From exceptional ports of call, incredible onboard experiences, and top-notch service, a cruise is one of the best vacations that you can take. But if you’re over 50, you probably don’t want to deal with hundreds (or thousands) of other families traveling with young kids, all-day parties, and boring mass-produced meals in a single main dining room. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, but trying to figure out what cruise lines are good for travelers over 50, we’ve got you covered.
There are so many different styles of cruising, from large ocean liners to river and expedition sailing, that travelers over 50 will enjoy. The best cruise lines for travelers over 50 still feature all of the hallmarks of cruises mentioned above, but really cater to those looking for a more elevated experience as you sail the world’s oceans and rivers. So as you plan your next cruise (sans kids), keep these cruise lines in mind.
Best major cruise lines for travelers over 50
Best mega ships: Celebrity Cruises
Even though Celebrity Cruises is part of the Royal Caribbean family, the line feels like a huge departure from the all-day pool parties and late-night club scene of Royal Caribbean. Celebrity Cruises’ ships are beautiful inside and out, especially the newer Edge-class ships. The Grand Plaza feels like a luxury hotel lobby where martinis are the signature drink from expert bartenders. And restaurants are on all sides, bringing a lively atmosphere. I particularly love Raw on 5.
MAKE MEMORIES: 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages
If you want a peaceful spot to hang out, consider the outdoor Sunset Bar. Here, beautiful ocean views are paired with plush seating and live music. Additionally, the range of entertainment onboard Celebrity Cruises is a refreshing delight, with the traditional game shows and trivia to larger-than-life full-scale productions that will have you asking, “How did they do that?” as you walk out of the theater.
Best for luxury on a budget: MSC Cruises
If you’re a traveler over 50 looking for a cruise that feels more like a retreat in a massive city, where you can venture out to take on a water slide or enjoy a deck party, then head back to your enclave of peace and relaxation, MSC Cruises has this exact experience with its Yacht Club. The ship-with-a-ship concept is on most MSC ships. You’ll get 24/7 butler service, who can do everything from late-night pizza deliveries to your cabin to take you to reserved seats for shows in the theater. Additionally, Yacht Club guests can enjoy a Yacht Club-only restaurant, lounge, pool deck, and dedicated area on MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Best for Alaska: Princess Cruises
Travelers over 50 looking for a cruise to Alaska will love Princess Cruises. The line specializes in extraordinary cruises to the Last Frontier. On your cruise, you’ll float by cascading waterfalls, icy glaciers, and maybe even see some whales. But what makes Princess Cruises so unique to Alaska is the brand’s cruise tours, which pair a traditional cruise experience with a few days exploring on land with stays in private wilderness lodges on the edge of Alaska’s National Parks, plus train rides in glass-domed trains to get from lodge to lodge.
BEST TRIP EVER: 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget
Princess Cruises offers a handful of options for ships traversing Alaska, from older vessels like Grand Princess and Coral Princess to its newest ship, Star Princess. Those wanting a more intimate experience will want to book the older, smaller ships, while travelers looking for a larger ship with more to do when you’re not in port will want to book Star Princess.
Best river cruise lines for travelers over 50
Best for solo travel: Riviera Travel
River cruising is one of my favorite ways to explore Europe, and one brand that combines luxury, beautiful ships, and a variety of itineraries is Riviera Travel. The brand has itineraries on Europe’s most iconic rivers, such as the Danube, Rhine, and Seine, with 13 custom-designed ships. No matter which of the more than 40 itineraries you choose, you’ll be able to join guided tours led by local experts and have plenty of time to explore each port on your own. (I always suggest looking up things to do in each destination before you arrive, so you know the best restaurants, coffee shops, museums, or unique things to do.)
SET SAIL: 12 best family cruises and ships in the world
What makes Riviera Travel even more unique for those over 50, especially those traveling solo, is that Riviera doesn’t charge a single supplement, so you can enjoy your vacation without paying extra for going alone. Even better, in 2027, the cruise line will have the world’s first river cruise ship entirely for solo travelers. The MS George Eliot will have cabins for singles, plus itineraries curated solely for those traveling solo.
Best for traditional river cruising: Viking
Travelers over 50 looking for a traditional river cruise will love Viking. The river cruise line feels elevated without being overly stuffy, thanks in part to its Scandinavian design. The Viking longships traverse some of the world’s most iconic rivers from the Rhone in Europe to the Mekong in Vietnam, and dock right outside the center of beautiful towns and villages, which allow travelers to feel immersed in new destinations every day.
CRUISE DEALS: Kids sail free on these 8 cruise lines
I love that the cruise line is all-inclusive, so your cruise fare includes nearly everything you need to have a great vacation, from onboard meals and Wi-Fi to a complimentary shore excursion in each port (normally a historic walking tour). If you do have some extra vacation budget, consider booking one of Viking’s additional cost excursions, which range in style from exclusive wine tastings in France to a hot air balloon ride over the Nile River in Egypt.
Best for luxury river cruises: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Those looking for a true luxury experience will enjoy Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Think of these river cruises as more of a floating luxury hotel. In fact, many of the line’s ships are designed by the team that works with the five-star Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Cabins are individually decorated, so no two rooms are the same. What is consistent across suites is butler service, all-marble bathrooms, a stocked bar, and treats like cookies and fruit.
OVER 50: 7 best travel tour companies for seniors
Uniworld sails on rivers in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. If you love surprises, you can even book a mystery cruise, where you know the dates and route, but nothing else until you get onboard.
Best expedition cruise lines for travelers over 50
Best for adventure travelers: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Expedition sailing is a great option for adventurous travelers who want to get up close to nature and diverse cultures around the world. One of the best cruise lines for travelers over 50 is National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. The brand offers more than 100 itineraries in more than 70 countries on all seven continents.
SUN AND SAND: 10 best all-inclusive beach resorts in the world
The expedition cruises are fairly active, with daily activities like zodiac tours, kayaking, hiking, animal encounters, and more. I’ve been lucky enough to sail with the brand around
Iceland, and the sheer level of knowledge from local experts and expedition guides is enough for me to want to sail with the brand again, then add on once-in-a-lifetime experiences like crossing the Arctic Circle to make for an unforgettable cruise.
Best for nature lovers: UnCruise Adventures
If you can’t get enough of nature and incredible outdoor adventure, UnCruise Adventures is the cruise line for you. The line’s small fleet of nine ships carries 22 to 86 guests, which means each vessel can reach some of the most remote destinations in the world. Included in your fare are activities like paddle boarding, snorkeling, and hiking, all led by experts, plus all dining and drinks, gear, and educational lectures.
EASY VACATIONS: 11 guided tour companies that offer trips around the world
Cruises take place across North America, Central America, and the Galapagos. One itinerary that I’m particularly interested in is the seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes, which visits four of Hawaii’s islands. Highlights include night snorkeling with giant manta rays, biking around the Hualalai Volcano, and learning about native Hawaiian culture.
Best luxury cruises for travelers over 50
Best for foodies: Oceania Cruises
Travelers over 50 who consider themselves foodies will want to look into Oceania Cruises. From food-based excursions to the on-ship cooking school, Oceania really does lean into culinary-based travel. Every dish on the ship is made to order with incredible precision.
TOGETHER TIME: 11 best adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean
I had the chance to sail on Oceania’s newest ship, Allura, and it was a true culinary feast for the senses. Breakfast delivered to my stateroom featured perfectly flaky croissants, crispy bacon, and eggs cooked to order. Even better than breakfast in bed is the over-the-top sea day brunch, with everything from a hand-made pasta station and a cold seafood tower to delightful pastries and decadent desserts. And don’t skip Red Ginger, the onboard pan-Asian restaurant where the thoughtfully curated cocktails almost overshadow the actual meal, though both are worth spending some extra time at the restaurant for.
Best for small-ship sailing: Windstar Cruises
If you love the idea of yachting for your next vacation, Windstar Cruises is for you. The cruise line’s incredible sailing yachts are known for the small number of guests, ranging from about 150 to about 350. Besides fewer people on board, the luxury yachts are small, which is beneficial not only for the onboard experience (hello, getting to know other people really well), but also for the more unique ports of call, thanks to the ship’s size.
One itinerary that highlights everything great about Windstar is the Grand Japan cruise, which takes travelers on a 10-day cruise around the Asian country. You’ll enjoy everything from the high-energy streets of Tokyo to Kagoshima, which is known for its active volcano and nearby Samurai Houses.
