Have you been thinking of doing some traveling? Based on results of an AARP survey, most adults in the U.S. aged 50 and up are doing the same! In fact, around two-thirds of seniors planned to travel in 2024, despite increased travel costs. Cruises are among the top getaways for older individuals looking for a good mix of relaxation and excitement — but overall costs can quickly add up.

If you’re trying to find ways to keep travel expenses lower, senior discounts on cruises are a great option. These deals and discounts can allow you to enjoy a trip you’ve always dreamed of without paying a fortune. Let’s explore these kinds of discounts in more detail, including how to find them and what to look for.

What Counts as “Senior?”

That can vary by cruise line, but many offer senior discounts for travelers who are at least 55 years old. For others, the minimum age is 65.

Which Cruise Lines Offer Senior Discounts?

Many major cruise lines have these lower rates available for older travelers. But they vary in terms of how much you save, when and where you go, and other factors. Some that tend to have these discounts include:

• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Carnival
• Disney Cruise Line

MSC Cruises also has a Senior Club for ages 65 and up that includes up to 10% savings on bookings.

This gives you a great range of cruise destinations to choose from, whether you prefer visiting another part of the world or staying within the U.S.

Check Your Memberships

Have you signed up for AARP membership yet? If so, you may be able to save a bundle on a cruise! Some cruise lines offer AARP discounts, such as Holland America Line, Celebrity, and Princess. These can help you save in a few different ways, though this depends on which cruise line, when you go, and other factors. Some discounts that may be available include:

• 15% or less on certain cruises
• Lower deposit amount
• Lower rates for anyone who goes with you
• Onboard credits

Senior Cruises vs. Regular Cruises

You don’t need to focus on finding senior discounts on cruises for all ages. Cruises for older travelers are available — with some featuring great discounts. Senior cruises have amenities and entertainment aimed at an older crowd. They also typically have more accessibility in terms of accommodations.

Some senior cruises are all-inclusive, allowing you to pay one price that includes:

• Entertainment
• Food and beverages
• Onboard activities
• Shore excursions in some cases

All About Onboard Credit

If you’re new to going on a cruise, you may not realize that you won’t be pulling out your wallet to pay for drinks and other expenses. Instead, you get what’s known as an onboard account to use during your trip. You can load up your account ahead of time with cash or connect a card to it.

That’s where onboard credit comes in handy. Some senior discounts from cruise lines include this, giving you “free money” in a sense. For example, you may end up with $200 onboard credit to use toward meals and other expenses. That helps you save on having to pay these costs out of your own pocket — or onboard account. When looking for deals, compare the onboard credit amounts that are available.

Comparing and Picking Package Inclusions

What’s included with cruise fare can vary from one cruise line to the next. When you’re searching for discounts, take a close look at what packages include in the price. The more that’s included, the less you end up paying for separately, resulting in higher cost savings and greater convenience.

For example, are you interested in sightseeing on land? Look for senior discounts on a package that includes shore excursions. If this isn’t in your plans, focus on finding a package that includes onboard entertainment and amenities.

When Is the Best Time for Senior Savings on Cruises?

How flexible is your schedule? You’re most likely to score the best senior discounts and deals on last-minute cruises. With passengers canceling, cruise lines try to make sure cabins end up being booked — and that often means offering discounted rates to senior travelers.

Note that this is more cost-effective if you happen to live close to a port. Otherwise, you’re looking at potentially spending more on airfare to get to the nearest port for your departure.

If you can’t do last-minute cruises, you may be able to find senior discounts during off-peak travel times. These are when there’s not as much demand for cruises, causing cruise lines to offer lower rates. Off-peak times vary by location. For example, cruises to northern places, like Alaska, tend to be more booked and more expensive in summer. But cruises to warmer places, such as the Caribbean, are usually busier and pricier in winter as travelers escape the cold.

There’s also what’s known as wave season from January to March. This is when you can pre-book cruises — and potentially score senior discounts that keep your overall cost much lower.

Gather a Group for Better Deals

You may be able to land lower rates and discounts if you travel in a group. Some cruise lines and travel companies offer special group rates for seniors that are lower than the cost of going by yourself or with another person. Note that some of these require larger groups, such as 15 or more people.

Spending some time researching and comparing available senior discounts on cruises can help you land the best deals. Being flexible helps — but you can also save on these trips in other ways, no matter where you want to go or when you want to travel.