Senior Travel Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Senior Travel Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

3,869 Senior Travel trips. Tours from 190 tour companies. 15,590 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

87 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
Alaska Adventures Small Ship Cruise
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5/5 Excellent
2 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Baranof Island Sitka

Highlights

  • Travel through sheer-sided glacial fjords to the foot of tidal glaciers where you will witness natural calving events as building size chunks of ice fall from the glaciers face into the ocean below.
  • Cruise through Alaska’s Fredrick Sound, a hot spot for feeding humpback whales. Keep your eyes out for breaching calves, young humpback whales that are known to jump out of the water.
  • Gain special access to a remote and protected salmon stream at Pack Creek, where brown bears gather to feed.
  • Join your naturalist on foraging expeditions through estuaries, forests, and bogs. Uncover the sensationally sweet Alaskan blueberry.
  • Visit Baranof Island’s Warm Springs Bay and dip into a relaxing natural hot spring.

Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The trip with Mapleleaf Adventures was incredible, life changing! We saw Orcas, Seals, Sea lions and many more awesome creatures. This area really needs to be protected!! Thanks to our crew Captain Greg, Lynsey, Jess and Dylan. You are all inspiring and awesome people!! Hope to see you all again."

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Valentines Harmony Caribbean Singles Cruise
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4.2/5 Great
6 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Discover Fort Lauderdale
  • Visit the great pyramids and temples of the Mayas.
  • Explore Punta Sur and Mayan Ruins
  • Visit El Caracol
  • Have a chance to see the stunning views of Cozumel Island.
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Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The most unprofessional tour. The tour guide was nasty and made us walk miles because she didn't want to pay for transportation. It was not luxurious in the least bit, I would've been better off just going with friends. Save yourself from a horrible trip. Singles International is very professional and a better bet."

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Photograph Galapagos
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5/5 Excellent
2 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Guayaquil, Isabela Island, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning Galapagos Islands with world-class photographers, expedition leaders and lecturers
  • The 96-passenger vessel is ideal: small enough to get in close, but big enough to go far afield
  • Travel with top National Geographic photographers and certified photo instructors—at your side and at your service to inspire and assist you
  • Take advantage of talks, presentations, slideshows and sharing events we call “laptop galleries.”
  • All skill and interest levels are welcome; our expert photographers and instructors can meet you wherever you are on your journey. All you need to participate is a camera— point-and-shoot, smartphone, DSLR, whatever—and a sense of adventure. And you’re sure to return home with the best photos of your life
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Themes

50 plus, Birding, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Jill is a delight! From the initial conversation our experience was nothing but pleasurable! Every question was responded to quickly and thoroughly. Our Tanzanian Safari was beyond wonderful. Flights, accommodations, cuisine and our guide was 5 star plus! We look forward to many more wonderful adventures!"

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7-Night Mediterranean Magic Cruise
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5/5 Excellent
1 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Colosseum, La Spezia, Rome, Sicily, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

Highlights

  • Visit Monaco, playground of the rich and famous, for a tour of the opulent palace where film star Grace Kelly once resided.
  • Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Grom Gelateria! You'll learn how this yummy treat is created and have the opportunity to sample some flavors.
  • Take a private tour of Rome's most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, Forum, Trevi Fountain, as well as the Vatican City Museum and Sistine Chapel.
  • See how to press olive oil, make mozzarella cheese and harvest fruit at Agriturismo La Galatea Farm in Sorrento. Afterwards, enjoy a private pizza-making session with the chefs.
  • On a day trip to the Island of Capri, cruise around the isle on a private boat and swim in the Mediterranean waters. It's an afternoon in paradise.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I went on this trip with some misgivings, as my only other experience with this type of tour was a winter Tauck Family Bridges tour of Italy, that was not a good experience. Well, I am SO glad I went, as my daughter and I had a marvelous time. Disney did an amazing job of organizing this trip - I still can't believe how much they managed to fit into essentially 8 days. I also can't believe how much fun it all was! The guides were tremendous. First of all, unlike Tauck (where we traveled with one tour manager), here we had two guides with us the entire time - one a licensed guide in Greece (i.e., a native, very knowledgeable about the country and able to really take us through the historical and archaeological sites) and the other an American who has been guiding in Greece for years. The interaction between the guides was very warm, as was their way of relating to the guests. This was a complete contrast with Tauck. Here people really got to know each other, the young people had a great time with each other, and, of course, Greece itself is just magnificent. I will certainly travel with Disney again!"

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Rocky Mountains of USA & Canada plus Alaska Cruise
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Alberta, Banff National Park, Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Denver, Glacier National Park, Icy Strait, Jasper, Juneau, Ketchikan, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Yellowstone National Park

Highlights

  • Experience 7 nights Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
  • 13 day fully escorted motorcoach tour
  • Explore Denver
  • Visit Rocky Mountain National Park then continue through to Cheyenne
  • Tour an Unforgettable journey into Yellowstone National Park.
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Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

Trip dates & details
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Stampede, Rocky Rail & Alaska Cruise
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Banff National Park, Calgary, Jasper, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka

Highlights

  • Have an impressive Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tour
  • Opportunity to 7 night 5 star Alaska Cruise
  • Explore Vancouver
  • Visit Ketchikan
  • Discover Calgary and experience the largest outdoor rodeo in the world “The Calgary Stampede

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Small Ship Cruise

Trip dates & details
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Cruising in Scotland
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Cawdor Castle, home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth
  • Visit Culloden Moor, the last British battleground in 1746
  • Visit to the Fort Augustus Heritage Centre
  • Visit Glen Coe, scene of treachery between the Campbell and MacDonald clans

Themes

50 plus, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Best of Alaska
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Valdez

Highlights

  • Head out on an Alaskan safari for a unique chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat in Denali National Park.
  • Take a boat cruise on Resurrection Bay to Kenai Fjords and look out for orca whales, porpoises and puffins before enjoying some free time to hike or relax.
  • Discover Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, then take a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
  • Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastlines of the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Homer, then from Seward to Denali National Park, while someone else does the driving.
  • On the way to charming Talkeetna, take a breath in Girdwood, where you’ll hop on the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska and see some incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below.
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Greek Island Cruise
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Athens, Porto

Highlights

  • Cruise aboard our exclusively chartered traditional Greek caique
  • Sample traditional Greek food and dine at authentic waterside taverns
  • Swim and snorkel in the warm, azure waters of the Aegean

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Peppe is an amazing tour leader. He has a true passion for his work, and knowledge of the area. The tour is a great way to see the Amalfi Coast. A little bit of tourist areas, with also being away from the crowds to see the beautiful views the area has to offer. Highly recommended."

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Classic Antarctica - M/V Sylvia Earle
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, Shetland Islands, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • A classic expedition voyage - exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Penguin rookeries - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins
  • Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
  • Travel on a small, friendly expedition ship - capped at just over 100 passengers
  • Enjoy on-board lectures and presentations - from expert naturalists and guides

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Peppe is an amazing tour leader. He has a true passion for his work, and knowledge of the area. The tour is a great way to see the Amalfi Coast. A little bit of tourist areas, with also being away from the crowds to see the beautiful views the area has to offer. Highly recommended."

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Tour of Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ayutthaya, Bangkok , Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An , Siem Reap

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant Bangkok and historic Ayutthaya
  • Visit the time-honored Angkor temples in Siem Reap
  • Tour Vietnam's top destinations from south to north

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

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Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Caribbean

Highlights

  • Spend three nights in Drake Bay, the remote gateway to some of the premier wildlife destinations in Costa Rica
  • Explore Corcovado National Park, one of the biologically rich areas on the planet
  • Discover the wildlife and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
  • Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing, including monkeys, sloths, dolphins and whales (in season)
  • Visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines

Themes

50 plus, Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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87 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
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Senior Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
15,590  Reviews
See all Senior Travel tour reviews
Excellent
4,884
Great
2,085
Average
440
Disappointing
117
Terrible
55
J

Julie

Sep 2019

Written on

This is an amazing trip.

This is an amazing trip. There is a lot of traveling but it is very much worth it, to get the opportunity to see the very best of Alaska. The scenery is spectacular,...

T

Tina

Sep 2018

Written on

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen

Alaska was an amazing experience and was one of the loveliest places we have seen so far. It was made all the better by our fellow travellers and our guide. Travelli...

A

Allan

Oct 2023

Written on

Greek Island Cruise

Although the trip is not luxury by any means, it is most enjoyable, peaceful and relaxing. If you don't mind simple accomodations and like camping you will enjoy th...

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Senior Travel Tour Selection Trips

Physical Requirements For Senior Tours 
Understanding the physical requirements of your desired tour is crucial for preparing for the trip and managing expectations, especially for travelers with limited mobility.
On Travelstride, tours are categorized into five primary physical levels: Very Easy, Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Extreme, providing clarity on the level of activity involved. This knowledge not only ensures you can fully enjoy your vacation but also helps alleviate stress by informing your packing decisions.
For instance, for walking tours rated as "Easy," you may pack extra walking clothes. In contrast, river cruises ("Very Easy") allow for indulgent packing with the convenience of only unpacking once.
Senior travelers typically favor tours in the Very Easy to Easy range, which include river cruises, small ship cruises, and guided tours with minimal walking, often focusing on hobbies or cultural experiences.
For more active seniors, Moderate tours offer regular half-day walking or cycling activities. They may include adventurous pursuits like kayaking or camel riding.
Those with limited mobility may find senior tours rated Easy, such as river cruises and train journeys, most suitable. Remember to verify wheelchair accessibility with the tour company to ensure a welcoming experience.
Read tips for travelers with limited mobility 

Additional details

Senior Travel Bus Tours 

One popular option for senior travel is by coach. Coach-based tours are a convenient way of getting between the sights without having to wait in line, or worry about which route is the most efficient. Traveling by bus is also a great opportunity to see a lot more of wherever you are visiting -- not just the tourist sites -- and get a good feel for the place you’re in.

If you love the outdoors, bus tours are an extremely popular option for seniors in the U.S. They provide a great way to move between the national parks, and, as mentioned, see everything in between. Even if you don’t love nature, consider taking a cultural bus tour around a specific region or state. For example, travel by coach between ranches and bustling metropolises in Texas.

Senior Travel Deals & Discounts

Another advantage of traveling when you’re older is that you qualify for plenty of discounts! Regardless of where you are traveling, you should always ask to see whether or not there is some kind of senior discount. With that being said, some countries are notorious for the bargains they offer both senior citizens and visitors.

For seniors who intend to travel the USA, and are citizens, there are plenty of opportunities to save money. The National Parks System offers a lifetime entry ticket for seniors at a very low price, and an AARP membership can guarantee even more discounted rates on hotels, flights, and cruises. Other good senior vacation destinations known for their senior deals are the United Kingdom and Italy, which both lower the cost of train tickets and airfares for seniors.  

Traveling with Medication & Other Health Issues 

One common concern amongst older travelers is how they are going to travel with various medical conditions, and while on medication. It is possible to travel almost anywhere, as long as the traveler is prepared. Before leaving the country, make sure to pack enough of medicine for the entire duration of your trip, and then a few day extra, in case there are any delays. If the traveler is flying, they should also make sure to keep their medication in a carry on. 

If at all possible, keep your medication in its original prescription bottles -- this allows TSA inspectors to confirm that the medication belongs to you. On a similar note, TSA also allows for liquid medications above the usual liquid limits, so make sure to tell an agent at the security checkpoint about any liquids you might have. 

If you are concerned about other health issues, it is not a bad idea to visit a doctor up to 6 weeks before you travel. And regardless of their specific advice, seniors traveling internationally should plan for a recovery from any jet lag or motion sickness. If you suffer from mobility issues, make sure to double check the physical intensity of any tours you are looking at. 

Also consider the types of transportation on your trip -- if you your legs cramp up, inform your tour company that you may need extra leg room, and make sure to find out how long flights and bus rides might be.

Finally, some seniors choose to invest in a travel health insurance plan. Many health care plans, including Medicare, will not cover you once you’re outside the country.

Why Travel with a Senior Travel Group?

Group travel boasts a number of benefits. First and foremost, group tours are convenient. Whether you select a budget or all-inclusive senior travel package, your tour operator will likely manage at least some portion of your travel details. This means more less energy spent stressing, and more time enjoying your vacation.

Travel groups are also a great place for seniors to meet like-minded travelers. Reading about each tour will give you a better idea about who you will be traveling with, and there are many trips that have a minimum age, or focus on a particular activity. For those with a passion for lifelong learning, consider embarking on an educational adventure with a tour provider like Road Scholar (previously known as Elderhostel), which offers over 5,000 tours in 150 countries.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 3869 trips to Senior Travel and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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