Choosing the best cruises for singles over 50 depends on your personal taste. What’s on the bucket list? You might want the complete immersion in wildlife that comes with an expedition to the Galapagos, or the cultural fix from a voyage around the Mediterranean.
Perhaps it’s the convenience of touring both Australia and New Zealand in a single voyage that appeals, or the comfort of exploring the coastline of South America on a contemporary, stylish ship. Or maybe you’re simply craving a short break to the sun-drenched islands of the Bahamas for a change of scenery and a dose of vitamin D.
Cruising solo is a wonderful adventure, no matter your age. A cruise is the perfect way to travel, whether you want to make new friends or simply enjoy your own company, but with the buzz of a ship all around you. On top of this, there’s attentive, friendly service, sparkling entertainment, and delicious food. There really is no better way to explore.
The Bahamas
CocoCay, Bahamas
Nothing revives the spirits like a short cruise to the tropical sunshine of the Bahamas. Browse the Straw Market in Nassau, and sample the local delicacy, cracked conch.
Take to the water in sleepy Bimini, and explore the wreck of the Sapona. Lying in shallow water, it’s slowly become colonized by marine life, from barracuda to shimmering turquoise parrotfish and pretty butterfly fish.
Kick back and relax on pretty CocoCay, Celebrity’s award-winning private island. Here, you could sip cocktails at the swim-up bar of the vast Oasis Lagoon, or join in a game of beach volleyball. Head to the adults-only Hideaway Beach for chillout DJ tunes and pizza. Take to the skies in the island’s tethered helium balloon for the ultimate selfie, the whole island spreading out below you.
The Mediterranean
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Who could resist a cruise around the Mediterranean, the cradle of antiquity? There’s no end of cultural attractions here, which you can enjoy as part of an organized shore excursion or on your own, which makes it one of the best cruises for singles over 50.
Gaze in wonder at the mighty Colosseum in Rome, once used for bloodthirsty gladiatorial battles. Sit in a sunlit square afterward with a morning cappuccino and cannoli, crispy pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta cheese.
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
In Barcelona, take a tour of Antoni Gaudi’s remarkable Sagrada Familia, one of the world’s most striking basilicas, rippling in organic shapes and colors. Be sure to head up one of the towers for sweeping views over the whole city. You can walk all the way back to the port along the waterfront, stopping at Barceloneta, the former fishing quarter, for a glass of wine and tapas on the beach.
Head to the Acropolis in Athens and explore the archaeological park here. The hill is crowned by the graceful Parthenon, more than 2,400 years old and a temple to the goddess Athena, after whom the city is named.
Once you’ve explored the park, head for the ultra-modern Acropolis Museum at the base of the hill for further context on the riches that were found here. There’s a delightful restaurant on the second floor with uninterrupted views of the Parthenon.
Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia
If your cruise takes you to Dubrovnik, gain perspective on this dazzlingly beautiful city with a stroll around the ancient ramparts. You’ll look down on the terracotta rooftops clustered beneath you, the Adriatic Sea sparkling in the background. Solo travel is easy in Dubrovnik; it’s a safe and compact place.
Sitting in a sidewalk restaurant with a glass of chilled local wine and a platter of cheese and air-dried ham is one of life’s great pleasures—not to mention a prime way to people-watch.
Read: Best Places for Solo Travel in Europe
Scandinavia
Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark
A voyage around some of the elegant capital cities of Scandinavia is the perfect solo cruise. The region is packed with culture and history, the cities are safe and friendly, and English is widely spoken. Filling your days with new sights and experiences will be no challenge at all.
In Oslo, take a tour of the 18th-century Royal Palace, built in the neoclassical style and surrounded by the lush grounds of Slottsparken. Copenhagen is also dotted with palaces; you can watch the daily changing of the guard as the Royal Danish Guard departs Rosenborg Castle at 11.30 and marches to Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish royals.
Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark
There’s much more to see in the Danish capital, from the enchanting Tivoli Gardens to the buzzing bars and pubs along colorful Nyhavn and the famous Little Mermaid statue.
In Stockholm, don’t miss the Vasa Museum, which houses a 17th-century warship that sank in Stockholm harbor on its maiden voyage. The Vasa is remarkably well preserved, and at the end of your visit, you can try your hand at virtual warship design and see if you can win favor with the King of Sweden.
Helsinki, Finland
Celebrity’s Baltic cruises also call at Helsinki, located on a peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Finland. Visit the 18th-century fortress of Suomenlinna, located on an island, with walking trails as well as museums. Check out the Design Museum to learn how Finland has become a world leader in stylish design, and the beautiful Sibelius Monument, a tribute to Finland’s most famous classical composer.
Alaska
White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, Alaska
One of the best cruises for singles over 50 has to be Alaska, a vast landscape of pristine beauty, snow-dusted mountains, dense forests, and fascinating human history. A visit to this beautiful place is life-affirming.
In Juneau, join a whale-watching excursion, or paddle a kayak close to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. Learn about the heady days of the Gold Rush in Skagway, where you can ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway over the treacherous mountain pass once followed by thousands of hopeful gold prospectors.
In Sitka, visit the Sitka National Historic Park, located on an island, and admire the intricate carvings on the totem poles created by the Tlingit people.
Australia & New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
Embark on the trip of a lifetime on a voyage to Australia and New Zealand, where vast landscapes, spectacular wildlife, and modern cities await. In New Zealand, take in the breathtaking scenery of the Bay of Islands. Explore cool Auckland’s coffee culture and admire the architecture in Scottish-influenced Dunedin.
Sydney, Australia
Australia needs little introduction, whether you’ve always dreamed of taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House or snorkeling over the vibrant corals of the Great Barrier Reef.
From Airlie Beach, treat yourself to a scenic flight over the glorious Whitsunday Islands, where bottle-green vegetation blends with the aquamarine water and swirls of brilliant white sand. In Melbourne, take a tour to admire the avant-garde street art, or wander through the landscaped Royal Botanic Gardens on the banks of the Yarra River.
Read: Best Solo Trips for Women
The Galapagos
Galapagos
Situated some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the volcanic Galapagos Islands are an ideal destination for solo travel. As this is an expedition voyage, packed with shared experiences, it’s easy to make friends.
There’s so much to do and see here. Swim with wild sea lions, observe craggy marine iguanas basking on the black rocks, and watch blue-footed boobies perform their intricate courtship dance. Your days will be filled with hikes, snorkel trips, exploration by rigid inflatable boat, wildlife lectures, and glorious tropical sunsets.
Snorkel over underwater canyons at Punta Vicente Roca, looking out for Galapagos penguins, which may well join you in the water; the wildlife here has no fear of humans. Mail a postcard from Post Office Bay, where you leave your card in a makeshift barrel for a future visitor to select and deliver.
Learn about conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station at Puerto Ayora, where endangered giant tortoises are bred in captivity and then released into the wild.
South America
Montevideo, Uruguay
South America is a vast continent and the big-hitting things to see, whether you want to admire the thundering Iguazu Falls or the stark beauty of remote Cape Horn, are hundreds of miles apart. A cruise, then, especially if you’re traveling solo, is the most convenient and comfortable way to take it all in.
Enjoy a sultry tango show in Buenos Aires and feast on juicy steak and fine red wine in Montevideo, Uruguay. Learn about the history of the Falklands War in the tiny Falklands archipelago, an outpost of Britain in the South Atlantic. Ride the scenic Tren del fin del Mundo into the mountains behind Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, and join a whale-watching excursion in Puerto Madryn.
Southeast Asia
Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand
Southeast Asia is popular among solo travelers for many reasons: the culture, the food, the shopping, and the beaches, to name a few. A cruise is an easy and safe way to take in multiple cities and beaches.
Admire the intricate design and gleaming gold of Bangkok’s Grand Palace and marvel at the size of the Reclining Buddha. Shop for silks and ready-to-wear clothing to take home.
Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, join a tour of the Reunification Palace to learn more about the conflict of the 1960s and ‘70s. Visit the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which documents the war in photography.
For a more cheering, uplifting experience, take a tour of the city on the back of a motorcycle with a guide. This is a great way to observe the frenetic pace of life here and breathe in the different scents, like incense drifting out of a temple and the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling street food.
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Spotless Singapore is a safe and easy place to travel solo, whether you join a tour or travel around on the immaculate public transportation system. Take in the lush beauty of the amazing Gardens by the Bay, where living walls festoon giant “super trees”. The views from the suspended walkway between the trees are spectacular.
In Bali, you could join a cooking class or try yoga; there are studios everywhere in this deeply spiritual place. Head for arty Ubud, to the north of Benoa, where your ship will dock, to shop for paintings, fabrics, and clothing. Or you could simply enjoy a day on the beach—Kuta is one of the liveliest, while Nusa Dua is more upscale and peaceful.
Transatlantic
Bermuda
There’s something special about a transatlantic voyage, with days to commune with the ocean, look out for whales and dolphins, and enjoy the many facilities of your ship. Bask by the pool, attend a wine tasting, or sit in one of the light-filled lounges with a book and a cocktail. There are classes in the gym and a whole list of enticing treatments in the spa.
Transatlantic voyages make several stops along the way. You might have a day in dreamy Bermuda, for example, with a chance to explore the history of the impressive Royal Naval Dockyard.
Sunbathe on exquisite beaches of pale pink sand; Horseshoe Bay is one of the loveliest. Or take a cycling tour along the Railway Trail, a former railroad converted into a scenic cycling and hiking trail. Celebrate with a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, the island’s signature drink, a heady mix of dark rum and ginger ale over ice.
Azores, Portugal
Some transatlantic voyages stop at the Azores, a volcanic archipelago belonging to Portugal. Here, you can admire the colorful architecture, hike through lush landscapes, or join a whale-watching cruise. Marine life is particularly abundant here.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is another popular stop on transatlantic cruises, a friendly, laid-back city with plenty to see and do. Visit Castelo de Sao Jorge in the historic Alfama neighborhood, with views over the Tagus River and the city from the ramparts.
Head for the colorful Time Out Market, which is part market and part gourmet paradise, with pop-up iterations of some of the city’s best restaurants dotted around. You could join a cooking class here and learn how to make pasteis de nata, the flaky custard pies that are a symbol of the city.
Read: The Ultimate Guide to Cruising Solo
Celebrity Cruises
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