Ocean Cruises for over 50s and 60s

Cruise holidays are a superb choice for single travellers. Many cruise lines have single traveller offers, including reduced or no single supplements.

Regarding what to expect onboard, whilst there’s no obligation, many ocean cruise lines offer ‘meet and greet events early on in the cruise to meet other like-minded single travellers.

For more on solo travellers, read our handy guide here.    

One of the biggest myths about ocean cruising is that cruise ships are only for the elderly. According to the cruise line trade association CLIA in their 2020 report, the average age of a cruise passenger was 47 years.

Traditionally an over 60s holiday, some cruise lines have introduced new products to attract family and multi-generational groups.

The CLIA report stated that 18% of cruise guests were between 50 and 59 years of age, and 19% were between 60 and 69. 13% of guests were over 70 years of age.

Whilst world cruises tend to attract an older clientele. Expedition cruising tends to attract the over-45 audience. For more information on expedition cruising, read our guide here.

As a rule of thumb, a voyage of fewer than seven days may have one formal evening. A journey of seven nights or more tends to have two or more formal evenings. Many cruise lines will have dedicated restaurants for those who wish to join formal night, and dining venues will likely be recommended for those who would rather not dress up.

If you’re on an Indian Ocean cruise or sailing in crystal clear waters on a South Pacific cruise, you might feel out of sorts in an evening gown and tuxedo – as would we! You’ll find cocktail dresses and jackets for men are perfectly acceptable. Check your cruise line’s gala evening dress code if you have any doubts.

Simply put, a cruise and stay holiday offers you the chance to add a hotel or tour before or after your cruise. If you’re still unsure whether cruising is for you, then a cruise and stay holiday is the perfect option to offer a tailor-made combination of a holiday on land before venturing out to sea for a few days.

Some overseas ports, particularly in the Caribbean and USA are especially popular as cruise and stay holiday destinations. Who wouldn’t want to continue their trip for a week in Barbados and on a cruise! 

It’s impossible to say you won’t get seasick, but the reality is very few people suffer from it onboard. A cruise holiday has one of the highest repeat bookings, so if it was a significant problem, it’s unlikely that cruising would be so popular.

If you’re still concerned, there are both over-the-counter options, such as sea bands, and natural remedies for you to consider (we’re told green apples and ginger help!).

Our tips for anyone worried about motion sickness include:

1. booking a mid-ship stateroom, as the middle of the ship has less movement
2. Choosing a voyage in calmer seas or a voyage with fewer sea days – you might want to avoid the Atlantic Ocean crossing as a first timer!
3. A balcony allowing fresh air will certainly help
4. Look out for one of the newer ships as they will have the latest technology designed to improve stability

There’s a saying there’s a cruise for everyone, which goes too with the food options on many cruise lines – there’s something for everyone. It’s important to understand what is included in your cruise fare as some cruise lines charge extra for their ‘speciality restaurants’ or ‘speciality drink packages. In contrast, the ultra-luxury cruise lines offer all-inclusive ocean cruises.

The variety of food and restaurants on offer range from international all-inclusive buffets to fine dining restaurants and celebrity chefs. Dining is considered an experience with cruise lines attempting to outdo each other with their offering.

Each cruise line will publish its dining options daily, advising guests which restaurants are open at what times. It’s likely that breakfast and lunch will be a buffet or waiter service choice, depending on what venues are open. Dinner could be at a set time for those who opt to make reservations with several tables left for walk-up guests.

Popular speciality dining restaurants tend to get booked up quickly so if there’s a particular venue you want to try, we’d recommend booking well in advance. However, free dining is now widely accepted as people want to choose who they dine with rather than be pre-allocated tables. Cruise lines do vary, and there’s so much choice available onboard, our team are happy to offer further guidance.

There’s no easy answer, as it depends on what ports are included in your journey. As an example, the stunning Italian port of Portofino is only accessible via a tender from a cruise ship, whereas the cute town of Skagway Alaska is an easy stroll from where the cruise liners dock. Inevitably some ports have a more industrial feel; in this instance, many cruise lines arrange complimentary coach transfers to the town centre.

Certain ports are extremely popular, with taxis lining up, ready to take guests further afield. We would also recommend pre-booking any ‘must visit’ excursions as waiting to book whilst onboard your voyage may result in disappointment if the tour is full.