What You Should Know Before Booking Your Next Cruise

Julie Bantz, 64, has been on 25 cruises, “to Alaska, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America." She relays, "I rarely do the [group] onshore excursions because I like to venture out on my own by taking local tours.”  

Mildred Kirschenbaum, 99, from Boca Raton, has been on over 100 cruises, proving that you can cruise at any age. She recalls her first trip in 1963, when transatlantic liners had grand ballrooms and white-gloved waiters served passengers dressed in formal attire for dinner. There were no onboard wave pools, climbing walls or water slides, as are common now, but plenty of deck games, talent shows and shuffleboard.

She says she now prefers megaships so she can get around easily on her scooter.

"Even if the weather is miserable, there's always something to do,” says Kirschenbaum, who enjoys the casino, the Jacuzzi and the dazzling Broadway-style shows.

A fever for cruises struck Patricia Raglan when she was in her mid-20s. Now 67, she has been on 30.

“There’s no driving, no motels and no cleaning; plus, all the meals are included in the price,” she says. Her advice for a successful cruise? “Don't overeat or over pack but most of all, don’t over plan. Slow down and enjoy your time.”

Here are some descriptions that can help you choose your own cruise vacation.

Disney

Ideal for families with young children, its cruises cater to the Disney enthusiast, with all things Mickey- and Minnie-themed. Perfect vacation with the grandkids. I’m definitely a Disney grandma as a Floridian who has taken my grandkids to Disney World and on a Disney Cruise.

Royal Caribbean

Known for being family-friendly, this cruise line appeals to all ages and offers dozens of onboard activities, including aqua shows, zip-lining youth/teen programs and stellar pool slides. The company also has the largest ship, — Wonder of the Seas (6,998 capacity), to be topped in 2024 by their newest, Icon of the Seas (maximum capacity 7,600).

Carnival

This may be the most budget-friendly cruise line, with a younger crowd and a more casual vibe. Highlights on Carnival cruises include a roller coaster, video arcade and lots of partying, with a piano bar and disco dancing. Carnival has added new routes through Australia and Japan. 

Norwegian

The pioneer of what is called in the industry “freestyle cruising,” Norwegian has no set dining times or enforced dress code. Its laid-back ambiance appeals to passengers of all ages. One standout is a guided kayak tour through the fjords.

Celebrity

Known for little extras such as free Wi-Fi and a champagne welcome, these cruises are popular with the 50-plus crowd. The newer ships have what the company calls the Magic Carpet, a water-level passageway that passengers can walk though for easy access to the ship without having to use ramps or stairs to board.

Seabourn

These smaller ships (458 to 600 passengers) are considered luxury cruises with destinations all over the world, including New Zealand, South Korea, Greenland, Antarctica and French Polynesia. This line is particularly well-known for its journeys through ports of Africa, including an 18-day excursion along the Atlantic coast.

Silversea  

One of the more expensive cruise companies, Silversea caters to boomers (who have saved travel funds) with luxurious rooms, five-star dining and full butler service. Along with the glitzy accommodations come onboard entertainment by singers, comedians and magicians and magnificent tours. A standout is the route through Southeast Asia, with stops in Bali and Vietnam.

For ease and relaxation while seeing the world, there is nothing like traveling by sea. On your next cruise vacation — or your first — you just may see me by the pool. I’ll be the woman reading a romance novel, in the black tankini.

So how much do you know about cruise ship etiquette? Take our quiz to find out!

Have any of you ever been on a cruise? Which one? Did you enjoy it? Let us know in the comments below.