55+ Cruisers

[Troublemaker]

Crystal Cruises, a pioneer in the contemporary enrichment arena, introduced the Creative Learning Institute on its new Crystal Serenity -- which has now gone fleetwide. What's unique about Crystal's approach is that it's teamed with well-known organizations and institutions of higher learning like Berlitz, the Parsons School of Design, the Society of Wine Educators and Pepperdine University.

Swan Hellenic, the one-ship U.K.-based cruise line, has long been a leader in the learning-the-destination approach. Its Minerva, which sails a variety of itineraries both exotic and comforting, matches its ports of call to a revolving team of experts. For instance, an Istanbul-to-Rhodes cruise features speakers such as a British Museum curator on Greek history; a British diplomat on "The British, Greece & Turkey: Old Enemies, New Partners"; an Anglican priest on the interplay of religion and cultures; and a marine conservationist on the future of our oceans.

As Holland America rolls out its fleetwide -- and shipwide -- Signature of Excellence program, one component will be an enhanced Explorations Program, but get this: It's only available on cruises of 10 days or more. No question it's geared to senior travelers as they make up the bulk of passengers on more-than-a-week voyages.

On Queen Mary 2, Cunard has rolled out one of the most ambitious programs to date (though we hear that the program may change now that Cunard is housed under P&O auspices). In the meantime, Cunard ConneXions, which has created a partnership with Britain's esteemed Oxford University, spans some seven different classrooms, offering everything from hands-on computer workshops to art classes and from heavy-hitting lectures to presentations by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Enrichment isn't the only new trend in cruising that particularly benefits senior travelers. These are among our favorites:

[Troublemaker]

Senior-Oriented Fitness Options
Trend Found Onboard: Cunard, Holland America, Crystal, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Princess.

What's the Appeal? Fitness programs at sea have long offered senior-friendly work-out choices -- like walk a mile at your own pace, sit-to-be-fit exercises, stretch-and-relax, aqua-calisthenics and the like. But the fitness menu is getting more enticing as cruise lines are adding not-just-senior classes such as yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi. Ship fitness facilities are also offering more wellness-type seminars -- focusing on nutrition and alternative medicine, for instance.

And the Envelope Please... Crystal walks away with the prize for its association with the Tai Chi Cultural Center which offers tai chi classes out on deck. We also love its yoga classes, wellness seminars, and the "Walk on Water" exercise program led by fitness expert Debbie Rocker (this program uses a special, adjustable-weight vest for walking, with the chosen weights balanced so as not to put too much stress on certain parts of the body -- so it is ideal for seniors). And all the classes and programs are complimentary.

[Troublemaker]

SAILING SENIORS - A GUIDE TO SENIOR CRUISE SAVINGS

Cruising is a wonderful vacation choice for seniors. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool with a good book, an onboard lecture, bingo, a game backgammon, or become as active as your hearts desire with yoga, exercise classes, dance lessons, wine tastings, meet other singles and much more.
Choosing a cruise line that meets your desires is a priority. Are you a single and female that loves after dinner dancing? Then you should consider a ship that features Gentleman Hosts. Gentleman Hosts are men over 50 who are onboard to dance with the unescorted ladies. You may also be seated at a dining room table with other single men & women who are sailing alone. There are plenty of onboard functions and activities to enjoy as well.
CRUISE LINES WITH GENTLEMEN HOSTS:

• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Seabourn Line
• Holland America Line
• Orient Lines
• Royal Olympic

FAVORITE CRUISES FOR SENIORS:
If your preference is to sail on a cruise line that has no or few children onboard the then your choice should be one of the following lines:
Crystal Cruises:
The majority of passengers sailing aboard the luxurious Harmony and Symphony are between 50 & 70 years old. 4-6 social hosts are on every sailing. Enjoy elegant Mozart Tea in The Palm and reflect the past as the wait staff serves you in period costumes of velvet and lace. Lecturers include Walter Cronkite and Debbie Reynolds. Sail with top chefs Jacques Pepin and Andre Soltner durint the Wine & Food Festival sailing. Crystal offers exotic itineraries throughout the world including a world cruise. A very desirable cruise line with up to 80 different ambassador hosts. 4 -8 ambassador hosts are on each cruise.
Cunard/Seabourn Cruise Line:
Popular with seniors, especially so on the entire voyage of the World Cruise. The Queen Elizabeth 2 a favorite with her old world style offers Transatlantic crossings. The QE2 has 10 world cruise segments. Cunard's Caronia is a favorite amongst the European seniors. Enjoy harpists and elegant teas as you step back in time to the era of the luxury steamship. Dance hosts are on every sailing. The Seabourn Sun and her gracious touches appeal to the mature adult. The remaining ships of the Seabourn ultra-deluxe fleet are yacht-like vessels featuring the finest in food and service at sea. Age range aboard the Seabourn Pride, Spirit, and Legend is 45 to 80.
Silversea Cruises:
The yacht-like ships of this ultra-deluxe line appeal to a well-heeled, well-traveled clientele. A quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Life aboard consists of trivia, bridge, culinary demonstrations and wine tastings. Programs may include photographers from National Geographic and some voyages feature chefs from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.
Orient Lines:
75% of the passengers onboard Orient Line are seniors. This line offers value priced cruising with longer, exotic cruise-tours around the world. Local folklore is enjoyed aboard the vessel while passengers are in port. Dance hosts are on all sailings except those in the Mediterranean.
FINDING SENIOR DISCOUNTS:
Seniors can almost always get extra savings on their cruise. Selected cruise lines will take 10% to 25% off the top for those 55 and only 1 passenger per stateroom is required to be at least 55 years of age, and the other passengers in the same stateroom are entitled to the same low price. In addition, if you require air transpiration as part of your cruise package, you may qualify for a senior discount on your air ticket also. Be sure to ask one of our cruise consultants about our senior discounts for airfare add ons.
SELECTING A SENIOR CRUISE:
When choosing a ships, the important thing to keep in mind is that they are not all the same. Selecting the right ship is particularly important to seniors. The mature adult of 70 or older usually prefer a small to midsize ship as it limits the amount of walking required. The younger, active seniors loves the small as well as the midsize ships, yet there are a select group that prefer the megaships of lines such as Royal Caribbean . These ships offer a wealth of activity and dining options.
The itinerary is just as important as the ship. Alaska & Mediterranean cruises offer spectacular scenery and are favorites with seniors.

[SmooCabanaBoy]

Hey,I belong to this in LV 2012 ? Whats that cruise called ???

[Gregswife]

Lisa, will they be offering those sr. crafts classes that you sent me a pic of???

[Troublemaker]

Originally Posted by Gregswife

Lisa, will they be offering those sr. crafts classes that you sent me a pic of???

ROTFLMAO ! Maybe !