Whether you’re young or young at heart, cruising at any age is one of the most exciting and enlightening ways to see the world. For older adults, aka those over 55 or “senior citizens,” cruises are a particularly carefree way to travel.
Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned cruiser, you may be a bit more discerning when it comes to what you’re looking for in a cruise vacation. Luckily, Celebrity Cruises checks all the boxes for senior cruises. We offer over 300 exciting cruise destinations and itineraries worldwide, a wide variety of luxury staterooms and cruise amenities, world-class dining venues, thrilling entertainment, and easy-to-navigate cruise ships.
Are there cruises for seniors?
While we don’t offer specific senior citizen cruises, older guests can be assured they’ll have an unforgettable cruise experience on any Celebrity ship wherever they choose to cruise around the world.
Cruising is an easy way to experience multiple destinations in one vacation while enjoying the amenities and activities offered on a luxury cruise ship.
Read: Multi-Country Cruises Around the World
It’s also an excellent opportunity to spend time with multiple family members, reconnecting and enjoying a shared experience. Celebrity makes it easy to plan family reunion cruises, as well as anniversaries and vow renewals, for small groups or large.
Celebrity Cruise ships offer a variety of staterooms, including accessible options for those who may have mobility, sight, or hearing needs, and on some ships, single occupancy staterooms for those cruising solo.
Onboard dining includes 24-hour room service, flexible reservation times for dinner, options for a variety of diets, and lighter fare at venues throughout the ship.
Whether you want to sit back and relax on a pool deck lounger or be on the go from early morning until late night, senior citizen cruises accommodate every level of interest and activity.
Take a leisurely or brisk walk or jog on deck, check out the variety of classes offered at the fitness center, or pamper yourself with spa appointments for everything from massages to facials and body wraps.
Read: 15 Ways to Stay Fit On a Cruise
At every one of our port destinations, you can book shore excursions to satisfy a variety of interests tailored to your preferred level of activity, such as private journeys arranged exclusively for you, small-group discovery tours, and destination highlights that take you to the must-see landmarks and iconic sights in each port.
Are there things to consider when booking senior citizen cruises?
There are a few things that will make cruising as a senior a safe, hassle-free, and enjoyable experience.
Start by looking at a ship’s accommodations and see if they fit your specific needs, desires, and interests.
The Retreat® is our all-inclusive luxury vacation experience perfect for guests looking for the best accommodations, amenities, and service.
For spa lovers, AquaClass staterooms feature spa-inspired amenities and are located close to our onboard spa. AquaClass guests receive unlimited access to the Sea Thermal Suite or the Persian Garden, depending on the ship.
Receive an extra personal touch with our Concierge Class staterooms, which include extra perks like personalized concierge service and an exclusive destination seminar.
Review the ship’s deck plans, which will show you stateroom categories, locations, and configurations, dining venues, amenities such as pools, sundecks, and hot tubs, designated adult-only areas, social gathering spaces, spa and fitness facilities, and more.
Reviewing the deck plan will allow you to choose the best stateroom that’s close to an elevator for less walking, or a stateroom in an area that’s closest to where you’ll spend the most time aboard, such as the pool deck, the spa and fitness area, or dining venues.
Are Celebrity ships good for seniors?
Celebrity Cruises was voted best premium cruise line for 11 years in a row for a reason. The luxurious accommodations, stylish design, innovative spaces, and world-class dining you’ll find onboard Celebrity Cruises is perfect for people of all ages—seniors included.
Celebrity’s excellent and well-rounded crew ensures that every guest, from the youngest to the oldest, is given the utmost consideration. Throughout your journey, you’ll receive personalized attention from our crew, from the time you board the ship up until the moment you bid farewell to your favorite bartender, dining room staff, and room attendant.
Are there accessible staterooms and venues on cruise ships?
Celebrity Cruises is committed to safe, comfortable, stress-free, and enjoyable travel for all our guests. To that end, we offer accessible staterooms on each of our ships.
Read: Accessible Travel Guide
Accessible staterooms are specially designed for cruisers with disabilities. Our accessible staterooms have carefully considered features such as wider doors with removed door sills for convenient wheelchair access.
Read: Cruises for Seniors With Disabilities
Select staterooms have a five-foot turning radius for ease in navigating and accessible verandas with wheelchair-accommodating balconies so you can enjoy the view.
Additional features like lowered clothes bars in the closet, roll-in showers with handheld showerheads, grab bars, and fold-down shower benches are standard in accessible rooms, as are lower sinks and vanities, higher toilets, and ramped thresholds in the bathroom.
An accessible stateroom can also be customized for guests with hearing or sight special needs. We offer teletypewriters (TTY), which are portable room kits with a visual-tactile alert system for door knocking, telephone ringing, alarm clock, and smoke detector, plus closed captioning in every television in our staterooms.
Accessible rooms are held for cruise travelers with disabilities until all other non-accessible staterooms in that category are fully booked. Since there are only a limited number of these rooms, it’s best to book early and fill out the required Special Needs Form.
Celebrity ships are also accessible with wide corridors, conveniently located elevators, and open and inviting public spaces.
You’ll also find lifts for one pool and one whirlpool on each ship, lowered slot machines and playing tables in the casino, and accessible public bathrooms. Gradual inclines lead into public rooms, and automatic doors are available on Solstice-class and Edge-series ships.
Celebrity’s commitment to accessibility extends to assistance with an airport to pier transfer when arranged in advance; assistance in boarding and departing the ship; and assistance in reaching areas of the ship that may not be accessible.
When it comes to shore excursions, there are a number of accessible tours in destinations across the globe.
On accessible tours, vans with wheelchair lifts are provided. Make sure to book in advance to ensure the availability of equipped vans.
What can seniors do on the ship?
One of the most exciting aspects of a senior citizen cruise experience is the infinite variety of activities for guests of every age.
From early morning to the late evening, there are engaging, educational, and entertaining things to do throughout the ship. Of course, there’s also the option to do nothing at all.
Start Your Day
Enjoy a leisurely morning coffee on your veranda by ordering from our 24-hour room service menu. Check out the day’s activities and offerings in Celebrity Today, the daily newsletter delivered to your room each evening during turndown service.
If you love the idea of a full-service breakfast to start off the day, head to the Main Restaurant. If you’re on the go, stop at one of the cafes for a cappuccino and freshly baked pastry, or grab a juice or smoothie at the Spa Cafe after a leisurely deck walk.
Like the variety of a breakfast buffet? Head to the Ocean View Cafe and have a breakfast feast, complete with a fabulous ocean view from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Tour the Ship
During a leisurely day at sea, get acquainted with your ship and discover its magnificent public spaces, lounges, and bars.
On one of our insider access ship tours, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at areas of the ship typically reserved for our crew. Explore the engine control room, see the main galley where meals are prepared, and visit the bridge where the captain charts the way to your destination.
Explore Eden
On Celebrity Edge or Apex, visit Eden, an immersive and interactive venue where you can indulge your senses from morning until night. This three-level transformational space is a cool, calming place to relax early in the day and breathe in the aroma of fresh herbs in the garden.
Take a Class
Brush up on your culinary skills at a hands-on cooking class, or become even more wine-savvy at a wine-and-food-pairing seminar hosted by our onboard master sommeliers.
Appreciate Art
Each Celebrity ship has its own amazing collection of contemporary art. Enjoy browsing the ship’s permanent art collection, attend an art lecture, or bid on works of art for sale at an onboard auction.
Spend Time Outdoors
At the adults-only* Solarium, unwind on a sundeck lounger with that book you’ve been meaning to read, or take a refreshing dip in the pool.
On our Solstice-class ships, head up to The Lawn Club for a game of bocce or croquet on real grass. Practice your putting, have a picnic lunch, or listen to a live concert.
On Edge or Apex, order a salad, flatbread pizza, or classic burger at the casual Rooftop Garden Grill, then stroll the greenery and natural art spaces of the Rooftop Garden. On select ships, you can also enjoy a game of pickleball on the sports court.
*Solarium kid’s hours available from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on select itineraries – Antarctica, Alaska, and the Baltics.
Read: Things to Do Outdoors on a Cruise Ship
Book Shore Excursions and Destination Lectures
Attend scheduled lectures on your port destinations, which will give you a deeper appreciation for local culture, customs, and history. Stop by the Shore Excursions Desk to book activities in port.
Visit The Spa
Get pampered with one of the rejuvenating treatments available at our luxurious onboard spa. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi and hairstyling just because or in preparation for the ship’s Evening Chic night.
Schedule a facial and get skincare tips from The Spa’s professional aestheticians. Unwind with a soothing stone massage or body wrap.
Try aqua therapy treatments like herbal steam baths and Finnish saunas at the soothing Persian Gardens (complimentary for AquaClass guests).
On Edge or Apex ships, the SEA Thermal Suite (also complimentary for AquaClass guests), offers Hammam, a modern take on the Turkish Bath, a state-of-the-art collection of deep table massages, a Salt Room, and over 120 spa therapies and treatments. You can even schedule acupuncture or advanced treatments at MedSpa.
Indulge in Retail Therapy
Stroll the marble walkways of the European-inspired shopping arcade on board. Shop in luxury boutiques and find the perfect outfit for upcoming shore excursions, something “wow” for Evening Chic nights, a lovely piece of jewelry as a memento of your trip, or leather goods and other cruise gifts for your loved ones back home.
Get Connected
At the iLounge, Celebrity’s 24/7 computer lounge, use Apple computers, take technology classes, and learn tips and tricks from the Certified Apple Experts who staff the lounge.
Pose at the Photo Studio
Are you cruising with family or for a special occasion such as an anniversary, special birthday, or holiday? This is a great time to gather everyone and head to the ship’s photo studio for a family portrait taken by a professional photographer.
Our professional roving photographers also take plenty of candid photos of you and your family throughout your cruise, so make sure to check out the Photo Gallery to see snapshots of your favorite moments on board.
Dine in Style
Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its world-class cuisine, and our expert culinary teams make sure that each meal at every dining venue is sublime.
Read: How to Eat Healthy on a Cruise
The Main Restaurant serves a large menu of classic and modern specialties in a two-story setting that manages to be inviting and intimate at the same time.
In specialty restaurants, you’ll find a truly unique culinary experience that will delight your taste buds.
In Tuscan Grille, traditional Southern Italian dishes including fresh handmade pasta, USDA Prime steaks, and a regional Italian wine list are highlights of the menu.
Murano is our French-inspired dining venue with a number of signature dishes prepared tableside. For a true gastronomic treat, try the Five Senses food and wine pairing menu.
Le Petit Chef is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that combines great food and great fun. This 3-D experience is perfect for a festive multigenerational family dinner. Enjoy watching animated tiny chefs prepare your meal right on your plate, just as your server delivers the real food to your table.
Blu, the exclusive restaurant for AquaClass guests, serves a menu of fresh, bold flavors and a wine list of sustainable and biodynamic wines in a beautifully modern setting.
For guests of The Retreat, Luminae offers exclusive menu items not available at any other dining venue on the ship, and special dishes created by our Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, Chef Daniel Boulud.
Be Entertained
Evenings aboard Celebrity ships are lively and exciting, with Broadway-worthy shows in the theater, bands, jazz, and folk concerts at The Lawn Club, impromptu performances by our entertainers that can pop up anywhere, plus concerts, DJ music, cabaret entertainment, and silent disco.
What are the best cruise destinations for seniors?
When choosing the perfect itinerary for a senior citizen cruise vacation, consider the climates, destinations, and things to do that you’re most interested in.
Do you want to unwind on stunning Caribbean beaches? Experience the historic landmarks and ancient sites of the Old World? Looking to explore far-flung destinations like South America or Australia and New Zealand?
No matter where you sail, you’ll find shore excursions that cater to guests of all ages, activity levels, and interests.
Senior Citizen Cruises to Alaska
Alaska cruises are popular for travelers of all ages, especially senior cruisers and multigenerational families.
For smaller crowds, cruise during shoulder season months in April or May. Summer cruises to Alaska are great for a memory-making multigenerational vacation when the kids are out of school and parents can use up their vacation days.
Caribbean Cruises for Seniors
Swaying palms, enticing blue waters, and exquisite beaches are hallmarks of the Caribbean islands. Caribbean cruises sail year-round, so you’ll have a range of itineraries, departure ports, and itinerary lengths to choose from.
On an Ultimate Caribbean cruise itinerary, explore the beautiful islands of Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Maarten. Enjoy beach excursions, duty-free shopping, swimming and snorkeling, wonderfully fresh seafood, and the inviting local culture.
Cruise the Western Caribbean on a five-night itinerary sailing to the Florida Keys and Cozumel, Mexico, with two nights at sea to relax and luxuriate in all the excitement and activities your ship has to offer.
On an Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas cruise, explore the Old Fort at San Juan, Puerto Rico, shop for luxury goods in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, savor the French-influenced food in St. Maarten, and bask on the white sand beaches of Tortola and the Bahamas.
Norwegian Fjords
Always wanted to see the fjords of Norway? On a Norway cruise, sail to the stunning ports of Bergen, Alesund, Geiranger, and Stavanger.
In this beautiful country, you’ll see the old wharf, walk the cobblestoned town of Bryggen, sample traditional Norwegian food, visit the Geiranger Fjord with its dramatic waterfalls and towering mountainsides, and take an easy hike on Pulpit Rock in Stavanger, which rises over 1,800 feet above the sea.
Scandinavia
Travel to Scandinavia on a cruise with overnight stay in Copenhagen, where you can spend time at Tivoli Gardens, see the city from the waterside, and experience “hygge,” the concept of coziness, warmth, and comfort.
Other ports of call include Stockholm, Sweden and Tallinn, Estonia.
Read: Things to Do in Tallinn
The Galapagos
Senior cruisers looking for an eco-adventure are sure to find it on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise to the Galapagos Islands.
On Celebrity Flora, enjoy unparalleled luxury while exploring the incredible marine and land wildlife of the volcanic islands that make up the Galapagos.
Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Hawaii
If you have the pleasure of extended time to travel at your leisure, a perfect senior cruise is our 17-night cruise to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Hawaii that embarks from Honolulu and disembarks in Sydney.
Cruise to Maui, then on to Bora Bora and French Polynesia—some of the best Pacific islands to visit. Cross the International Dateline, then sail on to Auckland, Bay of Islands, and finally to Sydney, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Read: Best Things to Do in Bora Bora
Back-to-Back Cruises
One of the best ways to celebrate being a senior citizen is to book an extended vacation on a back-to-back cruise. Consider a back-to-back with an 11-day cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia to the Hawaiian Islands, then embark on the 17-night Honolulu and Tahiti cruise that disembarks in Sydney.
Use Flights by Celebrity to book all of your airline reservations to get to your embarkation point. With Flights by Celebrity, you can be assured by our Lowest Price Guarantee, use the airline points you’ve accrued, enjoy 24/7 assistance so you’ll never miss a cruise due to delayed or canceled flights, and have the option to book now and pay later.
Which shore excursions can seniors take?
One of the joys of senior citizen cruises is being able to explore all of the destinations you visit at your own pace. Learning about the culture, customs, history, and geography of those destinations is an easy way to enrich your vacation.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Wonders of the World during multigenerational trips and make memories that will stay with your family for a lifetime.
Once you’ve booked your cruise, you can browse shore excursions on our website and sort by interest, activity level, and accessibility.
See the ruins of Pompeii or go on a wine-tasting excursion in Tuscany.
Swim with gentle stingrays or experience the wonders under the sea without getting wet on a fascinating glass-bottom boat tour in the Caribbean.
Take a restorative dip in the hot spring baths at Castries, St. Lucia; Kagoshima, Japan; or Reykjavik, Iceland.
See exceptional wildlife in their natural habitat and the spectacular wilderness of Alaska during a gentle hike or boat tour of the Last Frontier.
Book Your Senior Citizen Cruise
If you’re ready to explore the world as a senior traveler, browse our cruise itineraries and book online, or call one of our vacation specialists today.
