Luxury Cruise Tips for the Over 50s

Whether you’re someone who indulges in a luxury cruise vacation as often as possible or you’re new to the idea and are considering your very first voyage, there are plenty of ways to make your journey more enjoyable and comfortable.

At Accent on Travel, we’re experienced in customizing cruise vacations to make your next one unforgettable. Thanks to our many years in the travel industry, we’ve gathered plenty of insight and advice that we pass on to our clients to enrich the experience you get while on a luxury cruise. 

Some of our recommendations are designed to ensure you enjoy a stress-free vacation by thinking about some of the smaller details ahead of time, while others are there to help you make the most of the benefits available to you while on your vacation. Read on and see which of our top 10 luxury cruise tips you can put to use for your next – or first! – cruise.

Research the ship, not just the cruise line

There are so many cruise lines operating today that it can be hard to choose which one aligns best with your dream vacation. But our advice is to find the right ship, not just the right cruise company. You’ll be spending plenty of time on board, so make sure it has the amenities and dining options you most desire, whether that’s a vessel with multiple bars and a casino or a ship with a variety of health and culturally enriching offerings. The same cruise line may offer different amenities and experiences across their fleet.

Select the right itinerary

How much time would you like to spend exploring your destinations and how much would you like to spend unwinding and sailing out on the wide blue ocean? Your itinerary is going to shape your enrichment, so it’s only natural that you want the best itinerary to suit you and whoever you’re traveling with. Longer cruises can allow you to get the best of both worlds, but if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, our expert travel advisors are here to help.

Research and reserve your shore excursions early

More than any other time, each port is limited with the expert guides for touring and the quantity of quality transportation available. Besides the ship’s available shore excursions, there are reputable travel companies that specialize in shore excursions that are similar to the ship’s or are quite unique. Any of these can be priced to be private or organized for your small group of friends or family. Having them 100% refundable if the ship cancels the port of call is crucial.

Weather at the destination

Many times, a ship will be moved to a beautiful destination to match the appeal of the seasoned cruiser. It is always important to check the historical weather patterns to make sure it is a good time to travel to the destination before you make a financial commitment on the cruise.

Check your mobile data plan & Wifi security

Similarly, it also pays to check your mobile data plan with your provider. Access to wifi onboard cruises is standard now, but the plans are tied into the ship’s program not your home program. Before you turn on wifi, check with the purser or business office to choose the plan that works best for your needs while traveling. Keep in mind, there are typically two levels – one for checking emails and responding, and another, much more expensive plan, to download videos and movies. While you’re enjoying your onshore excursions in other countries you could rack up quite a bill if you haven’t got international roaming or set fees built into your plan. Check with your provider before you set sail so you know your limitations or to give yourself the chance to find the right plan. While traveling, we highly recommend you avoid using any wifi excluding your own secure ‘hotspot’ equipment to check into banking or any other financial institution since the wifi.

Read up on your destination ports

We always advise that, to make sure you have made the most of your time in port and have immediate access to authentic, local culture, you take part in prearranged excursions. But if you prefer to explore yourself or you have time to learn more before you set sail, do some reading about your destination ports. Some cruise lines offer seminars about the locations you’ll visit once you board, such as Celebrity Cruises, while expedition lines, such as National Geographic’s also offer excellent insight throughout their expeditions, from talks held in their seminar hall to visits to their onboard laboratory. If you have extra things you want to do, just ask our advisors when we’re planning your vacation and we’ll ensure everything is arranged for you.

Talk to the crew

A simple but sure-fire way to get the most from your cruise vacation is by talking to the staff. Many times they have visited the ports of calls previously and can give you insider tips on where to find local artists, boutique shops, pharmacies, and favorite shore excursions.  They’re always happy to talk with you and you’ll find that most room stewards and waiters will go above and beyond for your comfort when they know you a little better.

Set up your passenger account after making your 1st payment on your cruise

All cruise lines offer a convenient onboard spending account or ‘cash-free’ system. But now, it is a requirement to set up your passenger account prior to embarkation to complete required medical and emergency information. The earlier you set up this account, the more opportunity you have to learn more about your upcoming vacation and be in the loop as reservations for shore excursions, dining, and spa treatments open. 

Choose a room with a balcony

Among the great pleasures you get from a luxury cruise vacation are the exquisite views of the natural surroundings. Whether you’re on an ocean voyage or a river cruise, you’ll be perfectly positioned to experience the beautiful sights along the way when you have your own private balcony. It’s also an additional place to unwind and relax all to yourself, so make sure to ask our advisors to secure you a room with a private balcony.

Book your cruise via a specialist

Rather than booking just a  cruise, let our team at Accent on Travel help you wake up somewhere wonderful. We connect you to a range of benefits and exclusive options, tailoring a luxury cruise vacation around your personal preferences. As specialists in luxury cruise vacations – including all-inclusive cruises, family cruises, river cruises, small ship expedition cruises, and world cruises – we can make sure you get the VIP treatment, expanding your opportunities and enriching your travel experience.

We work with the most exemplary and luxurious cruise partners around the world, including Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Viking Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, and many, many more. So whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or looking for group travel vacations, we can guide you and take care of all the details.

Call our travel advisors today at 888-806-2337 and a member of our team will help you start planning your dream cruise vacation using our partnerships and expertise within the industry.