There are many ocean voyage choices for sailing into those long-awaited sunset years. Options range from a $200 weekend cruise, on up to ownership of an on-board $4 million condo at sea. Of course, there are endless possibilities in between.

A super luxurious condo afloat would be a wonderful home for a retired oil executive or rock star. However, most new retirees would be content to celebrate the occasion with a cruise that goes beyond a few weekend nights.

If it will be your first sailing ever, make it less intimidating by signing up with a group cruise organized by your church, club, college alumni or veterans association. In that way, the unfamiliar experience will be easier to take. Surrounded by friendly faces, you’ll enjoy both the cruise experience and compatible companions. 2. Do you have a bucket list? A destination you’ve always dreamed about? Book a cruise of your dreams. Examples: Choose the Hawaiian Islands for the great beaches and year-around tropical weather. A cruise of coastal southern France where the itinerary includes Riviera ports at Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo. It could satisfy yearnings you’ve had about visiting those colorful places for years. 

3. If you’ll enter retirement years widowed or otherwise alone, there are many choices of singles cruises. Some are designed to include seniors, and others may be strictly for single seniors. By joining a singles cruise, you’ll meet compatible people and possibly make new friends who’ll help make retirement years more enjoyable.

4. Many senior cruises promote themes, where there are series of onboard programs related to a specific subject category. One could present music of your younger days. For example, cruises that feature music of the 1960s will have a band aboard that plays familiar tunes from that era.

Additionally, there are lectures about the music. Similar theme cruises offer history, art, ecology, language and other learning experiences. 

5. Celebrate retirement by taking your family on a cruise together. Cruise lines, such as Disney, offer a variety of programs aboard for all passengers from toddlers to seniors. It would be great to mark the beginning of your sunset years by being at sea and enjoying it with everyone you love.