Average age

[TravelingEA]

You will find very few families and middle aged adults cruising in November. For one thing the kids are in school and the adults are preparing for the holidays and or probably don't want to use vacation time at this time of the year. This is a good time of year for retired Florida residents to jump on a last minute discounted cruise. Thanksgiving week would be the exception. November is usually the time for Newlyweds and Nearly deads to be sailing. Spring Caribbean sailings have a much different demographic.

 

I just got off the Ruby yesterday after a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise. There were a few families, but many middle age couples. I saw more couples in their 40's to 50's than in their 70's. There were 700 that were staying on the ship to go to the Western Caribbean. Many of those were not the geriatric set.

[MTCB4]

Average: Mean, Median or Mode? Without standard deviation (and many times with it) the number can be very different.

[OCruisers]

Certainly depends on the time of year and length of the cruise. In general most Princess cruisers are middle aged with the big exception of Holiday and Spring Break cruises in the Caribbean. ;)

LuLu

[MarkSeattle]

Average: Mean, Median or Mode? Without standard deviation (and many times with it) the number can be very different.

 

I don't think it would matter in any meaningful way for such a large data set of numbers between 1 and 100...

[Kingofcool1947]

Sorry to have to disagree with you. I'm not a senior until I collect social security and am eligible for Medicare. At 54 I'm only a sweenior.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Iamcruzin,

 

True. It's all a state of mind anyway.

 

You look young and in good shape for your age. ;)

I'm in my young 60's but still have the stamina when I was 30. :p

 

Stay healthy, and safe travels,

 

King

Edited November 24, 2014 by Kingofcool1947

[CharlesOK]

So please tell me exactly what is wrong with a ship that caters to 70+ crowds. I seem to find someone nice to talk to, pleasant meal companions, experienced travelers who have amazing stories to relate. Thank heavens for the ships which accommodate those of us who are somewhat less than mobile. If you want a ship full of wild drinkers and fun night partiers, maybe Princess is not for you. I love those Trans-Atlantic 14+ day cruises. Late night peace and quiet when I go down for a night-cap and a solitary stroll around the promenade deck. WE worked hard to get here, not everyone wants or needs to climb a rock wall and some of those walker pilots looked darn nice in a two-piece 40 years ago.

Just saying is all.

[Kingofcool1947]

So please tell me exactly what is wrong with a ship that caters to 70+ crowds. I seem to find someone nice to talk to, pleasant meal companions, experienced travelers who have amazing stories to relate. Thank heavens for the ships which accommodate those of us who are somewhat less than mobile. If you want a ship full of wild drinkers and fun night partiers, maybe Princess is not for you. I love those Trans-Atlantic 14+ day cruises. Late night peace and quiet when I go down for a night-cap and a solitary stroll around the promenade deck. WE worked hard to get here, not everyone wants or needs to climb a rock wall and some of those walker pilots looked darn nice in a two-piece 40 years ago.

Just saying is all.

 

So, how old (young) are you?:)

 

Stay healthy and safe travels,

 

King

[sprint180]

Was on a 7 day Alaska and I would say the average age was 70. My sister and I were definately the young ones. I am 44 and she in her 50's. Lots of walkers and rolly things. Wish I could get my mom to go.

Edited November 24, 2014 by sprint180

[CharlesOK]

70 next June. 5 times across Eastbound in the last 5 years and coming back Westbound next August. Before I retired, I NEVER had either the money or the time. My wife uses a 3 wheeler and has nearly been trampled many times just trying to get on an elevator which is the only way she can get up or down between decks. We have been going back and forth to Europe for 40 years now and of late we need rental cars, not back-packs and Business class every time we go or come back. Thank heavens 6 years ago the airlines decided to start selling one-way tickets across the oceans.

[sprint180]

This was posted on cruise critic a few years ago. I cannot attest to its accuracy, but I have read before that of the major non-luxury cruise lines, the average age of passengers on Princess tends to be the highest.

 

From another CC string:

 

Passenger ages vary somewhat by sailing, but usually they are as follows:

Carnival Cruise Line: 0 - 45 years of age

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: 25 - 55 years of age

Crystal Cruise Line: 55+ years of age

Celebrity Cruise Line: 35 - 64 years of age

Norwegian Cruise Line: 27 - 56 years of age

Holland America Cruises: 30 - 60 years of age

Princess Cruise Line: 35 to 65 years of age

 

Thanks for posting this. I have been looking for what ages the lines kinds go for and haven't found anything. I have been reading the boards and this looks like what I have been reading.

[Kingofcool1947]

70 next June. 5 times across Eastbound in the last 5 years and coming back Westbound next August. Before I retired, I NEVER had either the money or the time. My wife uses a 3 wheeler and has nearly been trampled many times just trying to get on an elevator which is the only way she can get up or down between decks. We have been going back and forth to Europe for 40 years now and of late we need rental cars, not back-packs and Business class every time we go or come back. Thank heavens 6 years ago the airlines decided to start selling one-way tickets across the oceans.

 

Good for you! My hats off to you and your wife for staying active in your Golden Years. BTW, I enjoy talking with older, as well as younger cruise mates on the few cruises DW and I have been on. Sometimes fascinating and interesting life experience stories! :)

 

Safe travels and stay healthy,

King

[BruceMuzz]

First of all, Bruce works for a cruise company (you can easily view all his previous posts). We're not sure which one, but his previous posts are chock full of interesting facts and explanations. Given this current factoid, I personally suspect he's with Carnival Corporate. While he can be brutally direct and to the point, I personally take Bruce's information as factual.

 

Now, I have some training in statistics and if the average age of the two lines differs by only one year, I sincerely doubt that's what we call "statistically significant". Of course Bruce could likely supply the standard deviation for those two numbers to figure that out but it's not really necessary. What we really know now is that over all Princess and HAL cruises, there really is no significant difference in average age.

 

It would be interesting if Bruce can supply this information: What is the correlation between length of cruise and average age on that cruise?

 

-------------------------------------------

 

BTW, multiple posters on this thread had stated that if the average age of passengers is X, then half the passengers are younger than X and half are older. This is absolutely not true as average numbers can be skewed by outliers. Now, if they were to say the median age was X, it would be true that half would be younger and half would be older.

 

 

Remember - It's ALWAYS about the money.

 

Most older passengers prefer smaller ships and longer cruises.

Most younger passengers prefer bigger, newer ships with all the bells and whistles.

Most younger passengers cannot afford the time or money required to take longer cruises.

The average North American (still employed) cannot take a cruise longer than 7 days.

 

The corrrelation between length of cruise and age of passengers is very obvious and logical.

The cruise lines promote this correlation as much as possible.

-Small ships rarely make any profit at all.

-Larger ships make good profits.

-Really large ships make obscene profits.

 

With North Americans, the most profitable cruise length is 7 days.

With Europeans, the most profitable cruise length is 10 days.

 

Even though smaller ships rarely make a profit, they lose less money on longer voyages.

 

The most profitable situation for a cruise line is a very large new ship, carrying a middle-aged crowd, with plenty opportunities to spend more money onboard, on a 7-day cruise.

 

If you manage a cruise line, who do you want sailing on your large profit-making ships?

Younger cruisers with disposible income, of course.

 

Who do you want sailing on your smaller unprofitable ships?

Old folks who don't spend any of their fixed income. Actually you don't really want those older folks sailing at all. But in order to keep them off the bigger, newer ships, you make it more attractive for them to sail on the smaller, older ships.

Edited November 24, 2014 by BruceMuzz

[pcsunlover]

Its pretty simple. If you want to climb rock walls, surf, ice skate or zipline, then you cruise RCCL. If you want to take a cruise, you choose Princess.

 

The average age of a Princess cruiser varies depending on the length of the cruise, the time of year and the itinerary. The age spread is 6 months to eternity:D making the average age of a Princess cruiser around age 50.

When you get offered your AARP card, you will have graduated to the 50 year old demographic and will begin the best years of your life.

 

Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary. Not many couples make it that far.

Just think, many of the older demographic customers on Princess are celebrating twice that amount of time together. How wonderful it is for them to still be enjoying life to the fullest.

As someone once said, "it ain't over till it's over."

 

Hugs to you flamomo! I like the way you travel. :D

 

Well said! :)

[Pam in CA]

Remember - It's ALWAYS about the money.

Bingo! Follow the money.

 

Thanks for the interesting stats.

[LaraTiara]

I find this thread to be very very funny, for a number of reasons. First of all many of us had pursuits in life (motor homes, children,demanding jobs,seeing the USA,etc.) with no plans to ever cruise. Also the cost of a cruise and the travel to get to a port excluded many of us from cruising. I could go on and on, but the facts of life are that many do not have the time or frankly the inclination to cruise, until later in life. My wife and I have been retired now for many years. We find cruising and exploring other countries wonderful experiences. Can't afford more than one a year, but take one each year. Have enjoyed Alaska, Hawaii, Caribean, and other places many times. Oh, almost forgot...I am one of those "old folks". Soon to be 82 and proud of it. (If you want a totally old, sound asleep group of folks try HAL) We find the folks cruising on Princess overall to be a great group regardless of age.

 

 

 

Here, here!!

 

We are middle-aged and married 25 years next spring. Our older-generation relatives are all seasoned-cruisers.

 

For years we "did it the hard way" - booked land vacations abroad. We finally took a cruise, at the recommendation of family, and are hooked. What a simple way to explore in style!

 

I admit, I thought cruising was for my grandparents and parents. But I like it and for now, that's how we are traveling. My husband travels constantly and getting him on the ship and away from work/technology is the best way for him to truly unwind (No one mentions this invaluable perk!!).

 

As for the OP and her age question, it does depend on time of year. On our first cruise, we were on a Christmas cruise on Crown. We inquired of staff during the week, and they had just had a TA. They said the shorter cruises were for younger families, and the older crowd is on anything longer than a 7-day. We can only take 7-Day cruises at this point, but that would be my perspective.

 

But also, I wanted to mention on this thread that my siblings in-laws were with their beloved Grandpa last year on a cruise, and he became quite ill. And when they were all transported home, he had said he was glad to be cruising with his family members then. He did not recover and passed away shortly thereafter. His desire to "seize the day" lasted til his last day on earth.

 

I don't think, in fairness to the OP, that the older generation should take offense to her original post. The fact that you all are healthy and able to travel is a blessing many do not get to enjoy. She's asking about the cruise line and people her age.

[BlessedAZWife]

Hubby and I prefer the older demographic to the younger. Now, I suppose if one is single and going on a cruise to party it up and hope to hook up, I can see wanting a younger demographic. However, as hubby and I are perfectly content with each other, no need for a multitude of other younger people. On our last cruise on RCL, while in the adults only area, we were in the hot tub and several young people piled in and were being obnoxious, and, YES, I was that mean lady who asked one of the pool guys to ask their age and boot them out. If young people can be polite and respectful, fine. However, if they start splashing about in the hot tub, I will turn mean. Our upcoming Princess cruise is a family one with our adult children joining us. and as they are leaving their children behind with a nanny, we are all looking forward to a lovely, peaceful ADULTS cruise!! For us, a cruise where the average age is 75, we would be overjoyed, as there would likely be less competition for pool and hot tub relaxing, as well as less likelihood of children running about knocking into others. We think of cruising as a treat that we deserve after years of working and we do not wish to have to do battle with other's children.

[Kingofcool1947]

Hubby and I prefer the older demographic to the younger. Now, I suppose if one is single and going on a cruise to party it up and hope to hook up, I can see wanting a younger demographic. However, as hubby and I are perfectly content with each other, no need for a multitude of other younger people. On our last cruise on RCL, while in the adults only area, we were in the hot tub and several young people piled in and were being obnoxious, and, YES, I was that mean lady who asked one of the pool guys to ask their age and boot them out. If young people can be polite and respectful, fine. However, if they start splashing about in the hot tub, I will turn mean. Our upcoming Princess cruise is a family one with our adult children joining us. and as they are leaving their children behind with a nanny, we are all looking forward to a lovely, peaceful ADULTS cruise!! For us, a cruise where the average age is 75, we would be overjoyed, as there would likely be less competition for pool and hot tub relaxing, as well as less likelihood of children running about knocking into others. We think of cruising as a treat that we deserve after years of working and we do not wish to have to do battle with other's children.

 

So, how old (young) are you and spouse?

Safe travels, stay healthy,

King

[beg3yrs]

 

Even though smaller ships rarely make a profit, they lose less money on longer voyages.

 

Who do you want sailing on your smaller unprofitable ships?

Old folks who don't spend any of their fixed income. Actually you don't really want those older folks sailing at all. But in order to keep them off the bigger, newer ships, you make it more attractive for them to sail on the smaller, older ships.

 

Bruce - thanks for the brutally direct response.

 

While I'm personally an averaged age Princess cruiser, I just loved my very long Ocean Princess voyage and have booked the same cabin on another long voyage in 2016.

 

I can't argue about the folks on the last OP cruise not wanting to spend their fixed income. The casino was so dead (poor choice of words but accurate) the table limits had to be lowered to get anyone to play.

 

I suppose that even if they aren't making money on the small ships, just parking them costs even more than operating them at a loss. Is this correct?

 

I also see you've moved at least part-time to China. Say hi to Alan B for us!

[caribill]

 

I suppose that even if they aren't making money on the small ships, just parking them costs even more than operating them at a loss. Is this correct?

 

 

Selling them eliminates all operating losses.

[GUT2407]

I'm not doubting your word, but I have never been on a Princess cruise where the average passenger was in his late 70s or above. Ever.

 

 

I'm not sure I've been on one where they weren't, but I guess it depends on when you cruise and how long the cruise is.

[GUT2407]

We just finished a 29 day cruise and we had a family with 3 school age kids and some families with toddlers and babies. The only thing I can think of, is that those kids were homeschooled, otherwise they couldn't have been away from a traditional school for that length of time.

 

 

The kids probably learned more on the cruise than they would have at school, a lot of parents take kde out of school for overseas holidays for just that reason.

[GUT2407]

This was posted on cruise critic a few years ago. I cannot attest to its accuracy, but I have read before that of the major non-luxury cruise lines, the average age of passengers on Princess tends to be the highest.

 

From another CC string:

 

Passenger ages vary somewhat by sailing, but usually they are as follows:

Carnival Cruise Line: 0 - 45 years of age

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: 25 - 55 years of age

Crystal Cruise Line: 55+ years of age

Celebrity Cruise Line: 35 - 64 years of age

Norwegian Cruise Line: 27 - 56 years of age

Holland America Cruises: 30 - 60 years of age

Princess Cruise Line: 35 to 65 years of age

 

So based on those numbers where do the 65+'ers cruise and where do all the 70's and 80's come from on my Princess cruises.

[icat2000]

Remember - It's ALWAYS about the money.

 

Most older passengers prefer smaller ships and longer cruises.

Most younger passengers prefer bigger, newer ships with all the bells and whistles.

Most younger passengers cannot afford the time or money required to take longer cruises.

The average North American (still employed) cannot take a cruise longer than 7 days.

 

The corrrelation between length of cruise and age of passengers is very obvious and logical.

The cruise lines promote this correlation as much as possible.

-Small ships rarely make any profit at all.

-Larger ships make good profits.

-Really large ships make obscene profits.

 

With North Americans, the most profitable cruise length is 7 days.

With Europeans, the most profitable cruise length is 10 days.

 

.

And what is the most profitable cruise length for Australians as (even still employed) have access to generous amounts of leave. They seem to always have the RTW leaving from Australia each year and I had noticed this year and the following years the increased in longer cruises out of Australia mainly on the Sun and/or one of the girls (Sun Class). So are those cruises making ends meat? Hope so, cause I want to do one in 2017 when I get my next allocation of long service leave.

 

From my experience New Zealand on Princess tends to skew old. I have done it a couple of times and I have also caught the four day hop from Melbourne and or Sydney about four times and each time it was similiar demograhics. Also the TA I have found to skew older passengers. Not that I mind older passengers.

Edited November 24, 2014 by icat2000

[GUT2407]

And what is the most profitable cruise length for Australians as (even still employed) have access to generous amounts of leave. They seem to always have the RTW leaving from Australia each year and I had noticed this year and the following years the increased in longer cruises out of Australia mainly on the Sun and/or one of the girls (Sun Class). So are those cruises making ends meat? Hope so, cause I want to do one in 2017 when I get my next allocation of long service leave.

 

From my experience New Zealand on Princess tends to skew old. I have done it a couple of times and I have also caught the four day hop from Melbourne and or Sydney about four times and each time it was similiar demograhics. Also the TA I have found to skew older passengers. Not that I mind older passengers.

 

 

Yep and in 2016 they've got a 104 Nighter and a 75 nighter, both ex Sydney, both at the same time and I was told today that there are only a couple of dozen [at most] balconies on the 75 night.

[Corfe Mixture]

Remember - It's ALWAYS about the money.

 

Actually you don't really want those older folks sailing at all.

 

Hmm, not seen too many young folks in Sabatinis for breakfast, so I guess one solution would be to remove all the suites which the people they don't want sailing occupy.

 

FWIW, I am 67, I retired at 50 and we always occupy a suite.

 

Nice to know from a person who we all believe is employed by a cruise line that, now I am a little older, my $15,000 for a 14-day cruise is not really wanted. :(