Cruising does not necessarily require you to have a partner or travel with your family. If you are single and at least 50 years old, touring with others may not always be a choice. But that does not mean you should let go of your passion to travel.
Traveling alone may seem like a mere answer, but once it gets down to planning everything, you may realize just how difficult traveling alone can be.
Luckily, the cruise line takes care of almost all of the planning for you. So all you are required to do is book your singles cruise for over 50, show up on time, and experience what cruising has to offer. This includes delicious cuisine, fascinating destinations, wonderful entertainment, opportunities to meet new people, and superb ocean views.
If you’re trying to look for such a cruise, though, it does need a little bit of know-how to find the best deals.
For instance, a balcony stateroom charged for the price of two on a cruise ship with roller coasters, water slides, and go-karts isn’t actually the singles over 50 cruise. Singles cruises over 50 are frequently on more luxurious ships. That way, you’re not unintentionally pushed into the pool by more kids than you can count.
Nonetheless, some cruise lines can offer a refund on cabins if you’re cruising alone, pairing programs so you have a specially chosen roommate, or cabins specifically created for solo cruisers.
Here are our eight recommended cruise lines if you’re searching for cruises for singles over 50s:
Celebrity Cruises
More often than not, you’re likely to shoulder the payment for an entire cabin if you’re cruising solo. Therefore, cruise ships that offer single cabins are often an ideal choice.
A single cabin doesn’t always incorporate luxury, though. But when you sail on Celebrity’s Edge or Apex ships you will not miss out on any part of the cruise life. This includes an awe-striking unbounded veranda cabin constructed for one that highlights in-room automation.
Meaning, all you have to do is press a button and your balcony doors seamlessly open and your lights set to your liking.
Olsen Cruise Lines
The foremost clientele on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines tends to be people in their 60s. And that’s because of Fred. Olsen’s Vistas enrichment program.
The program features a range of free events and activities to keep guests involved. These may focus on themes like music, painting, wine, antiques, gardening, and dance. Oftentimes, there are added-cost themed tours at various ports that are intended to complement the activities onboard.
Based in the United Kingdom, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is formerly from Norway. They run a fleet of four smaller cruise ships and just launched a new river cruise division in spring of 2018.
During the holidays, they depart from a variety of ports within the UK. Most of their famous destinations are within Europe, particularly the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Scandinavia, and the Baltic Region. However, they also sail cruises to places within Asia, Africa, Australasia, North America, and South America.
Since the whole cruise line is geared essentially toward a more mature demographic, any of their itineraries would be a perfect choice.
Consider uncommon options like a 14-night voyage in search of Norway’s Northern Lights that starts at £1,699pp for interior cabin or double occupancy. You can also opt for a fascinating round-the-world cruise that takes nearly four months.
Visit extrinsic destinations on six continents like Havana, Easter Island, the South Pacific, and more. Sail through iconic waterways like the Panama Canal and Suez Canal. This is an adults-only cruise and the price starts at £12,899pp for interior room, double occupancy, or £22,199 for single room.
Their suites start at £19,299pp, double occupancy.
Cunard Line
Not only will you acquire your own single cabin (with the choice of an ocean view) when you cruise with Cunard, but this refined cruise line also knows their audience.
If you fancy to dress up and dance, then you’ll likely be glad to spot a gentleman host or proudly dance the night away at the biggest at sea ballroom. But until the night turns around, there’s still lots to enjoy. This includes the following:
- Sort through the 8,000 books at the library
- Spruce up your fencing skills
- Revel in relaxation at the Canyon Ranch spa
- Drink your afternoon tea
- Get to know your fellow solo cruisers as you dine
If this seems too good to be true, you won’t have to depart the ship too early. Cunard offers whole world cruises for singles over 50 if you desire to make yourself at home onboard for a while.
Holland America Line
Catering to the 50+ crowd, Holland America gives plenty of onboard activities (such as yoga, wine tastings, culinary programs, and singles parties) and offboard liveliness
In addition, they understand the demands of seniors. This includes partnering with Special Needs at Sea and the University of Texas’s Medical Branch on specific ships to accommodate the most mobility and radiology care they can while at sea.
This cruise line is especially distinguished for its Alaska cruise and land trip itineraries. So, if you’ve been searching for an over 50 singles cruise within Alaska, this is exactly the singles over 50 cruise for you. For booking tip: Holland America’s Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam provide single cabins.
Holland America is another cruise line that serves to attract more mature people. Guide for Seniors prescribes Holland America as their second best pick for senior-oriented cruises. They cruise to various destinations all over the world, including the famous “bucket list” destinations like Alaska and Antarctica.
Holland America offers innovative accessible cabins, a wheelchair-accessible tender transfer mode, enhanced improvement programs, and more. They have also partnered with CruiseShipAssist to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Holland America offers various world cruise itineraries, excellent for people looking to spend a long time away from home.
One of the most sought-after cruises on Holland America is the Alaska itinerary. They’ve been cruising to Alaska longer than it has been a US state!
These itineraries encompass scenic cruising in destinations like Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, or Glacier Bay. Select a cruise-only opportunity like the 14-day Great Alaskan Explorer that starts from $1,449 US per person, double occupancy. You’ll have a chance to visit ports like Sitka, Kodiak, Juneau, and Anchorage.
If you prefer a mix of cruising with several days on land, consider the 13-day Triple Denali Land and Sea Journey, which provides you three days in Denali National Park. Prices start at $2,999 per person for an interior cabin.
Azamara Club Cruises
Guide for Seniors sets Azamara Club Cruises as the number one pick for seniors. Ironically, they are a sister-company of Royal Caribbean Cruises, which is acknowledged for its youthful, party vibe. High-quality cuisine, personal butlers, and the Thalassotherapy pool are just the few of the perks of Azamara Club Cruises.
They cruise to various destinations in North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia, delivering them as the top contender in most popular cruise destinations throughout the globe.
As you sail almost anywhere in the world aboard Azamara, you’ll only be treated to the best. This includes a personal butler and high class cuisine at sea. Enjoy socializing at the white night party or indulge yourself to even more extravagance at the spa.
The cruise line incorporates special accommodations for those age 50+, such as wheelchair convenience, permittance of service pets, and discounted rates for those cruising solo.
Some of Azamara’s highlights are definitely perfect for those over 50 years old.
- Wheelchair-friendly staterooms
- Medical facility with doctors onboard
- Special singles rates
- Personal butler
- Service animals welcomed
Check Azamara Club Cruises’ website as they suggest a variety of specials and discounts, plus the 10-night Cuba Intensive Voyage. Prices start at $2,599 US per person based on double occupancy. Departing from Miami and heading to destinations like Havana and Cienfuegos in Cuba, and Labadee in Haiti.
Silversea Cruises
If you’re searching for a private and luxurious cruising experience to practically any place in the world, then Silversea Cruises may just be the singles over 50 cruise for you!
Silversea does attempt to provide single travellers with occasional deals for solo travelers and providing them company in the dining room, on the dance floor, or shore excursions with gentleman hosts.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin specializes in some of the world’s most fascinating destinations. The common age of guests tends to skew over 50, which is excellent for those searching for a cruise where you don’t have to leave the boat at each port.
While not particular to seniors, Paul Gauguin Cruises is famous in the 50+ community, usually travelling for about 10 days from Los Angeles to destinations in the South Pacific. This includes Paul Gauguin’s private island, Motu Mahana.
These all inclusive voyages (including free wine and beer) are an excellent option for singles over 50 attempting to travel to Hawaii, Tahiti, French Polynesia and more.
One of the most sought-after cruises on the m/s Paul Gauguin is the 10- or 11-night Society and Cook Islands itinerary.
The price for an 11-night cruise starts at $6,145 US per person, double occupancy, which also covers airfare from Los Angeles. You’ll visit remarkable destinations like Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Huahine, Taha’a, and Moorea. You can also spend a day on Motu Mahana, which is Paul Gauguin’s private island.
One of the most satisfying aspects of cruising with Paul Gauguin is the all-inclusive pricing. This involves everything from meals and beverages to onboard gifts being taken care of.
Don’t like to dine in the main dining room? It’s complimentary to have your meals delivered and presented to the room. Picked wines and spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages are also free. Your in-room fridge is supplied daily, as well!
Airfare from Los Angeles and round-trip airport transfers and pier transfers are also covered in some sailings. Select trips offer complimentary use of Paul Gauguin’s isolated beach in Bora Bora and the private islet, Motu Mahana, near Taha’a.
Norwegian Cruise Line
So you’re sailing alone, but not really? If you’re trying to travel with the accompaniment of a friend but don’t want to share a cabin overnight, Norwegian Cruise Line has a segment of all studio cabins. That way, you can arrange interconnecting rooms or at least stay close to each other.
But if you are cruising alone, Norwegian makes it effortless for singles over 50 to socialize, with a private lounge for the use of solo cruisers sailing in studio cabins.
What to Anticipate on a Cruise for Singles Over 50?
Seniors are very dynamic and cruise lines recognize that.
Do you want to learn how to dance the tango or make pottery? In most events, you’ll discover so many onboard activities that you might feel bewildered at first.
Seniors make up such a huge portion of people who appreciate cruises that can cater to their needs and wants. In fact, you can also inform the cruise line in advance of special dietary restrictions, so meals can be prepared to fit your particular lifestyle.
Aside from pricing, stunning destinations, singles activities and more, what else can you anticipate if you’re cruising as a single over 50? Some things you should know before you cruise involves:
- Most cruise lines are providing dietary restrictions and offer healthy dining alternatives. Make sure to inform the cruise line in advance if you have any restrictions, and keep in mind that you may be required to remind them again while onboard the ship.
- If you’ve cruised on more modern ships in the past, don’t be shocked if a single cruise for over 50 is much smaller and more tranquil – these cruises regularly have less people onboard and are more focused on a mature market, as opposed to the activity of families.
- While some cruises are more suited for singles over 50 and are less likely to draw younger people, most are not restricted to singles or adults, indicating you may still run into families and children.
If you go on a cruise line that caters to senior citizens, there’s a great chance you’ll notice yourself free from families with small children. You can anticipate a quieter trip than you might otherwise encounter on traditional cruises. There are also more activities prepared for a mature set.
What’s more, since cruise lines don’t have to install skating rinks and other kid-friendly ventures on-board, cruises for people over 50 years of age will often be on smaller boats. You’ll also have less deck space to walk across and less clutter from activities that aren’t intended with seniors in mind.
Discounts on Cruises
Don’t forget to check around for senior citizen discounts if you’re qualified.
If you’re between 50 and 54, you may not be suitable for special discounts for seniors. If you are 55 and up, you can typically receive better rates.
In some cases, you may be able to link an AARP discount with an early booking discount (it never hurts to inquire). Keep in mind you may have to inquire with an AARP travel agent to secure such a deal.
Check online for senior citizen cruise prices at sites like Cruise Cheap, which give discounts for those 55 years and older.
Special Needs and Mobility
Concerned about your mobility and special needs? Sites like Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea have performed extensive analysis on which cruise lines are the most suitable for disabled passengers with a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
If you want to know if your selected cruise line is handicap accessible, look at their list of entries.
Final Thoughts
When you take a cruise intended for people over 50 years of age, you can anticipate healthy dining options, relaxing games, a wide selection of activities and lectures, impressive scenery, and so much more.
Meet new friends who share your interests and even save some money by being paired up in a cabin with another single. This is ideal if you’re sailing alone and don’t mind having a roommate.
There are also rebates available for people over 55, making a cruise an even more attractive idea if you’ve been waiting for years to take the excellent vacation.