Helen Keller once said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” For many, the best part of entering your retirement years is the opportunity to undertake adventurous travel, and for many older adults, that means embarking on a cruise. While the COVID pandemic caused massive disruption in the cruise industry, recent data seems to suggest the industry is making a robust comeback, and along with it are new choices and options available to those who enjoy cruising!

Before you think about signing up for an exciting adventure, it’s best to take into account crucial considerations that could make or break your cruise. Everything from the size of the ship to the presence of children can impact your enjoyment, along with the destination and the cost. The website Cruise Critic suggests you consider 6 different factors when selecting a cruise, including cabin sizes, accessibility options if you have a disability, off-ship excursions, and support services should a medical condition arise. This website also lists what they call “the 8 best cruises for seniors,” which includes a range of price points, comforts and perks, and opportunities depending on how experienced you are. The well-known travel advisor The Points Guy also has a list of “The best adults-only cruises to try if you can’t stand being around kids on vacation” and you plan on leaving the grandkids home!

There are increasingly “non-traditional” cruises that have moved away from the old-fashioned evening singing and dancing entertainment to a more brain-engaging environment that includes expert lectures, onboard classes, and experienced guides to adventurous and exotic locations. The Wall Street Journal recently profiled several non-traditional opportunities, including cruises developed in collaboration with the Explorers Club of New York and the luxury French cruise line Ponant and cruises for Civil War buffs or even amateur archeologists! 

Of course, the ultimate luxury for some would be to spend their retirement years totally on the seas and rivers, exploring the world in comfort and foregoing the expenses and upkeep of a home and all that entails. A recent article in US News described the factors you would need to consider to spend your retirement on a cruise ship, including access to needed medical care, keeping your connections with friends and family, and affording the annual costs, which can easily run per person $35,000 per year for room and board, with other costs such as laundry or alcohol extra. There are cruise lines that are specifically intended for retirees who never want to stop. And if you’ve figured out that cruising the world is how you want to spend your golden years, then you may want to investigate a new opportunity that appears pricey at first but may actually save you some money in the long term. The “Endless Horizons” program of Villa Vie Residences offers you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to circumnavigate the globe for a 3 ½ year journey to 425 ports and 147 countries. For a cost of $299,999 for one and $499,999 for a couple, you will be able to enjoy a luxurious ocean view cabin and a journey that includes your meals, internet, laundry, excursions, pool and fitness center access, and a range of other perks that truly make this an extraordinary travel experience. For those of you who would like to sail away in your sunset years, this sounds like the way to go. So pack your suitcase and read more here.