Compare major cruise lines: which one is right for people 55+
Cruise vacation can be an exhilarating journey, whether you crave relaxation, enrichment, or thrilling activities. Join us as we compare various cruise lines, guiding you toward the ideal voyage for a memorable adventure.
Royal Caribbean International (Family Fun Expedition)
Category:
- Budget Friendly
- Royal Caribbean Owns Celebrity
Ship Decoration:
- Modern
- Biggest and most innovative
Demographic:
- Great for first timers because it has more departing ports and it has entertainment for all ages.
- Families and kids (Not for those that are looking for a quiet cruise)
Food:
- Buffet for breakfast
- Specialty dining restaurant
Cabin:
- Spacious cabins (bigger compare to other cruise lines)
- Lots of cabin options
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
Entertainment on the ship:
- Multiple theaters
- Broadway shows
- With adult-only Solarium
- Casino
- Rock climbing walls
- Ziplines
- Sky diving
- Robotic bus
- Ice skating rinks
- Surf pool
- The world’s tallest slide at sea
- Rollercoasters
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience, allowing passengers to enjoy meals and amenities in the comfort of their cabins
Crew:
- The onboard staff is known for being friendly and accommodating, ensuring a welcoming and positive atmosphere throughout the cruise
Dress code:
- The cruise adopts a casual dress code, promoting a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy their vacation without the need for formal attire
Internet:
- Fastest internet at sea
- Claim to have six times faster onboard Wi-Fi speed than any other ship
Pros:
- More departures from different ports
- Jam-packed entertainment
- Great private islands
- More kid activities
- Offers affordable itineraries
Cons:
- Specialty Dining options are pricey
- New ships can be pricey
- Foods can be mediocre
- Expensive drink packages
Celebrity Cruises (Premier Luxury)
Category:
- Luxury
- Royal Caribbean Owns Celebrity
Ship Decoration:
- Modern
- Sleek and innovative
Demographic:
- Older people, especially Gen X for (born between 1965 and 1981)
- Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012)
Food:
- Buffet dinning is available
- Special dining, the same menu, dine early at 6pm, late 8:30pm or anytime between 6:30pm to 9pm
Cabin:
- Spacious cabins
- Cleanliness of the cabins is one of the best
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
Entertainment on the ship:
- Game shows
- Huge theaters and musicals
- Outdoor games
- Live bands
- Casino
- Art gallery
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience, allowing passengers to enjoy meals and amenities in the comfort of their cabins
Crew:
- The onboard staff is known for being friendly and accommodating
Dress code:
- The cruise has a casual dress code for passengers that would be comfortable for you while onboard
Internet:
- Fast and accessible internet is provided
Pros:
- Easy embarkment & muster process
- Various bars & excellent bar services
- A lot of sitting areas
- Options that are close to being all-inclusive
- Amazing spa facilities
Cons:
- No library
- No waterslide, trampoline & ziplines
Norwegian Cruise Line (Freestyle Cruising)
Category:
- Considered a luxurious cruise line
Ship Decoration:
- Boasts the latest and most contemporary
Demographic:
- Great for solo travelers, young or older adults
- Great for families
Food:
- Freestyle dining
- 24/7 food hub
- Extensive variety of specialty restaurants
- Finest food
Cabin:
- Cabins are stylish and affordable
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
Entertainment on the ship:
- VR Gaming rooms
- Games shows and activities
- GO karts
- Racking tracks
Outdoor screens - Lazer tag
- Water slides
- Themed parties
- Live music
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience, allowing passengers to enjoy meals and amenities in the comfort of their cabins
Crew:
- The onboard staff is known for being very friendly and accommodating
Dress code:
- No dress code but opportunities to dress up if you do enjoy dressing up
Internet:
- Fast and accessible internet is provided
Pros:
- A lot of activities in and out of the ship
- Great food
- Perks program/ all inclusive deals
Cons:
- Lots of extra charges
- Expensive activities
- Entertainment cuts
- Small pool areas
- Price increase
- The duration of the stay in the port is frequently insufficient.
Virgin Voyages
Category:
- Considered a luxurious cruise line
Ship Decoration:
- Features a modern vessel
Demographic:
- Older people especially Gen X for (born between 1965 and 1981),
- Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012)
- Foodies
- People interested in fitness
Food:
- Freshly-cooked and high-quality options
- Soda for free
- Flexible dining times
- No buffet, the typical “special dining” options are places people can go for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All Free.
- Reseve table before onboard or walk in (may have waiting time)
Cabin:
- Most are balcony cabins, bright, spacious and great technology for room control
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
- Bring your own wheelchair
Entertainment on the ship:
- Original and fresh shows
- Unique & fun parties
- Themed nights
- Fitness classes and sessions (stretching classes)
- Cooking classes
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience
Crew:
- The onboard staff is known for being very friendly
- Minimum announcement broadcast
Dress code:
- No dress code but opportunities to dress up if you do enjoy dressing up
Internet:
- Fast and accessible internet is provided
Pros:
- All inclusive: food, all drinks, Wifi, room service, gratuities
- Overnight stays at cruise ports
Cons:
- Lack of storage for some cabins
- Small bathrooms and pool area
- Dining and shows are by reservation
- The app often has issues
Carnival Cruise Line (The Fun Ships)
Category:
- Budget Friendly
- More affordable than Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship Decoration:
- Features a modern vessel
Demographic:
- Great for first-timers. Try if you like cruises at an affordable price. It has wide range of entertainment for all ages.
- Young people
- Couples
- Multi-generational families
Food:
- Buffet dining
- Specialty Dining
- Some ships have their own breweries onboard inside of the Red Frog Pub and Brewery
Cabin:
- Smaller cabins
- Fewer cabin options
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
Entertainment on the ship:
- Water park
- Original musicals
- Shows and performances
- Pool parties
- Comedy club
- Bingo
- A cooking demonstration
- A mixology class, or karaoke
ropes courses, mini-golf
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience
Crew:
- The onboard staff is known for being very friendly
Dress code:
- The cruise adopts casual dress code
Internet:
- Fast and accessible internet is provided
Pros:
- More Affordable
- Activities, entertainment for all ages
- Great fast food
- Flexible dining time
- Offers a high-paced vacation for cruisers looking to let loose and party
Cons:
- Older Ships can be run down and have smaller rooms
- Limited onboard amenities and excursions
- Can be louder and rowdier
- Older ships’ rooms can be overwhelming and tacky
- Main Dining lacks of finesse, may feel like canteen at times
Princess Cruises (Elegance at Sea)
Category:
- Affordable luxury
- Carnival owns Princess, Holland America and Cunard Line
Ship Decoration:
- Timeless and classic ships
Demographic:
- Older People
- Couples
- Multi-generational families
Food:
- Best buffets
- 24-hr international cafes
Cabin:
- Best beds
Not many cabin options
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
Entertainment on the ship:
- Full length original shows
- Trivia
- Bingo activities
- Parties
- Movies under the stars
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience
Crew:
- Attentive staff onboard
- High-level of service
Dress code:
- The cruise adopts formal and smart casual attire
Internet:
- Fast and accessible internet is provided
Pros:
- With children facilities
- Comfortable
- Laid-back atmosphere
- Classic experience
- An extensive range of travel itineraries
Cons:
- No waterparks
- No mini golf courses
- Uses cardless device
- Ocean medalia bracelets, can order food & drinks anywhere (can break and not work)
- The highest fare level can get expensive fast
Holland America Line (Contemporary and Classic Cruising)
Category:
- Luxury
- Carnival owns Princess, Holland America and Cunard Line
Ship Decoration:
- Modern and classic ships
Demographic:
- Best for older people
Food:
- Offers buffet and special dining
Cabin:
- Cabins are spacious
- A comfortable experience in your cabins
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
Entertainment on the ship:
- Live music
- Activities that include educational programs & enrichment programs like cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and various classes
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience
Crew:
- Friendly staff onboard
Dress code:
- The cruise adopts formal and smart casual attire
Internet:
- Accessible internet is provided
Pros:
- Options that are close to being all-inclusive
- Reasonably priced extras and additional charges where applicable
- High-quality, elegant experience
Cons:
- Tend to be more expensive
- The line is making sailing longer and fewer shorter itineraries
MSC Cruises (Curious Cruising)
Category:
- Provides affordable options for budget-conscious travelers
Ship Decoration:
- Modern, contemporary and meticulously designed ships
Demographic:
- Older people
- Family
- Solo travelers
- Want quieter ship, care less about food and service
Food:
- Buffet
- Special dining
- Food is average
Cabin:
- Cabins are spacious
- Super nice rooms
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
Entertainment on the ship:
- Theaters, sports carts (not very good, can be underwhelming)
- Zip lines
- Virtual reality arcades
- Ropes courses
- Bowling
- A humanoid robot bartender, and mind-blowing entertainment
- 4D Cinemas
- Water parks
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience
Crew:
- Not so friendly staff onboard
Dress code:
- The cruise adopts smart casual attire
Internet:
- Internet can be a hit or miss
Pros:
- Very Affordable
- Ships are very beautiful and glamorous
- Cabins are very nice and spacious
- Yacht Club available
- Great night life
- Focuses on wellness program
Cons:
- Entertainment can be underwhelming
- Poor customer service
- Limited food options
- Can be loud because of long announcement on 7 languages
- Internet can be expensive
- Additional fees apply to various items and services aboard the ships, such as the option to select your cabin.
Cunard Line (Curious Cruising)
Category:
- Luxury
- British cruise
- Carnival owns Princess, Holland and Cunard
Ship Decoration:
- This cruise offers a classic design of the ship and experience
Demographic:
- People with higher income
Food:
- No drink packages
- Limited specialty dining options
- Group seating in the main dining rooms
Cabin:
- Cabins are elegant
- Nice rooms
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
Entertainment on the ship:
- Specialized programs covering diverse subjects, guest speakers, and various performances
- Enrichment initiatives feature sessions and talks by authors, journalists, musicians, designers, and scientists, exploring captivating topics
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience
Crew:
- The crew staff onboard offers a top-notched service
Dress code:
- The cruise adopts formal attire
Internet:
- Fast and accessible internet is provided
Pros:
- Unique programs and entertainment
Cons:
- Traditions that may not suit all travelers such as true formal nights, small pools
Disney Cruise (Enchanting Voyage)
Category:
- Luxury ( Cost 2~3 times higher than other cruise companies)
Ship Decoration:
- Boasts ships that are modern and thoughtfully designed
Demographic:
- Great for families with children
Food:
- Offer themed dinners
Cabin:
- Cabins are spacious
- Nice rooms
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are available
Entertainment on the ship:
- Family celebrations on deck
- Top-notch entertainment, and Disney even presents fireworks displays at sea
- Mirroring the experience found in their theme parks
Room service:
- Room service is available for added convenience
Crew:
- The crew staff onboard are very friendly
Dress code:
- The cruise adopts formal attire
Internet:
- Fast and accessible internet is provided
Pros:
- Great for children
- Family-focused cruise experience
- Adult-only spaces, like the Quiet Cove Pool and the exclusive dining, Palo
Cons:
- You don’t get to choose the itinerary
- Large cruise ships bring crowds to destinations
- Extra expenses for anything not included
- Short duration in each location
- It can be noisy and bustling
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