The Best Cruises for Seniors Under $100 a Night

It's hardly a secret that many seniors are enthusiastic cruisers. With everything from wine tastings to art programs and language lessons onboard, as well as an opportunity to tick off bucket list destinations, it's no wonder some seniors even choose to retire on a cruise ship. Cheapism asked experts at Cruise Critic and Expedia to share their tips and recommendations for the best cruise lines and cruises for senior travelers. With one exception that comes to just under $150 per night, all the recommendations cost less than $100 per night.

Prices and availability are subject to change. All fares quoted were listed in mid-March. 

Departure: April 21
Starting price: $1,223 (about $76 per night)
Holland America is arguably the most historic and tradition-laden cruise line, and many of its passengers are north of 70, says Expedia's Alexis Tiacoh, noting that all 15 ships feature complimentary dance lessons with professionals. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, this 16-night transatlantic cruise takes travelers to Bermuda, Spain, the Netherlands, and more. The cruise offers morning mindfulness sessions, cooking demonstrations with America's Test Kitchen, and BBC Earth movies.

Departure: March 31
Starting price: $926 (about $92 per night)
Expedia's Alexis Tiacoh raves about Holland's Culinary Arts Center program presented by Food & Wine magazine, which has a hands-on cooking class (plus wine tasting). Explore the Bahamas, Panama, and Costa Rica with Holland America on this 10-night journey. On Panama Canal trips, the cruise line provides commentary while passing through the canal locks. In addition, the front bow is opened to passengers early for the experience, during which coffee and Panama sweet buns are served.

Departure: April 7
Starting price: $484 (about $74 per night)
Sailing from Tampa, the cruise visits Key West, Florida; Santa Tomas de Castilla in Guatemala; Mahogany Bay, Roatan, off the coast of Honduras; and Costa Maya, Mexico. As on other Holland America ships, America's Test Kitchen is onboard for cooking shows and hands-on demonstrations. The ship also features Explorations Central, a program designed to offer local insights, activities, and cultural activities.

Departure: April 27
Starting price: $1,118 (about $79 per night)
Celebrity attracts an extremely diverse passenger base, targeting baby boomers and their families but also attracting seniors and honeymooners, says Expedia's Alexis Tiacoh. Guests with limited mobility should find Celebrity ships easy to navigate. This 14-night transpacific cruise departs from Tokyo and visits Russia and Canada as well as Japan. Notable ship highlights include reimagined restaurants and lounges, a luxurious spa sanctuary, and elegant casino spaces.

Departure: April 17
Starting price: $1,218 (about $81 per night)
Explore the Middle East on this 15-night sailing that departs from Abu Dhabi and includes Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, and Italy on its itinerary. The journey is offered aboard the Constellation, a ship affectionately known as the "Connie," which has legions of admirers. Repeat cruisers rave about its value, comfort, above-average food and drink offerings, friendly crew, spotless facilities, and intriguing itineraries.

Departure: April 13
Starting price: $1,299 (about $92 per night)
Beginning in Tokyo, this getaway aboard the Celebrity Millennium will take in a long list of intriguing Asian ports. In Japan, the stops will include Shimizu, Kobe, Kochi, and Hiroshima. Then it is on to South Korea for stops in Cheju Do and Pusan. En route back to Tokyo there will be stops in two more Japanese ports: Hakodate and Aomori. For those with limited mobility, Celebrity makes sure the journey is accessible and comfortable.

Departure: May 10
Starting price: $449 (about $64 per night)
A seven-night exploration of Alaska departing from Vancouver, Canada, and ending in the United States, the Celebrity Millennium will cruise the Inside Passage and visit such ports as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. The ship will also cruise by Hubbard Glacier.

Departure: April 20
Starting price: $599 (about $85 per night)
Celebrity Summit will take cruisers from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to such notable Caribbean ports as the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, and Barbados. The seven-night experience aboard the Summit also offers a chance to experience a ship that Celebrity uses as a test ground for many of its new dining and entertainment programs.

Departure: April 8
Starting price: $589 (about $65 per night)
The Eclipse sails North America's Pacific Coast in April, starting in San Diego, California and ending in Vancouver, Canada. Along the way, the ship will visit Monterey and San Francisco in California, and Astoria and Seattle in Washington. The cruise will also stop in Victoria, Canada, before concluding in Vancouver. The Eclipse has been described as a trendy ship akin to a W Hotel. Added bonus: the Eclipse is not so big that it's overwhelming, but still manages to offer plenty of entertainment and things to do, including a partnership with "The Wine Show" and an onboard exhibit space called Team Earth featuring a museum-like interactive environmental awareness experience.

Departure: May 5
Starting price: $1,254 (about $74 per night)
Cunard ships offer a British flair, says Chris Gray Faust, managing editor of Cruise Critic, who recommends the line for seniors. "This line is perfect for those who enjoy dressing up. Formal nights are highly regarded and high tea is a must onboard," Faust says. This cruise begins in Tokyo, Japan, and ends in Vancouver, Canada. The trip will take place aboard the Queen Elizabeth, a ship known for its artwork, rich woods, and Art Deco decor. There's also a variety of venues including Garden Lounge and the three-tiered Royal Court Theatre. Sea days boast planetarium shows, lectures, and ballroom dance classes.

Departure: May 5
Starting price: $274 (about $68 per night)
Carnival Cruises are perfect for seniors on a budget, says Expedia's Alexis Tiacoh. "The food is good, and the menus include low-fat and low-carb selections," she explains. "The line also offers a variety of activities, including bingo, golf lessons, trivia contests, sing-along sessions, and dance lessons." This brief cruise recommended by Expedia takes passengers from Long Beach, California, to California's Catalina Island and then on to Ensenada, Mexico. Amenity highlights include an adults-only sun deck, a full gym, mini-golf, live music, comedy, and theater performances.

Departure: Sept. 1
Starting price: $469 (about $67 per night)
Departing from Tampa, Florida, the Carnival Miracle will explore a number of top Caribbean ports including Grand Cayman; Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. This itinerary also builds in two days at sea to enjoy amenities onboard Miracle, a ship known for offering something for all ages and a roster of activities that lasts from morning until night.

Departure: Oct. 5
Starting price: $479 (about $95 per night)
This cruise begins and ends in Charleston, which is a lovely city to spend some time exploring on its own. The five-night itinerary takes passengers to explore the sunny ports of Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. There are also two days at sea to explore Carnival Sunshine, a ship that underwent a dramatic transformation that included new bars, restaurants, and entertainment offerings.

Departure: April 21
Starting price: $1,191 (about $149 per night. Note: prices are listed in pounds on the Fred. Olsen website.)
Though this five-night cruise is pricier than the others, it comes in under $150 a night and exemplifies the type of itineraries offered by Fred. Olsen. This option explores Germany during the spring, traveling down size-restricted waterways to show off the brilliant countryside in full bloom. Port visits will include Warnemunde, Hamburg, and Bremen.