These Best Cruise Lines for Retirees Make Us Wish We Were 65

Spend your golden years exploring the world aboard these cruise lines that are made for retirees.

There is no better way to spend your golden years than to travel the world. You’ve worked hard, saved money and finally have an excess of time to enjoy life.

If you want to see the world without worrying about logistics, cruises are the way to go. The magic of floating in the ocean is simply unrivaled. Plus, you can choose boat size, trip length and amenities to fit your exact needs.

Excited to make the most of this time? These are the 10 best cruise lines for retirees, ranked according to customer reviews on Cruise Critic.

10. Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is favored by people of all ages, given its reputation for service, fun excursions and affordability. Retirees especially appreciate the company’s options, which include one-way cruises for those who want to land somewhere and continue exploring the world by land.

The cruise line also offers accessible ships that accommodate passengers with limited mobility — and, yes, this includes excursions, so you’ll never have to sit out on the fun!

9. Cunard

Courtesy of Cunard

If you miss the olden days of cruising, where elegance was expected, Cunard is your cruise line. Operating since 1840, this traditional company still has ballroom galas, enforces a dress code for dinner and serves afternoon tea.

Entertainment also caters to high-brow tastes, offering classical concerts, lectures and classes. One of the line’s ships, Queen Mary 2, even has a planetarium!

8. Silversea Cruises

Cruise ship Silver Wind, part of the Silversea Cruises fleet, passes Tower Bridge on her journey down the Thames

David Parry / Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

For cruisers who appreciate smaller ships and more intimate settings, Silversea is a wonderful option. You won’t have to deal with raucous parties or share space with 12,000 people since the line’s ships range from 50 to around 300 suites.

Its all-inclusive experience (which covers premium spirits) is quite luxurious. Expect a personal butler who will help with anything you may need, as well as elegant galas where gentlemen hosts make sure ladies are never without a partner. Also, most of this cruise line’s ships are wheelchair accessible.

7. Holland America

Courtesy of Holland America

Retirees love Holland America Line for its commitment to assisting those with mobility issues. You can be cruising well into your 80s and 90s since ships are wheelchair and scooter accessible.

The cruise line is also known for its excellent entertainment options and its round-the-world cruises that are perfect for anyone with money and time to spare. Dining options are excellent and focus more on quality than quantity.

6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Stephen Beaudet / Courtesy of Regent

Regent Seven Seas Cruises doesn’t have as large a fleet as other lines featured on our list. But its six ships deliver on luxury and quality so well that size doesn’t matter. Besides, the fleet takes passengers to over 400 destinations around the world.

Guests particularly appreciate the all-inclusive pricing that includes alcoholic drinks as well as the excellent dining options. Don’t expect lukewarm buffet breakfasts; instead, prepare to drink Champagne for breakfast if you’re in the mood for it. Plus, many of the ships have casinos, and all are accessible.

5. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Apex, AX, aerial, ship exterior, drone, helicopter, open water, sunset

Michel Verdure / Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is well-respected in the industry. Guests love the ships’ updated interiors, fine dining options and commitment to good service. The company offers itineraries in practically every corner of the world except Antarctica, so you’ll have plenty of destination choices.

All of this combined with relative affordability is why The Senior List considers Celebrity Cruises to be the best cruise line for retirees.

4. Variety Cruises

Courtesy of Variety Cruises

Another wonderful small-ship cruise line, Variety Cruises takes passengers to crooks and crannies large ships can’t get to. Go on adventures to remote destinations like Africa’s Seychelles and Cape Verde, or to hidden places in Greece not yet swarmed by tourists.

This family-owned company places great emphasis on customer service. And with no more than 71 guests in any of its ships, you’re likely to make friends with everyone on board. Although children are welcome, the cozy setting and off-the-beaten-path philosophy appeal greatly to retirees.

3. Uniworld

Courtesy of Uniworld

While most cruises happen at sea, river cruises are particularly suitable for retirees. Ports tend to be less crowded, ships tend to be smaller and the overall experience is more calm and relaxed. These cruises are perfect for people who’ve already been to all the big destinations and now want to see lesser-known places.

Uniworld offers luxury river cruises that promise farm-to-ship dining reflecting the destinations you visit. This means a more sustainable approach to cruise dining but also fresher, more delicious meals for passengers. The all-inclusive pricing provides all the expected amenities plus wellness classes, bicycle rentals for self-guided shore excursions and airport transfers.

2. Linblad Expeditions

The ship National Geographic Orion in Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

Ralph Lee Hopkins / Courtesy of Linblad Expeditions

If retirement is the beginning of a life of adventure for you, consider cruising with Lindblad Expeditions. Partnering with National Geographic, these cruises aren’t for those who want to sip margaritas by the pool and spend a few hours shopping at ports. Instead, you’ll be engaging in exciting citizen science programs, learning from experts who are usually on board during research.

These expeditions are very pricey, but they’re worth it for wealthy retirees who want to enjoy the ocean while helping fund research to help maintain it.

1. Viking Cruises

Stairs and large video screen inside the Atrium on-board the Viking Sea

Alastair Miller / Courtesy of Viking Cruises

If you want to do more than see pretty places, Viking Cruises is known for its excellent on-board education programs. Rather than spend downtime watching a movie, you can join lectures by experts that connect to the destinations you’ll be visiting.

And if you love your grandkids but need a break from children, you’ll be happy to know that most of these cruises are for adults only. As the cherry on top, you can get all-inclusive deals, so you won’t have to worry about going over budget. The cruise line will take you to almost every continent — you could even do a river cruise and get to ports other cruisers tend to skip.