What Cruise line for Seniors??

[MzTre]

My parents are looking for a short cruise. They've never cruised before and also are prone to get seasick. I've done tons of research for RCI, but it seams they're more for the young crowd with these short cruises. Do you think that's true, or are there older poeple on those as well? I don't want them to be stuck in the middle of a party ship. They're more into a nice dinner, relaxing and going to the casino. I was also trying to find something that didn't have a lot or any sea days. I've just done my first cruise with Princess and loved it, but the shortest cruise they do in the caribbean is 7 days. Any suggestions anyone has will be greatly appreaciated.

 

thank you!!

[doone]

One thing to remember is usually the shorter the cruise, the younger the passengers can be. I would recommend a 7-day cruise on either Celebrity, Princess or Holland America.

[JanineM]

I agree that the shorter cruises tend to attract a party crowd. Young people/college students can afford $300 or so - so they go on short, inexpensive cruises.

 

You will also find more kids/twentysomethings on cruises around holidays, at spring break, and during summer vacation. That's when families go.

 

We have sailed Royal Caribbean twice, once during spring break, and there was a huge range of ages - everything from hundreds of kids to hundreds of seniors. I don't think any age group would feel out of place.

 

We also did a 10-night on Celebrity and the average age was about 60. This line is a bit more expensive, so you find fewer young singles and families.

 

If you want to send them on a shorter cruise, my suggestion would be to find something that goes mid-week and during an off-season. There are certainly many options available!

[Cotton]

I'm a growing-older-gracefully person; don't care for the word senior.:D

 

I have enjoyed all my Carnival cruises, and also an RCCL last year, but not as much as Carnival. The ages were about the same on both lines.

 

The best thing is to determine the dates. IF they cruise in the summer months or during spring breaks/any school breaks, they'll find lots of kiddies of all ages on board. I prefer cruising around the first of September. Pretty much assured parents won't take the kids out of school that early in the school year.

 

I know you're really asking about younger adults, not kids, but thought I'd throw that in.

 

As far as a younger crowd, I try to cruise on a Monday. The shorter cruises that begin on Thursday or Friday are more likely to have more partying types - y'know, for a "long weekend". That has been my observation.

 

Carnival suits my needs perfectly. There are some quiet lounges, so they can avoid karaoke. "Tea Time" on sea day afternoons on Carnival - very nice and refined. I wouldn't miss those. Also, there's always quieter areas to lounge on deck instead of around the main pool - which can get pretty rowdy when they're having the 'games'. Not my cuppa tea, so I find a quiet area to read.

 

So much for my little bits of wisdom... Hope you find something they will really like. As you know, there's nothing like being on the sea.:)

[clackey]

We are a mid 50's couple that enjoy life and are very active. If we rate as seniors then any cruiseline will suffice because we have never had a bad/boring cruise.

 

Cotton girl,

We are going on the Holiday 12/3. Why don't you meet us there? I'll be the one with the huge grin.:D

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Hubby and I are in our early sixties. For a short cruise, we like Majesty of the Seas four-day cruise that leaves Miami on MOnday and returns on Friday morning. We usually sail on her in mid-February, but we do ahve a cruise scheduled in early October. These are times when the average age of the passengers on Majesty seems to be fifty and up.

[firefly333]

Im barely a senior, so maybe I dont count, but Carnival and RCI both offer senior discounts, so I would look at them first. If you can save money, why not?

[lvtotrvl1]

If they can travel when kids are in school they shouldn't really have a problem on any of the cruiselines.

[twocc's]

Check for senior discounts. Even if children are in school you may have some on board(home schoolers, breaks vary between areas,etc.)

[earl_m]

I have found that 10 days and more we will find the average age to be alot higher, around 60 and up. I would recommend Holland America, I have cruise it a few times.

[Granny J]

I have never cruised before but I recently won a 5 day/4 night RCI cruise. So on 2/14/08 I sail from Tampa on the Grandeur of the Seas. I am beyond excitement. :D

[MAKEM]

My parents are looking for a short cruise. They've never cruised before and also are prone to get seasick. I've done tons of research for RCI, but it seams they're more for the young crowd with these short cruises. Do you think that's true, or are there older poeple on those as well? I don't want them to be stuck in the middle of a party ship. They're more into a nice dinner, relaxing and going to the casino. I was also trying to find something that didn't have a lot or any sea days. I've just done my first cruise with Princess and loved it, but the shortest cruise they do in the caribbean is 7 days. Any suggestions anyone has will be greatly appreaciated.

 

thank you!!

 

Cruise from your nearest port, if Nov, Keep away from thanks giving, too many kids.

[JerseyGem]

The previous posters have had some great ideas; here's my two cents worth. First, if they're prone to sea sickness, they need to talk to their doctors asap. And if they're on a lot of medications, their doc may want to do a consult with a clinical pharmacist. There are lots of medications (many OTC) that help prevent sea sickness. Plus there are lots of meds (all prescription that I know of) that treat sea sickness. (Preventing and treating are too different situations and have different meds.) They could try out some of the meds now to see if they had any adverse reactions. All main line cruise ships have an infirmary on board with at least one doctor. And he or she will be an expert on treating sea sickness!

 

So if their sea sickness can be controlled, they might be willing to try a 7 or 8 day cruise; this would give them many more options with various cruise lines. My first choice for them would be HAL, with Celebrity and Princess in second place. We also like RCL and NCL (actually, I haven't found a cruise line I didn't like!), but I don't think they'd enjoy the Freestyle aspect of NCL as much as they would enjoy the set-dining on the other lines.

 

Several posters gave great advice about when to cruise. The only comment I'll add is this link to help you find Spring Break dates. (It will eventually be updated for 2008).

Click here: Spring Break 2007 College & University Dates

 

Also consider where to cruise. You will find fewer college age/young adults (who might be more inclined towards the party atmosphere) going on an Alaska cruise or through the Panama Canal or to the Baltic. Also, Alaska cruises have more port days than many Caribbean cruises. And the Panama Canal is fascinating!

 

On the issue of port vs sea days, and if you want the Caribbean, you may want to consider flying to San Juan to board a ship, rather than leaving from Boston, NY or even FL. SJ round trips usually only have one sea day. If you do this, I would recommend flying into SJ the day before the cruise. We have crused from SJ several times (and will do so again in Dec). Early December can be a great time in the Caribbean (after hurricanes but before the holiday crowds.)

 

My final recommendation for your parents (who are first timers and, I'm assuming, are well-seasoned adults) is too avoid a huge ship. DH & I prefer the mid-sized or even smaller ships (which to me are not really small LOL) rather than the huge ones that take forever to navigate from your cabin to your dining room. We loved the Regal Princess, RCL's Empress, Splendor and Grandeur of the Seas, Hal's Zaandam and Veendam, NCL's Spirit and Sun. These ships may not have ice skating rinks, bowling alleys and rock walls (although the RCL's did have this), but I doubt that your parents are going on a cruise to do any of these activities.

[kylea_s]

As far as I know all the cruise lines occasionally have 'senior specials'. However I've found that like everything else you can shop around for a a fare that may well beat any senior special. Dont be afraid to look at the internet cruise agencies especially those that are sponsors of cruise critic.

 

September is a cheaper month to cruise. Its not just the back to school concept. Think "hurricane season'. The cruise lines do sail around the storm but if one of the islands thats on your itineary is a must then maybe September isnt for you.

 

Ive found that all of the cruise lines have a good mix of ages. Perhaps Holland America does cater to an older crowd. At least on the HAL cruises Ive been on there were more walkers evident.

 

Im over 50 and love Princess. I find that they are well organized and get everything done timely and correctly.

[RBOUR]

My parents are looking for a short cruise. They've never cruised before and also are prone to get seasick. I've done tons of research for RCI, but it seams they're more for the young crowd with these short cruises. Do you think that's true, or are there older poeple on those as well? I don't want them to be stuck in the middle of a party ship. They're more into a nice dinner, relaxing and going to the casino. I was also trying to find something that didn't have a lot or any sea days. I've just done my first cruise with Princess and loved it, but the shortest cruise they do in the caribbean is 7 days. Any suggestions anyone has will be greatly appreaciated.

 

thank you!!

I am not sure you want to fly but if you do The Monarch does a nice 5 day out of San Pedro.They only sail at night.They port at San Diego.Catalina,and Ensanada,Very few kids mid week.

Ruth

[firefly333]

RCI has some awesome senior rates going on right now. They reduced prices on the sovereign and then threw a senior rate on top of already cheap prices.

 

when I checked last week they had rates as low as $169 on the 3 day and $179 on the 4 day, cant get much cheaper than that!!!!

 

some of the lower categories are gone and the 3 days, some of them no longer show a senior rate, but there are still some showing.

[boards]

I have looked for senior rates on longer cruises than 3 or 4 days and I have yet to find any, of course I have been looking pretty well only on Hal and haven't found any. On land trips the difference is the insurance, they don't offer any for seniors because the cost is too high. You have to find your own somewhere.

[DocF]

My 88 year old mother says Holland America is for old fogeys. :D Shee likes RCCL, Celebrity, Princess and Carnival.

 

We are seniors and cruise on Carnival.

 

Doc

[clackey]

My 88 year old mother says Holland America is for old fogeys. :D Shee likes RCCL, Celebrity, Princess and Carnival.

 

We are seniors and cruise on Carnival.

 

Doc

 

I like your mom already. Hats off to you, girl.;)

[Kathie44]

DH and I are 66 and 63, started cruising in Jan. '02 and are booked for our 8th cruise next Jan. We sail RCCL and Celebrity. Both have a good mix of ages, with Celebrity having a tad more older cruisers. The older cruisers on all the ships have been active and fun. Everyone is so friendly and there is so much to do.

Both lines have provided us with wonderful experiences. We considered starting out with a short cruise, but figured if we had to endure the hassles of flying, we might as well cruise longer. We've had 4 seven-nighters, but ever since our first 11-nighter we haven't gone back to the 7. I can't imagine having to get off the ship after less than 7. :eek:

I was worried about seasickness, but my sister told me not to worry and not to wear the "patch" as it can make you sleepy and sicker. So I just keep Bonine handy and even have some of those wristbands, but haven't had to use anything. These ships are very stable and we hardly ever feel any movement. I really don't think your parents will have a problem and when it is time to leave, they might be kicking themselves for not taking a chance on a longer cruise. Most 7 night cruises have only 2 sea days and some only 1. I say, "Go for it!"

 

1/02 Explorer E. Carib. 7 nights

1/03 Explorer W. Carib. 7 nights

8/03 Summit Alaska cruise/tour 5 on land and 7 on ship

2/04 Adventure S. Carib. 7 nights

2/05 Galaxy Panama Canal 11 nights

6/06 Jewel Brit. Isles/Nor. Fjords 12 on ship + 3-night pre-stay in London

1/07 Mercury Mexican Riviera 11 nights

1/08 Mercury Aust/NZ 14 nights + extra days in Sydney and Aukland

[RBOUR]

My parents are looking for a short cruise. They've never cruised before and also are prone to get seasick. I've done tons of research for RCI, but it seams they're more for the young crowd with these short cruises. Do you think that's true, or are there older poeple on those as well? I don't want them to be stuck in the middle of a party ship. They're more into a nice dinner, relaxing and going to the casino. I was also trying to find something that didn't have a lot or any sea days. I've just done my first cruise with Princess and loved it, but the shortest cruise they do in the caribbean is 7 days. Any suggestions anyone has will be greatly appreaciated.

 

thank you!!

You could try the Monarch out of LA San Pedro.Leaves on a Mon evening wake up Tue in San Diego lots to do sail in the evening wake up Wed in Catilina Island grab a golf cart explor the Island sail in the evening wake up in Ensenada shopping not my favorite port so I have a massage that day,Sail Thursdat evening have way drop anchor shopping on board shows casino go to bed and wake up back in San Pedro.We are going in Jan have been on her 4 timesnice ship not alot of bells and whisils

But WONDERFUL people who work very hard to make your trip very nice.

Usually not many young people on M- F they are in school.Id say 50 and over I know our group ave was 61. Hope this helps

 

Now if you want a 7 day Vision Of The Seas leaves on a Sun we are going Feb 24th and it does Mazatalan,Portaviarta(sp)and Cabo San Lucas.We have been many times on her she is one of our favorites.

Same holds for few kids it is just befor spring break.We take Bonine for motion sickness once a day works like a charm. Hope this helps we sail Sept 14 to Alaska on Raideince for 15 days can't wait,Happy Sailing Ruth:D

[marsda]

I'm almost 60, and love RCI. However, my sister and I are going on the Celebrity Mercury 3 nighter out of Seattle to Victoria, BC and Nanaimo BC (it seems more like a lake cruise to me by looking on the map) in late Sept. Great rate... $299 for oceanview.

2 years ago I sailed out of Boston on the Canada/New England cruise, which was port intensive. We went up to Halifax, St. John and Bar Harbor. It was a 7 day cruise then, but RCI has since changed that to a 9 night cruise, I think. Plus, the price has been around $1000 each for oceanview.

My husband was apprehensive about his first cruise, so we went on a 4 night on the Splendour (it has now gone to the Mediterranean:( ). He loved it, and wished we had gone on at least a 7 nighter. Celebrity does some shorter cruises out of San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver of the Pacific Northwest. I think the previous poster had a valid point of the time of year you go... we like to sail in Sept, November, late January and February.

I am very prone to any type of motion sickness... on the sea or not. I use the prescribed patch.... it has never made me sleepy... but I think that is just going to be a personal thing with how they handle medicines in general. A friend of mine uses the OTC bracelets and has never had a problem either.

Hope you find something.... they will probably adore sailing (there is something about being waited on hand and foot and being called "Madame" at dinner that really does it for me!!!

Marsha

[fud2468]

I'm 80 and my wife is 76. She is prone to seasickness and got the patch for our cruise to Alaska on Infinity, Sept. 2-9.

She did feel queasy on the way to Hubbard Glacier so stayed lying down. Once we approached the glacier inlet it got calm enough for her to get up, scarf up a huge meal and while at the glacier she was fine, sea was like glass. We didn't really miss anything.

It was clear that the patch did not work as well as expected, and with it on we were afraid to have her take dramamine in addition.

On a previous trip on Dawn Princess it was pretty rocky, but the motion was at night and we had no problem as long as we stayed in bed.

I have another thing to ask about that will seem strange to most people. Guess I'll start another thread for that.

Ray Mac in N. California.

[franl24fan]

I just came back from a 4 day cruise (Monday-Friday) on Sovereign of the Seas from Port Canaveral. I thought there was a good mix of ages, and there is only one full day at sea. RCL has attractive rates for seniors. If you really want formal, then Holland is still in that mode. Actually I was bored, but the service is impecable and the ships are nice.

[WelovetaCruise]

So, I believe you've figured it out. Generally, the more expensive or longer the cruise - the higher the age range. I've been on many cruises. The "oldest" line I was on was Holland America Line. It was lovely, but way too old for me. There was a man who was sailing alone who was 93! He didn't show up for dinner one night and we all thought he may have died in his room. He found a girlfriend and was at the bar and disco all week! what were we thinking???