Cruising for the Long Haul

As travel industry officials have documented, senior travelers are frequent cruisers who make up a large segment of the passenger lists on freighter cruises--which tend to be longer and less expensive than regular cruises.

Passenger statistics, tabulated by Ivaran Lines, a leading freighter cruise company, indicate that the average age of freighter travelers on their ships is 60. And this number has dropped from an average age of 70, after Ivaran launched its present South America fly/sail programs, in which the traveler may cruise in one direction and return by air. The older average age on previous trips may have reflected the fact that the itineraries were nearly twice as long and only retirees could afford to spend the seven to eight weeks required for such long voyages.

The M/V Americana, Ivaran’s Norwegian-registered flagship--a freighter, with programs during the summer--is a luxurious passenger/container ship that has room for only 88 passengers. All cabins and suites have full bathrooms, color TV and VCR, refrigerator, mini-bar, safe and telephone.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and early risers may have a light breakfast beginning at 6 a.m. Afternoon tea is served daily, and dinner is single seating. Casual attire is acceptable, but on occasion a suit and tie are specified. Tuxedos are not required.

Shipboard activities and entertainment are limited, although there is a pianist on board, and the ship has a whirlpool, health club, sauna, gift shop, slot machines and swimming pool. A library of videotapes is available at no charge. There is also a doctor and nurse, hairdresser and masseuse. Shore excursions are available at a nominal cost, and in some ports there is shuttle service to downtown areas.

The round-trip voyage from New Orleans averages 51-52 days and includes stops at several ports on South America’s eastern coast in Venezuela, Uruguay and Brazil, the Mexican ports of Veracruz and Tampico, and the islands of Barbados and Puerto Rico.

A wide range of packages and prices vary with the season, cabin size and location, and package selected. A 22- to 29-day fly/sail program for passengers who sail from New Orleans to Buenos Aires and return by air, includes a hotel stay in Buenos Aires and is priced from $4,400 to $9,860 per person. Round-trip fares for the 51- to 52-day trip from the U.S. Gulf Coast to South America range from $10,140 to $15,390 per person.

Call Ivaran Lines at (800) 451-1639 for a complete information package.

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Four U.S. colleges are offering an opportunity for travelers to attend Senior Summer School on campus at UC Santa Barbara, Cal State Chico; San Diego State, or the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Study courses run a minimum of four weeks. There are no grades or mandatory attendance requirements.

All campuses offer a variety of day trips to nearby cities, historicsites, museums, galleries, entertainment, sports events, movies, golf and local tourist attractions.

At each college three meals are served daily on weekdays and include a selection of hot entrees, salads, drinks and desserts. On weekends there may be only two meals.

Meals are on an “all you can eat” basis.

Most locations provide modern accommodations in buildings with elevators, weekly housekeeping service with linens and bedding provided, vending services, exercise facilities and on-site or nearby swimming pools. Accommodations vary from private apartments with shared bath facilities to condominium-type housing with kitchens, refrigerators and hookups for temporary telephone service and TV rental.

Prices vary according to the college and length of term selected. At UC Santa Barbara, the minimum term is six weeks and the price is $1,799 per person. At Chico, a minimum four-week term is $849. At San Diego State, four-week terms are $675 per person and eight weeks are $1,100. In Wisconsin, there is a wide range of rates due to the varied choice of living accommodations; a four-week term may run from $649 to $1,100 per person.

For a comprehensive brochure outlining all of the available residence facilities, classes and prices, call Senior Summer School at (800) 847-2466.