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Choosing the Right Ocean Cruise for Your Travel Style
Ocean cruises for mature travelers offer an incredible variety of experiences, but not every cruise line or ship is right for every traveler. Ship size, number of passengers, onboard atmosphere, dining, entertainment, destinations and what is included in the cruise fare can all make a significant difference in your vacation.
At Brandt Travel, we have spent years helping travelers find the cruise experience that best matches how they like to travel. Our recommendations are also shaped by years of feedback and personal experiences shared by our clients after they return home.
Two ocean cruise lines especially popular with many of our mature travelers are Viking Ocean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. Both offer wonderful travel experiences, but in different ways. The key is understanding what matters most to you.
Ocean Cruises for Mature Travelers: Start With Your Travel Style
Before choosing a cruise line, think about what you want your days at sea to feel like. Do you prefer a smaller, quieter ship where the destination takes center stage? Or do you enjoy having more restaurants, entertainment, activities and nightlife to choose from?
For many of our retired travelers, the answer isn’t simply about which cruise line is “best.” It is about finding the experience that best fits how they want to spend their vacation.
Consider what matters most to you:
• A smaller, quieter ship or a larger ship with more onboard choices
• Destination-focused days or more onboard activities and entertainment
• An adults-only environment or the option to travel with children and grandchildren
• More inclusions in the cruise fare or the flexibility to select the extras you want
• A relaxed evening atmosphere or more nightlife and entertainment
• The type of stateroom, suite and onboard amenities you prefer
Two Ocean Cruise Experiences We Recommend
Viking Ocean Cruises: Destination-Focused, Relaxed and Refined
Viking Ocean Cruises is a favorite among many Brandt Travel clients who prefer a quieter, destination-focused cruise experience. Viking’s ocean ships carry fewer guests than many traditional ocean cruise ships and are designed with an understated Scandinavian style that feels comfortable and sophisticated rather than crowded or flashy.
Viking is especially appealing to travelers who enjoy exploring the destinations they visit, learning about local history and culture, and returning to a relaxed ship at the end of the day. With an adults-only environment, no casinos and a strong emphasis on enrichment rather than high-energy entertainment, the experience is distinctly Viking.
Another reason many of our clients appreciate Viking is the number of amenities included in the cruise fare. This makes it easier to understand the overall cost of the vacation and allows travelers to enjoy many onboard experiences without continually thinking about additional charges.
Why Our Clients Choose Viking Ocean
Adults-only atmosphere: Viking Ocean is designed for guests 18 and older, creating a relaxed adult environment.
Smaller ships: Viking’s ocean ships carry approximately 930 guests, making them considerably smaller than many mainstream ocean cruise ships.
Every stateroom has a veranda: There are no inside or ocean-view-only accommodations, every Viking Ocean stateroom includes a private veranda.
More included in the fare: Viking includes an excursion in each port, Wi-Fi, access to the Nordic Spa, specialty dining, self-service laundry and beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner.
Destination-focused itineraries: Longer port stays, cultural enrichment and destination-focused programming appeal to travelers who want the places they visit to be an important part of their vacation.
No casino and no children: The onboard experience is quieter and more relaxed, with an emphasis on conversation, enrichment, dining and the destinations.
A Brandt Travel Tip
Viking can be an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate knowing that many vacation expenses are already included. When comparing cruise prices, look beyond the initial fare and consider what you are likely to spend on excursions, Wi-Fi, dining and other extras during the trip.
Celebrity Cruises: Modern, Upscale and Full of Choice
Celebrity Cruises is another favorite among Brandt Travel clients who want an upscale ocean cruise experience with a wider variety of dining, entertainment and onboard activities. The atmosphere is sophisticated and contemporary, while still offering plenty to do throughout the day and evening.
Celebrity offers a broader range of ship sizes, stateroom categories and onboard experiences, making it especially appealing when travelers want more choices. Guests can enjoy everything from traditional veranda accommodations to Concierge Class, AquaClass and suite accommodations in The Retreat.
We also find Celebrity to be a great option when couples, friends or families are traveling together but may have different interests. Some guests may spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or at the spa, while others enjoy activities, entertainment, specialty dining or exploring the ship.
Why Our Clients Choose Celebrity Cruises
More choices onboard: Celebrity offers a wide variety of restaurants, lounges, entertainment and activities, allowing guests to make the vacation as relaxing or as active as they prefer.
A variety of accommodations: From veranda staterooms and Infinite Verandas on select ships to Concierge Class, AquaClass and The Retreat suites, there are accommodations for different preferences and budgets.
Excellent dining: Dining is an important part of the Celebrity experience, with numerous complimentary and specialty options depending on the ship.
More evening entertainment: Guests who enjoy production shows, live music, lounges and a livelier evening atmosphere generally have plenty of choices.
Great for groups and multigenerational travel: Celebrity welcomes families, making it an attractive option when children or grandchildren are part of the vacation.
Worldwide itineraries: Celebrity sails to destinations around the world, including Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada and New England, Australia, Asia and more.
A Brandt Travel Tip
Celebrity has many different ships and stateroom categories, and the experience can vary depending on what you choose. We recommend looking beyond the lowest advertised cruise fare and considering the ship, itinerary, stateroom category and amenities that are most important to you. Selecting the right combination can make a significant difference in your overall cruise experience.
What Mature Travelers Should Consider When Choosing an Ocean Cruise
The right cruise is about much more than the ship or itinerary. As we help our clients plan, there are several practical considerations that can have a significant impact on how comfortable and enjoyable the vacation will be.
How Much Walking Will Be Required?
Some destinations involve cobblestone streets, stairs, uneven terrain and considerable walking. Pay attention to excursion activity levels and be realistic about your comfort level. There are often wonderful ways to experience a destination without choosing the most physically demanding excursion.
Consider the Size of the Ship
Larger ships offer more restaurants, entertainment and activities, but can also require more walking from one end of the ship to the other. Smaller ships can be easier to navigate and may access ports that larger ships cannot.
Choose Your Stateroom Location Carefully
Location can be just as important as stateroom category. Consider proximity to elevators, restaurants and other areas you expect to visit frequently. Travelers sensitive to motion may also want to consider a stateroom closer to the middle of the ship.
Look at the Entire Itinerary, Not Just the Destinations
Pay attention to the number of sea days, length of time in port, arrival and departure times, tender ports and how many intensive sightseeing days occur consecutively.
Think About the Journey to the Ship
International cruises can involve long flights, connections and significant time-zone changes. Arriving a day or more before embarkation can provide valuable time to rest and reduces the risk of a flight disruption causing you to miss the ship.
Understand What Is Included
Cruise fares can be structured very differently. Consider excursions, beverages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining and gratuities when evaluating the overall vacation cost rather than comparing cruise fares alone.
Questions to Ask Your Travel Professional Before Booking an Ocean Cruise
Choosing a cruise can feel overwhelming because even similar itineraries can offer very different experiences. Before making a reservation, these are some of the questions we encourage travelers to discuss with their travel advisor.
Is this cruise line and ship a good fit for how I like to travel?
Consider the atmosphere onboard, ship size, dining, entertainment, activity level and the type of travelers the cruise typically attracts.
Is this the best itinerary for the destination?
Look beyond the ports listed. Port times, overnight stays, tender ports, sea days and the location of the cruise terminal can make a considerable difference in the experience.
Which stateroom should I choose?
The least expensive stateroom is not always the best value. Location, balcony configuration, proximity to elevators, noise and walking distance to frequently used areas should all be considered.
What is actually included in my cruise fare?
Ask about beverages, Wi-Fi, dining, excursions, gratuities and other onboard expenses so you understand the overall cost of your vacation.
Should I arrive before the cruise begins?
For many international sailings, arriving early can provide time to adjust to the destination while also offering additional protection against airline delays or cancellations.
Are there special rates, amenities or benefits available through my travel agency?
Experienced travel agencies may have access to promotional pricing, group rates, onboard amenities or other benefits that may not be obvious when simply searching cruise fares online.
Brandt Travel, we believe choosing the right cruise starts with understanding the traveler. Our role is to help you sort through the options, identify the experience that best fits the way you want to travel and assist you before, during and after your journey. And there are no additional planning fees, ever.
Ready to Find the Right Ocean Cruise?
With so many ships, itineraries and stateroom choices available, finding the right ocean cruise is about much more than simply choosing a destination.
Brandt Travel has been helping travelers plan memorable vacations since 1997. Our experienced travel advisors can help you explore ocean cruise options, understand what is included, select the right stateroom and itinerary, and take advantage of available promotions and amenities.
Whether you are considering Viking Ocean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises or another cruise experience, we are here to help you find the vacation that fits the way you want to travel.
No additional planning fees, ever!
Explore more expert travel advice in our Travel Resources.