A cruise - holiday of a lifetime

Many over 60s consider a cruise, especially if they are single – for many reasons. Many, having retired, may have time on their hands. Some may have inherited some money. Others may have built up a decent pension pot. Still more may have decided that the savings they have been building up over the years finally need spending!

Although we like to think of ourselves as young at heart, we would probably all prefer to mix with our own age group, especially over a period of a few weeks in a relatively confined space. There are some ways in which you can forecast the make-up of your shipmates. In general, the more expensive cruises attract the older generation. Cruise groups such as Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, for example, tend to be favoured by older, wealthier clients. Also, because over 60s have more time on their hands, the longer cruises usually have more older travellers. Saga Cruises, of course allows only over 50s, and Spirit of Adventure has a minimum age of 40.

How much you want to spend on a cruise depends on the length of your holiday, the destinations and, to a large extent, the quality of the cruise line. It can be expensive, but you’re not looking at a cruise if you can’t afford it. You could reduce your outlay if, for example, you have a cabin with two or more other people; if you book more than nine months in advance; or if you gambled on a late booking. The usual rules of peak and low season apply, but check seasonal variations for your own preferred destinations.

Despite the lure of exotic locations, some cruises actually “cruise to nowhere”, just going out of port into the ocean and back after a few days, to give people the feel for a cruise.

Cruises offer a wealth of activities on board ship – swimming, games, entertainment, sunbathing, eating! – but it may be the off-ship excursions that attract you. In that case, as they say, location is everything, so check the proposed itinerary and excursions (e.g. hiking, scuba-diving, museum trips, water sports) before you “dive in”.

Cabins vary in quality – and price – but consider how much time you will spend in your cabin before you choose too high a price. Cabins in mid-ship tend to offer a more comfortable ride.

Choosing your cruise is part of the fun, so imagination yourself in all those wonderful places, then get on board for the holiday of a lifetime – though you may return again and again!

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