How to choose a cruise as a senior

Every potential cruiser has criteria to mull over before selecting their perfect voyage, but seniors often have additional factors to consider. Perhaps you're booking a sailing with your kids and grandkids and need something that appeals to everyone. Maybe this will be your first cruise without your spouse. Or you may need to factor in mobility needs, like a walker, cane or wheelchair.

Regardless of the circumstances, there's a cruise out there that's just right for you. Here's how to narrow down your options, as well as a look at the best cruises for seniors.

How to choose the best senior cruise

Consider your goals

Think about why you want to go on a cruise in the first place. Do you want to relax? Are you hoping to socialize and maybe even dance the night away? Or is your main objective to explore a new destination? Start here. If you can identify what it is that's motivating you to set sail, you'll be better equipped to determine which cruise lines are the most likely to provide an experience that aligns with your expectations.

Evaluate your budget

This is a key element for all cruise planning, senior or not. Whether you're looking for high-end luxury on an all-inclusive line or need a more budget-friendly option , you first need to establish what you're working with. There's no sense in researching cruise lines that don't match your budget or preferred amenities.

Determine any special needs

All major cruise lines have medical staff onboard, along with facilities that can treat minor ailments and stabilize patients with more severe illnesses and injuries until they can be transferred to a hospital ashore. If you have a medical condition that could require advanced treatment or hospitalization, you should consider shorter cruises that sail in well-traveled locations and have few sea days, if any, so that a hospital is always within reach.

Most major cruise lines can cater to dietary restrictions with advance notice, but some are better at it than others. If this is a major factor, take note. And, finally, if you use a mobility device, stick to cruise lines that are known for accessibility in cabins and public areas, as well as on excursions.

Decide on a destination

Now for the fun part: deciding where to go. If you want a short getaway to someplace warm, a Caribbean or Bahamas sailing might be just the thing. For gourmands and museum-lovers, Europe is a great option.

On the other hand, if you've always wanted to see the Great Wall of China or the Great Barrier Reef, perhaps a far-flung trip to Asia or Australia is in the cards. Alaska and the Norwegian fjords are top picks when it comes to jaw-dropping scenery, and for the best wildlife, consider the polar regions or Ecuador's Galapagos.

When making this determination, keep any limitations you might have in mind. Dietary restrictions are tough to accommodate in some countries, cobblestones can make excursions difficult for passengers with mobility issues, and if you have a medical condition, it might be best to avoid expedition sailings to ultra-remote regions like the Arctic and Antarctica.

Identify your travel companions

Your travel companions can have quite a bit of influence over the cruise you pick. If you're heading out solo, avoid pricey single supplements by booking a cabin for one with a cruise line that offers accommodations for people traveling by themselves. Bringing your extended family? A cruise line with something for every age group is a logical choice. Hitting the high seas with a few friends? Look for lines that have connecting cabins, accommodations that sleep four or five people and rooms with beds that can separate into twins.

Pick a time to travel

Now that you've narrowed down the "where" and "with whom," it's time to figure out the "when." If you're a senior who's retired, chances are you've got some flexibility with your schedule. After considering whether your travel companions have the same wiggle room, choose dates and a trip length that work for everyone.

Keep in mind that you're likely to pay higher prices during the busy seasons in each destination. You'll also see more kids on cruises during holiday periods and when school's not in session. Consider hurricane season too. From June through November, tropical storms and hurricanes are common, particularly in the Atlantic. It's perfectly safe to cruise during that time, but your itinerary could be affected if you're sailing in or around the Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida and even parts of Canada, New England and the Gulf of Mexico.

Select a cruise line and ship

Finally, choose the cruise line and ship that are right for you. Below is a list of lines to look into if you meet certain criteria. It's by no means exhaustive, but it will provide a starting point.

The best cruise lines for seniors

If you're on a tight budget

If you have limited funds and you're searching for the least expensive cruises for seniors, we suggest Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises . Carnival is known for being a wallet-friendly, family-focused cruise line that prides itself on fun. It features a slew of daily activities, a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. (Yes, even the free choices are great.)

MSC is equally affordable, but it feels a bit more upscale, with vessels adorned with fine art and rich interior design. Some even have grand staircases inlaid with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Expect a touch more elegance, intriguing nightly theater shows and multi-course sit-down dinners that sometimes last more than two hours.

If you want to spare no expense

If sheer luxury is your ultimate goal, go with Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours . From elegant-but-understated decor to truly excellent dining options, you'll feel pampered at every turn while you're onboard. Note that while children are allowed on both lines, they aren't kid-friendly. There's not much for them to do, except during select holidays and summer voyages.

If you have medical concerns

All mainstream oceangoing cruise ships are outfitted with onboard medical facilities and staffed with doctors, nurses or a combination of both.

If you have a serious medical condition and you're worried you might need to seek care, select a cruise line like Carnival, Celebrity Cruises , Disney Cruise Line , Holland America Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean . They'll have appropriate equipment to at least stabilize you in an emergency.

And if you're currently undergoing medical treatment and regularly see a doctor, it's best to have your physician clear you before booking travel. Keep in mind that ships aren't equipped to provide specialized treatments, but they can provide items such as in-cabin sharps containers for needle disposal and distilled water for CPAP machines. It's also wise to invest in travel insurance that will cover you in the event you need treatment. Typically, regular health insurance will not cover medical treatment on a ship, medical evacuation from a ship or hospital or doctor visits abroad.

If you use mobility aids

By law, all major oceangoing cruise lines' ships are accessible (and generally the newer the ship, the more accessible it is). Across the board, passengers can expect a decent number of accessible cabins complete with wider doorways, flat thresholds, more interior space, ample bed access on at least one side and closets, desks, vanities, and tables that have been adjusted for height. Bathrooms come equipped with grab bars, and public spaces have elevators, ramps and pool lifts where appropriate.

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises tend to draw a slightly older passenger base, making them two of the best cruise lines for seniors. However, any of the large brands can accommodate passengers who use canes, walkers, wheelchairs or scooters. Cruise lines can't provide those assistive devices, though — you'll need to bring your own or arrange to rent them through a company like Scootaround .

Passengers who use mobility devices or who have trouble navigating big inclines and uneven surfaces should avoid most river cruises. River ships have steep gangplanks and often call on ports that have uneven streets and sidewalks, while expedition cruises require the ability to get into and out of inflatable motorized boats in order to sightsee ashore.

If you're cruising alone

Just about all of the well-known cruise brands house at least a handful of solo cabins these days. On the more mainstream end, Norwegian Cruise Line has dedicated solo lounges with daily snacks in addition to cabins for one; Celebrity and Royal Caribbean have several single cabins with infinite balconies (windows that lower with the push of a button) and standard balconies; and Virgin Voyages has cozy single rooms.

The best solo senior cruises with a more luxurious vibe include Cunard's accommodations for cruisers traveling alone and Oceania Cruises' solo balcony cabins at the Concierge Level, which come with associated benefits (free laundry and champagne, access to a dedicated lounge and more).

If you're cruising with kids

If you're planning a cruise with your grandkids, Carnival, Disney, MSC, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are the best picks. While Disney and Royal Caribbean frequently duke it out to claim the title of best kids' clubs at sea, the others offer their own fun, with specialized staff who coordinate daily programming to keep the youngest sailors busy. On the top decks, kiddos will find everything from giant waterslides and splash pools to go-karts, bumper cars, surfing and skydiving simulators, virtual-reality arcades, ziplines, escape rooms and even roller coasters.

If you want to avoid kids

We get it: Sometimes you just want a quiet getaway without children running around as you're trying to sunbathe or catch up on your latest read. For the best cruises for seniors without kids, you'll want to look into Viking's ocean cruises or Virgin Voyages sailings. Neither brand allows kids, but that's where the similarities stop. While Viking provides upscale elegance, Virgin exudes an air of "casual but never sloppy." 

If you're looking to get out there and explore

There are lots of ways to immerse yourself in the destinations you visit when you cruise. If you're looking to do that in off-the-beaten-path locations, an expedition cruise could be just what you're seeking. A range of lines like Ponant , HX , Lindblad National Geographic , Scenic and Seabourn Cruise Line offer destination-focused sailings to the Arctic, Antarctica, the Galapagos and more.

For a less intense oceangoing experience, try any Azamara Cruises voyage that includes at least one overnight in port. This premium line is known for its overnights, which allows passengers to stay ashore longer for additional exploration. On longer sailings, Azamara also offers AzAmazing Evenings, which include visits to popular landmarks for exclusive nighttime experiences like private concerts and dance performances.

If you're curious about river cruises , you should know that they're a wonderful way to concentrate on a particular region by some of the smaller inland ports that ocean ships can't reach. Depending on your style and budget, Uniworld , AmaWaterways , Avalon Waterways , Emerald Cruises , Riverside Cruises and Viking are all terrific options.

And finally, for seniors who don't like the idea of an expedition cruise but are still itching to take in breathtaking scenery, we suggest venturing to Alaska with Holland America or Princess (the two powerhouses in the area), or to the Norwegian fjords with Norway-based HX.

If a "traditional" cruise experience matters

Cunard sails a fleet of ships, including the iconic Queen Mary 2, which still runs transatlantic routes between New York and Southampton, United Kingdom. With its strict dinnertime dress code and daily bell preceding the captain's noon announcement, it's one of the few traditional cruise lines left sailing.

On its vessels, activities focus on things like art, fencing and astronomy. Plus, the afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters is a don't-miss event. For those wishing to experience what cruising was like during the industry's golden age, Cunard is as close as you're likely to get.

If a party vibe is what you're after

Far be it from us to assume that seniors don't want to toss back shots or cut a rug until the sun comes up. If you're searching for the best senior cruises with a party vibe, look no further than Carnival Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages. The price points are markedly different — Carnival focuses on affordable fun, while Virgin brings a more refined yet lively energy — but you're sure to have a good time, regardless of which one you choose.