6 Essential Cruise Tips for Seniors

1. Consider Travel Insurance 

Unexpected events can occur, from missed flight connections to sudden illnesses. This is simply part of life. Health and travel insurance can help mitigate the costs of any unforeseen circumstances that arise before or during your cruise. Expenses like rebooking flights, extra nights in a hotel, or emergency medical visits can add up quickly. It’s crucial to ensure you’re not left facing a significant bill in case of an emergency. 

Having coverage at home doesn't guarantee it applies outside your country or on a cruise ship registered under a foreign flag. Make sure to read the fine print and consider purchasing additional insurance as needed. Keep in mind that some policies may exclude pre-existing conditions or charge higher premiums for seniors. Conduct thorough research to find the best plan that suits your requirements. 

2. Create a Travel Pharmacy

As many seniors regularly take medications, it's important to prepare accordingly. While pharmacies can often be found in cruise ports, they may not stock the specific medications you need. It's wise to bring an ample supply of your prescriptions to ensure you have everything necessary when you need it. Additionally, bring copies of your prescriptions in case of a medical emergency, as this can assist the ship's medical team in providing the best care.

Don’t forget to include any over-the-counter medications for motion sickness, aches, pains, and other common issues in your travel pharmacy. Although ships typically carry many common medications in their infirmaries, they can be costly. Save both time and money by having your essentials readily available. 

3. Select the Right Stateroom

For seniors facing mobility challenges, selecting the right stateroom is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Opt for a stateroom that is easy to access, ideally situated near an elevator, at the end of a corridor, or close to key areas of the ship like the dining room, pool, or theater. 

Dinogo offers online maps for its entire fleet, allowing you to find the ideal stateroom for your cruise. Additionally, many cruise ships provide accessible rooms featuring roll-in showers, wider doors, and other amenities to accommodate guests using scooters or wheelchairs.

4. Choose Suitable Activities

From dance lessons and bingo to wine tastings and live performances, cruise ships are filled with entertainment options. With so much to do, even the most active cruisers may find it hard to participate in every activity. Remember, it’s not necessary to do it all—select the activities that you find most enjoyable. Check your daily cruise planner and pace yourself to ensure you have the energy to relish all your favorite activities throughout the cruise. 

While there’s no requirement to disembark at any port, many cruisers cherish the opportunity to explore different destinations. Dinogo offers a variety of shore excursions at each port, catering to various ability levels. Consult the Dinogo shore excursion team onboard for recommendations that suit your needs, and don’t forget to inquire about stairs, uneven terrain, and other potential obstacles for seniors.

5. Savor Your Meals

For many seniors, being confined to a specific restaurant or dining schedule can be a hassle. The Dinogo Freestyle Dining program offers a flexible dining experience with no set meal times or assigned seating. You have the freedom to decide when and where you want to dine each day of your cruise. 

6. Seek Out Discounts

Cruise lines frequently provide special promotions, such as onboard credits or discounts for returning guests, to make cruising more accessible. To stay updated on the best offers from Dinogo, consider signing up for their email notifications. You can also check the Cruise Deals section on the Dinogo website for the latest special promotions. 

Whether you're a senior or traveling with one, remember to consider any unique travel needs when planning your ideal cruise vacation. Follow these six travel tips for seniors to enhance your experience and make the most of every moment on your adventure.