The Top 5 Cruise Destinations for Seniors

The Top 5 Cruise Destinations for Seniors

For senior travelers, cruises are attractive due to their convenience. Few other travel options offer lodging, food, transportation, and the opportunity to visit multiple countries for the price of one ticket. A typical cruise ship is also handicap-accessible with resort-like amenities, making it an ideal environment for people with mobility issues. If excursions aren’t doable, there are low impact onboard activities, like movies or shopping, to occupy a senior’s time. With that said, here are five top cruise destinations for traveling seniors:

1. Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Measuring only seven miles long, Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos is a small island known for its picturesque reefs, colonial architecture, and white-sand beaches. SunRay Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling thanks to its proximity to the main cruise ship dock. Other attractions of note include the stingrays at Gibbs Cay and the world’s largest Margaritaville restaurant.

2. Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau in the Bahamas is the nation’s capital and largest island, offering both the laid back vibes of the beach and the vibrant energy of a modern city. Along with classic, beachside activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, visitors can head into the city to sample its museums and world-class restaurants. One of the island’s top attractions is the Queen’s Staircase, a 102-foot staircase carved centuries ago out of solid limestone.

3. Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel in Mexico is located off the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s mostly known for its coral reefs, which make up a portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The reef itself is home to over a thousand species of marine life. Combined with the island’s crystal clear waters, this makes Cozumel one of the world’s most desirable scuba diving sites. However, scuba diving isn’t required to enjoy all the island has to offer. The tranquil port town of San Miguel moves at a slow island pace, perfect for a relaxing day of exploration.

4. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands boasts over forty beaches, but its main draw is probably the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. Thanks to the volume of duty-free shopping available, Charlotte Amalie is considered the shopping capital of the Caribbean with luxury brands like Tiffany, Rolex, and Breitling, among others. Another point of interest is Blackbeard’s Castle, a stone watchtower and one of the National Historic Landmarks of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

5. St. Maarten/Martin

The island of Saint Martin is notable because it’s shared between two nations. The northern, French half is called St. Martin while the southern, Dutch half is called Sint Maarten. This makes the island an exciting place to sample a variety of cultures, including French, Dutch, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean. Some popular local activities include hiking, yachting, and shopping. Fortunately for residents and visitors alike, there is no real border between the two municipalities, allowing for free travel from the Dutch to French side and vice versa.