Older Americans are often interested in cruises that cater to their age group.

Some are concerned that shore excursions will not be too strenuous and others feel it is important to have a physician on board with proper medical facilities. Most are interested in traveling with people their own age and some have expressed the desire that the ship not have a great many children on board. To accomplish this medium to smaller ships are often chosen and an added advantage to this size ship is there is not as much traveling between decks to reach various activities and recreational, educational and entertainment areas and facilities.

What do seniors look for in a cruise?

The right itinerary

The right ship

The right shore excursions

Senior Friendly

Programs like art classes, guest lecturers, computer seminars, bridge, etc.

Discounted fares

A number of cruise lines offer discounts to seniors and this information is included in cruise offerings. You should also consider checking with a "cruise consolidator" as they purchase in bulk and pass on substantial savings.  We have listed a few for you to check out:

Cruiseone.com, Cruisebrothers.com.

There are many sites that focus on the senior market. We have listed some below:

http://www.7blueseas.com/bestcruises/bestcruises_result.asp?BestForID=41

http://www.cruisesforseniors.com/

http://www.mustcruise.com/cruise_info/seniors.html

http://www.cruisecompete.com/specials/deals/seniors/1

Rates are generally lower during the "off season" when there is less demand and cruisers are not escaping the winter weather. If you can schedule your Caribbean cruise in late April or September and October or travel to Alaska in the middle of May or early September or Hawaii in late August or late November you are likely to save a good deal of money.

If you are really interested in saving money and can travel at the last minute try checking with cruise lines a week before sailing.

See Italy Through the Eyes of Leonardo da Vinci
In his journals, Leonardo left us lessons on how to enrich our lives. Da Vinci Capers uses these "pearls of wisdom" to create fun, learning experiences in Italy.

During a week in Tuscany or on the Amalfi Coast, you can experience hands-on cooking lessons, learning basic Italian, a photographic workshop, music appreciation, creative writing, painting and sculpting with time to sip wine in the piazza or take a nap by the pool.

These adventures have been developed for boomers or for people who are retired or who want a life shift. Italian locations are in a private villa or boutique hotel for the ease of unpacking only once. The groups are small – from 8 to 16 people allowing for maximum instruction. Teachers, scholars and artists are of the highest caliber and inspire the novice as well as the professional.

Tom, a semi-retired scientist from Utah celebrating his 70th birthday says, “This is the don’t-miss experience of Italy that you have probably been waiting for.“ Ira, a semi-retired lawyer and journalist from Colorado, adds, “An extraordinary, professional and worthwhile experience for anyone who has a sense of art, history, and the culture of the Italian Renaissance…and who like to eat.“

For more information we suggest you check dates, costs and full descriptions on their Web site: http://www.davincicapers.com