Which cruise line would be best suited for a couple who have just retired?

Question

My husband and I want to send his parents on a cruise to celebrate their retirement. They're both in their mid 60's and like quieter activities. Thanks!

Answer 1

Holland. It's the upper-crust, older crowd. I enjoy the peace and quiet it offers, even though I'm not that age yet. They really have the BEST of everything to offer on their ships.

Answer 2

Holland America.  They are geared to an older crowd.  I have sailed with them twice and I loved it.  Everything is 5 star, the food, service, accommodations, and entertainment.  I was totally spoiled.  I been on other cruises, but none can match Holland America's.

Answer 3

My first recommendation is Holland America because they have very nice ships and they cater to an older crowd with things like lectures and seminars on board on such subjects as taxes, investing, art, wines, etc.,, instead of partying all night long like on Carnival.  Since I am in the over 60 age groups also I think the parents would also enjoy Celebrity, Princess and Royal Caribbean cruises.  They are all more upscale than Carnival and Norwegian and tend to have an older crowd, except that Royal Caribbean cruises to the Caribbean do tend to have quite a few families and kids.  

If the parents do not want to be overrun with kids try cruises other than to the Caribbean, like Alaska, the Panama Canal the Mediterranean, the Baltic, or New England/Canada.  I have found in my almost 20 cruises that destination does make a difference in the types and ages of passengers on board.  Also consider cruises outside the Spring and Summer season, particularly to the Caribbean, if they do not want to be around a lot of kids.  And definitely stay away from Disney and Carnival if they are the reserved type.

Answer 4

Princess if they are active... Holland if they are traditional

Answer 5

I would recommend Holland America or Celebrity.  Both are "upscale" mass-market lines that are more "sedate" - not to say boring.  Both have very good food and great service.

You might be interested in getting a book from your library about cruising, just to get an overview of the different cruise lines.  You could also go to CruiseCritic.com, "Reviews", and browse through some of the reviews [both by pros and past guests] about some of the ships on the different lines for another, more in-depth, overview.

I've been on Carnival, Celebrity and HAL and liked them all.  But for peaceful, "classy" cruising, I'd take the latter two.

If you want answers to more-specific questions, go to the "Boards" section of CC and you'll probably find the info already posted.  If not, you can ask - people there are really friendly and love to help.

One word of advice [especially if they would be coming from a wintry area] - have them fly down the day before, to allow for delays, etc.  This will mean you can't use the cruiseline air, but that's not usually very convenient, anyway [they give you the worst possible flights!].  Get a cab from the hotel to the port and then back to the airport when they return [no need to use cruiseline transfers].

What a nice gift!!

Answer 6

My wife recently retired and we took a two week cruise to the Caribbean.  The first week we went to the Eastern caribbean and the second week we went to the Western Caribbean.  We cruise regularly and our two favorite lines are Celebrity and Princess.  If you are looking for a quiet cruise with traditional cruise features like set dining times Celebrity woul be a good choice.  If you want more activities on board choose Princess.  Both lines are great.

Answer 7

Fred Olsen.

Answer 8

All of them are well suited for older couples. I have been on 2 carnival and Royal Caribbean and I have a wonderful time  on both, but to be honest the Royal Caribbean one was the best. There were just more shops and shows on the boat. Me and my husband had a wonderful time. But also we are in our 20s but my parents went with us and the are in there 50s and had a great time also. I hope they have fun!

Answer 9

Celebrity then Princess  -

Answer 10

Holland America sounds perfect for your in laws.  Celebrity may also be an option. --

I would do some research on their websites and see which best works for you.

Answer 11

I would say either Holland America or Norwegian which is known to have a bit more mature crowd. They may also want to check out River cruises which then to be a bit more upscale.

If you need any help please let me know.

Answer 12

The best cruise line for their retirement celebration depends on where and when they would like to go and your budget for the gift.

Holland America is a premium cruise line (as are Celebrity and Princess) and features luxurious surroundings, smaller ships than its competitors, quality entertainment, enrichment programs (if either enjoys cooking, HAL has the best culinary program with a classroom area) and reasonable pricing (they have frequent sales).

For quieter activities, you might consider a European river cruise -- many of the companies are offering sales for next year's cruises along the riverways of Europe, particularly along the Danube.  These cruises stop at the small cities and villages along the way and include most excursions in their pricing.  River cruising is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the amazing historical sites as you float by.

If they like sailing, also consider WindStar or Star Clippers -- both lines have quality ships, excellent service and sailing is totally relaxing and enjoyable.

Cunard tops the list for a once in a lifetime cruising experience to commemorate a special occasion.  The Queen Mary 2 has 6-night transatlantic sailings (New York to Southampton) from April to October and offers superlative service, guest lecturers, the only planetarium at sea, a world-class spa and more.  Cunard's rich history and luxurious ships combine for an experience that cannot be matched.

Finally, for something more exotic, SilverSea (in between the premium and luxury cruise ships) offers the only all-inclusive  cruising.  The initial pricing is higher than other lines, but there are no additional charges for gratuities or liquor or many excursions and activities.