Cruise Deals & Reviews
Cruising offers a popular way for seniors to travel, combining transportation, accommodation, dining, and entertainment. Understanding how to find deals, choose the right cruise line and itinerary, and navigate onboard expenses is key to an enjoyable experience.
How We Scored a Balcony Cabin on a Luxury Cruise for Less Than an Inside Room
We dreamed of a luxury cruise but balked at the balcony prices. Our travel agent suggested a “guarantee” cabin booking on a repositioning cruise (when a ship moves between regions, e.g., Caribbean to Mediterranean). We booked a guaranteed oceanview, meaning the cruise line assigns the specific room later. Because these cruises are less popular, upgrades are common. Weeks before sailing, we were assigned a balcony cabin! The total cost was about $1,800 per person for 14 nights – less than an inside room on a peak season sailing. Flexibility paid off handsomely!
Alaska vs. Caribbean Cruise: Which is Really Better for Seniors?
We’ve done both! The Caribbean offers warm weather, beaches, and relaxation – great for escaping winter. Activities are often water-based. Alaska is about stunning scenery – glaciers, mountains, wildlife. Activities involve sightseeing, often in cooler weather requiring layers. For us, Alaska felt more unique and awe-inspiring, appealing to our interest in nature and photography. The Caribbean was more purely relaxing. “Better” depends entirely on preferences: choose Caribbean for sun and sand relaxation, Alaska for majestic scenery and wildlife viewing. Both offer accessible options for seniors.
River Cruising in Europe: Is It Worth the Hype? (My Experience)
The smaller ships and scenic routes of European river cruising intrigued us. We took a Danube cruise from Germany to Hungary. The Pros: Intimate ship (under 200 passengers), docking right in town centers for easy exploration, beautiful scenery constantly gliding by, included tours. Cons: Significantly more expensive than ocean cruises (ours was around $4,500 per person for 7 nights), less onboard entertainment variety. Verdict: Worth it for the convenience, immersive cultural access, and relaxing pace if budget allows. It’s a very different, more destination-focused experience than ocean cruising.
Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals Without Getting Scammed
My neighbor booked a fantastic last-minute deal (under $500 for a 7-night Caribbean cruise) directly through a major cruise line’s website about three weeks before sailing. The key is flexibility – being open to different itineraries or cabin types. Reputable online travel agencies specializing in cruises (like Vacations To Go’s 90-day ticker) also list legitimate deals. Beware of unsolicited emails or unknown websites offering deals that seem too good to be true. Stick to official cruise line sites or well-known, established travel agencies to avoid scams when hunting for those last-minute bargains.
Comparing Major Cruise Lines (Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean vs. NCL) for the 50+ Traveler
We’ve sailed on all three. Carnival often feels high-energy, great for multi-generational families, with lots of activities (“Fun Ships”). Royal Caribbean offers innovative mega-ships with diverse entertainment (Broadway shows, ice skating). Norwegian (NCL) pioneered “Freestyle Cruising” with flexible dining options and no set times. For us (in our early 60s), NCL’s flexibility and Royal Caribbean’s varied entertainment slightly edge out Carnival’s party vibe, but all offer enjoyable experiences. Consider specific ship amenities and itineraries when choosing, as experiences vary widely even within one line.
The Truth About Cruise Ship Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
On our first cruise, we skipped the drink package. Buying drinks individually (soda, coffee, cocktails) added up quickly, nearing $50 per person per day. On our next cruise, we bought the package (around $70 pp/day). We enjoyed cocktails by the pool and wine with dinner without worrying about the cost. Break-even is typically 5-7 alcoholic drinks daily, plus sodas/specialty coffees. If you enjoy multiple drinks throughout the day, it offers convenience and predictability. If you drink modestly, it’s likely cheaper to pay per drink. Do the math based on your habits!
What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (Layers are Key!)
Packing for Alaska required strategic layering. Even in summer, weather changes rapidly. Essentials included: a waterproof outer jacket (rain is common), a fleece or warm sweater for insulation, long-sleeved shirts, comfortable pants (jeans/khakis), waterproof walking shoes, gloves, a warm hat, and sunglasses. Binoculars were invaluable for wildlife spotting from the ship. Formal wear was less emphasized than on Caribbean cruises; “smart casual” worked for most evenings. The key is being prepared for sun, rain, wind, and cool temperatures, sometimes all in one day!
Shore Excursions: Booking Through the Ship vs. Independently
Booking shore excursions through the cruise line is convenient and guarantees you won’t miss the ship if the tour runs late. However, it’s often significantly more expensive. On our Mediterranean cruise, we booked some tours independently online with reputable local companies found via sites like Viator or Shore Excursions Group. We saved roughly 30-40 percent per excursion (e.g., paying $80 instead of $130 for a similar Rome tour). It requires more research and careful timing management, but independent booking can offer substantial savings and sometimes smaller group experiences.
Solo Cruising After 50: Tips for Meeting People and Having Fun
Cruising solo after my husband passed felt daunting, but rewarding. I chose a cruise line known for being welcoming to singles (like Holland America). I attended the solo traveler meet-and-greets early on. I signed up for group activities like trivia, cooking classes, and shore excursions – easy ways to chat with others. Dining at shared tables in the main dining room was another great way to connect. Being open, smiling, and initiating conversations helped immensely. Many cruise lines offer activities specifically designed for solo travelers to mingle.
Is Cruise Travel Insurance Necessary? My Thoughts
On one cruise, my luggage was delayed for two days. On another, my father had a minor medical issue requiring a visit to the ship’s doctor. Thankfully, we had travel insurance both times. The policy covered costs for essential clothing purchases and the unexpected medical bill (nearly $500). While cruises often go smoothly, insurance protects against unforeseen events: trip cancellations/interruptions, medical emergencies (which can be extremely expensive onboard or abroad), lost luggage, travel delays. For the relatively low cost (usually 5-10 percent of trip price), the peace of mind is absolutely worth it.
Hidden Costs on a Cruise You Need to Budget For
Your cruise fare covers basics, but many extras add up. Automatic daily gratuities (20 pp/day) are standard. Drinks beyond basic water/tea/coffee (soda, alcohol, specialty coffees) cost extra unless you have a package. Shore excursions can be pricey. Specialty restaurants often have cover charges (50+ pp). Wi-Fi access is usually expensive. Spa treatments, casino gambling, professional photos, and souvenirs all increase the final bill. Budgeting an extra 30-50 percent of the cruise fare for these potential “hidden” costs provides a realistic financial picture.
Reviewing Different Cabin Types: Inside vs. Oceanview vs. Balcony vs. Suite
We’ve tried them all! Inside cabins are cheapest, great if you just need a place to sleep and plan to be out exploring. Oceanview provides natural light and a glimpse of the sea via a window. Balcony cabins offer private outdoor space – wonderful for morning coffee or evening relaxation, our preferred choice if budget allows. Suites provide significantly more space, often separate living areas, larger balconies, and sometimes perks like priority boarding, but come at a premium price. Choice depends on budget and how much time you plan to spend in your cabin.
Mediterranean Cruise Highlights: My Favorite Ports
Our Mediterranean cruise was incredible! Highlights included: Rome (Civitavecchia port), where we marveled at the Colosseum and Vatican City – exhausting but worth it. Florence (Livorno port), exploring Renaissance art and climbing Duomo’s dome. The stunning cliffside villages of Santorini, Greece – postcard-perfect. Dubrovnik, Croatia, walking the ancient city walls with breathtaking Adriatic views. Each port offered unique history, culture, and beauty. A Med cruise provides an amazing overview, though you often wish for more time in each incredible location.
Tipping on a Cruise: How Much and Who to Tip?
Most major cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities to your onboard account (typically 20 per person, per day) shared among cabin stewards, dining staff, and behind-the-scenes crew. While you can adjust this at guest services, it’s generally expected. Beyond the auto-gratuity, we give extra cash (50 total) directly to our cabin steward and main dining waiters if they provided exceptional service. We also tip room service delivery (5), bartenders (2 per drink if not on a package), and shore excursion guides.
The Best (and Worst) Times of Year to Take Certain Cruises
Timing affects price and experience. Alaska: Best June-August for warmer weather and wildlife, but busiest/priciest. May/September offer deals but cooler temps. Caribbean: Peak season December-April (best weather, highest prices). Summer/Fall is hurricane season (lower prices, risk of itinerary changes). Europe (Med/Rivers): Spring (April-May) and Fall (Sept-Oct) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summer (June-August), which can be hot and packed. Consider shoulder seasons for a good balance of weather, crowds, and cost.
Finding Accessible Cruise Options for Travelers with Mobility Issues
My sister uses a scooter, so finding accessible cruise options was key. Most modern ships offer accessible cabins with wider doorways, roll-in showers, and grab bars (book early, they’re limited!). We checked ship deck plans online for elevator locations and accessible routes. Cruise lines provide information on accessible shore excursions (often limited). Researching specific ships and contacting the cruise line’s accessibility department beforehand ensures needs can be met. Many lines, like Holland America and Celebrity, are known for catering well to passengers with mobility challenges.
Theme Cruises (Music, Food, Hobbies): Are They Fun?
My husband loves 80s rock, so we tried a music theme cruise featuring bands from that era. It was incredibly fun! The ship buzzed with energy, concerts happened nightly, and we bonded with fellow fans sharing a common passion. Activities revolved around the theme. Downsides: Can be pricier than standard cruises, and port calls might feel secondary to onboard events. If you’re passionate about the theme (music genres, culinary stars, specific hobbies like quilting), these cruises offer a unique, immersive experience surrounded by like-minded people.
What It’s Really Like on a Transatlantic Cruise
We booked a 14-day transatlantic cruise from Florida to Barcelona, seeking relaxation. The reality: lots of sea days! It’s perfect if you enjoy the ship’s amenities – lectures, classes, spa, reading by the pool. Entertainment is spread out. It’s very relaxing but can feel isolating if you crave constant port exploration. Weather can be variable in the open Atlantic. It’s great value per day, often cheaper than flying one-way plus a shorter cruise. Ideal for unwinding, enjoying ship life, and needing minimal itinerary planning, but requires enjoying days at sea.
Packing Light for a Cruise: My Minimalist Approach
Dragging huge suitcases onto a ship is cumbersome. I learned to pack light. I choose mix-and-match clothing items in a coordinating color palette (navy, white, beige). Two pairs of versatile shoes (walking, dressier). Minimal toiletries (buy travel size or use ship’s). One or two evening outfits suffice for formal nights (which are becoming less formal). Using packing cubes helps compress clothing. Resisting the urge to pack for “just in case” scenarios saves space and hassle. Doing laundry onboard mid-cruise is always an option if needed.
Cruise Loyalty Programs: Are They Worth Pursuing?
After several cruises with the same line (Royal Caribbean), we reached their “Platinum” loyalty level. Perks include discounts on balcony cabins, special onboard events, and sometimes free laundry or internet minutes. While nice, the benefits usually aren’t significant enough to justify choosing a cruise solely based on loyalty status, especially if another line offers a much better itinerary or price. It’s a pleasant bonus if you happen to cruise frequently with one line, but don’t let loyalty drastically limit your options or cost you more overall.
Avoiding Seasickness: Tips That Actually Work
I’m prone to motion sickness, but several strategies help me enjoy cruising. Booking a cabin mid-ship on a lower deck minimizes motion. Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or Bonine (taken before feeling sick) work well for me. Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands) provide drug-free relief. Staying hydrated, avoiding heavy or greasy foods, getting fresh air on deck, and focusing on the horizon also help stabilize my equilibrium. Ginger candies or capsules are another natural remedy. Being prepared allows me to manage potential seasickness effectively.
Dining Options on Cruise Ships: Specialty Restaurants vs. Main Dining Room
Cruise ship dining offers choices. The Main Dining Room (MDR) is included in the fare, offering multi-course meals with assigned seating times or flexible options. We enjoy the MDR for its classic experience and getting to know our waitstaff. Specialty Restaurants require an extra fee (30- 50+ pp) for specific cuisines (steakhouse, Italian, sushi). We usually splurge on one or two specialty meals per cruise for a different atmosphere or higher-end food. Both offer good quality; specialty dining provides variety and a more intimate setting at added cost.
What to Expect on Embarkation and Disembarkation Days
Embarkation day is exciting but can be chaotic. Arrive during your assigned check-in window. You’ll go through security, check-in (have documents ready!), get your keycard, and board. Cabins usually aren’t ready immediately, so carry essentials (meds, swimsuit) in a day bag. Disembarkation is more structured. You’ll receive luggage tags with assigned departure times. Leave tagged bags outside your cabin the night before. After breakfast, wait in designated lounges until your tag number is called, then proceed ashore, find your luggage in the terminal, and go through customs. Patience is key both days!
Cruising the Panama Canal: A Bucket List Trip Review
Transiting the Panama Canal was truly a bucket list experience! We took a full transit cruise (Atlantic to Pacific). Watching the massive ship navigate the intricate lock system – Gatun Locks, Gatun Lake, Culebra Cut, Miraflores Locks – was fascinating engineering marvel. The humid climate and surrounding jungle scenery added to the atmosphere. It’s a longer cruise (10-14+ days) with port calls often in Central America or the Caribbean. Definitely recommend for anyone interested in history, engineering, or seeking a unique cruise itinerary beyond typical routes.
Reading Cruise Reviews Online: How to Spot Fake vs. Real Ones
Online cruise reviews are helpful, but require critical reading. Look for balanced reviews mentioning both pros and cons – overly gushing or excessively negative reviews might be suspect. Check reviewer history: Do they review frequently, or is this their only post? Specific details about the ship, ports, dining experiences lend credibility. Vague complaints or praise are less useful. Be wary of reviews pushing specific travel agencies. Sites like CruiseCritic have large forums where experienced cruisers share detailed, generally reliable insights, but always consider multiple sources.