7 Cruises Every Woman Over 50 Should Consider, From a Cruise-Savvy Travel Pro ...Saudi Arabia

Cruising is having a major moment—and women over 50 are at the heart of it. As midlife travel gets a long-overdue rebrand, more women are embracing this stage with the kind of curiosity, connection and comfort that modern cruise ships are uniquely built to deliver.

Few people know this better than Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon (a.k.a. JetSetSarah), a Miami-based travel journalist and on-air expert who lives just 1.5 miles from the cruise port and has sailed on more than 40 ocean, river and expedition cruises. Her voyages have taken her everywhere from Antarctica to Japan—aboard ships as small as 170 passengers and as large as 4,000.

So why does she think women over 50 are flocking to cruises right now? “Cruising has come a long way since The Love Boat,” she tells Parade. With AAA predicting 21.7 million Americans will cruise in 2026, she says it comes down to three things: convenience (unpack once and have the world come to you!), value (most lines offer all-inclusive rates) and amenities that often beat what you’d find on land—spas, gourmet restaurants, Broadway-style shows, fitness studios, even zip lines.

For women over 50—whether traveling solo, with a partner or with a whole friend group—the flexibility is a huge part of the appeal. "Cruises can be equally enjoyable for all types of travelers and that versatility, I think, makes them appealing to mid-life women, who may fall into all of the above categories!" she says.

Her favorite cruise experience so far? A life-changing trip to Antarctica aboard Viking Polaris, complete with whales, up-close icebergs ("they were unimaginably huge and formidable") and a blissful spa waiting after icy excursions.

Below, she shares her top seven cruise picks for women over 50—whether you want luxury, adventure, wellness or just a really fun girls’ trip.

Related: 5 Bucket List Cruises, According to Travel Guru Darley Newman

Greaves-Gabbadon says the biggest key is choosing the right match. “Cruise ships and itineraries are like hotels—there’s something for everyone,” she explains. “Before first-time cruisers (of any age or gender) commit, they should be sure that the size, style, price and itinerary they choose is one they’ll enjoy. On cruises, as in love, finding the appropriate match makes the difference between delight and disaster!”

Top Cruises for Women Over 50

Best for Solo Travelers: Seabourn

If you’re a woman over 50 considering your first solo cruise, Seabourn is Greaves-Gabbadon’s top recommendation thanks to its warm, intimate onboard culture. She recently sailed a 12-day circumnavigation of Japan alone and says she felt at ease from the moment she stepped aboard. "Never have I experienced such a warm, welcoming and familial spirit on board," she explains. "I felt welcomed to the ‘family’ by both the crew and the other 400+ passengers—more than 300 of whom had sailed with the line before!"

Seabourn’s smaller ships—typically carrying around 450–600 guests—make it easy to meet people without feeling overwhelmed. The vibe is refined yet relaxed and the service is highly personalized, making it an ideal fit for women who want comfort, culture and companionship without any pressure to socialize. Solo cruisers often say the experience is exactly what they’re looking for: you can be as independent or as engaged as you want, creating the perfect balance for a solo journey.

Best for Party Lovers: Virgin Voyages

For women over 50 who are ready to tap into their fun, adventurous side, Greaves-Gabbadon says Virgin Voyages is “playful, irreverent and just a tad naughty.” As an adults-only cruise line, there are zero kids on board—meaning the entire atmosphere is designed for grown-up relaxation and entertainment. As Greaves-Gabbadon puts it: "If risqué cabaret shows, dancing until dawn, world-class restaurant and being able to get a tattoo on board sounds like your kind of thing, Virgin Voyages is your kind of cruise line!"

The vibe tends to attract stylish, social, open-minded travelers who appreciate a little edge with their ocean views. Cabins are cleverly designed, dining is elevated without surprise surcharges and the entertainment isn’t afraid to push boundaries. For women who still love a good night out—and want a vacation that meets them there—Virgin Voyages delivers. It’s definitely not your grandmother’s cruise…unless, of course, your grandmother is fabulous.

Best River Cruise Experience: AMA Waterways & Viking

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If ocean megaships feel overwhelming, river cruising offers a calmer, culture-rich alternative—one that Greaves-Gabbadon says many women over 50 love. Her top picks, AMA Waterways and Viking, are favorites for their smaller ships and easy walk-off access to European towns.

As she explains, "I heartily recommend both. River ships are small (around 100 passengers), usually with no more than three decks, so they’re a great choice if you have mobility issues or simply prefer a more intimate atmosphere than a mega-ship can offer." And on a river cruise, Greaves-Gabbadon notes, “being able to just walk off the gangway and into town, with no hour-long bus ride required, is a huge plus." Basically, they're perfect for anyone who prefers a boutique-hotel feel that floats from one charming European town to the next.

Best for Luxury: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

For those craving a truly elevated experience, Greaves-Gabbadon recommends Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “I did a Caribbean sailing on the Ilma last spring and was really impressed with the swanky staterooms (mine had two walk-in closets!) and the quality of the food on board," she says. Beyond the staterooms, Greaves-Gabbadon loved the mix of sophistication and ease. “It’s posh, but not pretentious,” she says. “The service is unobtrusive and personalized—My butler seemed to know what I needed before even I did!"

The ships carry only around 450 guests, offering spacious decks, Michelin-inspired dining, and a refined but relaxed ambience that feels more like a private yacht. For women celebrating milestones or simply wanting a serene luxury escape, this is the splurge Greaves-Gabbadon says is worth it.

Best for Girls' Trips: MSC World America

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If you’re planning a multigenerational trip or a girlfriends' getaway, Greaves-Gabbadon says MSC World America is packed with options. "It’s certainly big (capacity is around 6,000), but with its size comes a diversity of amenities that make it a solid choice for all types of cruisers and particularly good for girls’ trips and groups."

She will have sailed the ship three times by year’s end—a testament to its appeal. “More than 15 restaurants (including the only Eataly at sea) make it a good choice for foodies. And the spa and expansive fitness center appeal to those who like to maintain their healthy lifestyle on vacation," she says. "Daredevils will love the Cliffhanger, a huge overwater swing that launches cruisers off the side of the ship, 160 feet above the sea!" she says.

For cruisers seeking a touch of luxury, Greaves-Gabbadon recommends MSC’s Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship enclave offering butlers, exclusive dining, private decks and priority access.

Best Luxury + Adventure Combo: Scenic Cruises’Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Cruises

For women seeking adventure without giving up creature comforts, Greaves-Gabbadon says Scenic Eclipse is unmatched. "This summer I sailed around Iceland on the Australian luxury cruise line Scenic Cruises’ Scenic Eclipse. This was my second circumnavigation of the country (I’d done it before on a different line) and I can say that it was the perfect combination of on-shore exploration and on-board pampering. We visited small Icelandic destinations like Grimsey Island on the Arctic Circle and Vigur Island (pop: 3!), which is exclusive to Scenic’s itineraries, and hopped on one of two helicopters on-board for a flightseeing tour over breathtaking terrain."

On board, Greaves-Gabbadon loved the adjustable beds, spacious suites and variety of dining. Next time, she plans to try the ship’s submersible. “Then I can say I’ve explored Iceland by land, air and sea,” she jokes. It’s the ideal choice for women who want both luxury and brag-worthy adventure.

Follow Sarah on her adventures on social media @JetSetSarah and at JetSetSarah.com

Related: 7 Cruises Superfans Can’t Wait to Book in 2026 and Beyond, According to a Cruise Expert

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