What is the best cruise for an 80-year-old widower?

Question

My father likes to travel but has no close companions or friends that he could travel with. He recently went on a Carnival Cruise to the Caribbean and said it was ok but he said it was really geared towards younger families. It was all about the nightclubs and the pool on the cruise and he was interested in neither really. Is there a cruise out there, maybe to Europe or even Alaska, where he'd feel more comfortable and meet more people closer to his age? We can't afford to go with him right now and we have a young baby at home, or else we'd join him.

Answer 1

You should maybe look for theme cruises, cruises that have lectures and talks about specific subjects.

http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/itin...

and

http://www.vacationstogo.com/theme_cruis...

have a description of cruises. It depends on what interests your father has.

Holland America used to cater for the older cruiser, their cruiser profile used to be 60+, and their activities and entertainment were geared to that age group,now days the average age is 30+ with family although the entertainment is better quality than many of the other cruise lines.

http://www.fodors.com/cruise/Holland_Ame...

Answer 2

A Thames river trip ?

Answer 3

You should go to the web site for Holland America Cruise line.  That cruise line typically has the oldest passengers and by that I mean passengers age 60 and older.  There may be a few young people but not many.  They also have programs geared for older travelers.  On their web page there is a link that you can click on to get information about registering your father for the companion traveling program.  The cruise line will match your father with another person (same s*x) who is traveling alone to share a cabin .  Holland America cruises all over the world and he can go to Alaska, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Europe or even take a 60 day cruise half way around the world if he has the money for that.

Another option for a more mature cruise would be on Cunard but I am not sure of they have the passenger matching program.

Answer 4

There are a number of cruises that I think your father would feel comfortable with, but it all depend son his budget.  Nearing 60 this year, I also do not like going on a cruise where I feel uncomfortable because of the age discrepancy.  My wife and I just returned from a 12-Night Norwegian Cruise Line Baltic Cruise to Northern Europe.  This was very nice.  The entertainment was great and the ports of call were wonderful.  I would also suggest MSC or Oceania Cruise lines if the budget is there.  These also cater to the more mature traveler.  Carnival Cruises are nice but cater, for the most part, to the younger traveler, specially to the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. Holland America is also a great line for the more mature traveler.  However, you are as old as you feel so what is good for one individual may not be good for another.  I would suggest possibly checking itineraries to Europe, both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean cruises.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Answer 5

My husband and I are in our 40's my son now 13 was a couple of years younger when we sailed.  We all loved Holland America, yes it had a bit older crowd a nice mix but it was enjoyable for all  and I think he would really enjoy himself.  My parents sailed with us and they would go to the piano lounge where there was live string quartet music each night and enjoy a drink and sit and relax and visit with other friends that went on the same trip.  Holland America has the friendliest staff you will find.   If money is no object my Mom tells me Crystal cruise is top notch and definitely has an older crowd and entertainment in mind she loved it.

Answer 6

Try Celebrity... they tend to cater to the older crowd.  Also, cruises to Alaska or New England tend to have older crowds on any line.  

Also have him look on Cruisecritic.com... they have a message board that is dedicated to solo cruisers, he might meet people there to travel with or might just get ideas as to where he might feel comfortable traveling.  

Good luck!

Answer 7

I think holland america is a good line for this.  They may have a matching program that can help him find fellow travelors.

cruiseclues.com

cruisecritic.com

hollandamerica.com

Answer 8

Look up Grand Circle Tours.  My wife and I took the 16 day cruise of the rivers in Europe.  We went with my Aunt and Uncle.  We were the youngest on the ship.  Everyone but us were in their late 60's to 80's.  This company caters to this age group and is very well organized.  Smaller ships are a plus.  We had a wonderful time.  They have worldwide service so you can go just about anywhere with them.  I would highly recommend them.