nod to solo travelers, the line has added solo cabins — designed and priced for one — to some of its ships.

Oceania is known for destination-focused itineraries in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe, among other places. Most are 10 nights or longer; world cruises are up to 197 days.

Bottom line

You’ll find seniors on nearly every cruise line out there. Some older travelers are looking to explore the world, while others prefer cheap trips to beachy destinations.

Everyone’s top choice will be different, but we think these seven lines represent the best senior cruises. They prioritize an adult-focused onboard experience and destination-intensive itineraries more readily accessible to retirees.

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