Pack for Weather: Layers Are Your Best Friend
Northern Europe’s weather can change fast! During the summer months expect an average of 51 F. during the day with possible rain, wind, or even light snow in shaded spots. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, lightweight fleece or wool mid-layers, and a waterproof/windproof jacket with a hood. Add quick-dry pants, comfy walking shoes (non-slip for wet decks), and a warm hat/glove for deck time or scenic cruising. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen, the midnight sun reflects brightly! Pro tip: Use compression packing cubes for easy organization in your cabin. You can check out my favorite items here:
Preparing for your 14 day cruise to Iceland and Norway is almost as exciting as the cruise itself. To make sure I’ve taken care of all the details, I start by making a list of everything I might.
Here are my top senior travel tips for Holland America Iceland Norway cruise 2026 to keep things comfortable, safe, and budget-friendly.
Health Prep: Secure Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 60
Don’t sail without it! For a Iceland Norway cruise for seniors over 60.
- Get comprehensive coverage with pre-existing condition waivers (buy within 14–21 days of deposit). Some of my favorites are: Allianz Global Assistance and World Nomads and Generali Insurance. Expect $200–$300 for this 14-day trip (high medical/evacuation limits, cruise-specific perks like missed connection). Always carry meds in a carry-on with a doctor’s note. Even though I do buy insurance, I always take a small first aid kits for minor bruises and cuts.
Mobility and Special Needs requirements:
If you are traveling with a wheelchair and/or scooter, you will require a special needs cabin.
- Book your cabin as early as possible! Cruise ships may only have around 10 or 20 special needs cabins in total and these sell out quickly. These cabins will have wider doors for wheelchair accessibility, roll-in showers with grab bars and other features to make your stay comfortable.
- Request Assistance Early! Most cruise lines excel at wheelchair assistance and mobility support on Iceland /Norway ports. Contact their Guest Accessibility Department 45+ days ahead for priority embarkation/disembarkation and accessible excursions (bus-based Golden Circle or waterfall views). There are also companies that rent wheelchairs and scooters and they’ll be waiting for you at the embarkation port. I’ve used these companies for some of my clients: Special Needs Group and Scootaround.
- Ships have elevators, wide corridors, and 24-hr medical centers, so it is fairly easy to get around the ship.
- Tender Ports: What are tender ports? There are ports around the world that are either too small or don’t have enough infrastructure for larger ships to dock safely. In these cases, smaller ships will be brought to the side of the ship while out at sea and the guests will board these smaller ships that will take them to the pier.
- At larger ports like Akureyri, the ship docks alongside the pier which is level and flat. It is wheelchair accessible with ramps and flat areas around town.
- Larger ships will usually tender at Ísafjörður so accessibility is limited for wheelchairs and scooters.
- Once off the ship, the town is flat and if you’ve booked an excursion the buses are waiting for you right at the pier.
- The Isle of Skye in Portree, and the Isle of Lewis (Stornoway) are also tender ports. Once ashore, the towns are flat.
Ready to book? Head out to CruiseDirect and get your adventure started!
Budget: Plan for Extras and avoid surprises!
- Cruise fares cover meals in the buffet area and main dining, but if you want
- Specialty Dining- you will have to pay a la carte if you don’t have the Have it All Package.
- Entertainment onboard the ship is also included, as is the use of most of the facilities onboard.
- Shore excursions can add up because there is so much to see! The cruise lines shore excursions tend to be pricey. Shop and compare with other companies. I’ve used Shore Excursions Group for my clients as well Get Your Guide and Viator.
- Budget $500–$1,000 extra per person for shore excursions (e.g., $100–$250 for Godafoss or Blue Lagoon tours). Book early, the good ones sell out fast!
- Tips (~$16/day gratuities), and souvenirs.
- You can 0pt for the drink packages for drinks that could also include Wi-Fiand excursion credits.
- Bonus Tip: Book Early & Use Affiliate Perks 2026 sailings are filling fast, reserve now for the best cabins and bonuses! Use my affiliate link CruiseDirect for potential onboard credits or upgrades!
- Transport to and from your cruise ship: Cruise lines offer transport from the airport to the port and from the port to the airport. Most cruise lines do not offer transport to and from hotels, unless these are offered as part of a package. There are caveats to the transportation offered, you must arrive the same day the cruise leaves. Book transportation early as they will stop offering this service as soon as two weeks before the cruise date. Also, you will be asked for your flight information. Bonus tip: Check other means of transport if the port is not too far from the airport, sometimes it’s cheaper to just take a taxi or an uber, since the cruise lines transportation tends to be more expensive. I always recommend if you can, arrive a day early. With flights the way they are these days, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- There are some ports, like Orlando, that are not close to the port. In this case, I find it easier and safer to book the cruise lines shuttle bus transport.
Shore Excursions: To Buy or Not to Buy? 2026 Guide for Seniors
One of my biggest decisions when planning my cruises is whether to buy shore excursions from the cruise lines, or go independent. As a senior on a fixed income, cost is always a consideration, however, there are other things to consider as well. Here’s my guide to help you decide whether or not to buy shore excursions from the cruise lines.
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Pros of Buying Shore Excursions from the Cruise Line
- Guaranteed Return: If the excursion runs late, the ship waits for you—no stress about missing the sailing.
- Senior-Friendly Options: Many lines (Holland America, Viking, Oceania) offer gentle-paced tours with easy access, wheelchair-friendly buses, and minimal walking. Verify before you book.
- Convenience: Everything is pre-arranged—transport, guides, and tickets. Perfect for first-timers or those with mobility needs.
- Group Safety: You’re with other passengers and professional guides.
Cons of Buying Cruise Line Excursions
- Higher Cost: Often 20–50% more expensive than independent options.
- Larger Groups: Less personal experience compared to private tours.
When to Buy Independent Shore Excursions
- Guaranteed return: Well known tour guides like Viator, Get your Guide and Trafalgar work with the cruise lines and are informed of any changes on arrivals and departures.
- Save Money: Book directly with local operators or via Viator/GetYourGuide for better value.
- Smaller Groups: More intimate and flexible pacing.
- Custom Needs: Easier to tailor for seniors (e.g., shorter walks, private drivers).
One of my favorite places is the Shore Excursions Group . Very reasonably priced, they have a guarantee return to ship and have smaller groups. They work with the cruise lines, so any change in the ship’s schedule, they are notified and act accordingly.
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