
One of the perks of living as a retiree is the luxury of travelling. Cruises may well have been designed for the newly retired—they’re available all year round whilst providing an easy way of sightseeing and experiencing different countries—and all for a fixed price. Most cruise ships have activities for all age groups, and if you don’t feel like doing much you can always just sit back and relax while exotic scenery floats by.
SEE ALSO: Dr Hilary’s Over 60s Health Plan
Cruises come in many types: different destinations, durations, and activities aboard the ship as well as on land. In fact, cruise lines will carry more than 22 million passengers during the course of 2016, with the Caribbean and Bahamas accounting for the majority of global itineraries. Pick a cruise that best fits your preferences, especially if you are opposed to cruises aimed at a younger generation or you have certain physical or medical limitations.
As a retiree the world certainly is your oyster, as you can bag cheaper deals outside school holidays. Choose from a vast selection of cruise ships especially tailored to your way of life, and prepare for a refreshing sea breeze and beautiful panorama views. In other words—treat yourself this summer!
1. Oceania Cruises – A food-lover’s dream
Founded in 2002, Oceania Cruises is the world’s largest cruise line focused on an all-adult demographic. The company has won numerous awards for their food—making it a popular choice for so-called ‘foodies’. In fact, their six ships offer a varied selection of gourmet restaurants with open seating, and the option to try out wine tasting. Apart from Oceania’s culinary efforts, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, cultural seminars and concerts are popular activities among the guests. Discover a new, fascinating destination in 2016, as the company offers intriguing itineraries to the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa. For the adventurous they also offer a 180-day around the world cruise.
2. Lindblad Expeditions – For the adventurous traveller
For active seniors, this premier cruise line offers light expeditions to some of the more exotic, less-travelled destinations in the world. The fleet consists of 10 ‘intimately scaled’ ships, which guarantees the traveller up-close experiences in a number of wild and remote places. For the newly retired, this can be your chance to explore Antarctica, the Amazon, Africa and the South Pacific. Each voyage comes with a team of experts, including historians, various guest speakers and dive masters. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in life-changing experiences, while traveling in style and luxury.
3. Hurtigruten – A Norwegian fairytale
This Norwegian national treasure is a combination of a cruise ship and a ferry, providing passengers with ample opportunity to view the dramatic scenery as the ship make more than 35 port calls. Hurtigruten also has a unique system of shore excursions, where you disembark at one town’s pier, take a tour and meet up with the ship a few port calls later. This voyage, or fjord-scape if you will, usually lasts for a week and could include sights such as the Northern Lights and the midnight sun. Take a look at rural Scandinavian life up close, while enjoying live entertainment and a good selection of restaurants.
4. Cunard – British elegance on the seven seas
The Cunard cruises, founded back in 1840, were designed to celebrate British-style grandeur. Guests can appreciate proper afternoon tea, dance to live bands in a real ballroom and attend various seminars if the view isn’t enough on its own. Long and leisurely days at sea are to be expected, always with beautiful backdrops. This summer, Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2, will be re-mastered to deliver new levels of luxury while travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Santiago, Brisbane to Singapore … and the list goes on. If you are a dog-owner, Queen Mary has ‘the world’s only kennel at sea’ on-board.
5. American Cruise Lines – A personalised experience
Adults age 65-plus are the main market for this line’s small ships, all carrying 150 or fewer passengers. American Cruise provides passengers with the opportunity to see America, with history-focused itineraries along inland waterways and rivers (including the Mississippi and Columbia & Snake), up and down the eastern seaboard and other sea routes that visit the coast of Alaska. Personalised service included on every cruise.
READ MORE: Is Your Skin Summer Ready?