Retirement is a major milestone that indicates a new chapter in life – after years of hard work, this is the time in which we can sit back, relax and look back on all we’ve achieved. Retirement is also the perfect time to make the most of newfound freedom and use the expendable income to tick things off the bucket list. Have you always wanted to travel the world but never had the time or money? Consider using savings, your pension, or an equity release mortgage to treat yourself to a holiday. If you’re entering your twilight years and you’re looking for a well-deserved dose of luxury, why not take a cruise to some of these remarkable locations for a taste of the good life:

Antarctica – Home to otherworldly landscapes, diverse wildlife and some of the clearest views of the night sky in the world, Antarctica is a must-visit location that’s well served by cruise liner holidays. While Antarctica may not be the best choice for retirees looking to soak up the sun, it’s a luxurious and memory-making holiday destination nonetheless – just make sure that you wrap up warm when out on the deck!

The Caribbean – The Caribbean is world-famous for its natural beauty, weather, food, music and hospitality. From Barbados and Granada to Cuba and Jamaica, the Caribbean has something for everyone – the islands have always been popular with tourists and there are countless luxury Caribbean cruise deals available for retirees.

Mediterranean – As one of the world’s premier luxury cruise destinations, the Mediterranean is perfectly suited to travel by sea. Retirees who choose to take a luxurious voyage in the Mediterranean can expect to stop off at beautiful cities and ports across multiple countries including sun-kissed areas of France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Spain.

South Pacific – If you’re seeking an exotic and idyllic getaway by boat, a luxury cruise around the South Pacific islands could be just the ticket. Best-known for its tropical climate, white stretching coastlines, stunning natural beauty and diverse cultures, the South Pacific region is home to cruise magnet locations including Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa and Bora Bora.

Alaska – This enormous state takes up over 15% of the United States, so it’s no surprise that Alaska’s vast, expansive landscapes are packed with surprises including some of the biggest national parks in the country. Alaska is a luxurious vacation destination that’s become a fixture in cruise liner itineraries in recent years – popular picturesque attractions include Iditarod National Historic Trail, the Mendenhall Glacier, the Inside Passage and Tracy Arm Fjord.

South Africa – From the rugged hills of the Wild Coast to the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, the Rainbow Nation is full of fantastic tourist attractions. Particularly popular places to visit include beautiful Cape Town (and the neighbouring Table Mountain), Kruger National Park, Drakensberg and the Cape Winelands.

Galapagos – Situated at the meeting point of three ocean currents (around 1000km off the Ecuadorian coast), the 19 Galapagos islands are home to some of the most diverse and unusual sealife species in the world. If you’re looking for incredible marine life, this could be the luxury cruise destination for you. Popular stopping points include Darwin & Wolf Islands, Reserva El Chato and South Plaza Island.