Luxury cruise lines for seniors
The short answer
Upscale lines trade water slides for space, service and quiet. Ships are smaller, more is included in the fare, and some are adults only. Oceania includes gratuities and takes only adults on bookings made from January 7, 2026; Cunard holds gala evenings.
What you pay more for
- More space per guest and fewer lines
- More included in the fare
- Smaller ships and quieter decks
- Longer stays in port
Oceania Cruises: the rules, from Oceania Cruises's own pages
- Minimum age
18 and over on new bookings made from January 7, 2026
For new reservations made from January 7, 2026, Oceania accepts only guests aged 18 and older.
Reservations made before January 7, 2026 that include travelers under 18 are still honored.
Source: Oceania Cruises, checked September 24, 2026
- Daily gratuities
Included in the fare for all guests
Part of Oceania's Your World Included promise, announced 5 September 2024.
Covers stateroom attendants, butlers and dining waitstaff.
Previously included only for some guests or loyalty tiers.
Source: Oceania Cruises, checked September 21, 2026
- Dress code
“Effortless sophistication” — polished and upscale, but no formal nights
Daytime: sundresses, polo shirts, tailored shorts and lightweight slacks. Swimwear is fine at the pool, but wear a cover-up into dining areas.
Evening, ladies: dresses or jumpsuits, elegant blouses with slacks or skirts, fashionable jeans, dressy sandals, pumps or dress sneakers.
Evening, gentlemen: collared shirts, knit tops or dressy polos, lightweight sweaters, tailored pants or dressy jeans, loafers or dress shoes.
Source: Oceania Cruises, checked September 21, 2026
- Drink packages
Prestige Select Beverage Package, $79.95 per person per day
Unlimited Champagne and wine by the glass, beer, spirits and cocktails, in any venue and through room service during bar hours.
Excludes wine by the bottle, premier spirits and sake.
Guests who chose Complimentary Wine & Beer through Your World Included can upgrade to Prestige Select for 50% off.
Source: Oceania Cruises, checked September 24, 2026
- Solo travelers
Solo Staterooms and hosted solo gatherings
Solo Oceanview Staterooms have windows with sea views and carry the amenities of a standard stateroom.
A hosted solo cruisers gathering runs on board. Details appear in the daily Currents program.
Welcome cocktail receptions and mixed dining tables are arranged so solo guests can meet others.
Source: Oceania Cruises, checked September 21, 2026
Cunard Line: the rules, from Cunard Line's own pages
- Dress code
Smart attire most nights, with gala evenings
The page we read is Cunard's own style guide rather than the rule page, so we have not recorded the venue-by-venue detail.
Source: Cunard Line, checked September 21, 2026
- Solo travelers
Single staterooms, plus a solo activity program
Purpose-built single staterooms are offered on board.
When booking online, single fares only appear once you select your stateroom type.
Complimentary events for solo travelers run through the voyage, including coffee mornings and drinks receptions.
Source: Cunard Line, checked September 21, 2026
- Accessibility
Policies cover wheelchairs, mobility scooters and medical equipment
Cunard publishes separate guidance for medical equipment, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and equipment storage.
Information about your equipment is required before you board.
Further guidance covers accessible staterooms, children's facilities and emergency protocols.
Source: Cunard Line, checked September 21, 2026
Rather talk it through? Kathryn Lyn answers the phone.
Call (239) 357-0814What "more included" can mean
Tips
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Oceania Cruises | Included in the fare for all guests | September 21, 2026 |
| Viking | $20 USD per person per night, added automatically if not prepaid | September 21, 2026 |
| Cunard Line | US$18 per person per day in Britannia and Britannia Club, US$19 in the Grills | September 21, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | $22 per Sailor per day, or $20 if you prepay before you sail | September 21, 2026 |
Drinks
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Oceania Cruises | Prestige Select Beverage Package, $79.95 per person per day | September 24, 2026 |
| Viking | Silver Spirits Beverage Package — $27 per guest, per day | September 21, 2026 |
| Cunard Line | Beers, Wines & Spirits Option, and a Premium Nonalcoholic Option | September 21, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | No drink package — a pre-paid Bar Tab instead | September 21, 2026 |
WiFi
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Oceania Cruises | Included in the cruise fare, fleetwide; streaming costs extra | September 24, 2026 |
| Viking | Included, with heavy-bandwidth use limited | September 21, 2026 |
| Cunard Line | Starlink Wi-Fi, Essential or Premium, by the day or the voyage | September 24, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | Basic WiFi is included; connect to the VirginVoyages-SailorWiFi network | September 21, 2026 |
Suites on mainstream lines
You do not need a luxury line to get more space and service. Several big lines sell suite areas with their own lounges and restaurants — Kathryn has stayed in MSC Yacht Club and Norwegian's Haven.
Common questions
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