Retirement is when many people finally take the cruise they have been talking about for years. The hard part is no longer finding the time but choosing the kind of voyage: a big ship to Alaska or the Caribbean, a slow river cruise past European villages, or an expedition to the edge of the map. Each style suits a different traveler, and senior cruise discounts through a membership make every one of them easier on the budget.
Start by deciding which type of cruise fits you, then look at the member savings that apply to it.
If You Love the Open Sea
Ocean cruises suit travelers who enjoy a large ship with plenty of dining, entertainment and days at sea between ports. They are also the easiest way to see several countries without packing and unpacking.
Holland America Line
Members receive up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom on select sailings, including cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. The exact amount depends on the length of the cruise and the stateroom category, and the credit can be spent on products and services on board. Cruises can be booked online, by phone or through a travel agent.
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Members can also get up to $100 in onboard credit on select cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and more when they book through the member travel center. It is a convenient option if you like comparing several cruise lines in one place.
If You Prefer Rivers and Small Towns
River cruises carry far fewer passengers, dock in the heart of towns and cities, and keep the scenery close on both sides. They suit travelers who want culture and calm rather than crowds and late nights.
Grand European Travel
Members save $100 on river cruises, on top of any promotional savings, across more than 30 itineraries in Europe, Asia and Egypt, with routes that include the Nile, India’s Ganges and Vietnam’s Mekong. Call and mention your membership number when booking.
Collette
Collette combines cruising with guided land tours, and members get up to $250 off select cruise and land tours to places such as Patagonia, Greece and Alaska. Reservations are made by calling Collette and mentioning the member benefit, which makes it a good choice for travelers who want both time on the water and expert-led sightseeing ashore.
If You Want Adventure
Expedition cruises use smaller, specially built ships to reach remote places that big liners cannot, often with naturalists and landing boats included. They suit active retirees with a sense of curiosity.
HX Expeditions
Members get 5% off cruise fares and a €100 per person onboard credit, and a companion who books and travels with the member qualifies for the fare discount too. The offer can be combined with other current HX offers, and voyages can be booked by phone or through a travel agent.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- How many days at sea would you enjoy, and how many in port?
- Would you rather unpack once for a big ship, or see small towns from a river?
- Does the itinerary include guided excursions, or will you plan time ashore yourself?
- What will the onboard credit cover, and does it expire at the end of the voyage?
- Is the saving per stateroom or per person, and does it apply to your travel dates?
Answering these first keeps the choice simple and helps you compare river cruises for seniors and ocean voyages on equal terms.
Making the Voyage Go Further
Book early for the widest choice of cabins, keep your membership number ready when you call, and use onboard credit on the extras you would buy anyway, such as excursions or a special dinner. Travelers who are flexible on dates can often add a few days before or after the cruise without stretching the budget.
Bon Voyage
Whether it is glaciers in Alaska, vineyards along a European river or penguins in a far-off bay, the right cruise is the one that matches how you like to travel. With expedition cruise savings and cruise onboard credit for members, that long-awaited trip moves a little closer.
Retirees can unlock all of these cruise savings by joining AARP before they book. More travel inspiration for every season is waiting at TheVougeClub.
