People say that when you’re retired, you have a lot more time on your hands. We’re not sure that’s exactly true because retired people are often extremely busy but what it does (or should!) mean is that you can spend that time doing things you enjoy. It also means you don’t usually have the same strict schedule that you may have had during your working life so opportunities are now there that you may not have been able to take before.
Retired people are often able to take longer cruises. Two week cruises, for example, may have been out of the question when you were working but are now something that you can look at doing. Combining a cruise with a train journey may also now be an option, or back-to-back cruises where you can explore a several destinations on the one trip.
Let’s look at some cruises are perfect for when you have retired:
Aranui 5 to The Marquesas – Always a favourite, the Aranui 5 voyage appeals to retired people for several reasons. It’s a soft adventure cruise that takes you off-the-beaten-track but it’s not so adventurous that you’re going to have to spend months in training beforehand. The freight side of the operation is absolutely fascinating, yet the ship offers comfortable cabins and facilities with an amazing itinerary full of discoveries. It’s an 11 night cruise, plus 6 nights pre/post accommodation so it’s often not an option for those not yet retired.
Paul Gauguin in Tahiti – What a fantastic way to celebrate retiring with a luxurious, relaxing cruise through Tahiti’s idyllic islands! The Paul Gauguin is very comfortable, with a superb crew, excellent food, included beverages and amazing service. There is a choice of itineraries visiting different parts of Tahiti, or combining Tahiti with other South Pacific islands.
River Cruising – River cruising is perfect for those who have longed to explore Europe but have never had the time or funds to do so until now. There are several options of cruise lines and itineraries with varying lengths. You can also combine with a rail journey, a Mediterranean cruise or a coach tour. Endless options for an amazing holiday!
Subantarctic Islands – These amazing islands South of New Zealand will captivate you. Beaches teeming with penguins, seals and sea lions, hundreds of birds and islands so pristine that you can only set foot on the boardwalks, the Subantarctic Islands are a fantastic option for those who have always dreamed of visiting Antarctica but haven’t quite got there. Of course, if Antarctica is on your bucket list, you can also combine the Subantarctic Islands with the Ross Sea/Antarctica, departing from Bluff, New Zealand. No long, multi-stop flights to South America! Ask us about the options.
Norway/Iceland/Greenland – At the other end of the earth, the Arctic Circle beckons. Gorgeous alpine villages and fjords in Norway, large expanses of ice and unique culture in Greenland and breath –taking landscapes and scenery in Iceland … this is why you need some extra time to explore! Whether you visit one or all, there is so much to see in this part of the world! Back-to-back cruises work well here or a longer one-way cruise taking in the Nordic wonders and then heading to England via Iceland. There are several cruise lines and itineraries on offer here.
Ponant Cruises
The Kimberley – For those who are perhaps well travelled or are just looking for something a little closer to home, The Kimberley is quite simply spectacular. Once you’ve visited this incredible region of Australia, you’ll wonder why it took you so long. The history here is mind-blowing, the culture incredible and the scenery …indescribable. There are some fantastic deals on offer for The Kimberley at the moment too!
