Is an Alaskan cruise on your bucket list? It should be.
Cruising offers another dimension to travel, seeing things from a different perspective – different view. And the Alaska cruise will give you a front seat to the amazing show that Mother Nature puts on for those only on the sea to witness. The acrobatic humpback whales breaking through the water’s surface, the thunderous calving of glaciers that have sat still for centuries, the enormity of the tallest mountains in North America and the vast infinity of untrodden wilderness that lies just off the front deck of the ship. For the adventure seeker or the scenic lounger, there is something in Alaska for everyone.
The best ships for seniors include those with varied activities and excursions, accessibility for handicapped/wheelchair, comfort and views. Most cruise lines offer ‘sea only’ or ‘land and sea’ cruise packages with or without airfare.
Princess ($)
Princess Cruise Lines is considered by many to be one of the best cruise lines for seniors offering many options and including things to do onboard and off, multiple restaurants and shows, and ships are easy to navigate with a wheelchair. The Alaska line is considered their crown jewel. Wheelchair seating is available in their show lounges and public spaces.
They even offer a MedallionClass™ vacation packacge offering the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with your OceanMedallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating your loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever you need, delivered to your room.
Viking ($$$)
Viking Cruises – when you don’t want to pay for everything extra. Included in your fare are your port fees and taxes, all meals, soft drinks and alcohol included at lunch and dinner, 24-hour room service, free wifi, specialty coffees, teas and bottled water, one excursion at each of the 7 ports, and you get a room with a king size bed, private veranda, heated bathroom floors, separate seating area, and 110/220/USB outlets. Airfare is extra. Luxury included.
Norwegian ($)
For those that prefer the finer things in life, hop aboard this ultra luxurious cruise line. Norwegian’s Free at Sea deals allow you to pick and choose your most affordable cruise options, like adding Free Dining or Free Shore Excursions to cut the cost of your cruise. Bonus tip: Norwegian offers discounts for seniors. They also have special associates who help with seniors or other travelers who need extra assistance, and they offer wheelchairs and scooters for rent to get on and off the ship as well as accessible staterooms.
Regent ($$$)
Regent is a true luxury experience. A truly all inclusive ship, including gratuities. Accessible suites are available on all ships and can accommodate a wheelchair or motorized scooter as well as prearranged rentals. All public spaces, dining venues, bars and casinos are also easy to navigate and accessible.
Royal Caribbean ($)
Royal Caribbean is one of the larger ships that has accessible staterooms and caters to guests with vision and hearing disabilities as well as mobility issues. Accessible staterooms range from 159 square feet to 298 square feet, offer a five-foot turning radius in sleeping areas, bathrooms and sitting areas for easy maneuverability. They also offer accessible shore excursions.
Celebrity Cruises ($$)
Seniors with special needs will love the fact that this cruise line has been awarded for taking care of its special needs passengers. Not only are there accessible staterooms, but there are even accessible excursions!
- Wider doors, with automatic doors throughout the ship
- No doorsill to enter stateroom
- Ramped bathroom thresholds
- Bathroom grab bars
- Lowered sink and vanity
- Roll-in showers
- Accessible balconies
Holland America ($$)
Holland America is one of the most luxurious cruise lines and although they don’t offer pricing specifically for seniors, they do have accessible rooms.
Silverseas ($$$)
Silverseas offer smaller ships which means less crowded. This money-saving cruise line offers lots of specials and bonuses for senior travelers. Every suite has an ocean view on these small ships, and you can select an all-inclusive option, which is perfect for seniors who don’t want to fuss over funds and instead focus on the trip. Personalized service is one of the main things Silversea is known for, and you’ll have your every need attended to, as this cruise line knows how to treat their guests.
Carnival ($)
Carnival caters to families and budget travellers but offers special senior discounts for travelers 55 and over, and they have accessible staterooms and even accessible ships.
Oceania ($$$)
Oceania offers smaller ships with upscale amenities and has all inclusive options leaving you to enjoy being pampered by the staff.
If you’re still not sure on a cruise line, check out Princess or Holland America. Both of these cruise lines have been cruising in Alaska for over 50 years. They offer the most itineraries, the most ships in the area, and also have the strongest relationships with tour operators.
Princess offers a more family-friendly, modern, and casual ship experience. Holland America is more focused on luxury experiences, fine food, live music and traditional cruise experiences. Both of these companies also offer smaller ships that can navigate where other mega-ships like those from Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity simply can’t go which means less crowded, more up close and intimate experiences with Alaska!
Now get out there and enjoy your retirement!
I would like to have information on all cruises!