You don’t have to be coupled up or traveling with a big family to enjoy everything cruising has to offer. For singles over 50, traveling with others may not always be an option and you may have just as much, if not more, of a desire to travel.
Traveling alone may seem like a simple answer, but once it comes down to planning everything, you may realize just how hard traveling alone can be. But when you choose to cruise, the cruise line takes care of almost all of the planning for you - so all you need to do is book your singles cruise for over 50, show up on time, and enjoy the rest (aka delicious food, exotic destinations, wonderful entertainment, opportunities to meet new people, and gorgeous ocean views).
If you’re looking for a cruise for singles over 50 though, then it does take a little bit of know-how to find the best deal on the right over 50 singles cruise. For example, a balcony stateroom charged for the price of two on a cruise ship with roller coasters, water slides, and go karts isn’t quite the singles over 50 cruise.
Singles cruises over 50 are often on more luxurious ships (so you’re not accidentally pushed into the pool by more kids than you can count) and offer either discounts on cabins if you’re cruising alone, pairing programs so you have a specially selected roommate, or cabins specifically designed for solo cruiserscfdetcvd.
Here are some of the cruise lines that we recommend if you’re looking for cruises for singles over 50:
The Best Cruise Lines for Single Seniors & Singles Over 50 Cruises
As you travel almost anywhere in the world aboard Azamara, you’ll be treated only to the best, from your own personal butler to high class cuisine. Enjoy socializing at the white night party, or treat yourself to even more luxury at the spa. The cruise line includes special accommodations for those age 50+, such as wheelchair accessibility, permittance of service animals, and discounted rates for those travelling solo.
More often than not if you’re cruising solo you likely want your own cabin (without having to share it with a stranger) and don’t want to have to pay extra; therefore, cruise ships that offer single cabins are often ideal. A single cabin doesn’t always include luxury though - but when you cruise on Celebrity’s Edge or Apex ships you will not lose out on any part of the cruise experience - including an awe-striking infinite veranda cabin built for one that features in-room automation, meaning all you have to do is press a button and your balcony doors seamlessly open and your lights adjust to your liking.
Not only will you get your own single cabin (with the option of an ocean view) when you travel with Cunard, but this sophisticated cruise line also knows their audience. If you love to dress up and dance, then you’ll likely be happy to find a gentleman host or proudly dance the night away at the largest at sea ballroom. But until the night rolls around, there’s still plenty to enjoy as you find yourself sifting through the 8,000 books at the library, brushing up on your fencing skills, basking in relaxation at the Canyon Ranch spa after sipping on your afternoon tea, or getting to know your fellow solo cruisers as you dine. If this sounds too good to be true, you won’t have to leave the ship too early - Cunard offers full world cruises for singles over 50 if you want to make yourself at home onboard for awhile.
Catering to the 50+ crowd, Holland America not only offers plenty of onboard activities (such as yoga, wine tastings, culinary programs, singles mixers and more), not to mention offboard activities, but also understands the needs of seniors, partnering with Special Needs at Sea and the University of Texas’s Medical Branch on certain ships to provide the most mobility and radiology care they can while at sea. This cruise line is especially known for its Alaska cruise and land tour itineraries, so if you’ve been looking for an over 50 singles cruise through Alaska, this is the singles over 50 cruise for you. Booking tip: Holland America’s Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam offer single cabins.
So you’re cruising alone, but not really? If you’re looking to travel with the accompaniment of a friend but don’t want to share a cabin overnight, Norwegian Cruise Line has a section of all studio cabins, so you can either get interconnecting rooms or at least stay in close proximity to each other. But if you are travelling alone, Norwegian makes it easy for singles over 50 to socialize, with an exclusive lounge for the use of solo cruisers travelling in studio cabins.
While not exclusive to seniors, Paul Gauguin Cruises is popular in the 50+ community, commonly travelling for approximately 10 days from Los Angeles to destinations in the South Pacific, often including Paul Gauguin’s private island - Motu Mahana. These all inclusive cruises (including free wine and beer) are a great option for singles over 50 looking to travel to Hawaii, Tahiti, French Polynesia and more.
If you’re looking for an intimate and luxurious cruising experience to practically any destination in the world then Silversea Cruises (achieving the title as the “World’s Best Small Ship Cruise Line” by Condé Nast Traveller for multiple years) may be the singles over 50 cruise for you. While its single supplement isn’t always waived, Silversea does make an effort to accommodate single travellers by occasionally offering special deals for solo travelers and giving them company in the dining room, on the dance floor or on shore excursions with gentleman hosts.
What to Expect on a Cruise for Singles Over 50
Aside from pricing, beautiful destinations, singles activities and more, what else can you expect if you’re cruising as a single over 50? Some things you should know before you cruise includes:
- Most cruise lines are accommodating to dietary restrictions and offer healthy dining options. Make sure to notify the cruise line in advance if you have any restrictions, and keep in mind that you may need to remind them again while onboard the ship.
- If you’ve cruised on more contemporary ships in the past, don’t be surprised if a singles cruise for over 50 is much smaller and quieter - these cruises often have less people onboard and are more focused on a mature market, as opposed to the excitement of families.
- While certain cruises are more suited for singles over 50 and are less likely to attract younger people, most are not exclusive to singles or adults, meaning you may still run into families and children.
Discounts on Over 50 Singles Cruises
For ages 55+, you may be eligible for senior discounts. At iCruise, we work with all of the above cruise lines and have access to the best cruise deals, so if you are in search of an affordable price on a singles cruise for over 50, or need help picking out the best one for you, contact us today and we’ll help you get booked for your next singles over 50 cruise.
About Sarah Pruzansky, Cruise & Travel Writer
Sarah Pruzansky is passionate about everything related to travel, hospitality, environmental science, self-care, and writing. She joined the iCruise team in February 2019 and assists the company in developing blog and web content that shows the benefits of cruising, information on different ports of call and destinations, and other industry tips for those looking to cruise.
