Cruising at 60 and beyond, made simple

Why so many people cruise after 60

• You unpack once. Your room travels with you from port to port. No hotel changes, no suitcases in the car every morning.
• Meals are taken care of. The main dining room and the buffet are included in your fare on every major line.
• Help is close by. Big cruise ships carry a medical center, and the lines can arrange help getting on and off the ship.
• You set the pace. Go ashore, or stay on board with a book. Nothing is required.

The four questions that matter most

Most of what makes a cruise good or hard after 60 comes down to four things. Each one has its own section of this guide.

1. Which ship suits me? Some lines are calm and quiet; others are loud and busy. See choosing a cruise and cruise lines for seniors.
2. Can I get around easily? Wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and the small "tender" boats in some ports. See getting around.
3. What if I get sick? Medicare usually does not cover you outside the U.S. See health and insurance.
4. Can I go on my own? Yes — several lines now build cabins for one person. See traveling solo.

Three lines that do not allow children

If a quiet ship is what you want, these lines only take adults. Every age rule below comes from the line's own website.

Other lines welcome families, but many older travelers still choose them — especially for longer sailings outside school vacations, when fewer children are on board.