Cruising is an easy (and comfortable) way to see the world as a senior, especially if you aren’t as mobile as you used to be. Cruises are like floating hotels, and they take all of the stress out of tours, activities, meals, and more.
But not all cruises are created equal. Lucky for you, we have tried several of the most popular cruise lines and know which are the best cruises for seniors, as well as the destinations that are the easiest to access. Read on to learn more.
The Best Cruise Lines for Seniors
1. Norwegian Cruise Lines
Our favorite cruise line of all time is none other than Norwegian Cruise Lines! We found that not only do they have the best food and on-board activities, but they also cater to many senior-friendly destinations.
Obviously, only you know your capabilities, but Norwegian services many destinations that we find accessible, most notably Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean. While they also service South America and Africa, the destinations (ports) vary widely in how accessible they are. So, if you use an assistive device, check before you book.
2. Holland America
Similar to Norwegian cruises, Holland America holds itself (and its staff) to a high level of service, ensuring you’ll have fun both on board and off. Though they didn’t have quite the range of activities we found with Norwegian, they feature many of the same destinations—ensuring you have options when it comes to cruises.
For accessibility, we recommend their American, Canadian, and European cruises. While they don’t offer African cruises, you can still see Asia and Australia with the cruise line.
3. Princess Cruises
Honestly, Princess Cruises is technically tied with Holland America, as they provide luxury on the seas like no other cruise line. With luxury plush beds and amazing dinning, you can’t go wrong when you pick Princess. While we enjoyed their shows, which are top of the line, they didn’t have the crafts or dance classes, which were some of our favorites with Norwegian.
Additionally, while the service goes to many of the same destinations, they have a much smaller fleet than the aforementioned two cruise lines, meaning you might have to be a bit more flexible with your dates and destinations.
4. Celebrity Cruises
Similar to Princess, Celebrity Cruises prioritizes comfort on board and ensures you will have the best food, beds, and entertainment at your fingertips. Celebrity has won many awards for its cruises, and it will only take one cruise to show you why! Additionally, we liked the option Celebrity Cruises had for adding a city stay to the beginning and end of your trip.
One of the only reason Celebrity Cruises isn’t higher on our list is because they have fewer destinations and itineraries to offer—and honestly, we understand. They devote their time to curating the perfect cruises, and there is no room for variance. But that does mean you are more restricted when searching for accessible cruise destinations, since they have much fewer options in Europe, which are typically the most accessible for seniors.
5. Viking Cruise Lines
Viking Cruise Lines offers a unique option that the others on this list don’t—and that’s river cruises, which take you within a country. While these are a great option for those wishing to explore the most accessible parts of Europe, it’s important to note that these ships are much smaller than some of the others—meaning you will want to ensure they are accessible before you book.
Additionally, be aware that there will be fewer onboard activities, though you can exchange this for great conversations with other cruisers, who you will have an opportunity to get to know on a much closer scale than other, larger cruise lines.
The 4 Most Accessible Cruise Destinations
Now that we’ve discussed the best cruise lines to choose, let’s take a dive into the destinations you will find the most accessible when traveling with someone who has limited mobility, or who uses a walking aid.
1. Anywhere in Northern Europe
Europe, for the most part, is accessible. With public transport regulations that require assistance to be available for those in a wheelchair, and modern paving, you shouldn’t have trouble in most external European cruise ports, specifically those in the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, and the UK.
That being said, you do need to be more careful with European river cruises, as some of the older cities, like Prague, are still mostly cobblestone and may not have the same options available in the more modernized cities.
2. Spain
Spain is a massive cruise destination in the Mediterranean Sea, with cruise ports in nearly every coastal city. You will have no issue getting on and off the boat here, and you’ll find yourself able to explore the area around the cruise port with ease.
Just note that not all Spanish excursions are accessible, so if you need specific accommodations, speak with your cruise line directly before booking.
3. Most Mexican Ports
Similar to Spain, Mexico has become deeply embedded in the cruise business, with stops at a variety of cities up and down the coast. In Mexico, there is almost always a wheelchair ramp, and most of the streets (in the cruise port) will be paved and accessible to those using a walking aid.
Like Spain, be cautious of excursions which go further inland as these aren’t always as well paved and some famous ones (like Chichen Itza or cenote swimming) require physical fitness.
4. Alaska
America is governed by the ADA, which requires that everything (within reason) be accessible to those using wheelchairs. As such, any cruise with American or Alaskan ports will have options for wheelchair users to explore, and there should be wheelchair friendly excursions available. Like always, if you have questions, ask before you book.
**Editor’s note. We found the Caribbean ports to vary in terms of accessibility to the point where we cannot recommend them. While some ports were easy to access in a wheelchair, some were impossible, without enough sidewalk for you to venture anywhere. For this reason, we did not recommend any Caribbean cruise ports or cruise lines that mostly serve the Caribbean.
