Travel advice for the over 65s

From feeling the sea mist on your face as your ship sails across the water to enjoying some of the most delicious cuisines onboard, there are many reasons a cruise is a wonderful way to travel. Here, we chat with several bloggers and discover their top travel tips for the over 65s:  

Whether you prefer a shorter cruise that includes opportunities to disembark in lots of European cities or an around-the-world cruise lasting for several months that transports you to exotic islands fringed with palm trees and cold polar locations, you’re sure to find a cruise to suit your taste and budget. 

It’s worth carrying out research ahead of booking, especially if you’re a first-time cruiser. No-fly cruises can help to take the hassle out of travelling so you focus on enjoying yourself. What’s more, this type of cruise doesn’t have any baggage restrictions which is perfect for those who struggle to pack light. 

Cruises come in all shapes and sizes, with different prices, durations, entertainment and activities onboard as well as at a variety of ports where you can disembark if you want to. Ultimately, you want to book a cruise that suits you and your travelling companions. Being over the age of 65 means you’re more likely to have the freedom and spare time to travel, so enjoy the research process and start looking forward to a holiday that will create memories you’ll treasure forever. 

While it’s good to have a preference for cruise destinations, it’s also worth being open-minded and flexible when it comes to places and dates as this can save you money and allow you to explore somewhere new. As Gary from Tips For Travellers explains, “Look for cruises departing in the next 60 to 90 days. This is the deadline when travellers who have booked earlier have to pay their final balance, and the cruise lines then work to ensure the cruise ship sails full. Some of the best cruise deals can be found then if you’re more flexible about dates, ships and cabin types.” 

A cruise specialist will be able to answer questions and provide you with an array of choices to suit your taste and budget. Whether you want to book a last-minute cruise or want to have an exotic holiday arranged well in advance, going through a specialist will help you find the best value package and the perfect cruise itinerary. 

Gary explains the benefits of using a cruise specialist, “Don’t go it alone! All cruises and cruise lines are not the same, so I strongly recommend that you use a cruise expert to help ensure you travel with the right cruise line, on the right ship, in the right cabin for you and at the best price available. 

“They can also talk you through what is and is not included in the cruise line fare and what you need to budget extra for on top of the fare. They can also work on all the transfers. This will ensure a stress-free cruise experience and mean much less work by yourself. They will always be able to get you the best prices and benefits. Ask them about no-fly cruises if you want to remove the hassle that modern-day flying entails too.” 

While it can be worth being flexible with cabin choices, it’s worth knowing all the options available. Each cruise ship offers a variety of accommodations ranging from cheaper interior rooms to balcony rooms and larger suites. Which cabin you opt for depends on your personal taste and budget. Accommodation will vary between cruise lines, so do conduct research before making a final decision. 

• Inside Cabin: A cabin without a window
• Outside Cabin: A cabin with a porthole or window with a view of the outside 
• Balcony Cabin: A cabin featuring a balcony which allows you to step outside in your own personal area without having to go to the top deck
• Suite: A larger cabin, often with separate areas for living and sleeping 

Don’t leave packing for your cruise to the last minute. Instead, make sure everything is ready to be placed in your suitcases a couple of days before setting off. Mary from Other Thoughts is a seasoned traveller and advises to pack proficiently, “Pack lots of mix and match separates, roll instead of folding, and where possible, roll outfits together. Don’t take all your shoes! Instead, pack a comfy pair of plimsolls or trainers for sightseeing, sandals which can be worn day or night and one pair of heels or dress shoes to really dress up.”

As well as carefully packing clothes, shoes and accessories, Mary also explains why it’s so important to remember all your chargers, “Don’t forget chargers for your phone, tablet, camera etc. and a power pack for sightseeing. If you can, upload photos at the end of each day. I copy mine to Facebook on a private setting as a backup in case I lose or break my phone. I would hate to go on what is so often seen as the holiday of a lifetime and lose my photos.”  

If you take medication prescribed by your doctor, then make sure you have enough supply to last for the duration of the trip and speak to your GP well in advance if you have any questions or concerns. 

As well as prescriptions, it’s worth packing some aids to help you avoid seasickness on a cruise, says Janice from An Open Suitcase. “When I was younger, I would occasionally feel queasy when I cruised,” she explains. “So, now that I’m in my sixties, I take a variety of medications before embarking. On my last cruise, I was suddenly concerned about getting seasick, so my doctor prescribed a patch that you wear behind your ear while onboard. I definitely recommend it, each patch lasts three days and I never once felt ill during the trip.” 

Even if you don’t usually suffer from motion sickness, it’s worth packing some kind of seasickness aid for emergencies. If you aren’t keen on taking tablets then it’s worth looking into alternative remedies like an acupressure wristband, which, when correctly placed on a specific point on your wrist can help relieve nausea. If you become unwell during your cruise, you’ll be in safe hands thanks to the ship’s onboard medical staff. The ship’s infirmary is a useful hub if you encounter minor issues like seasickness, migraines and cuts to more serious medical conditions. 

One of the benefits of choosing a cruise is the plethora of entertainment and activities available onboard. However, it’s important to pace yourself as Janice explains, “I also recommend knowing your limits. As much as we would all love to see and do all there is available. Don’t over-plan. Taking advantage of any seminars offered on your ship like chocolate making and wine tasting is lots of fun and a great way to meet other passengers.” 

The beauty of cruising is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If you feel tired, you can spend a few leisurely hours relaxing in the ship’s lounge, in your cabin or on deck. Disembarking when your ship docks at one of the scheduled ports is a great way to soak up local culture and see new places, however, there’s no pressure to leave the cruise liner if you don’t wish to. 

Solo cruises are a wonderful way to experience the freedom to enjoy an adventure as well as give you the chance to meet new people. 

Cruising solo has become a much-desired holiday experience for many people over the age of 65 because it offers a safe and secure environment in which to make friends and visit a new location almost every day. Alex from A Life Well Travelled explains why solo travel can provide people with plenty of social opportunities, “Some people choose to cruise on their own and so the social activities are beneficial. Keep an eye out for the daily alerts and newsletters as to what is happening onboard, so you can go along. Even if you’re with a group already then many of the activities are a nice way to bond.” 

Alex also told us that she had a great time joining in with evening quizzes and games onboard, “It was a really great social event and a nice way to meet other people on the cruise. Having a few familiar faces around the ship was lovely and it was also a nice way to interact with some of the crew.”