Cruise destination ideas for older people

Sometimes when you have limited mobility, you can find that choosing the perfect holiday destination can be challenging and, whilst visiting new places is ultimately exciting, you can also be presented with a series of hurdles upon arrival. Cruises are a wonderful alternative to your traditional break; not only do they allow you to travel to a variety of new places, but mean that you can travel with ease. If you find that you often need to use stairlifts, you may discover that regular accommodation is unsuitable for you and that its location is difficult for you to access, especially after a long day out. Cruises can give you peace of mind that you’ll also be able to be independent whilst on holiday, which is particularly important and one of the reasons why this industry is becoming increasingly popular with the older traveller.

Paul Marshman, from Travelling Boomer, believes that cruising is made for the older traveller. “You unpack once and you’re set for the next week, 10 days, or however long you’ve booked for! Cruising is also low-impact. There’s no dragging yourself from the airport to bus to train station; once you get on board, the ship does your travelling for you. What’s more is that you can either be as active as you like or just take it easy, with the cruise staff even delivering your meals to your room if you don’t feel like going to the dining room”.

With a variety of different operators, finding the perfect one for you can sometimes seem daunting. Additionally, with cruises travelling all over the globe, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where it is that you’d like to visit. We’ve included a list of some cruises that you’ll have a hard time saying no to!

Norway

Norway has so much to offer those who plan on visiting. From the beautiful fjords that have been awarded a UNESCO status to the friendly faces that you’ll come into contact with, it is a destination not to be missed. However, with the general living costs of the country so high in comparison to our own, travelling to the country can come at a price. When you book through a cruise, every element of the trip has been accounted for; travel, accommodation and food are included in the price, and you have the ability to book any additional excursions that you may be interested in through your operator.

Cruising Norway is one of the best options if you’re interested in the natural beauty of the country. Navigating the sea, you can witness up-close the fjords, before casting your sights upwards to gaze at the Northern Lights. One of the best ways to experience the best of what Norway has to offer is by ship, so selecting a smaller operator will allow you to get even closer to the action. There’s a number of different excursions that you can enjoy on a trip to Norway too, with companies offering activities such as husky sledging, skiing, trips to see the Northern Lights and the chance to meet reindeer with the locals.

If it is your first time on a cruise, the towering, shiny ships that dock in the ports of Southampton may seem a bit daunting to you. Fred. Olsen cruises offer a smaller, friendlier approach to cruise holidays so are a fantastic option if it’ll be your first time on board. Plus, many of the cabins have been adapted to make them more accessible, with alterations to the bathroom making it more wheelchair-friendly. It is all of these small changes that have been made that make Fred. Olsen cruises a great option for older travellers. Infra-red loops have been fitted on-board for those who are hard of hearing and each ship has been created to allow wheelchairs to move about with ease.

Venturing in from the towering waterfalls and steep cliff faces, the towns that are scattered across the country, nestled in amongst the rolling hills and lush greenery, are beautiful. Although you’ll mostly be exploring the waters, day excursions off the boat are perfect if you’re interested in discovering more about the heritage and history of the country, before embarking the boat once more.

Greece

Paul from Travelling Boomer has “always dreamed of cruising the Greek Isles. They’re one of the most iconic destinations on earth, with their whitewashed houses overlooking the blue Mediterranean, and an island-hopping cruise is the best way to see them”. And, to Paul, it is a no-brainer that he would love to see the islands around Greece from the comfort of a cruise ship: “I’ve always thought of cruising as staying at a good hotel that moves. You go to bed in one interesting destination and wake up the next morning in another. And when you come back from your day’s adventures, your meals are ready for you. As well, today’s cruise ships offer a lot more amenities than they used to, and many offer flexible dining arrangements for those who don’t want to be bound to a schedule.”

Greece is a fantastic location, and each island dotted in the Mediterranean offers something different. The best way for you to explore each of these wonderful locations is through a cruise, allowing you time to visit each picture-perfect location before returning to the comfort of your ship. The area also has so much to offer in terms of history and culture. Perfect for the older traveller due to its laid back and peaceful way of life, you’ll be able to take things at your own pace. Plus, with a gorgeously warm climate, you’ll be able to sun yourself from the deck as you float on the glistening waters.

Asia

Judy, from A Boomer’s Life after 50, is a professional when it comes to hopping on a ship, and her list of dream destinations should give older travellers plenty of inspiration. “I would love to cruise to the Normandy area”, she states. But, for travelling further afield, she would love to take a cruise around Alaska, Vietnam or even around Australia and New Zealand.

Although you may associate Asia with a younger backpacking audience, there are a number of different cruises that allow you to tick this terrific destination off your bucket list. Navigating the rivers of Asia means that you can see the best of what the country has to offer from the security and privacy of a smaller cruise liner. In a number of places around Asia, older travellers can reap the benefits of discounted admissions to museums and other attractions, and being savvy with your money means that on day trips away from the ship will go further. If you’re older and considering travelling here, you’ll love the authenticity of the places that you visit, each decorated with bright, vibrant colours.

No matter whether it’s a river or an ocean cruise, Judy loves setting sail. Having travelled on both Viking Ocean Cruises and Viking River Cruises, it has allowed her to see the world, visiting a number of places that she might not have considered with normal travel. “The inclusivity of the travel is helpful for older travellers - your meals, tours and entertainment are all included, for the most part of the trip.” Plus, when travelling with Viking, she has appreciated the accessibility of each cruise. “I really encourage those with disabilities to let go of their fear and try a cruise, as Viking Cruises are most accommodating if you tell them your needs. I've been on tours with people who need a wheelchair or need a cane and they go slow so people with disabilities can join the tour”.

This news article is from Companion Stairlifts. Articles that appear on this website are for information purposes only.