I have not been on any cruises for the last three years. I used to be on cruises before the Covid, and now, three years later, I can eventually go on a cruise again. So here is a minor update for you.
This time, I realized more elderly were on board than in the days before COVID-19. Almost 80% of the passengers were above 60 years old. Quite a few were with walking aids, and several were in wheelchairs. But I could see that they were happy to be there. In contrast, the board staff were much younger and full of energy.
I felt like I was like in a senior citizen village. In every direction I turned, I could see people older than myself. As I was told, many of these old folks are well-to-do people. Most of them go on cruises many times a year. Some are as frequent as three times a month. They are on board so often that the staff know them by name. Some are lonely when at home, but they find friends on board. Hence, the cruise becomes their meeting place. Chit-chat over coffee or simply at jackpot machines trying out their luck.
The ship is a good place for older people. Everything is within reach: shops, entertainment, casinos, restaurants, massages, theatres, outdoor games, Jacuzzis, etc. They do not need to be in the sun or rain to get to places.
But honestly, mobility has become more important to me after seeing them.
William Kho
William Kho was a senior management staff member of a water treatment company. He is now fully retired and pursuing a happy and meaningful retirement life.
