Senior Cruises
A friend told me, "I love cruises because I get to sit back and relax while everyone waits on me. No cooking, or cleaning, just sitting out in the sun with a book, enjoying the breeze and wide vistas of the open seas. When I get tired of doing nothing I join a game of cards, or try my hand at bingo, and of course roam the ship's stores to get duty free bargains." She flashed a beautiful tanzinite and diamond ring that appraised at more than double the price in a local jewelers. Her husband was of a different mind. He couldn't sit still at all. He hit the gym (to work off all the great food, he claimed), had a sauna and massage, took a dip in the pool, loved the shore excusions, enjoyed dinner in the ship's restaurants, and spent the evening in the casino and nightclubs. Throughout the day the couple got together for dance lessons, wine and cheese tastings, art shows, and parties. Before retiring they went up on deck to look out at the night sea. Far from the lights of civilization, the stars fill the sky and the moon shines all the brighter.
The joy of cruising is, you get to do your own thing, no matter what it is.
Of course, the greatest attraction on any cruise, is the cuisine. The variety and quality of food on a cruise ship is especially attractive to seniors. Included in the base price of your cruise, unlimited delicious food from a variety of cuisines and restaurants is available throughout the ship, round the clock. Specialty diets are accomodated as a matter of course, so you will have no problem conforming to a low calorie, low salt, low fat, gluten free, kosher, or any other type of diet. Dinners are five to seven course meals and often feature international specialties. While some ships require formal wear, and others have a more casual ambiance, most ships are a mix of both to accomodate passengers who want to dress formally for dinner or dine in their bathing suit.
Decide what features are important to you, and then shop around for the cruise line that comes closest to meeting your priorities. Single travelers can be assigned to dining room tables with other single men & women traveling alone. If you are female consider ships that provide Gentleman Hosts. Gentleman Hosts are mature men who dance with unescorted ladies at ship social functions and dances.
On my first cruise, I took it slow and stayed aboard ship while docked at the ports we visited. On my second cruise, I found out what I was missing. I absolutely recommend shore excursions. While a shipboard cruise is satisfying, shore excursions add another dimension that should not be passed up. Whether you just go into town for the tourist shopping thing, or go off on an adventure of in-depth sightseeing or sports activity, you will not regret venturing away from the ship for a few hours, or even a few days. Cruise lines offer shore excursion packages, and the best book quickly. Read up, ask your travel agent or friends for their recommendations, and then fill your agenda with excursions that provide adventure, meals, transportation, or a special event.
Many seniors are concerned about the availability of medical facilities. Is there a doctor on board, can I get medication, what if there is a medical emergency? Cruise lines go to great lengths to insure their passengers remain in good health, and to ease your mind about the availability of quality care should you need it. If a guest requires medical attention while aboard, infirmary staff is available 24 hours a day to treat minor, non-emergency situations. Physicians are available to render services at a customary fee. Medication, tests or treatment are additional. Professional medical service, if necessary, will be billed to your on-board account. Most insurance companies will reimburse you for emergency on-board treatment.
Accommodations for guests with special needs, including oxygen and dialysis, are available. Assistive equipment such as shower stools, bed extensions, raised toilet seats and transfer benches are also available. If you are in a wheelchair ask for accessable staterooms that have wider doors, larger spaces between beds, accessible bathroom facilities, etc. when you book your cruise.
