10 of the best cruises to take if you're retired

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• Cruises can be a great vacation option for retirees because they are a great way to explore the world in a convenient and luxurious way. 
• Some cruises specifically cater to adults and people who are retired can enjoy the benefits of long cruises that sail around the world.
• INSIDER put together a list of some of the best cruises for people who are retired. 
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Thanks to the huge variety of port destinations and all-inclusive packages aboard most ships, cruises are a popular, convenient way to travel the world after you retire. 

Of course, not all cruises are created equal and choosing the right cruise entirely depends on the kind of trip you're looking to take. For this reason, you may want to do research to ensure you're embarking on a ship that fits your needs.

Here are some of the best cruises to embark on for a post-retirement vacation. 

The Celebrity Reflection is a great option for people who want to kick off their retirement in style.

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The Celebrity Cruise fleet currently has 10 cruise ships that hold thousands of passengers. With destinations in Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Iberian Peninsula, and Iceland, this cruise is a great choice for folks who like a mix of relaxation and adventure.

And when it comes to the cruising experience, there's no shortage of great things to do on the ship. For example, those who love to shop will enjoy spending time at the ship's Grand Plaza, which features premium brands like Tiffany & Co, Swiss Watch, and Bvlgari.

World-class, inventive dining options also set this cruise apart from the rest. The Reflection currently boasts more than 10 different restaurants, which means there's no shortage of gastronomic variety while at sea. There is a bistro that offers elegant French cuisine and an open-air grill that lets guests cook their own custom, flatbread pizza.

And, while aboard this ship, guests who purchase specialty dining have the option to enjoy a signature TableMation experience during their meal, which transforms their dinner plate into a canvas for stunning, visual entertainment.

In addition, the ship offers rooms and experiences at varied price points for every type of traveler and it is wheelchair accessible and autism-friendly.

 

A Princess Cruise is a great choice for retirees who are looking for a mix of fun-filled vacation activities and relaxation.

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The award-winning cruise line currently offers a wide range of voyages and retirees can take advantage of Princess's multiple world cruise itineraries.

Popular routes include a 111-day voyage to and from Los Angeles, California, and a 96-day journey through the South Pacific to Cape Town, South Africa. Travelers who don't want to be on the ship for an extended period of time also have the option to book individual segments of the cruise rather than the entire, months-long trip.

Travelers will also appreciate the freedom to choose between a traditional fine dining plan at a fixed time every night or an Anytime Dining plan that lets them eat whenever they please.

On top of that, there's a huge variety of activities on the ship, from book clubs to dance lessons.

And although there are children allowed on the ship, the cruise line has its own adults-only deck called The Sanctuary, where individuals over the age of 18 can enjoy private massages and quiet, upscale lounge areas. 

The Norwegian Bliss is an impressive cruise for retirees hoping to see the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers.

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Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide variety of voyages to parts of the world like Hawaii, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean, but its Alaska itinerary is especially ideal for retirees who are simply looking to relax.

Norwegian offers several seven-day, nine-day, 11-day, 12-day, and 15-day Alaska cruises that depart from places like Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

On this type of cruise, travelers can spend time inside of the ship's massive, 180-degree Observation Lounge and watch glaciers appear in the window.

In addition, the cruise line's policy of freestyle dining means guests can eat at any of the three complimentary dining rooms they want without a reservation. Although there is no strictly enforced dress code for dinner, travelers can have fun styling looks for the ship's theme nights, which usually include tributes to the '70s or '80s.

At ports, travelers can also take part in the cruise's many excursions, like whale watching or riding along the Canadian Yukon pass.

In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line also currently offers special discounts and bonuses for AARP members.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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from Business Insider http://bit.ly/2WpJezu