So you’re thinking about your first cruise? Fair dinkum, it’s an exciting prospect! But if you’re like many of our Seniors Travel Club members, you might have a few butterflies about taking the plunge. Let’s sort through everything you need to know to make your first cruise a ripper of an experience.
Ocean vs River Cruising: Which Suits You Best?
First things first – not all cruises are created equal. The big decision is between ocean and river cruising, and mate, they’re as different as chalk and cheese.
Ocean Cruising
Think floating resorts with thousands of passengers, multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, and enough activities to keep you busy from dawn to dusk. Perfect if you love the buzz of people and variety. The downside? You might feel the motion more, and ports are often a bus ride from the ship.
River Cruising
Smaller, more intimate ships with typically 150-200 passengers. You’ll dock right in the heart of towns and cities – no tender boats or long pier walks. The atmosphere’s more relaxed, and you’ll likely see the same faces at dinner each night. Just remember, cabins are cosier (read: smaller) than ocean ships.
Our pick for first-timers over 60? River cruising often wins for its gentler pace, easier embarkation, and minimal motion. But if you’re after non-stop entertainment and don’t mind crowds, ocean cruising could be your cup of tea.
Mobility Considerations: Keeping It Real
Let’s not beat around the bush – cruise ships involve walking, and plenty of it. Here’s what you need to know:
Distances on Board
- Large ocean ships can mean 10+ minute walks from cabin to dining room
- Multiple decks accessed by lifts (but expect queues at peak times)
- River ships are more compact – everything’s closer together
Making It Work
- Book a cabin midship and mid-deck to minimise walking
- Consider paying extra for a cabin near the lifts
- Most ships offer wheelchair hire – book early
- Pack comfortable, non-slip shoes (those decks can be slippery)
Hot tip: If stairs are a concern, avoid cabins directly below the pool deck – you’ll hear every chair scrape at 6am!
Medical Facilities: What’s Really Available
Here’s the honest truth about medical facilities at sea:
Ocean Ships
- Full medical centres with doctors and nurses
- Can handle common issues: seasickness, minor injuries, medication management
- Equipment for stabilising serious conditions until reaching port
- Costs aren’t covered by Medicare – expect to pay upfront
River Ships
- Usually just basic first aid
- But – you’re never far from shore and local medical facilities
- Ships have relationships with local doctors and hospitals
Medication Management
- Bring enough medication for the entire trip plus extra
- Keep meds in original containers with labels
- Pack medications in carry-on luggage
- Bring a letter from your GP listing all medications
Shore Excursion Pace Levels: Finding Your Speed
This is where cruise lines often fall short in their descriptions. “Moderate activity level” can mean anything from a gentle stroll to a forced march up cobblestones. Here’s how to decode the marketing speak:
What to Look For
- “Easy/Gentle”: Typically under 1km walking, minimal stairs, frequent stops
- “Moderate”: Can mean 2-3km walking, some uneven surfaces, possible stairs
- “Active”: You’ll be on your feet most of the day, expect hills and stairs
Smart Strategies
- Book excursions with “motorcoach” in the description
- Look for “panoramic” tours – code for staying on the bus
- Ask about restroom stops (some tours forget we’re not camels)
- Consider booking private tours – set your own pace
Hidden Costs Exposed
The advertised price is just the beginning. Here’s what’ll really hit your wallet:
The Unavoidables
- Gratuities: $15-25 per person, per day (automatically added)
- Drinks: $8-15 per cocktail, $50-80 for wine with dinner
- Wi-Fi: $15-30 per day (and slower than a wet week)
- Shore excursions: $80-200+ per person, per port
The Sneaky Ones
- Specialty restaurant cover charges ($25-50)
- Spa and salon services (add 18% gratuity)
- Photos (they’ll snap you everywhere – $20+ each)
- Laundry services (pack enough clothes or hand wash)
Budget tip: Allow an extra $100-150 per day per couple above the cruise fare.
Dining Options for Dietary Needs
Good news – cruise lines have lifted their game considerably when it comes to special diets.
What’s Available
- Gluten-free menus at all main restaurants
- Diabetic-friendly options clearly marked
- Low-sodium choices (though you might need to ask)
- Vegetarian and increasingly, vegan options
How to Get What You Need
- Notify the cruise line when booking (not just your travel agent)
- Speak to the maître d’ on embarkation day
- Main dining rooms handle special diets better than buffets
- Room service often has simple, customisable options
Best Cruise Lines for Aussie Seniors
Based on feedback from our SDC members, here are the cruise lines that consistently deliver for Australian seniors:
Premium Ocean Lines
- Princess Cruises: Excellent accessibility, good medical facilities, reasonable pace
- Holland America: Older demographic, traditional style, excellent service
- Celebrity: Modern ships with great accessibility, quality dining
River Cruise Champions
- APT: Australian company, understands our market, excellent guides
- Scenic: All-inclusive luxury, e-bikes for shore excursions
- Viking: Cultural focus, reasonable pricing, good for solo travellers
Lines to Approach with Caution
- Party-focused lines (you know the ones)
- Ultra-luxury lines if you’re not used to formal settings
- Expedition cruises unless you’re particularly active
Final Words of Wisdom
Your first cruise doesn’t have to be perfect – it just needs to be right for you. Start with a shorter cruise (7-10 days) to test the waters. Book a balcony cabin if the budget allows – fresh air and space make a world of difference. And remember, the crew want you to have a brilliant time – don’t be shy about asking for help.
Most importantly, go with realistic expectations. Yes, you’ll likely put on a few kilos. Yes, you might feel a bit overwhelmed at first. But you’ll also wake up in a new destination without repacking, meet fascinating people from around the world, and be looked after like royalty.
Ready to take the plunge? Browse our specially selected cruises for seniors, all vetted for appropriate pace, facilities, and value. Because at Seniors Travel Club, we’ve done the homework so you can just enjoy the journey.
Have questions about your first cruise? Call our Australian-based team on 1300 XXX XXX – we’ve been there, done that, and we’re here to help.
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