Are cruise holidays just for the 'oldies'?

Question

I quite like the idea of going on a cruise holiday [Caribbean or red sea maybe] but my girlfriend is adamant that they are full of 'biddies' [apologies, no offense intended to all you old-timers ] are there any cruises that cater for younger couples or is the 'old people' stereotype true for all cruise holidays ? We've looked at easy-cruise but its looks a bit too chavvy. i am 26 she is 25.

I realise that i will probably get a tirade of abuse from all the oldies out there but this is a genuine question

Answer 1

The Caribbean Princess attracts a lot of younger people.

Answer 2

Nope.  My daughter (23) has been on a couple of cruises and loves it.  Don't pick one of the cruise lines that cater to older people, but Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or Princess are good choices.  

Remember that Royal Caribbean has rock climbing walls on all their ships.  Clearly they are not trying to attract 60 year olds with these.  :-)

Answer 3

Try Ocean Village, they do Caribbean cruises in the winter.

They are designed for 'people who don't do cruises' and offer a more laid back and relaxed approach to the concept of cruising. Their dining is buffet style or you can use their speciality restaurants for a small charge.

They also offer more adventurous excursions for people who want to try something new and broaden their horizons.

If not RCCL do a more varied choice of itineraries and cater for all age groups, they are more relaxed and offer flexible dining options so you can have set meal sittings if you want or you can please yourself.

Thomson Cruises are the best for the Red Sea. I have not cruised with them but have heard positive things about their ships.

Go for it! I am 32 and have cruised several times. It is fantastic and can well recommend. It is brilliant visiting all the different ports of call and only packing your suitcase once!

Answer 4

mostly the age groups on crusies are under 18 or over 35. there aren't too many 20's.

Answer 5

heck no. i am 44 and going on my 5th cruise in just a couple of weeks (Feb 16). there will be 8 of us going. we are all in our early to mid 40's. i would say that cruisers on Holland America ships are probably on the higher side of the average age and Carnival ships are probably on the younger, or maybe just wilder side. I was on the Caribbean Princess 2 years ago. there were 17 of us ranging from mid 20's to mid 40's. we all had a blast.

Answer 6

Check out an 'Easycruise' ( as in Easy Jet, Easy Car etc)

They have just recently started reasonably priced cruises aimed at your age group.

Answer 7

Certainly not, take a view of the Ocean village, a cruise for those who do not like cruising, or for those who want the informality of a hotel and resort but on board ship. However, if you do like formal dinners, dressing up and west-end type shows take a regular cruise; you will be surprised at the age groups on board. Many honeymooners take cruises don't they.

Answer 8

NO, NO, NO, and they are fantastic

Answer 9

There are tons of cruises now for the younger end, I believe that there are party cruises that sail round the Caribbean these days, have a nosey on line at either Thomas Cook or First Choice you should find something there, good luck and hope you sort something out, a very happy new year to you and your family.

Answer 10

I started going on cruises when I was forty, and I can tell you that there are a lot of people in your age group and younger that go on them.  You just have to pick the cruise line that best suits your desires.  I prefer Carnival because they offer a great experience for every age group, and the best price and value for my cruise dollar.

Answer 11

I've been on approx 25 cruises, I'm mid 50. We started taking cruises in our 30's. Carnival is the best for the young. Princess, Cunard etc is the best for older people. But you either love it or hate it. For us we love it. Have fun

Answer 12

They have special tours just for younger people.

Answer 13

A new years cruise is good, it also does depend on the cruise line.  Carnival is a younger crowed. and royal caribean is older more family vibe

Answer 14

I went on one when I was about 30. Admittedly everyone else looked over 60. Alot depends on the cruise liner. (For example Fred Olsen are geared towards older folk.) Who cares,  it's your holiday.

If was your age and had the choice, however, I would specifically go for Ocean Village.

Answer 15

Try royal caribbean. The service is good and they have a lot of onboard activities. And no, cruises are for the young too. My friends and I cruise and our ages range from early 20's to late 30's.

Answer 16

I think the longer the cruise the older the group becomes. I have been on 6 and although I am 40 ( I might hit the oldies age) I didn't feel there were alot of older people. Also most cruises have so many different types of people and ages you'll more than likely find your own age group at the bars and pools, some of the many dance clubs or discos; Stay away from anything when the kids are off school because they are all over the place. Have fun

Answer 17

Crusing used to be considered an "old timers" vacation, but now with all the new large cruise ships everybody is going.  And it is the best way to go!

Answer 18

Cruise holidays, They are for all age groups.

Answer 19

We started cruising in the early nineties. Love cruising. Cruise at least two times every year. Last year I cruised five times.

We had a group of 56 people on the "Holiday" by Carnival in August of 07. The ages ranged from 18 months to 73 years old. And I didn't get a complaint from any of them.

I personally prefer Carnival. They cater to all ages. I have also cruised on Princess and Norweigien, but Carnival is on top for me.

Answer 20

Is your girlfriend aware that Disney has two cruise ships?  How young do you want to go?  The Disney ships are full of young families.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian tend to attract a younger more active group of passengers.  All three lines offer non-stop activities.  You and your girlfriend would have a great time on any of these three cruise lines.

Also, all three cruise lines offer shorter cruises, from overnight (they don't go anywhere, just out to sea for fourteen or so hours and then back to the port) to three, four and five night cruises.  The three night weekend cruises (leaving on Friday night and returning Monday morning) are typically party cruises.  Try out a short cruise and see if you like it.  If you do, book a longer cruise.  If not, the cruise will be over soon.

The cruise lines you want to avoid are Princess, Holland American Line and Celebrity.  These lines tend to attract the older passengers that your girlfriend wants to avoid.