10 Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Windstar Cruises

If you're craving the feel of a private yacht on the open seas, Windstar Cruises offers an unmatched experience. With ships carrying between 148 and 342 guests, these yachts provide a level of intimacy that larger vessels simply can't. The crew-to-guest ratio is exceptional, ensuring top-tier service throughout your journey. Thanks to their small size, Windstar yachts can access ports off-limits to the mega-ships, taking you to hidden gems and lesser-known destinations.

While Windstar is not exclusively adults-only, it has a relaxed policy that ensures a mature atmosphere, as children must be at least 8 years old. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an elegant cruise experience.

In recent years, Windstar upgraded its three all-suite yachts – Star Breeze, Star Pride, and Star Legend. These ships have undergone a transformation, including new suites, enhanced dining venues, and updated amenities, increasing capacity to 312 guests. The Star Plus Class ships also offer new elevators for accessibility, a must for anyone with limited mobility (note that Windstar’s other ships do not have elevators).

On board, the experience is enriched with activities like impromptu lessons in chart reading at the Open Bridge, live music performances, and direct water access from the Watersports Platform. Culinary offerings include the acclaimed Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, serving modern Spanish cuisine by a Michelin-starred chef. Guests can also enjoy unique shore excursions such as cooking classes and market tours to explore local flavors.

One standout itinerary is the Around Iceland cruise, which lets you circle this beautiful island, with stops at quaint fishing villages and excursions to iconic sites like the Blue Lagoon. Windstar also offers diverse itineraries in places like Asia, Canada, and Northern Europe, making it a great choice for both adventure and relaxation.