Looking back 20 or so years ago, cruises were regimented and rather stuffy affairs with dress codes and rules at dinner dictating where you sat -- and when.
While there are still plenty of options for fans of traditional-style cruising, picking the right line these days requires a bit more homework. In the 21st century, cruisers who have passed their half-century need to spend as much time researching which ships will suit them as first-timers or families planning to take a holiday at sea.
That's because although cruise lines don't bar anyone on the grounds of "old age" (whereas there are a few ships designated child-free), if you don't pick with care you could end up on a big ship packed with kids and teens, or one where it's casual all the way.
It's fine if you don't mind that. But that is just what a lot of seniors don't want. Cruise lines might be looking to become more populist but that doesn't mean you have to abandon your traditions. If you like formal nights and fixed dining, no problem: There are ships to suit. Maybe you enjoy the dressy bit but want freedom to dine at your leisure? That's no problem either.
There are cruise lines that include excursions or tips, sometimes both, to make the holiday as hassle-free as possible, some that let you relax and forget about thinking, others that lay on lectures so you can further your education. There are others that are quite cheap -- but you pay for all the extras, from drinks to shore tours. Some lines focus on ships bigger than your nearby village (and with more people to boot) while others are cosy and intimate.
Which one's for you? Check out our picks.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Why? While other lines cast around for a younger following to fill their ships, Norwegian line Fred. Olsen is at ease with its role as favourite three-star cruise line for over-60 Brits.
Ship shape: The line has three smaller, older ships (Boudicca, Braemar and Black Watch) popular for their formal dining, good but unexciting food and none-too-glitzy entertainment. A fourth ship, Balmoral (formerly Norwegian Crown) joined the fleet at the end of January 2008 after a big stretch (so it can hold more passengers) and makeover to give it the Olsen look.
What's so special? ArtsClub departures have nothing to do with art or a club, but are themed cruises open to all. Civilisations packages on Black Watch and Boudicca cost extra and are in-depth probes into history, arts or culture.
Time out? Excursions are usually coach tours of a town, city or region, with the amount of walking and steps clearly spelt out.
Saga Holidays
Why? You can't even book a Saga cruise unless you are 50 or older, but those who have passed their half century are allowed to take a companion aged 40 or older.
Ship shape: The line has two ships -- Saga Ruby and the soon-to-launch Saga Pearl II -- both classic smaller ships that offer a traditional cruising style, namely fixed dining, shows without the glitz and classical concerts.
What's so special? Afternoon tea and single cabins that don't cost the earth -- Saga Pearl II will have a total of 60 single cabins. Gratuities are included in the price so there is no end-of-cruise worry about tipping. Saga also takes the hassle of getting to the port by including coach transfers (U.K. only).
Time out? Expect excursions to be sedentary, with plenty of coach tours and grades to show the amount of walking, number of steps and type of terrain.
Voyages of Discovery
Why?Voyages of Discovery is a top choice for adventurous, well-travelled seniors who want to get off the beaten track knowing they can come home to a comfy ship after a hard day sightseeing.
Ship shape: The line has one ship, Discovery, which has no frills, fixed dining, rather average entertainment and formal evenings (which seem out of place in remote regions such as Antarctica and the Galapagos). At 38 it's no spring chicken, but no matter: To the mainly British and American adventurers, it's the destinations that count.
What's so special? With the out-of-the-way cruise itineraries and interesting lecture programme, expect a full house.
Time out? It gets really exciting when they lower the inflatable Zodiacs and take you off to see basking seals or giant icebergs. Bear in mind you need a degree of mobility to get in and out of the Zodiacs.
Crystal Cruises
Why? If you're in the mood to splurge on the whole family, Crystal's Serenity and Symphony are terrific choices for a multi-generational outing. There's enough on hand to keep the young ones busy -- and more than enough to entertain the mature set.
Ship shape: While much of the Crystal experience emphasizes indulgence -- superb cuisine and top-notch service -- the ships are, unlike other luxury cruise fleets, big enough to also offer a wide range of entertainment and dining options. They're the best of both worlds, really.
What's so special? Crystal has recently added new sleeper sofas to suites to make it comfy and not-too-cozy for kids and parents to travel together (the grandparents can opt for their own cabins). As well, on certain cruises during school vacation periods, Crystal offers family promotions (third person in a cabin sails free). And, if you're family is a pretty big one, Crystal also offers a "book ten full fare guests and the next one sails free" promotions on select itineraries.
Time out? Excursions, which range from more sedate tours to full day adventures, are geared to Crystal's core 50-plus passengers.
Spirit of Adventure
Why?Spirit of Adventure is a sister line to Saga but without the minimum age limit (it's 21 instead of 50) and is aimed -- as the name suggests -- at cruisers with an adventurous nature.
Ship shape: There is just one, called Spirit of Adventure. It's an old but classically-designed cruise ship small enough to nip in and out of remote ports off-limits to the big ships, which is what makes this line so exciting.
What's so special? It's more like being on a private yacht than a cruise ship, especially as you can wander down to dinner when you want - although in truth most people dine at the same time -- and sit with new friends every day. Sea days are busy with lectures. Gratuities are included in the cruise price.
Time out? At each port a selection of excursions are included in the price alongside a choice of paid-for trips.
Cunard
Why? With a pedigree going back to 1840, when Queen Victoria was on the throne, the line's black-hulled, red-funnelled vessels are the ultimate in tradition for over-50's who want to remember cruising as it once was.
Ship shape: The two Queens -- Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria -- offer the same traditions so which you pick depends on what floats your boat. QM2 is the world's biggest liner, while Queen Victoria is smaller.
What's so special? The haves get their own dining rooms away from the madding crowds. On Queen Victoria they also get their own sunbathing deck. Dinner is at a fixed time; every day is dress-up Sunday; a string quartet plays in the ballroom; and tea-time is an occasion with white-gloved waiters.
Time out? Trans-Atlantics are the last word in easy, with five or six days at sea to do as little as you want. For the rest, expect coach tours that require little effort.
Hurtigruten
Why?Hurtigruten started as a ferry, carting cars, cargo and passengers between ports along the Norwegian coast. It became a favourite with older cruisers who liked to watch the coast go by and has now made a name as an exploration specialist.
Ship shape: There are too many to list, but all are simple, with a place to sleep, eat and a viewing lounge, which is the hub of the ship. Breakfast and lunch are buffets; dinners are usually served but don't expect much choice. The ageing Nordstjernen, built in 1956, is a favourite with traditionalists; choose Fram, launched 2007, for a more modern take on exploration cruising.
What's so special? The fact that there is very little to do but enjoy the scenery and meet new people (Hurtigruten's customers range from short voyagers from Scandinavia to cruise guests from the U.S. and U.K.). There are lecturers on cruises in Antarctica, Greenland and Spitsbergen, and occasional themed departures in Norway.
Time out? Excursions in Norway are not too exciting, but on other itineraries it's a different story. Inflatable Zodiacs are often the only way on and off the ship so excursions are included in the price but do beware that they require you to be somewhat nimble.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Why? The company operates fro Tilbury, on the east side of London, which goes down well with seniors who don't want airport hassle.
Ship shape: This is the company that has got its hands on Marco Polo. The ship, which formerly sailed for Orient Lines and Transocean Tours, is an elderly vessel much loved by older cruisers for its stylish teak decking, gentleman dance hosts and deferential service. Another ship, Ocean Countess has also joined the fleet to offer small-ship, traditional cruising
What's so special? It's all about classic cruising -- fixed two-sitting dining, variety show-style entertainment and G&T's by the pool.
Time out? Excursions are tailored to older people who want to see the sights in comfort.
Princess Cruises
Why?Princess is one of the Brits' favourite American cruise lines for its cosmopolitan and relaxed style and top service.
Ship shape:Royal Princess, Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess go down well with seniors for their country house decor and size -- they hold just under 700 passengers, allowing them to visit more out of the way places such as the Black Sea and Tahiti.
What's so special? These ships offer fixed dining in the evenings, but Princess' trademark Sabatini's Italian trattoria or Sterling Steakhouse are alternatives for when you need a change.
Time out? Excursions veer towards easy-going coach tours, cultural events and guided walks.
Swan Hellenic
Why? Traditional and British sum up this line -- many cheered when Swan Hellenic made a welcome return to cruising in May 2008 after it had been sold by Carnival Corporation in 2007 and saved from extinction by former P&O chairman Lord Sterling and The All Leisure Group (also the owners of Voyages of Discovery).
Ship shape: Swan Hellenic's one ship, Minerva, is a great pick for seniors with knowledgeable lecture programmes and interesting excursions. It also offers many ex-U.K. cruises, making it easy for passengers to get to the ship without the hassle of flying.
What's so special? Swan Hellenic's traditional feel and destination-led itineraries have continued to bring back passengers year after year.
P&O Cruises
Why? The line dates back to the time when cruising was only for the well bred and nearly dead and it's still got a big following among the 50-plus market.
Ship shape:P&O Cruises' six ships -- are all popular with seniors who want a very British cruise. If you want to escape kids, go for adult-only Arcadia or Artemis. Arcadia is bright and modern; Artemis is an elderly lady offering a traditional cruising experience.
What's so special? Artemis has fixed dining in one restaurant. Arcadia has fixed and "freestyle" dining and a specialty opt-out designed by U.K. celebrity chef Gary Rhodes. On sea days, Arcadia offers lectures and lessons on everything from gardening to learning a language.
Time out? Expect sedate excursions with plenty of sightseeing.
Hebridean Island Cruises
Why? If it's good enough for royalty, it's got to be a winner with British over-55's prepared to pay for a bit of luxury.
Ship shape: Choose the 49-passenger Hebridean Princess, on which the Queen celebrated her 80th birthday. The ship sails the Scottish Highlands.
What's so special? Everything is included in the price, from drinks and excursions to tips. Dinner is served in one sitting on pre-allocated tables; there are lectures by day and background piano music in the evening. All in all, this is about as close to a country house party as it gets.
Time out? Just before the dinner gong, the cruise director will explain all of the details about next day's excursions, from walking distances to toilet stops.
Indian Ocean Cruises
Why? Indian Ocean Cruises is appropriate for adventurous seniors prepared to turn a blind eye to the ship's faults (rattling door knobs, threadbare carpets) in return for an exciting itinerary.
Ship shape: The line has one ship, the Indian Odyssey, which needs a good deal of sprucing up. However, the food is excellent (provided you like Indian) and the service is friendly. As it's yet to catch on big time, it really is like being on a private yacht -- but without the luxury. Expect to cruise with a lot of Brits, but also Germans and Italians.
What's so special? The itinerary. The ship sails from Goa, calling at ports along the west coast of India, Sri Lanka and deserted Lakshadweep Islands, where no other cruise ship has permission to go, for sun and snorkelling.
Time out? Excursions are hit and miss in terms of quality, but not too strenuous.
Thomson Cruises
Why?Thomson is big with families but the over-50's also love its brand of very British budget cruising.
Ship shape: The three ships in the fleet offer welcoming and friendly service to British guests. Thomson Celebration underwent a refit in late 2008 and the new ship, Thomson Dream, which will launch in spring 2010 is worth taking a look at.
What's so special? Thomson-style budget cruising means fixed seating for dinner and waiter service breakfast and lunch for those who want it (there is a self-service for those who don't). Entertainment is geared to Brits who enjoy variety shows with songs from the 40's and a bit of wartime nostalgia. Tips are included in the cruise price.
Time out? Expect to be well looked after on guided tours and shopping trips.
--by Jane Archer, Cruise Critic U.K.-based contributor. Updated by Kelly Ranson, U.K. Editor.
Looking back 20 or so years ago, cruises were regimented and rather stuffy affairs with dress codes and rules at dinner dictating where you sat -- and when.
Why? While other lines cast around for a younger following to fill their ships, Norwegian line 
Why? You can't even book a 
