Benefits Of A Singles Cruise
There are a variety of reasons why you might want to take a cruise as a single person or solo traveler. Maybe youre coming out of a relationship and want to meet new and interesting people in an all-inclusive environment. Maybe you thrive on self-discovery and individual experiences. Or maybe you just want to go on lots of cruises, with or without the people you love. No matter your specific situation, theres a cruise ship, sailing itinerary, slew of onboard activities, and variety of shore excursions tailored to the solo cruiser. Here are the best singles cruises to check out.
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Best Cruise For Active Singles
Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas
Thanks to studio staterooms without the usual single supplement fee , plus a wealth of onboard activities, the Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas is our pick for the best singles cruise for active vacationers. Youll enjoy either an inside studio stateroom, virtual balcony stateroom, or a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony to rest up for your next onboard activityand on the Ovation of the Seas, theres no shortage of those! Whats even better is that the Ovation of the Seas takes active singles to see glaciers, whales, and more during the weekly Alaskan cruises from Seattle, which run through the fall. Youll see spectacular wildlife there, though it probably wont be as surprising as the craziest things cruise workers have seen aboard cruise ships.
What to expect:
Solos Cruising With Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel is one of the only cruise lines that offer trips exclusively for solo cruising. With absolutely 100 per cent no âsingles supplementâ, you can roll down historic European rivers to the vineyards of Burgundy, windmills of Amsterdam, or the castelos of Portugal.
-READ MORE: What is Riviera Travel?–
Even better, the cost of flights or rail travel is included in your overall payment. Expert tour guides make sure that you get your fill of cultural knowledge at each location, making the occasionally overwhelming travel experience a piece of cake.
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These Are The Best Ocean And River Cruises For Seniors
Editorâs Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure. Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. Images may depict pre-pandemic travel conditions.
Cruises offer advantages for travelers of all ages, but for seniors, the conveniences may be especially important. Of course, for everyone, there are the benefits of being able to visit many destinations without packing and unpacking, arranging flights, transfers, checking in and out of hotels, finding restaurants, and booking tickets for sights. For seniors with limited mobility, those cruise features just might mean the difference between taking a wonderful trip or staying home.
There are cruises that meet every need. In fact, most large ships have so much to offer that couples or groups of friends cruising together can choose the activities they enjoy most and then join for dinner or cocktails at the end of the day. Solo travelers have opportunities to meet others during meals, excursions, or onboard activities. Many cruise companies and ships pay particular attention to amenities that make travel easier and more appealing for seniors, especially those with special needs.
That said, these are the 10 best cruises for seniors, according to our research.
Solos Cruising With Avalon Waterways
Ten percent of cruisers with Avalon Waterways are going solo, so you will feel right at home on the rivers. Due to the popularity of solo travelling onboard their vessels, Avalon has made ALL European trips single-supplement free as well as select journeys to Southeast Asia.
Discover beautiful river scenes from your magnificent Deluxe Stateroom or Panorama Suite, and mingle with passengers onboard or local guides ashore.
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Gay Cruises For Seniors
Over the years, the cruising industry has made significant strides in making cruise vacations more inclusive. Many cruising lines offering excellent onboard programs to cater to the gay community.
These Gay Cruises for seniors are a fantastic way to meet new people and create lasting experiences, no matter where you come from!
Cruise lines offer programs that are perfect for gay seniors, like the Gay & Gray program on Royal Caribbean.
Some cruises feature lectures about gay history and current events in arts and politics, as well as parties with live entertainment.
There is also a similar program aboard Carnival cruise lines called The OutHouse.
Whether you want to share an intimate conversation or just dance all night long, there will be some type of event happening at any given time throughout your trip.
However, if you are not sure which is the best gay cruise line for seniors, dont worry!
Continue reading for some of the best tips on the best gay cruise line around and how to choose the best gay cruise for seniors.
What Are The Pros & Cons For Mature Singles Cruisers
As we have already seen here, there are plenty of pros and cons when it comes to traveling on a cruise if you are a more mature traveler. There are a lot more advantages though in general, especially if you are going to be choosing a vacation that is going to be able to match your needs.
A solo cruise can be a wonderful adventure where you will be able to spend your time meeting new people, potentially partners and friends for life. Youll also be able to explore some incredible ports and destinations, with shore excursions that are going to be able to give you some of your greatest memories.
Not only that, there is also the advantage of having everything in one place, which will give you very few worries about what you have to do. Almost everything will be taken care of for you which will give you the ultimate amount of relaxation with plenty of free time. There is a reason tours and cruises for singles are incredibly popular as you get the comfort of staying in a wonderful hotel and the adventure of being somewhere different every day.
As far as the cons go, this will often be down to your own personality and what you like. Some ships will have a lot more singles than others and some will have activities that might not be to your taste. As we discussed earlier, it may be that the ships your on is too big or too small for your needs. This is why it is important to look for an experience that is going to be a perfect match for you.
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Tricks And Tips For Senior Cruise Travellers
Tip #1: Plan ahead
Tip #2: Read the fine print
Tip #3: Focus on the Bigger picture
Tip #4: Consider going the long-haul
Tip #5: keep some hand sanitiser on you
Tip #6: Be realistic when considering shore tours
Tip #7: Take care of yourself
Tip #8: If solo, get connected
Tip #9: Dont forget to look at the weather at your destination.
Tip #10: Check your meds
Tip #11: Grab a bargain
Tip #12: Make sure youre covered
Say Yes To Dining With New People
Joining people for dinner is a great way to make friends and have a fun meal at the Main Restaurant or in a specialty restaurant.
People will likely be intrigued by you traveling on your own, want to get to know you better, and enhance their own dining experience. Even couples like to socialize and meet new people on vacation. Since youre all travelers who enjoy seeing the world, its easy to swap travel stories.
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Cruises For Singles Over 50 Destinations
In finishing off here, one of the other great things about taking a cruise vacation, is that you can pretty much enjoy a cruise most anywhere in the world.
Theres literally hundreds of departure ports to choose from!
If youve been dreaming about that Mediterranean Cruise or perhaps an exotic South Pacific Cruise like my wife and I experienced a few years ago, then stop dreaming and start planning today!
Start packing your bag, as theres never been a better or more affordable time to take a cruise then now! The fleet of ships just keep on growing and getting bigger and more extravagant as each year passes.
Check out this recent post on the 10 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers from one of my favorite cruise related websites.
This site offers everything you want or need to know about cruising!
Update August 2022:
I received an email newsletter from my Professional Cruise Consultant that I normally book with. I thought I would pass it on for those who may be wondering what is happening in the cruise industry.
I was recently looking at some cruises in 2022 & 2023 for some clients. I was surprised to see some sailings were already filling up or even sold out! The cruise lines are expecting pent up demand for travel as cruises are slowly resuming once again.
Ive included a link to one of their recent articles about Oceania Cruise Lines Adding Cabins For .
Some great news for Solo Travelers!
Safe and Healthy Travels!
Cruises For Single Senior Over 60 Types Of Cruises
Are you over 50 and single, or perhaps now in your 60s like me?
If youre like me and when youre planning your holidays, unless youre traveling with family, you probably would prefer not having screaming little munchkins running around on your cruise right?
Not to worry, there are plenty of singles themed cruises to choose from that are designed specifically for us mature adults!
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Ocean Cruises For Seniors
Ships are usually larger and trips are longer, although it depends on the destination. Megaships have capacities of around 2,000 to 6,000 passengers mid-size ships carry about 1,000-2,500 small ships can hold around 1,200 or less. Naturally, more dining options, entertainment, pools, and public areas are available on larger vessels. For seniors who are more comfortable remaining on the ship, there are many opportunities to keep busy, and the ship is a destination in itself. Travelers with limited mobility may choose shore visits carefully or decide to enjoy the view from afar as they take advantage of the ship’s amenities and social scene.
Many oceangoing ships have accessible cabins and elevators, wheelchair-width doorways, and even special equipment to aid in boarding a smaller boat for shore excursions. Several have medical care and physicians aboardâa benefit for all passengers, not just seniorsâfor emergencies or illness. Most cruise companies request that they be advised of their passengers’ special needs at least 45 days before departure to ensure that proper accommodations are arranged.
What Are Your Options When Cruising Solo
If youre looking for a singles cruise then there are some different options out there. It can be difficult to find the perfect break away and it can be difficult to avoid any extra charges that you might be levied specifically for solo travelers.
The single supplement is where you will be charged the price of two travelers if you are booking a room which was intended for two people. In order to avoid this, you can look for a company that will offer reduced rates, travel with a friend, be matched up with another passenger or there are companies such as Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line who now give you the option of a single stateroom.
Not all these options will be available on all different types of cruise ships and if you wanted to travel to a specific destination, then you might find that one or more of these options might not be available. There are still plenty of opportunities out there to have an incredible cruise experience while traveling solo, whatever age you might be.
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Ports Of Call Or Cruise Experience
In most cases, people spend most of their vacation exploring the docks, but if its just about partying, then checking out some reviews of party cruises would be helpful. Be sure to check prices and what type of amenities are included with different ticket options so you can make a well-informed decision!
Single Supplement Vs Roommate
The single supplement is alive and well in the cruise industry. You will pay extra if you want a room to yourself on almost every cruise line. If you want to be part of a singles cruise for seniors, you wont be able to take advantage of last-minute discounts for solo travelers. This means youll either have to save up for the single supplement or find a roommate.
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Solos Cruising With Amadeus River Cruises
Take a personal retreat along the Seine, Rhine, or Danube with Amadeus River Cruises, known for their five-star Austrian hospitality. Sailing with Amadeus will be an immersive cultural experience like no other. Excursion packages are incredibly flexible â meaning you can pick and choose exactly what suits you, and you canât go wrong.
Solo travellers are guaranteed extra special treatment, with additional staff attention and reduced rates for solo staterooms. Gourmet dining, live music, and the otherworldly river sights ensure youâll never experience a dull moment.
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Onboard Activities Create An Unforgettable Singles Cruise
The activities on your cruise ship are going to play a big role in your enjoyment, not just in terms of meeting other singles but also generally just having fun when you are on the ship. Whatever age you are, you are going to be able to find something that you love to do.
On a singles cruise you are going to be able to have plenty of chances to meet like-minded people, whatever your age you might be. There will be single-specific events with people your own age and plenty of chances to find someone special while you sail the seas.
Some cruise ships will even have gentlemen hosts that women will be able to enjoy a dance with, specific lounges for singles and also regular events such as coffee morning where you will be able to get together for a chat.
Even if you are older and possibly unable to do something more energetic like dance lessons, you will be able to find a huge range of different activities. Youll never run out of things to do and you will never run out of opportunities to meet other singles.
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Solos Cruising With Amawaterways
The high standards of service onboard luxury line AmaWaterways is a favourite for solo seniors.
At sea, you can relax in some of the largest solo suites in the cruise industry, which you might even be able to book for reduced rates. AmaWaterways offers deals throughout the year for destinations to Mekong, Douro and Chobe, which sometimes even get rid of the singles supplement altogether.
If youâre a health nut, AmaWaterways is bound to get you your daily dose of exercise. Join their regularly scheduled yoga classes or resistance band workouts held specifically for senior travellers.
Solos Cruising With Holland America Line
Find your perfect balance between solo time and social activity through the Holland America Line. HAL is well-known for its commitment to solo cruises. Hands-on cooking workshops, cocktail mixers, games, and wine tastings will connect you with other solo travellers on board.
If these arenât quite your speed â donât fret! Treat yourself to one of HALâs luxurious spa and salon treatments, or attend a concert of live classical music featuring the virtuoso Lincoln Center Stage. At the end of the day, you can tuck into your delightfully solitary solo suite, where youâll find all your desires met.
HAL cruises typically caters to a more mature audience, with their largest demographic being retirees. So, if youâre looking for some P& Q, youâve found the right line.
– READ MORE: Top tips for cruising alone from romance to safety â
Beyond the fantastic housing, what makes NCL a top option for singles over 60 is their short itineraries , making the cruise ideal for people who donât wish to be at sea for the long haul.
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No Age Limit For Singles Cruises
When going on any vacation, youll have worries about whether you are going to fit in and how much you are going to enjoy yourself. There are numerous common expectations when it comes to singles cruises that do not always correspond to reality. If you are a single person looking to go on a cruise, however, then you may well think that you are going to be too old or too young, but you might be surprised about the crowd you will be joining.
On any type of cruise, you are going to see that there will be a diverse age range and the same applies with singles too. A singles cruise can be a great way of mixing with people who have the same interests as you while enjoying great activities and beautiful locations.
Why Were Number One For Single Holidays Over 60s
Here at Solos, weve been organising group singles holidays for over 60s for over 35 years. We are experts on singles holidays, offering walking holidays, Tennis and Golf holidays for single seniors. Choose from singles getaways to exotic destinations such as China, Azerbaijan and Turkey, or enjoy activities closer to home. However you choose to spend your time away on your over 60 holiday, you wont struggle to tick items off your travel wish-list.
- We offer the widest choice of Sun holidays, City Breaks, UK holidays and tours to worldwide destinations
- Our variety of Dance Weekends and Black Tie Balls are second to none and we are the only singles specialist to offer Walks & Treks, Tennis and Golf holidays
- On your over 60 solo holiday, you will always have your own room in which to relax
- Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable Tour Leaders will be with you from the start of your holiday to the end
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