Who doesn’t dream, when the kids have left home and the mortgage is paid off, about seeing the world? Today’s seniors have it all – the freedom to travel, access to great off-peak deals and the flexibility to be on holiday for longer.

And they want it all too – high standards of comfort, personalised service, excellent food and enriching activities and experiences – which is why so many seniors choose to take ocean or river cruises.

Whatever your budget, the comfort of ship life is virtually unparalleled – from the moment you step onboard staff attend to your every need. Everything is laid on, from a la carte restaurants to superb round-the-clock buffets and there are always bars and coffee lounges in which to relax.

Waking up in a different port each day means you can pack a lot in – while only unpacking your suitcase once. Excursions are organised in each port so you quickly get to grips with today’s historical sights, language and cuisine. Many seniors also choose to explore independently, safe in the knowledge they’ll be returning to the comfort of the ship at the end of the day.

Some ships run ‘enrichment programmes’ onboard with lectures about anything from history and politics to fashion or fitness. Cookery demonstrations or golf clinics, bridge mornings or exercise classes – choose the right cruise and you don’t have to waste a minute of your time onboard.

Of course, relaxing is a big part of a holiday too, and with spas, pools and acres of sunloungers on most ships, and staff to help out, you won’t have to lift a finger unless you want to.

A cruise is also one of the best holiday options for those with accessibility issues – most large modern ships have lifts and ramps, wheelchair-friendly cabins and doctors onboard. Special diets can be catered for with prior planning and set dining on some ships offers a great opportunity to meet likeminded passengers.

Travelling outside the school holidays means you can avoid sharing your holiday with children – in fact some cruise lines actually operate adult-only ships.

Ask your ACE travel agent for details.