5 Top Cruise Tips for Senior Travelers
Cruise ships are amazing! Being on a cruise without all the worries of daily life is a dream come true for many people, especially seniors. Getting ready to go on a cruise? Here are some tips and interesting information to get you started.
Senior Discounts and Single Cabins Help You Save Money
Seniors can take advantage of special senior pricing and promotions that are not available to young cruisers. Cabins are often meant for two people; thus, traveling alone costs nearly as much as traveling with two people. Seniors traveling alone can save money by booking a cruise with single-occupancy accommodations. Check with your travel or booking agency to see if any cruise lines offer senior discounts.
Get Travel Insurance
A missed connection, misplaced luggage, or an unexpected illness may all derail a trip. When things go wrong, travel insurance might help you save money. It can cover the expense of a medical evacuation in an emergency or provide you with access to a helpline if you get stranded and need to rebook flights or hotel rooms. Even if you have health insurance, you should not assume you are covered while traveling. Most policies do not protect you outside of the United States. To obtain the most coverage, purchase travel insurance within a week of making your initial trip payment.
Carry Necessary Medications
Always bring your prescription medications from home, as well as extras, in case your trip lasts longer. If you’re taking drugs that need to be refrigerated, call the cruise operator 30 to 60 days ahead of time to see what arrangements can be made. The services offered by infirmaries on major cruise lines are limited to minor non-emergencies and stabilizing passengers in life-threatening situations. Packing essential prescriptions ahead of time will spare you a trip to the emergency department, which you should only use when you have a medical emergency.
Take It Easy
While you may be tempted to overindulge in food and wine while on a cruise, both can be dangerous to your health. Balance your meals with energizing walks or one of the many workout classes available. Combine premium indulgences such as steak and decadent desserts with healthier meal options. When it comes to alcohol, know your boundaries and follow a boozy night with a more sober day.
Make New Friends
Whether you’re sailing alone or with others, one of the great pleasures of cruising is the numerous possibilities to meet new people. Before you leave, get to know your fellow passengers. Invite a friendly couple for dinner and strike up a conversation over cocktails or while playing a game of trivia. Strangers you meet at breakfast could turn into lifelong friends and travel buddies.
