As older adults are on fixed budgets but still wanting to travel, that leaves many wondering whether Royal Caribbean has discounts in place that specifically cater to senior citizens.
As cruising becomes even more popular than ever, older adults remain one of the core demographics embracing this type of vacation.
Retirees and seniors have traditionally been a major customer base for Royal Caribbean, and all nearly all cruise lines.
The short answer is Royal Caribbean does offer a discount for seniors, but it's a bit more complicated than a yes or no question.
There are cruise fare discounts for senior citizens sometimes offered
There are series of questions you'll be asked when booking any Royal Caribbean cruise to see if you potentially qualify for additional discounts.
Royal Caribbean says it offers "reduced senior prices only on selected sailings" to passengers who are 55 years of age and older.
As you go through the booking process on Royal Caribbean's website, you can see if your chosen trip qualifies for a senior discount.
When you get to the step that asks for the number of guests, click “Apply a promo code and exclusive rates.” A pop-up will open that lets you select the kind of discount you want. Select “Seniors (Age 55+)” and click “Apply discounts.”
Your travel agent can check for the same discount.
Jenn Greene is a travel agent with MEI Travel and said finding a special rate for seniors is hit or miss, "Senior Discounts with Royal Caribbean can be a bit of a guessing game. A Senior is 55+ but that does not guarantee a discount. It is ship/sailing specific.
"I never have any luck with them on newer ships, but do find them for Freedom class and older, they also pop up for Alaska. If a client is already booked I do check to see if there has been a senior discount released each week, it’s usually a 50/50 shot at finding it."
Royal Caribbean message board user FionaMG shared they are occasionally able to save some money with the senior rates.
"We have had some success with getting them and sometimes the savings have been substantial."
"On Odyssey in May last year we got $402 in senior savings, $538 on Anthem in September last year and again on Anthem but in April this year, $137 on one cabin (booked just for me) and $182 on our other cabin."
There's no harm in at least trying to see if special rates may apply.
Before you get your credit card out to take advantage of this offer, there's a catch.
In reality, the senior discount rarely applies because it's not usually combinable with other, more lucrative discounts. While some offers can be stacked, the senior discount isn't usually one of them.
Ditto for the military veteran discount or special rates for police and firefighters.
To be fair, Royal Caribbean will offer the lowest price it can, regardless of your age.
Seniors can still save money at Royal Caribbean — here's how
While you may not be able to get ta discount on your cruise fare, those 55+ can still find ways to save even more money by cruising with Royal Caribbean.
Cruisers have spotted pre-cruise discounts exclusively for seniors in the Royal Caribbean app.
These Cruise Planner sales offers additional money off for seniors on purchases like a drink package, the spa, or high speed internet.
Royal Caribbean likes to experiment with offers targeting seniors, top tier Crown and Anchor members, and more. If you book a cruise far enough in advance, there's a good chance you'll be able to qualify for one of these offers.
Another source of discounts could be through an AARP membership.
AARP sells gift cards to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. In fact, they sometimes have a 10% discount on Royal Caribbean gift cards purchased through them.
Be sure to read the redemption rules for a gift card bought through AARP, as there are specific redemption rules you have to follow. As long as you follow the instructions AARP/Royal Caribbean provides you, there should not be any issues using them.
Even if you can't get a special rate for your age, there's a good strategy to take advantage of that will probably net you a better price.
Since retirees don't have to worry about a school calendar or getting days off from work, you can take advantage of lower pricing during shoulder seasons.
Going on a cruise at the beginning or end of a cruise season when demand is lower is one of the best ways to save money and enjoy less crowds in port while on a cruise.
As an example, an Alaska cruise in May or September will be cheaper. Ditto for September or October in the Caribbean.
Take advantage of senior discounts on your travel before or after the cruise
You'll need to get to the embarkation port, and that may involve flights, hotels, or rental cars. These are all services that also offer senior discounts.
Hotels, rental cars, and even airlines are known for offering special rates for those 55 or 65 and older.
I always recommend going at least a day or two early to the city your ship leaves from to avoid a travel delay impacting your ability to get on your cruise. When planning a trip, there are additional ways to save money on your total vacation when you factor in flights, hotels, and other travel logistics.
Buy a travel insurance plan to avoid costly medical bills
A cruise is a wonderful way to travel for older adults, but it's even more important to protect yourself because many health insurance plans offer limited or no coverage when outside the United States.
Retirees who are on Medicare need to check whether their coverage extends to international travel, because standard Medicare plans typically do not.
If you would ever need medical care on your ship or in a foreign country, you'll have to pay cash for all services and then get reimbursement later. A travel insurance policy can save you thousands of dollars in these costs, should you encounter such a situation.
It's a really good idea to buy a travel insurance plan with a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver.
I think travel insurance is a good buy for almost anyone, but it's even more important for a Baby Boomer or Senior Citizen given the risk factors.
Speaking of medical costs, be sure to bring extra prescription medicine with you rather than buying them overseas.
Not only is it easier to buy it at home with you existing prescription, but I'd hate to waste time on my vacation going to a pharmacy to find the right medicine.
