When we reach a certain age, we’re looking to enjoy the finer things in life, at perhaps a slower pace. Going on a cruise is no longer that out-of-reach fantasy that it once was. Nowadays, it is the ultimate no-hassle, affordable vacation. It’s the ideal way to see more of the world without having to jump on and off planes, book hotels and transfers, or worry about packing and re-packing your case.
What’s on board?
Everything you could possibly want from a vacation will be at your fingertips – you can enjoy a huge variety of dining experiences from black-tie dinner to onboard snacks. Cabaret acts, poetry recitals, bingo games, and karaoke are just a few examples of the evening entertainment you can find on board. Or if peace and quiet is more your thing, you could relax in the library or by the pool with a good book. For the more active type, you can usually find racquet sports, swimming and exercise classes onboard. And when you reach one of your many destinations, you can choose to stay on board and admire the scenery from afar or disembark and soak up the local culture and ambiance. Many ships offer a choice of supervised sightseeing tours or time away independently to explore.
Where to?
The world really is your oyster when it comes to cruising. Do you want to experience the breath-taking scenery of the Norwegian Fjords? Or luxuriate in the tropical tastes of the Caribbean? Perhaps you would like to stay closer to home and see sights more local to you from a different perspective? Have you been put off visiting a certain destination because of the long-haul flight involved? Now you can take your time and make a vacation out of getting there. If you want to visit Europe but can’t decide where to go, choose a cruise with stopovers at several different countries. Get a taste of Italy, Spain, and France in just a few days.
There are so many choices of destination, length, and level of luxury to choose from. You could experiment with a few days away to find out if cruising is for you, or take the plunge and immerse yourself in the way of life onboard ship for the whole of the winter season. You can choose fine dining every evening or light snacks from the buffet.
Disabled travelers
A lot of cruise ships have been purposefully designed to accommodate travelers with disabilities. Most ships have gangway access for wheelchair users and others with mobility problems. You will also find facilities onboard for the deaf, hard-of-hearing and the visually impaired. Some shore excursions will be easier than others to accommodate people with disabilities, depending on the location. For instance, those with mobility problems may find it easier to book sightseeing trips by minibus where minimal walking is required.
How?
If you have not been on a cruise before, it’s essential to do your research. It’s not the kind of vacation you can easily book online at the last minute. Talk to your travel agent, preferably a cruise specialist. Tell them what you are looking for and share your budget limitations. They’ll ask you about your interests and should be able to recommend cruise options that will fit your lifestyle. It’s your vacation and can be tailored to fit your requirements. Then while the traveling is taken care of, all you have to do is relax and enjoy.