Best Cruise Vacation Ideas & Tips for Retirees

Retirement opens the door to a new kind of freedom. Your time is now truly your own.

Embrace this well-earned season of life with a Holland America cruise, where the journey is as meaningful as the destination. Retirement is the perfect time to explore new countries, check off world wonders from your bucket list, and connect with your family and friends.

Travelers age 50 and up select cruise vacations to spend time with family, relax, or because they are seeking new adventures, according to the American Association of Retired Persons’ 2025 Travel Trends report.

Here are the best vacation ideas for retirees:

Looking to cruise with the ones you love most? According to AARP, spending quality time with family remains a top reason for travel, and few journeys deliver like an Alaska cruise.

Ideal for multi-generational travelers, these summer sailings align perfectly with school breaks, offering a rare window when grandparents, parents, and kids can all explore together.

Towering ice-blue glaciers, epic wildlife spotting, and kid-friendly excursions in ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, turn every day into something magical. Plus, onboard amenities such as Kids Club programming, and elevated dining for a “date night” on board ensure everyone’s travel wishes are met.

Planning a getaway with your partner or favorite travel crew? Whether you’re craving a quick escape or longer journey, there’s an itinerary that will align with your travel goals.

For an adventure-rich sailing, cruise to Mexico or Hawaii. Wander ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum or sip a bold cup of Kona coffee after an invigorating volcano hike.

If you’re pressed for time, but still want to escape the every day, a Pacific cruise could be the perfect solution: a convenient, close-to-home retreat with vibrant, easy-to-reach ports such as San Diego and Vancouver, where culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty blend together for an ideal cruise vacation.

Sometimes, your main vacation goal is to relax. We get it. That’s where a Caribbean cruise truly shines with sun-filled serenity and beaches that are pleasantly uncrowded.  Nearly every Caribbean itinerary includes a day at our award-winning private island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™. This is your time. Lounge in a private cabana with butler service, order a rum cocktail from one of Barcardi Beach Buggies, and relax under an umbrella with a good book or gaze out at the turquoise Caribbean waters. Back on board, enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the pool or book a soothing massage at the Spa & Salon.

For adventurous travelers with a daring spirit of discovery and the luxury of time, consider a Grand World Voyage, Grand World Segment, or a Legendary Voyage. Each of these voyages offers extended, immersive travel experiences that are perfect for retirees with flexible schedules. Sail to distant destinations, enjoy deep cultural encounters, and check major adventures off your must-do list — all with the comfort and ease of cruising on perfectly sized ships with exceptional service.

• AARP Discounts: Holland America Line offers exclusive savings for AARP members. Visit our Member Discounts page for current offers.
• Accessible Cruising: Need an accessible stateroom or special accommodations?

Visit our Accessibility page to plan a smooth and comfortable journey.

Whatever your reason for traveling, it’s all possible with Holland America. Discover connection, adventure, award-winning service, and more on one seamless vacation.

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