5 Fun and Exciting Cruises for Retirees Looking for a Change of Pace

It’s often said that your golden years are your happiest. With the newfound freedom that retirement brings, and with the kids out of the nest, you may be wondering how to spend your time. 

What better way to celebrate your retirement than getting away and seeing the world? 

Cruises offer the unique opportunity to travel to different countries and explore new activities in a cost-efficient and exciting way. Whether you’re a cruise connoisseur, or you’re debating getting on board for the first time, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. 

Your retirement leaves you with extra time on your hands, and with no kiddos around, there has never been a better time to focus on yourself.

Every cruise offers its own unique amenities, many with all-inclusive features and beautiful destinations. There’s an activity for everyone — whether you’re the foodie, the thrill-seeker, the romantic, or the sunbather. 

With so many options to choose from and chances to customize your cruise experience, you’re sure to find the perfect package no matter your budget.

There has never been a better time for you to broaden your horizons. With no tots to chase, and with everything virtually planned for you, you can focus on truly enjoying yourself. Meet other like-minded travelers, watch the sea over drinks, and enjoy your escargot without the judgment of your grandkids.

Saga Cruises

Saga Cruises is a British cruise line that exclusively caters to adults over 50. Their luxurious ocean cruises drip with elegance and class, and the crew is dedicated to the comforts and needs of their guests.

Saga offers an all-inclusive package, covering Wi-Fi, meals, soft drinks, house spirits/drafts, fitness classes, and gratuities. You can vacation in peace knowing virtually everything has been planned for you. If you’d like to add extra excursions, you can easily add them for an additional cost.

This sophisticated voyage offers traditional English Tea every afternoon, and you can mingle over a warm cup with guests from all over England, Australia, and North America. There are multiple formal and elegant-casual nights, so be sure to bring your best tux or evening gown.

Saga Ocean cruises travel to a variety of islands and countries, from the Caribbean to the British Isles. You’re sure to be impressed by gorgeous views and new cultures. Traveling alone? Saga is known for their hospitality, so you can enjoy the sights in ultimate comfort.

Ocean cruises depart from either Dover or Southampton. You can choose a 5-night voyage, or splurge and enjoy a 35-day luxurious adventure. Prices are in Euros, of course, but range anywhere from around $1,360 USD to $10,770 USD. With how inclusive their package is, you can’t go wrong with Saga Cruises.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Cruises is known for their cultural and historical approach to their voyages. For the sophisticated minds out there, this experience was tailor-made for you. There’s a reason they’re known as “The Thinking Person’s Cruise.”

You have to be an adult to board this cruise, so you’ll be enjoying your journey in the presence of like-minded people. The environment is refined but still offers endless ways to educate and entertain yourself.

Viking Cruises are packed with unique and interesting amenities. You’ll never have to worry about how to spend your free time on board with their ship-wide library, guest lecturers, and resident historians. 

Viking cruises range in price and length — with some costing as much as $60K for world excursions! But if you’re looking for a less costly adventure, we highly recommend boarding one of their quiet season Mediterranean cruises. Taking place during fall and winter, you can take advantage of cheaper flights, fewer passengers, and the chance to truly feel like a local.

These cruises may cost significantly less than some of their higher-end trips, but you aren’t sacrificing anything in turn. You’ll enjoy culturally rich excursions that many cruise lines may not offer, and you’ll get an authentic view of unique landmarks and local life.

There are several different trips that Viking offers during the off-season. They span several countries like Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Spain. Trips last anywhere from 8-26 days and range from around $3,000 to $10,000. For an unforgettable, sophisticated experience without the immense costs, consider Viking’s quiet season Mediterranean cruises.

Virgin Voyages

For the young at heart, there’s a very special cruise to celebrate your inner Rockstar. Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady brings the party wherever it goes. You don’t need to slow down just because you’re retired! 

This cruise caters to adults only, and the environment is incredibly fun and casual, with no dress code or dining times. Feel free to be yourself, and enjoy your vacation the way you want. 

The Scarlet Lady travels from Miami to the Caribbean, 2 of the world’s biggest hotspots for festivities and party life. Feel free to mingle with the younger generations, and live like you’re 21 again.

For those looking for a bit of special treatment, the “Rockstar” VIP package includes early boarding, an incredibly sleek suite fit for Jimmy Hendrix, and access to “agents” who are dedicated to serving you. You can even throw a private party on your suite’s terrace and visit a private club.

Voyages last 4-5 nights. Tickets range from $1,550 to $2,220 per cabin. The fare includes all restaurants, basic drinks, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. 

Holland America Line – Oosterdam

Holland America is famous for their slogan “committed to serving everyone.” The Cruise Line is known for their strides in making their cruise ships as accessible as possible for disabled passengers.

The Oosterdam is their most accessible ship, with several fully wheelchair-friendly staterooms. The doors are wide, rooms spacious, and the beds can be converted as needed. Guests can also easily access showers and tubs.

Onboard entertainment includes performances from the world-renowned Lincoln Center Stage and B.B. King’s Blues Club. The ship’s suites, dining, and lounge have been completely revamped, and you’ll enjoy the opportunity to eat at several specialty restaurants. 

The Oosterdam travels anywhere from Europe to South America and Antarctica. You’ll enjoy gorgeous views in the comfort of a cruise line that prioritizes the inclusion, safety, and well-being of their guests.

Trips start at 7 days and can last as long as 31. Prices range from $720 to $4,120, so there’s a voyage for everyone. Enjoy your cruise with peace of mind that you and your loved ones can get the most out of your experience without sacrificing accessibility.

Princess Cruises

Are you looking to take your relationship to the next level? Or perhaps reignite some fire in your marriage? Princess Cruises are known for their romantic getaways catering to couples and honeymooners. If you’re looking to focus on you and your partner, they have the perfect intimate trip for you.

We recommend the Highlights of Spain and Classic Italy voyages. These will take you and your lover to some of the most iconic and romantic cities on the planet. Feel free to enjoy rich wines, fine dining, and historical architecture. Will you ride a Gondola or a horse-drawn carriage? The opportunities for intimate moments are endless.

Princess Cruises also offer unique packages tailored to lovebirds. Whether you want to marry the love of your life or renew your vows, Princess offers the perfect opportunity to do so. If you’d like to express your love and appreciation for your partner in a simpler way, feel free to take advantage of their honeymoon and anniversary packages. 

The Highlights of Spain and the Classic Italy voyages depart from Barcelona and visit a myriad of cities. The trips can last anywhere from 13-28 nights, so you and your partner have lots of time to enjoy yourselves and soak everything in. 

Celebrate Your Retirement with a Cruise Adventure

Your retirement gives you the chance to focus on yourself. Make this opportunity count by rewarding yourself with an unforgettable experience. You’ve more than earned it. With so much freedom and little responsibilities, there has never been a better time to treat yourself to your dream vacation.

With the variety of cruise lines offering voyages all over the world, your dream vacation is only a call away. With how seriously cruise lines take the safety of their guests, cruising is perhaps the safest way to travel right now.

Ready to take the next steps in planning your dream getaway? CloudBlue Travel is dedicated to helping you curate your perfect vacation. 

Get your cruise experience tailored to your needs with complimentary access to the best cruise destinations, excursions, and ship features.

Call us today to kick off your retirement with the cruise of a lifetime >

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