Can I find a smaller ship?
A midsize or small ship may be a better fit for a senior. Midsize ships, which typically carry 1,000 to 2,500 passengers, don't wow with copious amenities and instead focus on providing a more intimate environment (for example, you'll find one or two pools instead of seven and a library instead of an ice-skating rink).

Are there cruise ships for the less active?
If you prefer relaxing on deck or on your own private balcony while impressive scenery passes you by, you may want to consider a cruise to Alaska, Europe or even a trans-Atlantic voyage or leisurely river cruise. These longer trips focus more on enrichment (both on board and off) and may allow for more exploration in port.  You don’t have to leave the ship when you go into port. Lots of people stay onboard and just relax.

Are there discounts for seniors?
Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer discounts for passengers 55 and older on select sailings. And if you're an AARP member, you can save up to 5 percent on all Norwegian sailings as long as you book your cruise nine months in advance. Plus, AARP members can score a $100 onboard credit for select Norwegian sailings. The association also offers discounts for Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of small luxury ships. There are also discounts for veterans.

Is it important to get travel insurance?
Cruise vacations can have complicated itineraries and sometimes just one misstep can derail the entire trip. This is why many experts recommend opting for travel insurance, and not the kind provided by your cruise line, which can be limited in its coverage. Though coverage can vary widely, most travel insurance policies will help you get reimbursed for canceled trips or even assist you in rebooking your flights or lodging.

Is there good medical help on ships?
To avoid feeling ill or experiencing a trip-ending health setback, remember to take it easy – you're on a cruise, after all. When selecting your shore excursions, read the descriptions carefully – most cruise lines categorize excursions based on activity level, making it easy to choose one that suits you and your current health condition. However, if something unexpected happens, there is medical help on all cruise ships.  If you have any tendency towards motion sickness, be sure to bring medicine or get a prescription from your doctor for a patch.  Start taking the medicine before you get on the ship so it is effective when you leave port. 

Debuting in May 2016, the Carnival Vista will be our newest and most innovative ship to date! One of the most exciting features of this new ship is the addition of two new accommodation classes! Tropics-inspired Havana Cabanas feature accommodations with private outdoor patios – complete with lounge chairs and hammock – that face the expanded Lanai ocean-air outdoor promenade and offer magnificent sea views in addition to easy access to the Havana Bar and Pool. Located within a new dedicated family zone on deck two, the new Family Harbor accommodations offer an array of deluxe ocean-view, balcony and interior staterooms that accommodate up to five family members. Parents and kids will have even more room to relax at the new, exclusive Family Harbor Lounge, a secluded space designed as the ultimate family hang out with large-screen TVs, games and complimentary breakfast and snacks. A special family concierge desk will be available here to assist families in making this their best vacation ever.

What a better way to see Africa than a combination river cruise and land package. The 10-day itinerary begins in Livingstone in Zambia near Victoria Falls and finishes in Maun in Botswana.

Out of Africa Natural Habitat Adventures has introduced a new safari adventure from June 2016 on a privately chartered deluxe riverboat, cruising on southern Africa's Chobe and Zambezi rivers. The riverbanks are home to hippos, elephants, crocodiles, antelope and buffalo, as well as a multitude of water birds. Guests spend three nights on Chobe Princess, with excursions to spot wildlife on smaller skiffs, as well as five nights at small luxury camps in Botswana's premier private game reserves.

Natural Habitat Adventures has many scenic tours around the world.
Contact Peterson Travel Pros for more information.  612-559-6545

Brian Johnston,  11/7/2015  Traveller

Royal Caribbean:  You can find itineraries for less than $150/night.  Prices cover lodging, meals in the Main Dining Room and a wealth of onboard activities ranging from swimming and rock climbing to Broadway-style performances.
Carnival:  You can find itineraries for less than $100/night.  Access to the ships' pools, water parks, mini-golf courses and evening entertainment won't cost you more than your standard fare.
Celebrity:  You can find itineraries for less than $100/night.  The line also shakes up the dining standards, allowing guests their pick of specialty dining venues for one flat package rate; meals at the main restaurant are covered in the cruise fare.
Norwegian:  You can find itineraries for less than $150/night.  And though meals at specialty restaurants will cost extra, several eateries across the fleet offer dining for as low as $20 per person.
Holland:  You can find 7 day itineraries for less than $100/day.  Each ship houses one staff member per every two guests, Holland America offers more personalized service than many of its mainstream competitors.
Costa:  Still recovering from heavy scrutiny after the Costa Concordia accident in 2012, this fleet continues to offer rates that are considerably lower than usual. Although there are family-friendly amenities, Costa is better suited for adults and offers dance and language classes, a library and evening theater productions, all of which are included in the cruise fare.
MSC:  MSC will allow you to experience destinations around the world at extremely reasonable rates, with cruises around the Mediterranean, northern Africa and South America costing less than $100 a night. In addition to dining in many of the onboard restaurants and access to facilities like pools, cinemas and bowling alleys, MSC rates also cover fitness classes and gratuities.

Most travelers are drawn to cruising by the all-inclusive price.  However, the price is not totally all-inclusive.  Yes, it includes the price of the ship, meals, and entertainment, but there are quite a few things it doesn’t include.  First, make sure you add the taxes and port fees to the basic advertised price before making your final decision to purchase your cruise.  Here are a few extras that can add up:

• Pre and Post Hotels
• Transportation to the port: Uber is a great option for transfers as they charge by the vehicle not the person.They don’t operate in all port cities.
• If driving, parking costs: Stay at a hotel that has free parking while cruising.
• Flying to your port: Plan ahead and use frequent flyer miles.
• Gratuities- They usually range from $12 to $15/day.  Some cruises offer onboard credit.  Use it for gratuities.
• Shore Excursions: Combine free shopping with a visit to a public beach.Check out excursions on-line before you book them on the cruise ship.
• Drinks: Drink packages can run anywhere from $5 a day for unlimited soda to upward of $75 a day for an all-inclusive package that covers alcoholic beverages.Only water, coffee, tea, and lemonade are free on most ships.However, some ships allow you to bring a 12 pack of soda per person onboard.
• Specialty Dining: Stick to the restaurants included in the upfront price.They offer wide choices of food.
• Onboard Activities: Stay clear of the casino, don’t trust lady luck.

I just returned from a trip to the Bahamas.  I'd been there two years ago, but things are changing.  First, when we visited Nassau, we had to meander around a lot of construction. Wear comfortable shoes because the extra walking may just put you over the edge.  I walked to Junkanoo Beach and I had to hit the whirlpool when I got back. 

Junkanoo may not be for you if you want a quiet beach; however, the Tiki Hut has killer drink deals. They advertise 3 shots, 3 beers for $9.99. The hut is tiny but serves some awesome cocktails. Loud music was being played the whole time we were there for a party like atmosphere.  The beach was not rocky, but I noticed glass on the beach.  It is free, but you have to pay for chairs. 

We took a taxi to Paradise Island where we visited the RIU, The One and Only, and The Atlantis.  The taxi and water ferry are both $4.00/person.  I recommend taking a taxi because it will take you right to the door of the hotel you want to visit.  You have to walk a fair distance from the ferry to the hotels.  There is also Cabbage Beach, which is very nice near the RIU.  Atlantis only allows you into the casino area without a wristband.  Purchasing a wristband to tour the property is well worth it.  Make sure you allow plenty of time as they have a plethora of things to see including stingrays. 

The One and Only is an exclusive hotel with awesome grounds and views. It is not all inclusive, but if you are looking for a great hideaway to learn tennis, play golf, use the spa, relax by the pool, walk to a replica of Versailles gardens, or rent out the facility for a corporate event, this is the place to go.  It is also great for weddings. 

Unfortunately the latest development,  Baha Mar, is in bankruptcy and construction has stopped.  No news with this ultra facility will be completed.

There is something for everyone, but I highly recommend going to Paradise Island to get out of the touristy part of the city.

Visit http://www.petersontravelpros.com for more information

We took a 30 minute ride to Paradise Cove to snorkel.  The driver gave us a great guided tour of Freeport as we drove to the site. The beach is quite rocky so make sure you take water shoes.  The snorkeling was fantastic.  We had three hours to snorkel and it was just right.  Even though the young kids didn't snorkel, they had fun playing in the sand on the edge of the water. 

There are three small islands which have the most fish swimming around them. You can snorkel in front and behind them.  However, be careful going in the back of them.  I ran into a lot of jelly fish and got stung by them.  When I got back to the beach, I rubbed the bites with vinegar which took away the sting.  It took about 30 minutes to go away totally, but it started working right away.  You could see the bites, but they went away in a couple of days. 

There is only a small snack bar to get food and drinks.  You need to pay extra for chairs and there were no umbrellas. 

It is great if you want to see a lot of beautiful fish and coral.