Retirement is when many people finally take the cruise they have talked about for years. Some picture a big ship gliding through Alaska’s Inside Passage, others a quiet river boat drifting past vineyards and castles, and a growing number want the fjords and glaciers of an expedition voyage. Whichever you choose, senior cruise discounts through a membership can add onboard credit or take money off the fare, and on a trip of a week or more that difference is easy to feel.
Ocean, River or Expedition?
The three styles feel very different on board, so it helps to know which one fits before comparing offers.
- Ocean cruises sail on large ships with several restaurants, evening shows and plenty of space. They suit travelers who like variety and sea days to relax.
- River cruises use smaller boats that dock in the heart of towns, often every day. They suit anyone who prefers sightseeing on foot and a calmer, more social atmosphere.
- Expedition cruises head to remote coasts, glaciers and wildlife areas, with guides and landings by small boat. They suit curious travelers who want nature and learning over nightlife.
Once you know your style, the right cruise deals for seniors become much easier to pick out.
Where Members Save
Holland America Line
Best for: classic ocean cruising to Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe.
Members receive up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, which can go toward a specialty dinner, a shore excursion or a spa treatment. Quote promotion code N2 when booking. The credit applies to most sailings, but Grand Voyages, Grand Voyage Segments and cruises shorter than five days are excluded, so check the length of your trip first.
HX Expeditions
Best for: Norway’s coast, Antarctica and polar adventures.
Members get a 5% discount on all cruise fares plus €100 per person in onboard credit, and both can be combined with HX’s own offers. On an expedition voyage, where fares are higher than on a typical ocean cruise, that 5% is a meaningful saving, and the credit covers drinks or gear from the shop on board.
Grand European Travel
Best for: river cruises through the heart of Europe.
Members save $100 on all river cruises, on top of any promotional savings already running. Grand European’s itineraries follow the Rhine, Danube and other great rivers, with guided walks in each port, which makes them a relaxed choice for a first river trip.
Cruises Through the Member Travel Center Powered by Expedia
Best for: comparing many cruise lines in one search.
Booking through the member travel center powered by Expedia brings up to $100 in onboard credit on select cruises. It is a good option if you want to compare departure dates and cabins across several lines before you decide.
Fare Discount or Onboard Credit?
Member offers on cruises come in two forms. A fare discount lowers the price you pay up front, while onboard credit is money added to your shipboard account once you sail. Credit can pay for specialty dining, Wi-Fi, a spa visit or a guided excursion, so it often ends up covering the extras people would buy anyway. On expedition cruises over 50, where fares run higher, a percentage off the fare tends to be worth more, while credit shines on shorter ocean sailings. Look at what you are likely to spend on board, and the better choice usually becomes clear.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- How long is the cruise, and does the member offer apply to that length of sailing?
- Is the saving a fare discount, onboard credit, or both, and in which currency?
- Can the member offer be combined with the line’s current promotion?
- How much walking do shore excursions involve, and are there gentler options?
- What travel insurance and cancellation terms come with the fare?
Asking these up front helps you compare river cruises for retirees and ocean voyages on equal terms.
Set Sail With Confidence
AARP is the largest membership organization in the United States for people aged 50 and over, offering travel savings alongside health, financial and everyday benefits. Its cruise partners cover ocean, river and expedition sailing, and members can claim onboard credit or fare discounts simply by booking through the member offers.
A cruise is often the trip of a lifetime, and a few hundred dollars of credit or a lower fare makes it even better. Whether you choose the Alaskan coast or a slow week on the Danube, the savings above are there for every booking.
Join today and put that dream voyage on the calendar.
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