Is retirement in your near future? There is no better way to kick off your new-found freedom from the rat race then celebrating with a vacation. Before you dive into a part-time retirement job, new hobby, or house renos, head out on a cruise for some fun in the sun, great food, new adventures, and most importantly, ultimate relaxation.

Below are some incredible cruises to help you jumpstart your retirement years.

7. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offer a nice mix of adventure and luxury, with a splash of style. The ship offers destinations within the Caribbean, Scandinavia, Iceland, the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Iberian Peninsula with a ton of activities on board to keep you busy while you are cruising.

Prices for the cruise vary depending on which destination you choose and when you go, with some ranging from as low as $500 per person.

Pros

  • Fun shopping experience, with premium brand shops located on the ship including Swiss Watch, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co.
  • A plethora of world-class dining options, with 10 different restaurants to choose from.
  • Wheelchair accessible and autism-friendly.

Cons

  • It is not all-inclusive.
  • Offers a relatively high price tag once all is added up.

6. Princess Cruises

For some retirees, taking a cruise is something they want to experience with their entire family.  If that’s the case and you are bringing your children or grandchildren along for the fun, then Princess Cruise might be your option.

With a plethora of Caribbean destinations, it offers a perfect mix of relaxation and onboard activities. While prices vary, they start in and around $500 per person.

Pros

  • If you need some adult time, the cruise line offers an adults-only deck, known as The Sanctuary for those aged 18 and over; providing upscale lounges, where you can also enjoy a massage.
  • Enrichment opportunities in their onboard activities, such as cooking classes and art lessons.

Cons

  • More of a focus on enrichment than entertainment when it comes to their onboard fun.
  • If you prefer a “no kids” zone, this may not be the cruise for you.

5. Holland America

Choose from over 470 different ports worldwide with locations in the Mediterranean, Japan, North Atlantic, and Cuba.

Holland America is famous for its award-winning itineraries, offering small, mid-size, and larger vessels depending on your preference. Prices vary, with some cruises starting as low as $400 per person.

Pros

  • Known for accessibility, offering wheelchairs, and scooters to borrow, with wheel-chair accessible staterooms.
  • Guest are mostly 55 or older.
  • Onboard entertainment specifically geared towards more mature audiences.

Cons

  • Not a full-fledged luxury line.
  • Price point towards the top of mid-range cruises.

4. Silversea Cruises

After years of working, Silversea Cruises offers the ultimate in pampering for retirees who deserve to feel like royalty. Their focus is on providing the highest level of luxury when it comes to traveling the open seas. Prices start at about $1,000 per person.

Pros

  • Personal butler who takes care of travel plans and dinner reservations.
  • Incredible and authentic gourmet cuisine, along with world-class spa services.
  • Close to a one-to-one ratio of staff versus guests aboard.

Cons

  • High luxury means high prices.
  • Not a high variety of entertainment options and activities.

3. Avalon Waterways

With incredible guest reviews, Avalon Waterways provides specialty and unique experiences for those travelers who have a wide variety of interests. This line also stands out thanks to its themed cruises, making it easy for guests to mingle, meet new friends, and get to know the staff.

Prices start at about $3,000 per couple.

Pros

  • The suites have 30 percent more space when compared to a standard stateroom on other cruises.
  • The innovative room design places the bed to face your view.

Cons

  • No true balconies within rooms.
  • The crowd is generally comprised of those in their mid-50s, although kids could linger on these expeditions, with children aged eight and over allowed to travel with parents or grandparents on this cruise.

2. Victory Cruises

From visiting historic places like Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel during their Great Lakes cruise to watching awe-inspiring views of Canada’s coastline within their Fall Foliage adventure, those who want a more personalize cruising experience need to consider Victory Cruise lines. Prices start at approximately $4,889 per stateroom.

Pros

  • Is an all-inclusive cruise.
  • Complimentary cocktail hour before dinner, daily.
  • Guests can choose from multiple cabin options, including an ocean view.

Cons

  • For those wanting to travel with kids, these are adult-only cruises.
  • The ships are smaller, so fewer restaurant options to choose from.

1. Viking River Cruises

Looking for an intimate cruising experience, with smaller-port visits along your way? A cruise by Viking River Cruises may be just what you are looking for.

Prices vary significantly based on destination and days of the cruises, so visit their website for more details.

Pros

  • Smaller ships can gain access to exclusive spots that many larger vessels cannot, like UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Travels to over 300 different ports worldwide.
  • Caters to a demographic that craves culturally enriched experiences.

Cons

  • Past travelers have stated there isn’t many options for food.
  • Not much in terms of onboard entertainment and activities.

Related Articles: 5 Beach Vacations Perfect for Seniors and The Most Luxurious Cruises in the World