Many women over 60 are looking for new adventures and exciting new vacation destinations. If you want fun in the sun, a spirit of discovery, and the romance of the high seas, going on a cruise might be the ideal dream vacation.

Going on a cruise is a great way to see some amazing sights, meet some interesting new people, and enjoy a sense of relaxation with nothing on your “to do” list but enjoying the views, activities and entertainment on board the ship. Here are a few ideas for great senior cruises for women.

Caribbean Cruises

Perhaps the classic idea of a cruise for most women over 60 is going to the Caribbean, drinking piña coladas and playing shuffleboard on deck, or just lounging in the sun. If you want blue seas, white sand beaches, sunshine and fascinating port calls in beautiful destinations, it’s hard to go wrong with a Caribbean cruise.

Holland America (hollandamerica.com) is a well-respected cruise line that offers a variety of Caribbean cruises, depending on your budget, your timeline and your desired itinerary – whether you want to see Puerto Rico, the Mayan ruins of Mexico, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Barbados or another Caribbean island paradise.

Panama Canal Cruises

The Panama Canal is a famous gateway for tourism, shipping, commerce – and cruises. On a Panama Canal cruise, you can choose to explore a variety of fascinating countries in Central and South America, with activities including jungle tours, Medieval Spanish Colonial architecture tours, close encounters with capuchin monkeys and other wildlife, and high-flying canopy tours of the Costa Rican rain forest.

Panama is also on our list of Best Countries to Retire, so perhaps a Panama Canal cruise could be part of your introduction to life in this beautiful part of the world.

Mediterranean Cruises

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s most beautiful and placid bodies of water, home to enchanting cultures, delicious cuisine and an enviable way of life. Silversea Cruise Lines (silversea.com) offers a variety of Mediterranean cruises ranging from Spain to Italy, from Croatia to Greece and Turkey, with port calls at renowned destinations such as Barcelona, Venice, Istanbul and Monte Carlo.

Musical Cruises

If you love live music and exciting entertainment, going on a music-themed cruise might be the right vacation for you. There are a variety of themed cruises based on certain types of music, for example, the Oldies Cruise with Rocky and the Rollers (departing Feb. 2014), the Soul Train Cruise (departing in Oct. 2013 and featuring live performances by Earth, Wind and Fire and Gladys Knight, among other artists), and the Rock Boat (departing from Miami in Feb. 2014).

Alaska Cruises

If you’re up for some cooler weather and the crisp skies of Alaska, an Alaska cruise might be your best option to explore the unique geography of America’s “Last Frontier.” Celebrity Cruise lines offers a variety of Alaska cruises (celebritycruises.com), with options to see such natural wonders as glaciers, fjords and Denali National Park.

Australia and New Zealand Cruises

Explore the Land Down Under via cruise ship. Australia and New Zealand are known for their one-of-a-kind geography, the stunning vistas portrayed in movies such as “Lord of the Rings,” their unique wildlife, their friendly and welcoming cultures, and their active outdoor lifestyles. All of this makes Australia and New Zealand an ideal destination for a cruise, with activities such as whale watching, scuba diving, and cultural excursions during port calls at world-class cities such as Sydney.

Many cruise lines have been expanding their presence in Australia and New Zealand during the past few years, making it easier than ever before to find exciting options for an Australia/New Zealand cruise.

Have you ever been on a cruise? What advice would you offer to someone who is thinking of cruising for the first time? What makes a cruise an ideal vacation for women over 60?