Millions of people set sail on cruises every year looking for a stress-free way to see the world. After all, your food, lodging and entertainment are generally bundled into one neat package. All you have to do is book and board.
For those cruising into retirement age, time at sea can be a dream vacation — but it gets even better. Travelers who are 50 or older have access to “senior” discounts on cruises.
Following are several ways that older travelers can land a discount on a cruise vacation.
1. Book with Royal Caribbean International
This cruise line offers discounts to travelers age 55 and older, though a representative for Royal Caribbean International tells Money Talks News that discounted rates “vary depending on season and availability.”
Visit RoyalCaribbean.com to book your cruise online. As you go through the checkout process, you can see if your chosen trip qualifies for a senior discount.
When you get to the step that asks for the number of guests, click “Apply a promo code and exclusive rates.” A pop-up will open that lets you select the kind of discount you want. Select “Seniors (Age 55+)” and click “Apply discounts.”
2. Book with Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival offers senior fares for passengers aged 55 and older, but they don’t advertise a set rate and discounts aren’t available for every cruise. Carnival Cruise Line didn’t respond to Money Talks News’ request for information.
To find an eligible cruise, Carnival’s website says to email [email protected].
Or, you can pick a cruise of your choice and during the booking process, Carnival will ask if you’re 55 years old or older. Check that box if it applies and click “Continue.” After selecting your desired room, Carnival shows you a list of eligible discount offers for you to choose from.
3. Book with MSC Cruises
Booking through MSC’s “Senior Club promo” can get you 10% off on all cruises. The caveat is that the age requirement is higher than many others, requiring customers to be age 65 or older to get the discount.
All you have to do is visit the Cruises for Seniors page and select the trip you’d like to take.
4. Join AARP
You can start enjoying discounts as early as age 50 when you become an AARP member. Simply book a trip online through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
You can earn up to $100 in onboard credit for select trips with major cruise lines. AARP members can also grab cruise discounts through travel companies that partner with AARP. They currently include Collette, Grand European Travel and Holland America.
5. Join AMAC
Once you’ve reached age 50, you can also join the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) and save big on travel and lodging.
AMAC partners with cruise lines to offer discounts, bonuses and free upgrades to its members. Member perks currently entail no booking fees, 5% off onshore excursions and price monitoring. Participating cruise lines include Carnival, Crystal, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean International. For more information or to book your discounted cruise, visit TravelPerks.com/AMAC.
