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• The best river cruises for senior citizens

by Emma Smith - 27/03/2019

River cruises are becoming increasingly popular, especially with those over 50 years of age. In fact, the average age of a RiverVoyages.com customer is 75!

What attracts many retirees to river cruising is the convenience of everything being taken care of for you. River cruising enables travellers to see and do a lot in a single holiday, while only unpacking once; not having to worry about finding a decent place to eat; or struggling with language barriers.

River cruises are not cheap holidays, so this may price many younger people out of the market. And they’re also not suitable for children, so you won’t find families on-board. But what river cruising does offer is excellent value for money and a wonderfully convenient, yet exciting, way to explore the world and make new memories.

What should senior citizens look for in a river cruise?

There are so many river cruises to choose from, ranging from short, budget-friendly cruises on the waterways of Europe , to extensive ultra-luxury cruises through Asia and the Far East.

Everyone’s desires are different, but it’s important to consider carefully which ports you’d like to visit, what you want from the ship and what kind of excursions you’ll enjoy and which will match your level of physical fitness.

Destinations

For Brits, European river cruises are by far the most popular choice, as there is are myriad beautiful waterways to enjoy which criss-cross mainland Europe. The Danube is a popular choice – this mighty river flows through ten countries from its source in Germany’s Black Forest to its outlet into the Black Sea.

If you’re into wine, a cruise on the Moselle , Douro or Rhone will enable you to visit vineyards and enjoy wine tours and tastings.

History buffs will enjoy a cruise along the Seine , learning about France’s fascinating past as you go.

If you’d just like to sit back and admire the scenery, the Rhine has much to enjoy along its banks which are dotted with fairy-tale castles, medieval towns and sloping vineyards.

As river cruise ships are much smaller than ocean ships, there isn’t much space for flashy facilities like rock-climbing walls and surfing simulators. However, most ships will feature multiple bars and dining venues, a sun deck with sun loungers, a plunge pool and a fitness centre. Popular facilities to look out for include bicycles which you can use in each port, whirlpool hot tubs, walking tracks and putting greens.

Unlike ocean cruise ships which have hefty fees for WiFi, almost all river cruise lines include wireless internet access for free. However, it is likely to be slower than you’re used to at home, and may not always be accessible depending on the location of the ship and the weather.

Most river cruise lines, with the exception of budget lines such as CroisiEurope , include excursions in the cruise price.

The standard excursions usually visit the same places by coach, no matter which river cruise line you choose. Special optional excursions are also available, which usually involve more specialist activities in smaller groups. There is usually a charge for these unless you travel with Tauck or Scenic , which include all excursions choices in your fare.

There is often a choice of excursions available at each port of call, with the larger ports having more options. Excursions should be categorised by activity level, with almost every river cruise line having a selection available for people who have difficulty walking. If you do have mobility issues, our team of river cruise concierge here at RiverVoyages.com will be happy to help you find a river cruise which suits your ability.

The best river cruises for active seniors

One of the most popular activities which active types like to enjoy on river cruise holidays, regardless of age, is cycling. Bicycles are available to hire free of charge with many river cruise lines, with models ranging from simple push bikes to those with satellite navigation and electronic assistance so that you can conserve energy whilst pedalling. Passengers can either cycle around each port of call, or cycle along the river and meet the ship at the next stop.

Hiking is another popular river cruise activity, with guided walks available in many ports. Boutique line,  Uniworld , even provides walking sticks for hikers. Kayaking is also available on selected itineraries with several river cruise lines. If you like to stay active even during your time on-board, look out for options to enjoy fitness classes, yoga or for a pool large enough to swim lengths.

The best river cruises for relaxation

River cruise holidays can be as active or as relaxing as you like. If you enjoy sitting and watching the world go by, there’s quite simply no better place to do this than from the top deck of a river cruise vessel.

With stunning and ever-changing scenery to admire, you’ll never be bored, even if the furthest you venture is to the bar for a top-up. Not that you even have to do that, with waiter service as standard.

If you like to explore at a gentle pace, you’ll be pleased to know that almost every river cruise line splits their walking tours into ‘regular pace’ and ‘slower pace’, so you don’t need to worry about being left behind, or becoming exhausted after walking for miles every day. You can even explore at your own pace, simply take yourself off and wander wherever you like, just make sure you’re back at the ship for the allocated time!

The best river cruises for people with limited mobility

People with limited mobility should plan carefully when choosing both the ship and the destination to ensure that their needs can be accommodated.

Solo travel is generally not an option, as passengers with limited mobility will need an able-bodied companion to help them. Passengers who can walk a little generally fare much better than those who are wheelchair bound, as getting on and off the ship isn’t always possible in a wheelchair and staff may not always be able to assist.

Wheelchair accessible ships

Many river cruise lines offer a small number of accessible cabins, but these are not available on every ship or every itinerary, and due to the popularity of river cruising with older people, they can fill up fast. So if you do require accessible accommodation, it’s worth booking as far in advance as possible. In most cases, if you plan on bringing a wheelchair, it will need to be collapsible – cabins are often small and equipment cannot be stored in the corridors due to safety regulations.

Excursions for wheelchair users

The beauty of European river cruising is that most ports are very close to town and city centres, so you won’t usually need to travel far to reach the attractions. However, it’s worth noting that many of Europe’s historic destinations have cobbled streets, which are not ideal to push a wheelchair along. The on-board cruise director will be able to advise of the best routes to take, or suggest alternative attractions with wheelchair access.

For longer trips involving coach travel, passengers need to be able to climb the steps to the vehicle, which may be as many as four. Of course, you’re welcome to stay on-board the ship as it docks. But as the tours are included in the price of most river cruises, it’s worth thinking about how many of the tours you’ll be able to manage and whether it’s worth it overall.

Booking your river cruise

If you’d like any help in deciding which river cruise is best suited to your desires and needs, please don’t hesitate to give our river cruise concierge team a call on 0800 197 0854 . They have all the information about each ship, itinerary and port and can help you plan every detail of your next river cruise with any river cruise line.

About Emma Smith

Emma has more than seven years' experience as a writer and has been in the travel industry for nearly five years. She loves learning about new places and cruise ships coming to market, as well as discovering fun and exciting activities to do while you sail. She has cruised with Princess Cruises, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Avalon Waterways and Royal Caribbean and is looking to get something in her diary for 2024! Her favourite things to see on a ship include excellent entertainment, a delicious cocktail menu and extraordinary dining venues.

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9 Best Cruises for Seniors to Take As Soon As You Retire

From relaxing in the Caribbean to exploring the rivers of Europe, these are the best cruises for travelers over 60.

Cruises offer advantages for travelers of all ages, but for seniors , conveniences like being able to visit many destinations without packing and unpacking, arranging flights, transfers, checking in and out of hotels, finding restaurants, and booking excursions are especially important. And, for seniors with limited mobility, those cruise features just might mean the difference between taking a wonderful trip or staying home.

Generalizing about individuals of any age, especially seniors, just doesn't work. Physically, many are as active and capable as 25 year-olds, while others may have limitations that prevent long walks or managing heavy luggage. Some are curious and want to see every detail on an itinerary; others are content to relax and watch the scenery go by. Many are entertained by learning new things or hearing from expert lecturers, while others enjoy nightlife and live shows. Limited budgets are not unusual among seniors with fixed incomes, while others can afford to choose more luxurious options .

There are cruises that meet every need. In fact, most large ships have so much to offer that couples or groups of friends cruising together can choose the activities they enjoy most and then join for dinner or cocktails at the end of the day. Solo travelers have opportunities to meet others during meals, excursions, or onboard activities. Many cruise companies and ships pay particular attention to amenities that make travel easier and more appealing for seniors , especially those with special needs. Travelers as young as 50 may be eligible for special discounts on cruises, so it's never too early to start planning a cruise for the next phase of your life.

That said, here are the 9 best cruises for seniors, from the rivers to the seas.

River Cruises for Seniors

Increasing in popularity with new ships added each year, river cruising is ideal for seniors.

Ports are usually close to cities, sailing is smooth, ships are small (with usually no more than 200 passengers), and most shore excursions offer several levels of walking intensity. For those who prefer to stay onboard, comfortable lounges, outdoor seating, and stateroom balconies provide the perfect views.

European rivers are among the most traveled, especially the Rhine and Danube, with lovely towns to see and visit. Others are the Douro, Seine, and Rhone as well as the Mekong in Vietnam, the Nile in Egypt, and the Volga in Russia. Cruises range from a week to as long as three weeks when several rivers are combined. Specialty river cruises might focus on food, wine, or Christmas markets. These are the top river cruise lines for seniors.

River Cruise Lines

Viking River Cruises are adults-only and on several rivers. Hit the Danube to get from Vienna to Bucharest, sail the Nile with Egyptologists, or pass through Holland during tulip season. Catering to retirees, with most passengers over the age of 60, Viking is for the well-traveled cruiser looking for their next adventure. It considers itself “the thinking person’s cruise,” with excursions and onboard programming designed with educational and cultural impact in mind. Their "Longships" offer larger suites and outdoor dining. Musical performances, lectures, cooking demonstrations, and destination insights provide plenty to do onboard.  

AmaWaterways focuses on European cruises, but offers a few sailings through Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, as well. Their ship, AmaMagna, sails the Danube and offers twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, allowing for more lounge space on the Sun Deck as you glide to gorgeous locales, more intimate activities and excursions, and additional dining options. A range of shore excursions ensures there's something for everyone's interests and abilities at each port, from guided hikes and bike rides to cooking demonstrations. Everything is as convenient as possible with ports steps from points of interest, and concierge services that help travelers reserve their flights, airport transfers, and hotel reservations for before or after the cruise.  

Avalon Waterways offers river cruises as short as four or five days for those who want to "test the waters" before a longer commitment. They sail across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, with special interest journeys like the Storyteller Series, which hosts authors like Candace Bushnell and Gillian Flynn onboard. With larger suites and fewer passengers, these cruises are perfect for passengers who want to stretch out and enjoy a quiet respite. Travelers can choose which off-boat activities they want to participate in (like picnics, kayaking, or painting) based on their abilities and what kind of trip they want. The plushly-appointed Panorama Suites with floor to ceiling windows and open-air balconies make your cabin one of the most comfortable places to watch the world pass by.

American Cruise Lines sails the rivers of the United States — including the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Hudson, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers — so you can go on an adventure without having to board a flight. Accommodations like large staterooms with interior entrances, elevators to all decks, and spacious public spaces will be appreciated by older passengers. Dine whenever you like on local fare (like gumbo on the Mississippi or a boiled seafood dinner in the Northeast) and enjoy the daily cocktail hour. Local experts join your trip and share knowledge and history about the area you're traveling through making your trip as educational as it is relaxing. 

Ocean Cruises for Seniors

For ocean cruises, ships are usually larger and trips are longer, although it depends on the destination. Megaships have capacities of around 2,000 to 6,000 passengers; mid-size ships carry about 1,000-2,500; small ships can hold around 1,200 or less. Naturally, more dining options, entertainment, pools, and public areas are available on larger vessels. For seniors who are more comfortable remaining on the ship, there are many opportunities to keep busy, and the ship is a destination in itself. Travelers with limited mobility may choose shore visits carefully or decide to enjoy the view from afar as they take advantage of the ship's amenities and social scene.

Many oceangoing ships have accessible cabins and elevators, wheelchair-width doorways, and even special equipment to aid in boarding a smaller boat for shore excursions. Several have medical care and physicians aboard — a benefit for all passengers, not just seniors — for emergencies or illness. Most cruise companies request that they be advised of their passengers' special needs at least 45 days before departure to ensure that proper accommodations are arranged.

Oceangoing Cruise Lines

Holland America Line travels to South America, Antarctica, Alaska, Canada, New England, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. A line preferred by many seniors, it offers staterooms with mobility assistive features such as space for wheelchairs and scooters, roll-in showers, grab bars, and lift systems to make tenders (smaller ships that go ashore in some ports) wheelchair accessible. Provisions are made on most ships for deaf or hearing-impaired passengers, as well.

Seabourn Cruise Line cruises the world from Australia and New Zealand, Asia, India, Africa, Antarctica, Alaska, and the Caribbean, to the Arctic, Northern Europe, and more. Staterooms specially designed for guests who require mobility assistance are available. Service animals are permitted (but not pets or therapy companions) as long as proper paperwork and vaccinations are current. Provisions are available for passengers who have limited eyesight or hearing, including large print or Braille menus and visual emergency alarms.

Azamara 's mid-sized ships sail to the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Their “Destination Immersion” experiences mean longer trips with more time in port and overnights onshore, as well as onboard programming designed around your specific destination. Azamara takes an extra step even before the cruise begins by offering assistance getting on and off the ship for boarding and shore excursions. With advance notice, Azamara will even make arrangements for transportation from the airport to the pier.

Silversea's small luxury ships range in size from 50 to 304 suites for travelers who prefer more intimate surroundings and atmosphere. Also, smaller ships can generally anchor closer to port cities, so disembarking is more convenient, and views are more interesting for those who stay on the ship. Your dedicated butler will help you with minutiae like unpacking and reservations, so you can just focus on relaxing. There's a low single supplement and "gentleman hosts" so you're never without a dance partner even if you're traveling solo. With gourmet meals, beverages (including premium spirits), gratuities, and activities all covered in the price, Silversea's cruises are not likely to attract children, which may be a plus for some seniors (as much as they might love their grandkids!).

Princess Cruises, considered by many to be one of the best cruise lines for seniors, offers many options: Various departure cities (including Florida for any local retirees), one-way or round-trip cruises, and Cruisetours that include extended land excursions. Rest assured that ships, destinations, and excursions are designed with accessibility in mind. Princess' crown jewel is their Alaskan cruises , during which passengers can meet sled dog puppies and handlers, hear from mountain climbers, fishermen, and loggers, and learn from experts about Alaskan wildlife without even leaving the ship. Most importantly, passengers can enjoy spectacular views from the comfort of the ship and marvel at sights unique to the 49th State.

Whether you pick an ocean sojourn or a river ride, cruises are some of the best ways to see the world. From the rivers of Europe to the blue-green waters of the Caribbean to U.S. trips you can board without ever getting on a plane, cruises take the convenience of a resort on the road. And as many cruise lines pay special mind to accessibility and inclusivity, they make traveling at any age (or solo) all the easier. 

If you’re a senior looking for some post-retirement fun or are a well-seasoned traveler in need of your next adventure, book a cruise today. 

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River Cruises for Seniors Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 263 most popular river cruises for seniors trips. compare tour itineraries from 53 tour companies. 32 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating., popular river cruises for seniors tours.

Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)

• Onboard welcome reception
• Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to a local winery in Breisach visit to Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
• Guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, cable-car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim, or a hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge; time at leisure in Boppard
• Choice of guided tour in Frankfurt, or guided tour in Seligenstadt

Burgundy & Provence (Southbound)

• Guided walk in Tournus; onboard cheese tasting
• Choice of guided sightseeing; with picture stop on Fourvière Hill or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
• Culinary tour
• Guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedral

Active & Discovery on the Danube (Eastbound)

• Choice of visit to the Jochenstein power station or visit to Engelszell Abbey; choice of guided hike along the Danube trails or scenic cruising around the Schlögen Oxbow
• In Mauthausen, choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery, or guided tour of Mauthausen Memorial, or guided bike tour; guided tour in Grein, visit the historical theater and Clam Castle to meet its owner the Count
• Choice of canoe tour, bike tour from Spitz to Krems, Wine World Experience with tasting, or regional products showcase
• Choice of bike tour, or insider's tour of Vienna, or guided tour, visit to Belvedere Palace

Authentic Danube & Prague (2022)

Castles along the Rhine (2022)

Delightful Danube & Prague (2022)

Delightful Danube (2022)

Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland (2022)

All River Cruises for Seniors , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about River Cruises for Seniors

Small Group River Cruises for Seniors Tours

The Best of Austria & Switzerland with Romantic Rhine

• Welcome to Austria
• Guided sightseeing, see the Ringstrasse, Heldenplatz, and visit Schönbrunn Palace
• Danube cruise and visit to The Sound of Music Parish Church in Mondsee; guided walking tour in Salzburg
• Day at leisure
• Walk through the Old Town, see the Golden Roof in Innsbruck; travel to St. Moritz

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9 bucket list cruises for seniors and retirees.

These cruise lines appeal to older travelers with adults-only sailings, accessible staterooms and more.

Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Make the memories of a lifetime on a cruise for seniors and retirees.

Cruises are an often dreamt-about retirement goal, especially for long-time cruise lovers who have always been short on time. Retirement can be the ideal season of life to sail off into the sunset for several weeks, whether to far-off lands like Antarctica or a peaceful journey down the Danube. In some cases, seniors embrace their golden years by booking epic, monthslong voyages around the world.

Many small- and medium-sized ships cater to the over-60 crowd, but that doesn't mean guests will be relegated to shuffleboard and bingo games. Today's seniors still have plenty of adventures to experience and memories to make, both on board and on shore. The following cruise lines offer the top bucket list sailings for seniors and retirees.

Windstar Cruises

Uniworld boutique river cruises, oceania cruises, holland america line, cunard line, aurora expeditions.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Anyone who has ever fancied a near-private yacht-style cruise experience will love the vibe of Windstar Cruises. Each of its yachts holds between 148 and 342 guests, with a 1-to-1.5 crew-to-guest ratio. This makes for more intimate sailings – not only because there's simply less ship to maneuver on foot, but also because Windstar ships have access to ports that megaships aren't permitted to enter. The end result is the unique ability to explore lesser-known destinations and smaller cities. While Windstar is not a strictly adults-only cruise line , you won't see any little ones on board, either. Children must be at least 8 years old to sail on the line, which further adds to the high-end ambiance.

In 2021 and 2022, Windstar's Star Breeze, Star Pride and Star Legend ships received a refresh. The three all-suite yachts were cut in half and enhanced with new suites and amenities, bringing the capacity to 312 passengers on each vessel. These Star Plus Class ships also boast new restaurants, a reimagined spa and fitness center, and more efficient engines, among other improvements. Elevators help make the Star Plus Class ships more accessible for anyone with limited mobility (note that Wind Class ships Wind Star and Wind Spirit do not have elevators). Additionally, Star Breeze, Star Pride and Star Legend each have four wheelchair-accessible suites, which feature a smaller queen bed and reduced "wheel around" space.

On board, passengers can drop by the Open Bridge anytime for an impromptu lesson in chart reading, listen to live music in the Lounge or jump directly into the water from the Watersports Platform. Culinary highlights include restaurant Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, which serves a twist on modern Spanish cuisine by the 10-time Michelin-starred chef, as well as culinary shore excursions with hands-on cooking classes and chef-led market tours to explore fresh local ingredients.

The cruise industry is abuzz with interest in one of Windstar's newest itineraries, which introduces passengers to the Middle East. The Inaugural Sparkling Sands & Cities itinerary sets sail in November 2023, visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Doha, Qatar; and Muscat, Oman, among others. Foodies will be especially interested in the James Beard Foundation's Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf itinerary, scheduled to embark in February 2024. Windstar's other destinations include Asia, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the South Pacific and more.

Read: How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance

Adam Hillier | Courtesy of Viking

Spanning seven continents via river, ocean and expedition vessels, Viking is considered a quintessential high-end cruise experience. For more than 25 years, it has provided destination-focused sailings designed to allow its guests to explore the world in supreme comfort. Its voyages particularly appeal to travelers older than 50 who are interested in science, history, culture and cuisine.

Every Viking cruise fare includes a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, onboard meals, beer and wine (with lunch and dinner service), Wi-Fi access, and all port charges and government taxes. On Viking's ocean and expedition vessels, guests also enjoy complimentary self-service laundry, access to the Thermal Suite in The Spa, high tea service, alternative restaurant dining and 24-hour room service. But the best part for older cruisers may be what's not included on Viking sailings: kids. This adults-only cruise line is dedicated to guests 18 and older.

Viking's fleet – with capacities ranging from 80 to 998 passengers (on river and ocean cruises, respectively) – feature elegant Scandinavian-style decor. The small ship cruises get closer to their destinations, spend more time in port and include more overnight stays, too.

One of Viking's newest ocean vessels, the all-veranda Viking Saturn, debuted in 2023 and focuses on European sailings. Its 10-day Empires of the Mediterranean route from Venice to Athens is particular popular, with stops in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Greece. Another in-demand route is the Danube Christmas Delights itinerary on the Viking Longships, which visits enchanting villages, cultural capitals and iconic Christmas markets for a festive holiday cruise .

To suit their needs, guests can choose between different activity levels for walking tour-focused shore excursions. For bibliophiles, The Library on each ship is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill, as well as Cambridge University's Scott Polar Research Institute on the expedition vessels. Viking also holds exclusive partnerships with prestigious scientific institutions, which makes it possible for at least 36 experts – including field research scientists, mountain guides, submarine pilots and other specialists – to accompany passengers on each expedition journey.

Book a  Viking cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Billed as one of the world's most luxurious all-inclusive river cruise lines , Uniworld Boutique River Cruises features small ships with an average capacity of 120 guests and one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios on the rivers of 1-to-2.4. Part of the allure of the small ship size is a more personalized travel experience that delivers passengers to destinations ocean liners aren't able to visit (such as the Venetian Lagoon, where large ships have been banned from entry).

Uniworld ships are akin to floating boutique hotels, designed to reflect the destinations in which they sail – a vast list that includes ports in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Guests will appreciate the exquisite details on board, including unique artwork from some of the most famous artists in the world (think: Pablo Picasso and David Hockney), handmade fabrics from local artisans and handcarved furnishings.

Additionally, Uniworld's all-inclusive cruise experience includes all onboard meals, which are made with fresh farm-to-table ingredients, as well as unlimited premium spirits and fine wines. In the base fare, voyages also include a selection of shore excursions, daily entertainment, fitness centers, wellness classes, airport transfers, onboard gratuities, high-speed Wi-Fi access and more.

Uniworld makes it particularly easy to visit many of Europe's most enchanting Christmas towns on a single cruise, where passengers can visit the festive holiday markets and get all their seasonal shopping done. For seniors with more time to spare, the Rivers of the World Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. This 55-day itinerary departs from Lima, Peru , in October 2024 and takes 40 guests across three continents via four ships to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Find  Uniworld Boutique River Cruises  on GoToSea.

This upscale brand recently relaunched under A&K Travel Group with a reimagined vision. Crystal Serenity (which holds up to 740 guests) and Crystal Symphony (carrying up to 606 passengers) underwent a combined $150 million dollar refurbishment that includes updated suites and new wellness offerings at the Aurōra spa. While sailing the high seas with Crystal, passengers' needs are met at every step of the way – a perk made possible by the nearly 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio. A dedicated butler in every stateroom and suite will help with packing and unpacking, stocking your fridge, making restaurant reservations, booking excursions and more.

Crystal offers impressive enrichment programming, hosting high-profile lecturers with backgrounds in sports, entertainment and science. Spend some time refining your technology skills at Computer University@Sea and perfecting your ballroom dance moves, photography abilities, golf swing or bridge game. There's also a well-stocked library containing books on a range of subjects, along with board games and a pickleball court.

Dining options on board include Umi Uma, a Japanese-Peruvian dining venue developed by Michelin-starred chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa. Unlike some other cruise lines that charge a fee for each specialty dining reservation, Crystal allows guests to enjoy one complimentary reservation per person for sailings of 11 days or less. After dinner, nightly entertainment can be found in several venues, such as live music in the Galaxy Lounge.

Crystal sails on itineraries of varying length to the Mediterranean, the Baltic, Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada, Africa and the Indian Ocean, the South Pacific, and Asia. If you're planning a bucket list trip, consider the line's 123-night 2025 World Cruise, which travels to 62 destinations across 31 countries between Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Barcelona, Spain .

Read: Crystal Symphony Review: First Impressions of Crystal's Revamped Ship

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Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Seniors with a penchant for epicurean delights tend to gravitate toward Oceania Cruises for their cruise vacations – it's known for having one of the finest culinary programs at sea. This cruise line focuses on small ship luxury, with seven ships currently in service carrying between 670 and 1,250 passengers each. An eighth ship, Allura, is set to debut in 2025.

Newer ships like the Vista – the first of the Allura class vessels, which joined the fleet in May 2023 – have wheelchair-accessible rooms and a plethora of onboard culinary venues. A few highlights include Aquamar Kitchen, offering an array of wellness-inspired dishes; The Bakery at Baristas, serving freshly baked pastries; and new signature restaurant Ember, an upscale American eatery. Don't miss the Cellar Master's Wine Luncheon: a two-hour, hand-selected tasting led by the head sommelier that features a five-course menu paired with premium wines for each dish.

Senior cruisers will enjoy the Aquamar Spa's signature massage therapies, which use natural ingredients and modern techniques to release stress and tension. The Vitality Center offers a steam room, a thalassotherapy pool and heated lounge beds for extra relief. Onboard entertainment on Oceania, meanwhile, includes musical performances and immersive shows with dance numbers led by "Dancing With the Stars" choreographer Britt Stewart. The Culinary Center is a fan favorite for seniors, offering the opportunity to practice cooking techniques and learn about the unique flavor profiles of regional dishes.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a location Oceania doesn't sail to, with cruises to Africa, Asia, South America, the Middle East, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Antarctica and more, as well as transoceanic voyages and 180-day world cruises. Oceania also provides a good overall value, thanks to its included specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi access, shore excursions, round-trip airfare and transfers, and in-port shuttle service.

Explore  Oceania Cruises  deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

As a premium, midsize cruise line, Holland America Line offers plenty of destinations, excursions and activities aligned to an older audience. The smaller ship size, which averages around 2,000 passengers per sailing, allows for many of the ships to dock in ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, getting passengers even closer to the destinations they're visiting. For older passengers who may have limited mobility, the option to simply disembark the ship without waiting for a tender or other means of transportation can make or break a trip.

Holland America Line, though family-friendly, offers myriad excursions that are primarily adult-oriented and open to all types of adventurers. Shore excursions are clearly marked with an activity level ranging from easy to strenuous, from leisurely wine tastings and relaxing strolls through ancient towns to ATV rides through the jungle and dog-sledding on a glacier only accessible via helicopter.

Onboard entertainment and activities are plentiful; guests often enjoy the multiple music lounges and venues on each ship, along with hosted programs such as bingo and trivia. For seniors who can't get enough of the pickleball trend, Holland America Line has partnered with the Professional Pickleball Association to bring branded courts and equipment on board. After all that action on the court, unwind in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon with a rejuvenating treatment. (Pro tip: Add on the Thermal Suite for access to the healing hydrotherapy circuit and heated, tiled loungers that will melt all your cares away.)

The numerous onboard dining options bring together cuisines and flavors from all over the world, with specialty restaurants featuring menus developed by a team of master chefs known as Holland America's Culinary Council. In addition to casual dining in the Lido Market and multicourse affairs in The Dining Room, each ship also features the Pinnacle Grill, an onboard steakhouse offering high-end meats and seafood. Other specialty restaurants vary by ship and may include Italian eatery Canaletto and the French-inspired Rudi's Sel de Mer.

Holland America Line sails all over the world. It does an especially nice job with its Greek island cruises and Adriatic Sea adventures. One of the line's newest ships, Rotterdam , is a crowd-pleaser with its sleek design details and an onboard art collection valued at more than $4.1 million. Still, longtime favorites like the refurbished Oosterdam and Eurodam host plenty of happy guests.

Compare  Holland America Line  cruises on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Azamara

Another all-inclusive, senior-friendly brand is Azamara, which boasts a long list of perks covered in the base fare. Your one-time payment covers meals and beverages, including standard spirits, international beers and a limited amount of wine by the glass; you can upgrade to a beverage package if you'd like access to premium brands. Other included amenities range from self-service laundry to gratuities to special cultural evenings featuring onboard or onshore performances by locals.

There are four ships in Azamara's fleet. Each carries up to 702 passengers, so they still fit comfortably into the small ship category and can access less-visited ports than larger vessels. Destinations on Azamara include ports throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, the Americas, and the Caribbean; there are also transoceanic itineraries. If spending roughly half a year on a cruise ship sounds like your ideal retirement plan, consider the Azamara World Voyage in 2025. Over 155 nights, you'll visit 37 countries.

Each of the line's ships has staterooms designed to accommodate guests with mobility limitations, and Azamara has created customized shore excursion tours for guests with disabilities as well. Accessible tours are designed for full-time wheelchair users or guests unable to navigate motor-coach steps.

There are plenty of entertainment options on board, including Club Crooner's hits from current and classic songbirds, as well as ship-specific venues with various song and dance performances. Plus, every cruise hosts a White Night signature dinner and entertainment event on the pool deck (so be sure to pack your favorite white attire). Unwind with darts, arts and crafts, pingpong, shuffleboard, trivia contests, bingo and dance lessons. Don't miss opportunities to attend lectures through the enrichment program.

Find an  Azamara  cruise on GoToSea.

Christopher Ison | Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line's ocean liners have sailed between the U.K. and New York since 1840 – and the brand's relationship with the British monarchy is integral to its heritage. As such, each ship is named after a British queen. The newest ship, Queen Anne, joins the fleet in 2024.

In keeping with its history, Cunard Line has several signature experiences that help set the brand apart. Afternoon tea is a Cunard tradition observed daily in the Queen's Room; expect white-gloved waiters serving scones and finger sandwiches alongside infused teas in silver teapots (add Champagne for an additional fee). During gala evenings, guests don tuxedos and ballgowns for a sophisticated celebration you won't soon forget. Themes range from Masquerade to Roaring 20s; you'll get a heads-up before you pack your cruise attire .

Each of the four stateroom grades has its own dedicated fine dining restaurant with excellent service and indulgent menus, though there are several casual dining options as well – not to mention specialty dining venues for an additional fee. A host of activities will keep you busy day and night, including a library, open-air pools, fitness facilities, live music, theater performances, guest speaker events, board games, film screenings, art classes, planetarium shows (on Queen Mary 2) and group dance classes.

Accessible shore experiences are available in many ports, ranging from lower activity-level tours to adaptations for wheelchair users. Accessible staterooms are available on Queen Victoria , Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 ; these come with modifications like wider entryways, nonslip bathroom floors and shower seats.

Explore  Cunard Line  deals on GoToSea.

Scott Portelli | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Nothing says "once-in-a-lifetime" quite like embarking on an expedition to the world's most remote destinations – and, specifically, to Antarctica. For cruisers looking to explore this far-off land, Aurora Expeditions is one of the most trusted names in the industry. Founded by legendary adventurer Greg Mortimer, the brand sends an education-focused expedition team on each voyage, with a ratio of about one team member per every eight passengers. With an average of just 132 cruisers on these sailings, you'll get more one-on-one time with your expedition team.

Seniors can climb aboard Aurora Expeditions' Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle ship for innovative itineraries to the Great White Continent. When the ship isn't pausing to watch breaching whales, passengers can kayak between icebergs, visit penguin colonies or take guided hikes across the tundra. Aurora describes its cruises as "100% climate neutral," with a commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

All of Aurora Expeditions' voyages let travelers explore at their own pace, making it a great option for all ages. There are many included activities on each expedition, such as bird-watching, photography, lectures on wildlife, Zodiac cruises and near-shore excursions. The line will even outfit you with Muck boots and waterproof polar jackets. The entire voyage is laid-back, with an informal dress code.

On board, all cabins have a view of the ocean, and most have their own balcony. Tips are included in the cost of your cruise, and guests can enjoy a complimentary house wine or beer with dinner. Look forward to hearty dishes to help fuel your activities, with some buffet-style meals, a la carte options and a reservations-required restaurant on each ship.

Read: The Top Antarctica Cruises

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Jill Schildhouse has been an avid cruiser since the mid-'90s and has since visited dozens of destinations around the globe. Whether she's on the newest megaship, an older small ship or a luxury yacht, she loves life at sea. She used extensive research and her decades of experience as a cruiser to write this article (she has taken two cruises with her 70-year-old dad just this year). Schildhouse covers the travel industry for myriad top-tier outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, AARP, Fodor's, Reader's Digest and Insider.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Top Transatlantic Cruises
• First-Time Cruise Tips: Mistakes to Avoid
• How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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Northwest Pioneers: 10-night Columbia River Cruise – American Pride : Our 7-night Columbia River cruises are popular every year, but so often we want just a little more time to explore! The new ‘Northwest Pioneers’ itinerary affords you that time to dig a little deeper.

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Last but certainly not least: USA River Cruises takes the guesswork out of planning a trip in the first place. You’ll no longer have to fret over the cost of every little perk — because the perks are part of the all-inclusive experience aboard a USA River Cruise. No need to tally up the numbers when you order beer, a glass of wine, room service, soda, cappuccinos, or decide to take a shore excursion.

The world is waiting for you. Imagine your most wonderful journey. Then contact USA River Cruises to make it come true.

Ever thought about a VIP-style, front row seat to breathtaking waterfalls, rolling vineyards, and stunning mountain peaks? Try one of our Columbia River Cruises.

Envision paradise, adventure and relaxation with USA River Cruises

Imagine exploring the ins and outs of the largest group of freshwater lakes on earth — and then hop aboard our Great Lakes River Cruises .

Perhaps you’ve always wondered what it would be like to explore the Deep South in comfort and style. Our Mississippi River Cruises are the place to be.

Or maybe you’ve always wanted to experience Europe from a ship’s-eye view. Well USA River Cruises has those, too, with our sweet suite of European Cruises .

There’s so much for you to see and do. From the Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi to the Columbia River and our Alaskan Cruises ports of call — all the way to our cruises throughout Europe and the Caribbean.

USA River Cruises has been making travel dreams come true since 1999. We’re experts at matching people with the experiences they seek. There’s something for everyone. There’s something for you.

“This Columbia River Cruise experience was a total delight, very informative, educational, entertaining, and just a fantastic experience overall. Every port offered opportunities for exploration and learning. The on-board Riverlorian brought history to life, as did the local entertainment brought onboard. The cuisine selections and quality were top-shelf all the way.”

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Try a River Cruise in the U.S.

What to know about the 5 top waterways, from oregon to florida.

River cruising is growing more popular in the U.S., as more travelers seek out what are usually hassle-free vacations, relatively close to home. The rivers described below are the five major mainland waterways plied by American river cruise lines, with the Mississippi and Columbia dominating the pack. Here's the scoop on each. (Note that prices, which are per person, and other details are subject to change.)

1. Mississippi River

Cruising months: Year-round

Cruise lines: American Cruise Lines (ACL), American Queen Steamboat Co . (AQSC)

Routes: These include the entire river (2,320 miles, from Minneapolis/St. Paul to New Orleans) for two or three weeks, or a shorter, partial journey — including the upper Mississippi (between Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Louis) or lower Mississippi (between Memphis and New Orleans). AQSC offers Civil War– and music-themed cruises, among others.

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The view: The scenery remains largely unspoiled, with hidden gems, from century-old live oak trees and indigenous wildlife to Civil War sites and vast plantations, around many tree-lined bends.

Sample excursions: Tours of the French Quarter in New Orleans; Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee; the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, Missouri; Civil War battle sites; the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville

Onboard entertainment: Lectures by historians on the culture and heritage of the region; live music, such as cabaret, jazz and blues performances

Cost: AQSC's nine-day Mark Twain's Mississippi cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis/St. Paul starts at $2,399, for example, and its nine-day Antebellum South cruise, between Memphis and New Orleans, starts at $1,999, not including extras (gratuities, port fees). ACL's Upper Mississippi voyage starts at $3,995; its Lower Mississippi, which starts at $3,670, is mostly all inclusive.

2. Hudson River

Cruising month: October

Cruise lines: ACL and Blount Small Ship Adventures (BSSA)

Routes: ACL cruises round trip from New York City. BSSA offers a nine-day option that starts in New York, travels the 315-mile Hudson River and Long Island Sound, and disembarks in Warren, Rhode Island. Most itineraries are pegged to fall foliage.

The view: Along the Hudson you're surrounded by the Catskill Mountains to the west and the Taconic and Berkshire hills to the east, all ablaze with fall colors; you can also take in the New York skyline.

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Sample excursions: Kingston (featuring the Hudson River Maritime Museum, palatial estates like the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Eleanor Roosevelt's home, Val-Kill); Washington Irving's country home in Sleepy Hollow; President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's home and museum in Hyde Park; a tour of the Big Apple

Onboard entertainment: Historians with expertise about the region and storied Hudson Valley characters such as Gilded Age tycoons; art classes; musicians

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Cost: Examples include BSSA's nine-day fall-foliage cruise, which is about $2,455, not including extras (for instance, gratuities and port fees). ACL's eight-day fall-foliage round trip starts at $4,445, mostly all inclusive.

3. St. Lawrence River

Cruising months: May to October

Cruise lines: Viking Cruises (VC), Saint Lawrence Cruise Lines (SLCL) and BSSA

Routes: You'll find two-week cruises that include the St. Lawrence — the river that connects, through Canada, the Atlantic to the Great Lakes — but the routes are different between Montreal and New York City. The VC route is more ocean than river; the Eastern Seaboard Explorer itinerary goes from New York through the Cape Cod Canal and along the coasts of Maine and Nova Scotia, then down the St. Lawrence to Quebec City and Montreal (or the other way around). BSSA sails from Manhattan up the Hudson through the Erie Canal to the St. Lawrence and Montreal. SLCL is a Canadian company that travels the river in Canada.

The view: Old Town Montreal's picturesque stone buildings; Quebec City, on its hilltop; some of the 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence — small waterfront communities; Hudson River foliage; or the Cape Cod coast (depending on the itinerary)

Sample excursions: Tour Montreal; visit Montmorency Falls in Quebec City or a castle in Alexandria Bay, New York. The ocean route might include whale watching or excursions to Maine lighthouses; Newport, Rhode Island, mansions; or Nantucket Island.

Onboard entertainment: Musical performances, lectures from historians

Cost: BSSA's two-week Locks, Legends & Canals cruise, for example, is $3,909 and up, not including extras. VC's 13-day cruise is $5,999 and up; port fees are included in the VC cruises.

4. Columbia and Snake Rivers

Cruising months: March to December

Cruise lines: ACL ; AQSC ; UnCruise Adventures ; and Lindblad Expeditions (LE), partnering with National Geographic

Routes: Up to two weeks between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington, along the 1,243-mile Columbia River. AQSC also cruises into and out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Some itineraries include part of the Columbia's largest tributary, the Snake River, and LE cruises through the Hood and Palouse rivers, in addition to the Columbia and Snake.

The view: In the east you'll see the canyon cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge, which is dry and rocky; it grows greener and more lushly forested and mountainous as you cruise westward, with snowcapped Mount Hood in the distance and seaside vistas in Astoria, Oregon.

Sample excursions: A train ride to Mount St. Helens, in Washington; bus trips to wineries and Oregon's Multnomah Falls; a tour of downtown Portland; a visit to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment.

Onboard entertainment: I ncludes concerts, storytelling sessions, and lectures by historians and naturalists

Cost:  Examples include a $3,695 eight-day cruise on ACL, mostly all inclusive; AQSC's seven-day cruise has a base fare of $2,399, plus tips, port fees and other charges. LE's eight-day expedition starts at $4,670.

5. Florida's St. Johns and Tolomato Rivers

Cruising months: November and December

Cruise line: ACL

Route: Eight-day round trip from Amelia Island along the 310-mile St. Johns and Tolomato rivers, on the American Star , which holds a maximum of 100 passengers.

The view: The St. Johns winds into Lake George and the Ocala National Forest, allowing you to see alligators, manatees and bald eagles in their natural habitat; then, along the Tolomato, you'll get a rare glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean, visible over the barrier islands.

Sample excursions: Visits to beaches and the historic homes of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and Green Cove Springs (with its mineral springs and wildlife); a tram ride through St. Augustine

Onboard entertainment: Musicians, lectures by historians and naturalists

Cost: $3,325 and up (nearly all inclusive) for the eight-day Great Rivers of Florida Cruise

More on travel

What It's Like to Take a U.S. River Cruise

5 Unforgettable River Adventures

First-Timer's Guide to U.S. River Cruising

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Best Cruises for Single Seniors in 2024

Overall Rating:

What Are Singles Cruises for Seniors?

If you’re a senior who enjoys solo travel and meeting new people, you might want to book a singles cruise. These adventures can be a great way for older adults to enjoy traveling alone at surprisingly affordable prices. Beyond singles cruises, you can also look into general cruise lines that cater to the older set.

Pro Tip: To learn more about my favorite cruises, read my guide to the best cruises for seniors .

The Advantages of Singles Cruises for Seniors

Singles cruises for seniors offer many benefits, such as discounted room prices, wine tasting, and onboard entertainment –– not to mention plenty of opportunities to meet other singles.

Less planning

Since most singles cruises are all-inclusive, you don’t have to worry about last-minute itinerary planning. Most singles cruises provide a day-by-day itinerary with information on daily activities, events, and excursions. For those who want an adventurous time without having to plan, a cruise is a great option. Personally, planning travel makes me anxious, so I love handing the process over to the professionals.

Meeting new people

A singles cruise is designed to cater to people of all ages who are looking to meet new people. If you’re recently divorced or looking for a new relationship, a singles cruise offers an opportunity to meet others in a similar position. These cruises will often have programs like speed dating and dances to help facilitate interactions. Plus, some cruises cater to singles specifically, giving you a discount or “single supplement.”

Courses and events

Singles cruises offer plenty of great activities, such as wine tastings, chef-prepared meals, dancing, pool parties, concerts, and group exercises. All of this helps make it easier to meet new people.

• Viking Ocean Cruises : Best Overall Value
• Singles Travel International : Made for Singles
• Silversea : Luxurious and All-Inclusive
• Tauck World Discovery : Great Expeditions
• Holland America Line : 35-Day Trips
• Solos Holidays : Social Activities
• Cunard : Great Onboard Entertainment
• Riviera River Cruises : Great for Solo Travelers
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises : Discounts Available

1. Viking Ocean Cruises - Best Overall Value

What we like most:.

• Wide range of trips
• Luxurious suites
• Excellent customer service
• Risk-free guarantee

Cost: $799+ per person

Viking offers river, ocean, and expedition voyages on all seven continents. I could choose from a variety of cruise destinations, including Scandinavia, Northern Europe, Asia, and Australia. As the world’s leading small-ship cruise line, Viking Ocean Cruises has a fleet of new, state-of-the-art ocean ships, ranging from Viking Star to Viking Saturn. Each ocean ship can carry up to 930 adult guests for an intimate experience and longer overnight stays at ports. With so many adults on a boat, it was easy for me to meet people, especially at meal times.

To book a cruise, I simply visited the Viking website and selected the region, departure date, and duration of my stay. If you’re looking to travel to Scandinavia and Northern Europe for a duration of 12 days, you can choose your sail date and include a promo code to get the best deals. You can also select the number of guests and specify the type of stateroom or suite you would like to book.

Viking Ocean Cruises offers a risk-free guarantee for guests, allowing you to change your cruise date up to 14 days before your departure. Viking will also waive any change fees. Other features of this cruise include spacious veranda staterooms and suites. In addition to a variety of destinations, Viking Ocean Cruises offers special savings on both airfare and cruise costs.

FYI: Cruises aren’t the only way to meet that special someone. Consider trying one of the best dating websites for seniors .

2. Singles Travel International - Made for Singles

• Made specifically for singles
• Worldwide destinations
• Meet-and-greets onboard
• Online community

Cost: $7,173 average, but ranges from $2,398 to $14,779

With affordable (comparatively speaking) cruises starting at $2,398 per person, Singles Travel International is a tour agency that offers fun cruise destination trips for single seniors over the age of 50. With several destination options ranging from Antarctica, Africa, and South America, seniors can enjoy a fun solo getaway at affordable prices.

With over 28 years in business, Singles Travel International offers great savings on single supplements, free membership, and fun singles cruise meet-and-greets and cocktail hours. Other benefits include an option to find a travel companion and ongoing promotions and discounts.  For example, when I was booking my trip, I could’ve saved thousands by getting a premium membership. This is a good option if you think you want to take cruises more regularly.

Plus, when I signed up for a free membership, I got a $50 discount on my first vacation and free access to its online community for senior singles over the age of 50.

3. Silversea - Luxurious and All-Inclusive

• Made specifically for seniors
• Generous all-inclusive options
• Onboard spas and fitness centers
• Gourmet dining

Cost: $3,600+ per person

If you’re looking to pamper yourself with a luxury cruise, Silversea provides amazing shore excursions and all-inclusive service covering 900 destinations. Although pricing is on the high side, you can still find plenty of great deals on both airfare and transfers. With Silversea, you can travel and explore new destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Asia, and Alaska –– all while enjoying the views from your luxury oceanview suite.

Booking as a solo traveler, I received a 25 percent single supplement on some voyages, which means a 25 percent discount. Not every cruise line offers this discount, as each room can support two people, typically.

You can choose from all-inclusive cruises or special Silversea Expeditions luxury cruises if you’re looking to travel to remote regions. Some of the benefits of choosing Silversea include complimentary beverages, gourmet dining, shore excursions, and educational lectures on the places you’re visiting. As someone who loves to learn, I found this trip both educational and fun, not to mention delicious.

With Silversea’s all-inclusive offerings, you’ll also enjoy personalized services with butler service for all its suites. Additionally, you’ll have access to a luxurious spa and fitness center, along with a beauty salon and acupuncture services for older adults with arthritis or back pain. It was lovely to have a spa to come home to after a long day exploring!

4. Tauck World Discovery - Great Expeditions

• Extensive guided land tours
• River and ocean cruises
• Fine dining
• Panoramic sun decks

Cost: $3,990+ per person

Looking for a solo getaway? Tauck World Discovery offers solo cruise adventures for older adults. Consider booking a solo trip on one of its European River Cruises, with prices starting at $4,390 per person for eight- to 25-day tours. In addition to river and small-ship cruises, Tauck offers guided land tours in destinations like Africa, Canada, Israel and Jordan, and Latin America.

We recommend solo travelers book one of the European River Cruises. For example, I was interested in the longest, Grand European Cruise, a 25-day cruise that hits Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna, Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Koln. It starts at $13,990. I like this cruise because it will allow me to see nine European countries and stay three nights in Bucharest. Altogether, I am going to see these countries:

• Netherlands

Other features and benefits of booking a cruise through Tauck is that you’ll enjoy unlimited complimentary beverages, fine dining, and amenities such as a fitness center, spa, and sun deck featuring panoramic views of the river. For the European River Cruises, some of the destinations include the Danube, Douro, and Rhone rivers.

5. Holland America Line - 35-Day Trips

• Trips up to 133 days long
• Helpful smartphone app
• Onboard casinos
• Wine tastings

Cost: $499+ per person

With 149 years in business, Holland America Line offers 19 cruise destinations with over 473 ports. If you’re looking for an affordable cruise option, I recommend traveling with Holland America Line. Its Worry-Free Promise program gives guests the chance to change their cruise plans or cancel for any reason up to 30 days before departure if you or a travel party tests positive for COVID-19.

Holland America Line has a fleet of 11 classic ships with destinations and ports in Alaska, Europe, the Panama Canal, Asia, and more. You can choose from seven- to 133-day cruise trips, depending on your destination and travel needs. The longest cruise goes from pole to pole, leaving and departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. If you’re a single senior, you’ll love the amenities the cruise ship offers, such as classical cruise ship music, theatrical shows, concerts, and other live entertainment.

Some of the additional features of this cruise line include spacious suites and staterooms, along with unique dining options and a casino. You can also use its free mobile-friendly app to personalize your cruise experience and browse your planned activities for the day. Depending on the cruise ship you choose, you can also participate in wine tastings and cooking demonstrations.

Did You Know: Before you head for the sea, be sure to have your travel insurance in order.

6. Solos Holidays - Social Activities

• Caters to solo travelers
• Great onboard entertainment
• Spacious rooms
• Ample social activities

Cost: $261+ per person

Solos Holidays caters to solo travelers who enjoy going to exciting destinations while meeting new people. Based in London, this company focuses on “singles holidays” and offers a wide selection of destinations across the globe. Some of the cruise destinations include Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa.

I recommend going on A Taste of the Fjords. I departed from London and spent seven nights in Norway (prices start at $1,420 per person). On the ship, dining and entertainment options were plentiful, and the destinations — Bergen, Flam, and Stavanger —  were beautiful and picturesque. Plus, as a single, it was nice being with a group of eight and a tour leader, as I didn’t feel lonely. This is one of the more affordable cruise options, which is always appreciated.

7. Cunard - Great Onboard Entertainment

• Low starting prices
• Orchestra performances
• Onboard libraries and gyms
• Planetarium shows

Cost: $699+ per person

Cunard provides luxury cruise services across the globe. In fact, in the past, it has had esteemed guests like Elizabeth Taylor and Charlie Chaplain onboard its ships. Depending on the type of vacation and travel experience you’re looking for, you can anticipate spending around $699 per person for an English cruise to up to $2,199 per person for a Caribbean cruise. This is incredibly affordable, as cruises can cost tens of thousands of dollars, which is not in my budget. Here are the prices I saw when I looked in October 2023:

When you book a cruise with Cunard, you’ll enjoy amenities such as afternoon tea, live orchestra performances, and events moderated by prolific speakers. In addition to spacious open decks and Broadway-style shows, seniors will enjoy a packed itinerary of events and activities.

Other features include twice-daily turndown services, concierge services, personal butlers, great dining options, and complimentary room service. Guests can also enjoy group dance classes, planetarium shows, and access to the library and gym facilities.

We recommend choosing one of its seven-day transatlantic cruises onboard its Queen Mary 2. The best part is you’ll have access to live performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company, along with various accommodations to make your stay enjoyable. Cruises start at $849 per person for a Christmas 2023 voyage.

8. Riviera River Cruises - Great for Solo Travelers

• Luxurious amenities
• Niche destinations
• Flexible trips

Cost: $899+ per month

Riviera River Cruises offers several river cruises in Europe and other destinations around the world. Solo travelers can expect to pay around $899 to $5,479 for longer-duration trips.

If you enjoy solo traveling without sharing a room, then we’d recommend the Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg River Cruise for Solo Travelers. This eight-day cruise starts at $2,449 per person and features eight guided tours, a live classical quartet recital, daily meals, and five-star services. For this particular cruise, you’ll embark in Cologne and visit destinations like the Rhine Gorge and the historic Mainz port. Plus, there are departures aimed at solo travelers specifically, which start at $2,749 per person. Unfortunately, there’s no single supplement, but there are also no additional fees; I paid the listed price, which was a welcome departure from other cruise lines and their many hidden fees.

When you choose Riviera River Cruises, you’ll enjoy amenities and features like daily morning and afternoon tea and coffee, along with full daily meals, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the option to extend your cruise. Other benefits include access to an expert cruise director and concierge services to help make for an enjoyable stay.

Pro Tip: To start planning your next trip, be sure to check out my rundown of the best travel destinations for seniors .

9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises - Discounts Available

• Over 450 ports
• Great discounts
• Spacious accommodations
• Tours up to 21 days in length

Cost: $6,074+ per person

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers all-inclusive luxury travel around the world, with over 450 ports of call. Each ship can carry up to 750 guests, with destinations in Africa, Arabia, Alaska, Asia, and the Mediterranean. The average price with the single supplement ranges from $6,074 per person from Cape Town to Rio De Janeiro to as high as $12,562 for an 18-day cruise from Sydney to Singapore.

Not every cruise line offers discounted prices for singles, so although these prices are on the higher side, they’re a good option for singles who want a more luxurious experience and have the funds for it.

Some of the benefits of choosing a cruise from Regent Seven Seas Cruises include all-inclusive fares, free open bars, and unlimited beverages, along with free access to specialty restaurants. You’ll also receive free unlimited internet and up to a 50 percent discount for a reduced single supplement for select suite categories.

Bottom Line

If you’re single and want to meet new people, a cruise can be a great way to step out of your comfort zone. Many cruises cater to solo travelers and single seniors, providing ample opportunities to participate in mixers, galas, and other activities aboard a ship. Many cruise lines will often offer great discounts for those who book one-passenger trips, so be on the lookout for those deals throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. There are many singles cruises for seniors to book throughout the year.

Cruise lines that don’t allow kids include Viking Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and P&O Cruises.

Amie has been writing about senior care products and services for the last decade. She is particularly passionate about new technologies that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Seeing her parents and grandparents age made Amie ask herself, “Would this be good enough for my loved ones?” In her spare time, Amie enjoys outdoor adventures and spontaneous road trips. Learn more about Amie here

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Setting Sail: River Cruises for Seniors In The US & Beyond

From the heart of the Mississippi to the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia, the world’s rivers are as fascinating as the experience they represent. River cruises are an excellent way for travelers to experience a variety of destinations without the hassle of traditional travel.

This unique type of travel offers a perfect blend of relaxation, a sense of indulgence, and adventure, which seniors can sincerely enjoy. From the majestic rivers of the US to the romantic waterways of Europe, let’s set sail on river cruises that are perfect for seniors!

The appeal of river cruises for seniors

River cruises can be a pleasing way for seniors to see the world in comfort and style. Imagine leisurely cruising down a river, watching the beautiful scenery pass by from the coziness of a comfortable cabin. No need to worry about packing and unpacking for each destination; one can relax onboard and enjoy the services. River cruises also allow seniors to socialize with like-minded travelers, creating lasting friendships and memories.

And, of course, the best part? The scenery constantly changes, and you don’t have to pack and unpack whenever you want to visit a new place. Seniors love to relax; nothing is more comforting than a change of scenery and the freshness of open nature!

Some 5 top cruise liners to look out for in 2024!

• Holland America Line
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
• Oceania Cruises

The best river cruises for seniors in the US

If you are looking for some of the best US river cruises for seniors, look no further. We have compiled the top 3 senior river cruises that are enjoyable and mesmerizing.

American Queen Steamboat Company – Mississippi River

The American Queen Steamboat Company is a very popular choice for seniors in the US looking for a classic river cruise experience. Their flagship boat, the American Queen, is widely known for their services across the US. There needs to be a search result or a page where you won’t find the mention of the American Queen.

They offer passengers luxurious accommodations and amenities, along with a variety of shore excursions. On board, seniors can enjoy live music, Broadway-style shows, and a selection of delicious food. In addition, the company offers a range of river tours of Mississippi River itineraries, from New Orleans to Memphis to St. Louis.

Columbia River Cruise – Oregon

If you’re a senior looking for a unique river cruise experience, consider the Columbia River Cruise situated in Oregon. This seven-night river cruise can stream you through the stunning Columbia River Gorge, where you’ll have a chance to see waterfalls, mountains, and maybe even a few vineyards.

The American Empress, another widely admired cruise liner in America, is the ship used for the cruise, which offers a more intimate experience with a capacity of 200+ passengers. Onboard, seniors will get the chance to enjoy regionally inspired cuisine, live music, and engaging agendas that focus on Oregon’s local history and culture.

Hudson River Cruise – New York

The Hudson River is one such destination that everyone admires! The Hudson River Cruise offers a mysterious journey through the heart of New York State. The cruise starts from Albany and ends in New York City, with specific stops along the way in attractive towns like Kingston, Poughkeepsie, and Sleepy Hollow, to name a few.

The American Cruise Lines ships are used for the cruise, and they offer spacious cabins and modern amenities that seniors will love and get comfortable with. On board the cruise lines, seniors will get to enjoy locally sourced cuisine and complimentary cocktails during happy hour.

What is unique about Mississippi River cruises for seniors

Mississippi River cruises offer breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and its surroundings and access to historical and cultural attractions along the riverbanks. Here are the top Mississippi River cruise tours to explore the heartland of America.

American Queen Steamboat Company

As mentioned earlier, the American Queen Steamboat Company offers some of the best Mississippi River cruises for seniors in the US. This can be considered one of the best river cruises for seniors over 60. Their programs range from five to nine nights, and they offer a variety of themes, such as Civil War history, Southern culture, and even live cultural music. The company also provides pre-cruise packages that allow seniors to explore cities like New Orleans and Memphis before embarking on a river cruise adventure.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers several Mississippi River itineraries, with cruises that range from seven to twenty-one nights. Their ships are relevantly smaller and offer a more personal approach to the river cruise experience than some of the other options, with a maximum capacity of under 200 passengers. In addition, the cruise company offers a variation of themed cruises, such as Civil War History to Mark Twain’s America. Seniors will enjoy locally sourced cuisine and nightly performance aboard the cruise ship.

Viking River Cruises

While Viking River Cruises is known for its European river cruises, the company also offers a Mississippi River itinerary. The 15-day journey takes you from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota, with stops in small towns along the way. Onboard, you’ll enjoy Viking’s signature Scandinavian design and cuisine, along with informative lectures and demonstrations.

International river cruises to think about

International river cruises allow seniors to explore new cultures, taste native cuisine, and witness breathtaking landscapes outside their own country! Here are some of the best river cruises to consider if you want to take an international trip!

The Danube River is one of the best European river cruises for seniors. The river offers a variety of landscapes and cultural highlights. A river cruise along the Danube is an excellent way to experience the best of the region, starting from the medieval towns of Germany to the exquisite architecture of Budapest. Passengers on board the cruises can enjoy stunning views of historic cities, old-fashioned towns, and charming landscapes as they float along the river.

Vietnam and Cambodia

The Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia is the most popular preference for river cruises in Asia. Vietnam is already famous for river cruises. In Hạ Long Bay, international tourists are known to the flock just because of the sightseeing alone. The river is home to numerous floating markets, rural villages, and ancient temples, with hilly and breathtaking landscapes providing a unique cultural experience for seniors.

South America

In South America, the Amazon River is a bucket-list destination for everyone, including seniors. The snaky river is a glorious mystery that everyone wants to explore. A river cruise in the Amazon offers a unique chance to explore the rain forest and see exotic wildlife like various breeds of monkeys and flamboyant birds. The river is also home to many indigenous communities, offering a glimpse into their traditional way of life.

Cruising the Nile River is a perfect vacation option for seniors who love history and culture and have a sense of adventure. The Nile Cruise in Egypt is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. Nile River cruises offer a relaxed and calming way to explore the ancient wonders of Egypt. On a Nile River cruise, seniors can visit the famous temples of Luxor and Karnak, see the Valley of the Kings, and experience the busy markets of Cairo.

A Yangtze River Cruise is an excellent option for seniors who want to explore the majestic kingdom of China in comfort and style. The river cruise takes you through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, including the Three Gorges, and is known to make stops at fascinating cultural and historical sites like the ancient city of Fengdu and the Shibaozhai Pagoda.

River cruises for seniors with limited mobility

River cruises for seniors with limited mobility have become more popular in recent years as cruise lines have tried to accommodate those with physical disabilities. Many river cruise ships are equipped with accessible cabins, elevators, and wheelchair ramps, making it easier for seniors with limited mobility to navigate the boat.

Additionally, some river cruises offer special excursions and tours designed for those with mobility issues. Here is what you need to look out for:

• Medical facilities
• Mobility assistance
• Accessible accommodations
• Amenities catered to seniors with mobility trouble
• Customized itinerary

Here are some helpful articles to get you sailing!

• Vacation ideas for seniors with mobility issues
• Top 17 Travel Tips for Seniors

Tips for choosing the perfect river cruise

Choosing the perfect river cruise can be overwhelming, but consider these tips because they will help you narrow down your options:

• Determine your budget and length of trip
• Consider the destinations and activities offered
• Look into the amenities and services provided by the cruise line
• Check reviews from previous passengers
• Research the accessibility and accommodations for seniors with limited mobility
• Consider the time of year and weather conditions
• Compare multiple cruise lines before making a final decision.

Read the following articles you may find helpful for your next vacation planning! 

• Vacation for seniors in Summer
• All-inclusive resorts for seniors

Final thoughts

River cruises offer a unique and unforgettable perspective to see the world, with stunning views, luxurious services, and the opportunity to learn and explore new destinations and cultures. And for seniors, river cruises are the seamless choice, offering a safe, comfortable, and relaxed way to travel by water while enjoying the scenery.

So why not plan your next adventure soon, because summer is near, and experience the wonder and beauty of a river cruise for yourself and your loved one?

Are riverboat cruises for old people?

Riverboat cruises are not just for adults but are a popular choice for seniors because they offer a comfortable, relaxing way to see different parts of the world.

Why are cruises so popular with elderly people?

Cruises are popular with older adults because they offer a way to travel without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking and a chance to socialize with other travelers and participate in activities and entertainment onboard.

Are cruises only suitable for older people?

No, cruises are suitable for people of all ages. Many cruise lines offer activities and entertainment for families, young adults, and even solo travelers.

Are cruises safe for elderly people?

Yes, cruises are generally safe for seniors as long as they take necessary precautions and inform the cruise staff of any mobility or medical issues. 

What does it cost for the least expensive cruises?

The cost of the least expensive cruises can vary depending on the destination, length of the trip, and the cruise line. However, some budget-friendly options can range from around $100 to $200 per person daily, depending on the services.

Shadman has been working in the senior care industry for 2 years as a content marketer & editor. Has worked in multiple industries like real estate, travel, fashion-footwear, precious metals trading & more. With almost 8 years of writing and marketing expertise, he aims to develop fresh approaches to assist seniors in an effective and impactful manner. In his spare time, Shadman enjoys writing, painting & photography.

Top 10 Senior Activity Ideas for Summer 2024

Fashion for seniors: how to turn heads in 2024, related posts, new adventures await: best tour companies for seniors..., the ultimate list of all-inclusive resorts for seniors..., vacation for seniors: what to do this summer, the best vacation for seniors with limited mobility, hiking for seniors: everything you need to know, top 17 senior travel tips, how to choose senior-friendly travel destinations.

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Welcome to dos 2 go, representing myrtle beach attractions, theatres & dining.

Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre

70 ft. authentic wooden riverboat featuring two heated/cooled interior decks and three outdoor deck spaces to enjoy fresh air. 

We offer Scenic Lunch Cruises, Dinner Cruises, Special Events and Private Charters to make the perfect outing!

There is something for everyone! Join us on the beautiful Marshwalk for a cruise on the Inlet or a fun filled day on the Pirate Adventure!

 Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre   

the best and newest LIVE entertainment venue on the Grand Strand! “Music and Memories” has a concert feel with unmatched talent including 4 singers and a live band. They will not only entertain you with an incredible selection of songs and comedy but also with personal stories of love, life, and music. 

Divine Dining Group

  Divine Dining Group offers quality food and dedicated service that combine in a creative and relaxed atmosphere resulting in a magical experience that will last a lifetime! Restaurants include Bubba's Fish Camp, Bubba's Fish Shack, River City Cafe, Pawley's Raw Bar, Nacho Hippo and Ultimate California Pizza Kitchen! With over 16 locations we have the perfect spot for any group!  

Brookgreen Gardens is one of the few institutions in the United States to earn accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark and being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Idaho Falls news, Rexburg news, Pocatello news, East Idaho news, Idaho news, education news, crime news, good news, business news, entertainment news, Feel Good Friday and more.

Local man dies after falling into river in Madison County 

Andrea Olson, EastIdahoNews.com

REXBURG — A man died after falling into the Snake River in Madison County Thursday. 

Bonneville County Coroner Rick Taylor identified the man as Kelly Cheney, 70. It’s unclear where he lived but Taylor told EastIdahoNews.com he was from the eastern Idaho area. He died from drowning, Taylor added.

The incident happened at 2 p.m. Madison County dispatch received calls regarding an individual who had fallen into the Snake River west of the Twin Bridges Campground, a news release from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said. 

Multiple agencies responded to the area to attempt a water rescue.

At 2:40 p.m., marine deputies found Cheney in the river about one mile west of the campground.

Life-saving measures were taken and Cheney was transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center by ambulance. 

He died at the hospital as a result of the incident. 

Detectives believe he accidentally fell into the water while fishing, the release said. 

SUBMIT A CORRECTION

keep calm and finish your thesis

Strategies to maintain focus while writing your dissertation.

By  Danielle Marias

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Danielle Marias is a Ph.D. candidate in Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University. You can find her on Twitter @danielleemarias or at her website .

With the majority of my data collection completed, I elected to take a dissertation writing course in the OSU writing program with Dr. Vicki Tolar Burton . Initially, I thought this would be a good strategy for setting aside chunks of time to devote to writing my dissertation. The course did provide a protected block of time to write, but it did even more for me, my writing, and my productivity: it taught me strategies to maintain focus.

Today, the internet and Google and social media are flashier and more distracting than ever before. Our professional and personal lives are strewn with interruptions as smart phones enable us to take our distractions with us wherever we go. This makes it incredibly challenging to maintain enough focus to write a book-length dissertation.

The strategies I learned in this class are invaluable and I felt compelled to share them with fellow grad students who also may feel overwhelmed by the daunting task of writing a thesis or dissertation. To this day, I still use many of these tips, which have served me well for the entirety of my dissertation. By the end of the one-month course, I completed a solid draft of my first chapter (my most difficult chapter, to get the ball rolling!). I am tremendously grateful for Vicki’s wisdom and support and I attribute much of my writing success to her. Here a few of my favorite tips from her class:

1. Freewriting for 15 minutes per day . Prior to the class, we read “Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day: A Guide to Starting, Revising, and Finishing Your Doctoral Thesis” by Joan Bolker . Although I quickly learned that only writing 15 minutes a day is insufficient for completing a dissertation, it was a great way to get my thoughts flowing and written down by hand on paper (not typing on a computer full of distractions). Freewriting was great because I was encouraged not to worry about grammar, word usage, or even quality, which often interrupt writing. I prefer revising over writing a rough draft so the only way to do that was to have something, anything, down on paper first. By writing down any thought or idea about the manuscript, including worries and insecurities, I was able to craft a more comprehensive final draft while also calming my mind.

2. “Only writing produces text.” This was the mantra of our class. The dissertation is full of words and I learned that writing does not magically happen—I had to make it happen and put the words down on paper. Prior to the class, I had procrastinated on even starting to write because of my own insecurities including worrying about the strength of my project, getting it published, completing a Ph.D., etc. However, writing was therapeutic.

3. Meditation . We ended each class meeting with 5 minutes of meditation to help us prepare for and focus on our writing tasks that followed. This was a great way to clear my head and let go of the rest of the day and just focus on my main priority—writing. I echo several GradHackers who have shared the benefits of meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction in grad school.

4. Intentions journal . After meditating, we wrote down specific intentions and goals to visualize what we were going to accomplish that day. Similar to making checklists , which I enjoy, this exercise helped me to feel organized and motivated to check off that goal on my list of intentions for the day.

5. Identifying our most productive times of day for writing using heat mapping . This enabled me to make the most of the day by doing tasks that matched my workflow. I learned that I write best in the mornings when my mind is clear. I would write in the mornings and do tasks that required less of my focus and brain power in the afternoons, such as formatting or catching up on emails (rather than starting my day by checking email, which I used to do).

6. Write first . It is easy to procrastinate on writing and do menial tasks instead, such as checking email or social media, or cleaning the house or reading the news. I would “reward” myself with these distracting indulgences after I completed my writing for the day.

7. Email & Smartphone . As mentioned above, I refrained from checking emails and turned off my smartphone until the afternoon after I had completed my writing for the day. I realized that the world will go on even if I don’t respond to an email until the afternoon.

8. Scheduling meetings in the afternoon . Again, I protected my mornings, my most productive times of the day, and scheduled meetings in the afternoons.

9. “Park on a downhill slope .” This comes from Joan Bolker’s book that was mentioned above. I learned that much of our time is spent re-focusing on what we did the previous day and remembering where we left off. This can be distracting and make it difficult to jump back in. Therefore, before ending a work session, I’d write down specifically what I needed to do next so I could easily pick up where I left off when I returned to it. No energy was used up to remember what I needed to do next.

10. Gain momentum . I found that focusing the majority of my efforts on writing my first chapter was a great way to gain momentum for constantly thinking about my project and my writing as it evolved and came together. Proving to myself that I could produce good writing by prioritizing my ability to maintain focus, I was able to apply that confidence and those strategies to writing the rest of my dissertation.

Congratulations to those of you who have reached the writing stage. What strategies do you use or have you used to maintain focus and accomplish your writing goals?

[Image by Flickr user UnknownNet Photography and used under the Creative Commons license.]

Harris Has Championed Loan Forgiveness, For-Profit Crackdowns and Free College

She could become the first HBCU graduate in the Oval Office—and would likely build on the Biden administration’s ambi

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5 Productivity Practices That Helped Me Finish My Dissertation

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Keep calm and write: 5 tips for SAE students who struggle with their thesis

What do students fear the most before graduation? Is it the lack of experience, a critical feedback or challenging assignments? My experience as a SAE teacher tells me, that it is the thesis – a dissertation on a chosen subject in which one has done research and which is presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree. Writing a thesis can become a nightmare, unless you follow a bunch of practical tips that can help you to structure the process of putting it together. After all, the thesis is a really good thing! It will teach you how to plan, execute and present your projects to a wider audience.

Text and image by Joanna Wroblewska

As a student, I was an excellent writer. Realistic thinking and reasonable planning helped me to accomplish on time not only my Master’s, but also the PhD thesis. Later on, I had an opportunity to support a number of students in their creative journey with writing. Being a candidate for a diploma might be very stressful and there is always a bit of pressure created by deadlines. For some students, it is an overwhelming feeling that blocks them and does not allow them to graduate on time. Following a couple of extremely simple tips can help you to deal with stress and write your dissertation calmly and mindfully. Just take a deep breath in and read carefully!

Make a choice Making choices is not an easy thing. Many times, I saw students struggling with picking a theme for their thesis. Most likely, you are interested in many different aspects of the subject that you study and have a thousand ideas on which you could write. If you feel like you could cover all those topics, you will probably end up struggling with this first basic step. Making a decision always means saying “no” to many things, while you say “yes” to a minority.

Never concentrate on things that are boring to you, try to make writing exciting and fun. Treat it as an adventure and learn from it! My suggestion would be to make a list of general areas of expertise that excite you. Then pick one of them and write down three themes that you could cover: Do you find these topics interesting enough? Do these ideas have the right potential for a thesis? Is there a relevant information available both offline and online about the chosen themes? Make notes and ask your SAE advisors for feedback. They will be happy to help you with picking the right theme.

Plan ahead As you probably realize, writing your thesis will take time. It won’t be possible to finish it within one day, one week or even one month. Take a moment to sit down calmly and make a plan. Ask yourself a bunch of questions, like: What resources do I need to access to write my thesis? Am I going to interview people or make surveys? How much time do I need to analyze the research results? You can write a general plan using the Inverse Engineering Method* – it will give you a bigger picture regarding how much time it will take you to write the thesis. Remember, that you always set the plan for yourself and that it is flexible. Do not hesitate to modify it according to your needs.

Set milestones While planning, it is good to set the milestones – the main steps in your project. A milestone could be, for instance, interviewing five professionals or closing a chapter. This kind of framework will help you to create a structure for your research project and make you feel both confident and safe. Moreover, achieving each milestone will make you feel very, very well.

Be realistic Planning activities around your project and setting milestones should be realistic. We often tend to be to optimistic about how it will all go. Leave yourself some space to do other things and rest. By all means, do not plan important activities for the last moment. What we want here is not getting into negative thinking like “I will never finish on time”, but rather a pragmatic analysis of what can happen on the way and what kind of difficulties could slow down the process of writing.

Have a plan B Having a good plan B will help you to deal with diverse problems on the way. You might think that it is a bit exaggerated, but imagine that you have a date set for interviewing somebody, who unfortunately gets sick. You will need to plan a new meeting, but of course it takes time. Do you have enough time to make a new appointment? Will you have another week to run a survey, if the first one will not turn out to be good? Predict what could happen and search for simple, realistic solutions to problems that you can potentially face while doing research and writing your thesis.

Finally, always remember that SAE supports you in accomplishing all sorts of projects, including the complex process of writing a thesis. If you feel lost, ask for advice! Managers, advisors and teachers will help you with avoiding common mistakes and dealing with difficulties, so do not give up, keep calm and write!

* You start out the planning with the finished product and go backwards, retracing the method to find out how to accomplish it.

Learn more: Doing, Doing, Done! – Finishing that Big Project Why Strategic Planning Is So Hard for Creative People 10 Essential Tips To Finish What You Start

15 Comments

good information shared about Keep calm 5 tips for SAE students who struggle with their thesis

Yo have done a great job, these are very useful tips for me. thanks for sharing

I second you sasha!

The article had many great points! Thank you! For anybody who is also doing his/her master thesis. I used https://www.reponeric.com and got excellent results.

Nice post. Thanks for sharing your good ideas. I appreciate you for your hard work.

I only have very vague topics and almost a hundred articles to read. This is the first time I’ve introduced the contents of the magazine and the magazine itself. In addition, I have previously served on the Defense Committee and convinced them that it is OK. Original contribution of my research. Keep sharing this type of amazing articles! Great Job

Very useful tips for SAE students who struggle with their thesis writing. Thanks. – https://www.cvfolks.co.uk/

This is a great piece of news. It has made life easier for all students.

I often visit this website and every time found good and useful content. I am also enjoying reading this post. Keep sharing. Alex,

Great suggestions for students I’ve enrolled in the MS program so this information about the thesis is beneficial for me thanks for sharing with me…

Nice This article is really contains lot more information about This Topic. We have read your all the information blogs thanks

On the off chance that you feel that substance depends on an assortment of online journals, Tweets, and pages that works related to an organizations’ objectives, you’re correct; however just somewhat. While social effort, marking, and quality substance are significant components of substance the board, when it’s all said and done, there’s substantially more to it.

Thanks for telling me that making writing exciting and fun can make it easier for a beginner like me. We’re required to write a thesis for our degree program and since I’ve never done it before, I’m afraid that I might get a failing grade for this subject. It might be a good idea to look for some coaching programs that I might find useful for the next semester.

As a PhD student I feel difficult to complete my thesis paper. The post you shared here is very useful and informative.

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3 tips for managing thesis writing stress

9 August 2019

Writing your thesis can be a stressful experience. Here, Dr Sonia Greenidge from UCL's Student Psychological and Counselling Services gives you her top tips to manage this stress.

The process of writing your thesis is a long one and the stress that can build up over this period of time can lead to writer's block and worryingly long periods of unproductiveness. Here are my top three tips to help you lower your stress levels allowing you to progress with your thesis.

Break it down

Rather than thinking that you have to dedicate lengthy periods each day to writing up, a helpful method to manage the stress of thesis writing is to break the day into small bite-sized pieces. Even if you dedicate a whole day to your write up, this should still be broken down into bite-sized periods.

Make sure that alongside your work times you also schedule in some break times. For example, work for 45 minutes and then break for 15 minutes, continue this until breaking for lunch for an hour then continue the 45-minute work and 15-minute break routine.

Be specific

Assign a specific task to do for each study period. Having a clear idea of what you are doing can alleviate the ‘so much to do, how am I going to do it?!’ stress. For example, plan to specifically ‘finish discussion paragraph on self-reflection’ not generally ‘write some more of the discussion’.

Assigning specific things to do in your break times can also help manage the stress that comes from feeling you have so much to do and so little time to do it all. Have a break for checking emails, a break for making calls, a break for making lunch etc. This way you still get all your 'life admin' done alongside getting that all important thesis written up!

Free writing

Experiencing writer’s block and feeling that you are not progressing as you would like to can be a huge trigger for stress. With free writing, you write whatever comes to mind on a topic without stopping to censor or make corrections.

Do this for a while until you feel yourself in the flow and then…keep going! You will probably have a lot of useful material from your free writing time that you can go back and tidy up later.

Dr Sonia Greenidge, UCL Student Psychological and Counselling Services (SPCS)

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How To Keep Calm And Finish Your Dissertation On Time

It would be surprising to see ‘calm’ and ‘dissertation’ coming together in the title here since the two are often looked at as oxymoron’s that would never go hand in hand.

We at Tutors India know that writing a dissertation is usually the final hurdle for students who’ve completed their academic study. Although the coursework that a student takes up is supposed to help you through your thesis, it hardly is the reality.

The hurdles in producing a good dissertation are usually seen in the following areas of writing one.

One of the most frequently problems is the commencement of the dissertation writing . Deciding on a particular research is more often looked at with such inhibition. After several scrutinizing, students begin their research. The delay in getting started is reflected in writing the paper. The students tend to fear that their task will not be finished on time and they will not be able to meet the deadlines. The fear that students experience at the very start of doing a dissertation is not easy to brush off throughout the research. It would affect the decisions you take about the area of research, topic, methodology , so on and so forth.

Suitable Thesis Statement

It is important to give the right thesis statement which takes across the purpose of the thesis. A thesis statement is what matters most because on a superficial level, whoever looks at your research, they’d look at the thesis statement first. It is of utmost importance that the idea behind the research is conveyed right, using the appropriate words. Formulating the right thesis statement is not an utterly difficult task but the mere pressure that it is to be perfect weighs upon the minds of the students who try to put it in words. The most important aspect to be considered is to narrow down the research question in a way that it becomes easier to defend the argument. For example, some students would write ‘Problems faced by women in the novel’ which could be reconstructed as ‘Exploring gender issues in the novel’

Formulating A Pertinent Literature Review

A proper literature review ought to furnish a complete analysis of data and materials that were collected and used to compile or perform the research.

It may discuss theories and published data and provide historical assessment and current views relating to the research problem . It is quite a long section enumerating every other data that helped you construct your research. A common mistake that most students do is that they tend to put forth their argument or opinions while explaining what resources they’ve used, which averts the student from showcasing their analytical skills. This is to be avoided since this section is meant to have mere documentation of data collected, information drawn from that data and details of the same. Remember that the literature review gives you a chance to provide evidence to support your arguments, and also to validate your expertise on the research problem. Also, it is obligatory to provide credentials for all material you use in this section.

Collecting Data

Yet another prominent issue faced by research students is finding pertinent materials that support your argument or finding. Both primary and secondary sources matter in this regard. If it is a research based on experimentation or if it is based on a survey, you could make use of questionnaires, phone interviews, focus groups, online surveys, census results, etc . which does require a lot of determination, capital and time. When it is an experimental research, it is important to make sure that the right size of sample is chosen. If it is a literary research that you’re conducting, you should make sure you choose a literary piece of work that you are familiar with or one that you like. Secondary data in a survey-based research involves statistical data from another source, such as census reports, communication agencies’ reports, governmental organizations’ records, etc. On the other hand, in a literary research, it is important to choose books or web resources that substantiate the primary source that you’ve picked and the idea that you’re trying to convey using that primary source. Nothing is more disheartening that realizing that you do not have the relevant data to support your arguments after reaching the methodology section. While a researcher reaches the methodology section, he/she should have clear data that could be used for research. To avoid insufficiency of data, ensure that all the data you plan to use is available from the secondary sources. If you plan on collecting data, take time to formulate the right questionnaire and sample size and to conduct your search.

Improper Planning

Universities assign a long period of time to the students to finish their dissertation and students think likewise but eventually they fail to submit their paper in due time. However, time passes quickly, and you might experience some unexpected delays from your supervisors. You must submit a research proposal for your supervisors to approve before they allow you to begin writing. You will also submit your first draft and other subsequent outlines to your supervisors, who may request some changes before allowing you to proceed. It is imperative to come up with a timeline that estimates the length of each task and to include these inevitable delays in your plan. Include start and completion dates for each task in your diary and revise them regularly to accommodate any delays.

Usage Of Language

Students need to incorporate a language that fits the best and suits the best understanding of the audience. Since language is readily available to young minds through their tech-gadgets, there is so much exposure to slang and colloquialisms that tend to reflect on your thesis. This should be consciously to avoid if one aims to create a scholarly thesis that deems recognition in the academic circle.

Time Management

Maintaining a balance between the write up and other assignment deadlines can be a little daunting task for the students. Unavoidable delays take place while gaining access to research participants and organizations. When you move towards writing a dissertation, the biggest constraint that comes in the way is the time that limits your work. As an offshoot of this, students tend to compromise on the quality of their work and the mandatory standards of writing a thesis is being sacrificed unconsciously.

These above-mentioned problems are often daunting to students doing their research in any field. We at Tutors India make sure the difficulties are read, understood, empathized with, rectified, guided and processed in such a manner that you finish your thesis in no time the way you wanted it to be written at nominal rates that you could afford. Also, we consider your corrections and clarifications even before we produce the desired dissertation within the stipulated time that you give us.

Links, References, Related Posts

– How Do You Choose Scopeful & Best PhD Dissertation Topics For Your Subject?

– How to Select a Dissertation Topic: Six Invaluable Suggestions

– Top Tips to assist you in Making Best Dissertation Topic

– How To Select A Dissertation Topic For Your Doctoral Degree?

– How to write your dissertation introduction by Tutors India

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5 Tips on How to Finish your PhD Thesis in 8 Weeks

For many PhD students, the journey to complete their thesis can feel like running a never-ending marathon. Fortunately, with the right strategies and motivation, you can tackle the task of finishing your thesis in less than 8 weeks. In this blog post, we’ll give you 5 tips that will help you power through to the finish line. So lace up and get ready—your PhD is almost complete!

1. Establishing a Time Management Plan

For successful completion of a thesis, it is essential to establish a structured and efficient time management plan. Start by creating a timeline that is tailored to the topic being researched and goals that need to be met by the end of the eight-week period. Identify the tasks and steps that are needed to be completed including data collection, analysis, forming arguments, outlining main ideas, writing drafts and proofreading and make sure they fit logically in the timeline so you can refer back to it while completing the work.

Organize your workspace to help you stay on task. Small organizational tools like sticky notes or index cards can help quickly direct tasks when needed. Working with limited time also requires perseverance; stay focused on short-term goals rather than overwhelm yourself with long-term ones. Lastly, consider limiting distractions such as checking emails or messages or frequent social media breaks during your focus period; create designated off time for these activities which will help you allocate a more realistic amount of time for research and writing.

2. Utilizing Available Resources

A doctoral thesis can often seem like a mammoth task that is impossible to finish in 8 weeks or less. However, with careful planning, use of available resources and discipline, it is possible to complete an impressive thesis in a short period of time. In order to achieve this goal, here are five valuable tips:

• Take advantage of all the available resources: Many universities offer resources such as dedicated staff from the academic writing team and library services that can help reduce the amount of work you need to do. Make sure you’re taking advantage of what’s there so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
• Utilize online research platforms: Technology has made researching much easier and faster than ever before. Utilizing online research tools such as Google Scholar , Academic Search Engine Optimizer (SEO) and others will allow you to quickly find quality sources for your paper without spending time in libraries or digging through bookshelves for knowledge.
• Create a timeline: You’ll need an organized plan in order to write an effective dissertation in 8 weeks or less. Creating a timeline will help break up the work into manageable chunks that won’t overwhelm you and will make sure you stay on track throughout the writing process
• Stay organized with folders: Keeping folders for each section of your dissertation will help manage your content so it is easier for you to focus on writing when needed instead of rummaging through documents trying to locate something specific during key moments when time is precious

3. Developing a Writing Schedule

Developing a writing schedule is one of the most important things you can do when attempting to finish your PhD thesis in a short amount of time. This schedule should include all the components of writing and revision, from researching to creating an outline, drafting to editing. It should also account for activities like taking breaks and going for short walks or getting enough sleep.

Creating a well-defined timeline gives you something tangible that you can set goals around and helps ensure that your workflow is consistent, focused and maintained throughout your allotted time frame. Generally speaking, it’s wise to plan out how many hours per day you will devote to the process and how long each task will take. For example, if research takes two hours, drafting takes three hours and editing takes one hour, block out six hours in your schedule.

It helps if you find an accountability partner who can help keep you consistent in completing these tasks. Communication with your mentor/supervisor can also ensure that you’re staying on track. Creating deadlines and clear objectives for every task helps you stay focused until completion, thus staying ahead of schedule with your dissertation writing services .

Keep in mind that any unforeseen changes in your work can affect this timeline; plan extra time into each part of the process for unexpected setbacks or distractions. Additionally, give yourself permission to adjust tasks as needed when necessary — this could include taking breaks or revisiting topics that you did not fully understand previously — so that your progress stays on track as best it can.

4. Eliminating Distractions

First, set aside an uninterrupted period of time where you will only be working on your thesis and nothing else. Make sure that your study space is distraction-free and comfortable. If you feel too comfortable, like in bed or on the sofa, do not work there since working in those environments may tempt you to take naps instead of staying productive. Establish a strict routine where you set limits over Internet use, TV viewing and other activities that can easily distract you from concentrating on your work. Give yourself regular breaks and reward yourself after completing tasks or chapters. Create a timeline and plan when tasks need to be completed so that you don’t fall behind schedule. You can also seek help from writing professionals if you feel overwhelmed at any point in the process.

5. Completing the Final Touches

Once you have finished the bulk of your PhD thesis writing, there are several fine-tuning aspects that need to be considered in order to make sure that your paper is a polished and professional piece of work. This can often be the most time-consuming part of the process, but it is essential for submitting a high-quality document for examination. Here are five tips that may help you make those final touches:

• Proofread thoroughly: Make sure to check for grammar, spelling, punctuation and typos; consistently run spell checks and proofread multiple times. If possible, ask someone else to review your document as well.
• Neaten up the formatting: Pay attention to layout and make sure all pages are consistent with regard to font type, margin size and structure of headings/subheadings; include page numbers as well as references at the end of each section or chapter.
• Consider adding figures/diagrams: Review your text again; if appropriate – visuals (e.g. diagrams) can often assist in explaining complicated topics/concepts more succinctly than written text alone – though ensure accuracy where appropriate in any accompanying text as sometimes images take readers away from the main message being relayed.
• Update your existing bibliography: Add new sources gathered during data analysis or from other recent research (if applicable) – be precise with any references added; include full source details without fail so that readers can find information easily if desired; it may help to use a referencing software like EndNote or Zotero in order to save time when updating your bibliography entries quickly.
• Check file format specifications: It is essential that any specified format across all sections of your thesis adheres meticulously – these might include saving all pages on A4 paper size using appropriate margins (eg 12 pt Times New Roman); save documents correctly (.docx or .pdf) when sending files electronically; request advice on hard copy submission methods too if required – eg providing a printed copy versus binding specifics etc).

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How to Keep calm and finish your dissertation on Time.pdf

It would be surprising to see ‘calm’ and ‘dissertation’ coming together in the title here since the two are often looked at as oxymorons that would never go hand in hand. We at Tutors India know that writing a dissertation is usually the final hurdle for students who’ve completed their academic study. Although the coursework that a student takes up is supposed to help you through your thesis, it hardly is the reality.

Related Papers

E. Alana James, EdD

http://www.sagepub.com/vip/james/ Writing Your Doctoral Dissertation or Thesis Faster: A Proven Map to Success E.Alana James Tracesea H. Slater Publishing November 2013 Praise for this book: "It is extremely readable and candid. As a faculty [member], I want students to know the 'real deal'. The approach offered in this book provides one that is holistic realizing that our students are people with lives that influence the dissertation process. The Tracesea sections came at the right time when I was going to ask the very same question. Multiple voices of student and faculty add a wonderful dynamic. Love the use of PowerPoint slides, which would help me tremendously in my dissertation seminar." -Gretchen McAllister, Northern Arizona University "...The organization is well done. It would allow a student to go through the process with their hand being held...in a sense." -Wesley T. Church II, University of Alabama "I really like the detail, experiences, ...

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An author with a new doctorate shares lessons learned about writing a dissertation. Lessons include (1) there are few sources to guide one on how to write a dissertation; (2) it is easier to critique research than to create research; (3) dissertation writing is an evolutionary communication process; (4) criticism is good; (5) dissertation writing produces a product; (6) hypotheses rule and methods matter most; and (7) less is more. Additionally, the author asserts that (8) writing for dissertation is an apprenticeship experience that prepares one for writing for publication.

instituteonteachingandmentoring.org

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Mfon Nwabuoku

Of the many graduate students that start their doctoral journey, only half of them successfully complete their degree. For a majority of those who do not, not completing the dissertation process accounts for why they never graduated. This article explores the factors that contribute to successfully completing a dissertation using one graduate student's doctoral experience.

Contours & Nuances of Research & Research Methodology

Dr. Ajay S A H E B R A O Deshmukh

Present paper is a writeup that deals with the easy methods, tips and techniques of preparing oneself for writing a dissertation. it is in a conversational style that imparts information regarding journey of writing a dissertation.

Pradnya Tated

it refers to te thesis introduction

aklilu tesfaye

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Dissertating Like a Distance Runner: Ten Tips for Finishing Your PhD

The above photo is of Sir Mo Farah running past Buckingham Palace into the home stretch of the London Marathon. I took the photo two days after my viva, in which I defended my PhD dissertation. Farah become a British hero when he and his training partner, Galen Rupp, won the gold and silver medals in the 10k at the London Olympic Games.

I had the honor of racing against Rupp at Nike’s Boarder Clash meet between the fastest high school distance runners in my home state of Washington and Rupp’s home state of Oregon. I’m happy to provide a link to the results and photos of our teenage selves since I beat Galen and Washington won the meet. (Note: In the results, ‘Owen’ is misspelled with the commonly added s , which I, as a fan of Jesse Owens, feel is an honor.) By the time we were running in college—Rupp for the University of Oregon and myself for the University of Washington—he was on an entirely different level. I never achieved anything close to the kind of running success Rupp has had. Yet, for most of us mortals, the real value in athletics is the character traits and principles that sports instill in us, and how those principles carry over to other aspects of life. Here I want to share ten principles that the sport of distance running teaches, which I found to be quite transferrable to writing my doctoral dissertation.

To provide some personal context, I began as a doctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham in 2014. At that time my grandparents, who helped my single father raise my sister and me, continued their ongoing struggle with my Grandfather’s Alzheimer’s. It was becoming increasingly apparent that they would benefit from having my wife and I nearby. So, in 2015 we moved to my hometown of Yakima, Washington. That fall I began a 2/2 teaching load at a small university on the Yakama Nation Reservation as I continued to write my dissertation. Since finishing my PhD four years ago, in 2018, I have published one book , five research articles , and two edited volume chapters related in various ways to my dissertation. As someone living in rural Eastern Washington, who is a first-gen college grad, I had to find ways to stay self-motivated and to keep chipping away at my academic work. I found the following principles that I learned through distance running very helpful.

(1) Establish community . There are various explanations, some of which border on superstitious, for why Kenyan distance runners have been so dominant. Yet one factor is certainly the running community great Kenyan distance runners benefit from at their elite training camps, as discussed in Train Hard, Win Easy: The Kenyan Way . Having a community that values distance running can compel each member of the community to pursue athletic excellence over a long period of time. The same can be said for academic work. Many doctoral researchers have built-in community in their university departments, but for various reasons this is not true for everyone. Thankfully, alternative ways to establish community have never been easier, predominantly due to technology.

Since my dissertation applied Aristotelian causation and neo-Thomistic hylomorphism to mental causation and neural correlates of consciousness, I found it immensely helpful to meet consistently with neuroscientist, Christof Koch, and philosopher of mind, Mihretu Guta. Mihretu does work on the philosophy of consciousness and Christof propelled the dawn of the neurobiology of consciousness with Francis Crick . Though Mihretu lives in Southern California, we met monthly through Skype, and I would drive over the Cascade Mountains once a month to meet with Christof in Seattle. As my dissertation examiner, Anna Marmodoro, once reminded me: the world is small—it’s easier than ever before to connect with other researchers.

It can also be helpful to keep in mind that your community can be large or small. As some athletes train in large camps consisting of many runners, others have small training groups, such as the three Ingebrigtsen brothers . Likewise, your community could be a whole philosophy department or several close friends. You can also mix it up. As an introvert, I enjoyed my relatively small consistent community, but I also benefitted from attending annual regional philosophy conferences where I could see the same folks each year. And I especially enjoyed developing relationships with other international researchers interested in Aristotelian philosophy of mind at a summer school hosted by the University of Oxford in Naples, which Marmodoro directed. For a brief period, we all stayed in a small villa and talked about hylomorphism all day, each day, while enjoying delicious Italian food.

Whatever your community looks like, whatever shape it takes, what matters is that you’re encouraged toward accomplishing your academic goal.

(2) Know your goal. Like writing a dissertation, becoming a good distance runner requires a lot of tedious and monotonous work. If you don’t have a clear goal of what you want to achieve, you won’t get up early, lace up your running shoes, and enter the frosty morning air as you take the first of many steps in your morning run. There are, after all, more enticing and perhaps even more pressing things to do. Similarly, if you don’t have a clear goal of when you want to finish your dissertation, it is easy to put off your daily writing for another day, which can easily become more distant into the future.

(3) Be realistic about your goal . While it is important to have a clear goal as a distance runner and as a doctoral researcher, it is important for your goal to be realistic. This means your goal should take into account the fact that you are human and therefore have both particular strengths and limitations. Everyone enters the sport of distance running with different strengths and weaknesses. When Diddy ran the city it would have been unrealistic for him to try to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, as Eliud Kipchoge did . If Diddy made that his goal, he probably would have lost all hope in the first mile of the marathon and never finished. Because he set a more realistic goal of breaking four hours, not two hours, he paced himself accordingly and actually finished.

The parent of two young children who is teaching part-time can certainly finish a dissertation. But the parent will have a greater likelihood of doing so with a reasonable goal that fits that individual’s strengths and limitations. If the parent expects to finish on the same timescale as someone who is single with no children nor teaching responsibilities, this will likely lead to disappointment and less motivation in the middle of the process. Motivation will remain higher, and correspondingly so will productivity that is fueled by motivation, if one’s goal is realistic and achievable.

Another element of having a realistic goal is being willing to adapt the goal as your circumstances change. Sometimes a runner might enter a race expecting to place in the top five and midway through the race realize that she has a great chance of winning (consider, for example, Des Linden’s victory at the Boston Marathon ). At that point, it would be wise to revise one’s goal to be ‘win the race’ rather than simply placing in the top five. At other times, a runner might expect to win the race or be on the podium and midway realize that is no longer possible. Yet, if she is nevertheless within striking distance of placing in the top five, then she can make that her new goal, which is realistic given her current situation and will therefore sustain her motivation to the finish line. Sara Hall, who could have and wanted to crack the top three, held on for fifth at the World Championships marathon because she adjusted her goal midrace.

The PhD candidate who initially plans to finish her dissertation in three years but then finds herself in the midst of a pandemic or dealing with a medical issue or a family crisis may not need to give up on her goal of finishing her dissertation. Perhaps, she only needs to revise her goal so that it allows more time, so she finishes in five years rather than three. A PhD finished in five years is certainly more valuable than no PhD.

(4) Know why you want to achieve your goal . My high school cross-country coach, Mr. Steiner, once gave me a book about distance running entitled “Motivation is the Name of the Game.” It is one of those books you don’t really need to read because the main takeaway is in the title. Distance running requires much-delayed gratification—you must do many things that are not intrinsically enjoyable (such as running itself, ice baths, going to bed early, etc.) in order to achieve success. If you don’t have a solid reason for why you want to achieve your running goal, you won’t do the numerous things you do not want to do but must do to achieve your goal. The same is true for finishing a PhD. Therefore, it is important to know the reason(s) why you want to finish your dissertation and why you want a PhD.

As a side note, it can also be immensely helpful to choose a dissertation topic that you are personally very interested in, rather than a topic that will simply make you more employable. Of course, being employable is something many of us must consider. Yet, if you pick a topic that is so boring to you that you have significant difficulty finding the motivation to finish your dissertation, then picking an “employable dissertation topic” will be anything but employable.

(5) Prioritize your goal . “Be selfish” were the words of exhortation my college cross-country team heard from our coaches before we returned home for Christmas break. As someone who teaches ethics courses, I feel compelled to clarify that “be selfish” is not typically good advice. However, to be fair to my coaches, the realistic point they were trying to convey was that at home we would be surrounded by family and friends who may not fully understand our running goals and what it takes to accomplish them. For example, during my first Christmas break home from college, I was trying to run eighty miles per week. Because I was trying to fit these miles into my social schedule without much compromise, many of these miles were run in freezing temps, in the dark, on concrete sidewalks with streetlights, rather than dirt trails. After returning to campus following the holidays, I raced my first indoor track race with a terribly sore groin, which an MRI scan soon revealed was due to a stress fracture in my femur. I learned the hard way that I have limits to what I can do, which entails I must say “no thanks” to some invitations, even though that may appear selfish to some.

A PhD researcher writing a dissertation has a substantial goal before her. Yet, many people writing a dissertation have additional responsibilities, such as teaching, being a loving spouse, a faithful friend, or a present parent. As I was teaching while writing my dissertation, I often heard the mantra “put students first.” Yet, I knew if I prioritized my current students over and above finishing my dissertation, I would, like many, never finish my dissertation. However, I knew it would be best for my future students to be taught by an expert who has earned a PhD. So, I put my future students first by prioritizing finishing my PhD . This meant that I had to limit the teaching responsibilities I took on. Now, my current students are benefitting from my decision, as they are taught by an expert in my field.

While prioritizing your dissertation can mean putting it above some things in life, it also means putting it below other things. A friend once told me he would fail in a lot of areas in life before he fails as a father, which is often what it means to practically prioritize one goal above another. Prioritizing family and close friendships need not mean that you say ‘yes’ to every request, but that you intentionally build consistent time into your schedule to foster relationships with the people closest to you. For me, this practically meant not working past 6:00pm on weekdays and taking weekends off to hang out with family and friends. This relieved pressure, because I knew that if something went eschew with my plan to finish my PhD, I would still have the people in my life who I care most about. I could then work toward my goal without undue anxiety about the possibility of failing and the loss that would entail. I was positively motivated by the likely prospect that I would, in time, finish my PhD, and be able to celebrate it with others who supported me along the way.

(6) Just start writing . Yesterday morning, it was five degrees below freezing when I did my morning run. I wanted to skip my run and go straight to my heated office. So, I employed a veteran distance running trick to successfully finish my run. I went out the door and just started running. That is the hardest part, and once I do it, 99.9% of the time I finish my run.

You may not know what exactly you think about a specific topic in the chapter you need to write, nor what you are going to write each day. But perhaps the most simple and helpful dissertation advice I ever received was from David Horner, who earned his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Oxford. He told me: “just start writing.” Sometimes PhD researchers think they must have all their ideas solidified in their mind before they start writing their dissertation. In fact, writing your dissertation can actually help clarify what you think. So “just start writing” is not only simple but also sage advice.

(7) Never write a dissertation . No great marathoner focuses on running 26.2 miles. Great distance runners are masters of breaking up major goals into smaller goals and then focusing on accomplishing one small goal at a time, until they have achieved the major goal. Philosophers can understand this easily, as we take small, calculated steps through minor premises that support major premises to arrive at an overall conclusion in an argument.

Contained within each chapter of a dissertation is a premise(s) in an overall argument and individual sections can contain sub-premises supporting the major premise of each chapter. When you first start out as a doctoral researcher working on your dissertation, you have to construct an outline of your dissertation that maps out the various chapters and how they will relate to your overall conclusion. Once you have that outline in place, keep it in the back of your mind. But do not focus on writing the whole, which would be overwhelming and discouraging. Rather, focus on writing whichever chapter you are working on. The fastest American marathoner, Ryan Hall, wrote a book that sums up the only way to run long distances in the title Run the Mile You’re In . And Galen Rupp discusses in this interview how he mentally breaks up a marathon into segments and focuses on just finishing one segment at a time. Whatever chapter you’re writing, make it your goal to write that chapter. Once you’ve accomplished that goal, set a new goal: write the next chapter. Repeat that process several times and you will be halfway through your dissertation. Repeat the process a few more times, and you will be done.

By the time you have finished a master’s degree, you have written many chapter-length papers. To finish a dissertation, you essentially write about eight interconnected papers, one at a time, just as you have done many times before. If you just write the chapter (which you could call a “paper” if that feels like a lighter load) you’re writing, before you know it, you will have written a dissertation.

(8) Harness the power of habits . Becoming a great distance runner requires running an inordinate number of miles, which no one has the willpower to do. The best marathoners in the world regularly run well over one hundred miles a week, in addition to stretching, lifting weights, taking ice baths, and eating healthy. Not even the most tough-minded distance runner has the gumption to make all the individual decisions that would be required in order to get out the door for every run and climb into every ice bath apart from the development of habits. The most reliable way around each distance runner’s weakness of will, or akrasia , is developing and employing habits. The same can be true for writing.

If you simply try to write a little bit each weekday around the same time, you will develop a habit of writing at that time each day. Once you have that habit, the decision to write each weekday at that time will require less and less willpower over time. Eventually, it will take some willpower to not write at that time. I have found it helpful to develop the routine of freewriting for a few minutes just before starting my daily writing session of thirty minutes during which I write new content, before working on editing or revising existing content for about thirty minutes. My routine helped me develop the daily habit of writing, which removes the daily decision to write, as I “just do it” (to use Nike’s famous line) each day.

I have also found it helpful to divide my days up according to routines. As a morning person, I do well writing and researching in the morning, doing teaching prep and teaching during the middle of the day, and then doing mundane tasks such as email at the end of the day.

(9) Write for today and for tomorrow . Successful distance runners train for two reasons. One reason—to win upcoming races—is obvious. However, in addition to training for upcoming races, the successful distance runner trains today for the training that they want to be capable of months and years ahead. You cannot simply jump into running eighty, ninety, or one-hundred-mile weeks. It takes time to condition your body to sustain the stress of running high mileage weeks. A runner must have a long-term perspective and plan ahead as she works toward her immediate goals on the way to achieving her long-term goals. Similarly, for the PhD researcher, writing a dissertation lays the groundwork for future success.

For one, if the PhD candidate develops healthy, sustainable, productive habits while writing a dissertation, these habits can be continued once they land an academic job. It is no secret that the initial years on the job market, or in a new academic position, can be just as (or more) challenging than finishing a PhD. Effective habits developed while writing a dissertation can be invaluable during such seasons, allowing one to continue researching and writing even with more responsibilities and less time.

It is also worth noting that there is a sense in which research writing becomes easier, as one becomes accustomed to the work. A distance runner who has been running for decades, logging thousands of miles throughout their career, can run relatively fast without much effort. For example, my college roommate, Travis Boyd, decided to set the world record for running a half marathon pushing a baby stroller nearly a decade after we ran for the University of Washington. His training was no longer what it once was during our collegiate days. Nevertheless, his past training made it much easier for him to set the record, even though his focus had shifted to his full-time business career and being a present husband and father of two. I once asked my doctoral supervisors, Nikk Effingham and Jussi Suikkanen, how they were able to publish so much. They basically said it gets easier, as the work you have done in the past contributes to your future publications. Granted, not everyone is going to finish their PhD and then become a research super human like Liz Jackson , who finished her PhD in 2019, and published four articles that same year, three the next, and six the following year. Nevertheless, writing and publishing does become easier as you gain years of experience.

(10) Go running . As Cal Newport discusses in Deep Work , having solid boundaries around the time we work is conducive for highly effective academic work. And there is nothing more refreshing while dissertating than an athletic hobby with cognitive benefits . So, perhaps the best way to dissertate like a distance runner is to stop writing and go for a run.

Acknowledgments : Thanks are due to Aryn Owen and Jaden Anderson for their constructive feedback on a prior draft of this post.

• Matthew Owen

Matthew Owen (PhD, University of Birmingham) is a faculty member in the philosophy department at Yakima Valley College in Washington State. He is also an affiliate faculty member at the Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan. Matthew’s latest book is Measuring the Immeasurable Mind: Where Contemporary Neuroscience Meets the Aristotelian Tradition .

• Dissertating
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• Sabrina D. MisirHiralall

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Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Sanity During Thesis Writing

For many scientists the most intimidating aspect of undertaking a PhD isn’t the long hours in the lab or the uncertain nature of the job length in academia that follows it. It’s the thought of attempting to write up 4+ years of work into a single cohesive thesis! The thesis writing process can vary greatly…

Published September 19, 2016

Lauren has a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Dundee .

For many scientists the most intimidating aspect of undertaking a PhD isn’t the long hours in the lab or the uncertain nature of the job length in academia that follows it. It’s the thought of attempting to write up 4+ years of work into a single cohesive thesis! The thesis writing process can vary greatly between students; some people love the write up, others toil through and hate every minute of it.

Regardless of whether you’re a lover or a hater, the process of producing your first full thesis draft will be a mentally draining process—so here are a few tips for helping maintain your sanity during this stressful time.

1. Start Small (and Early!)

Thesis writing is like completing a giant puzzle ; you have to focus piece by piece. Some people might suffer a mental block when opening a blank document and actually making a start on their thesis. My suggestion here is to focus on small areas. For example, make an outline for each chapter to get you moving in the right direction.

It’s also something that you can do in advance of leaving the lab to write full time. Personally I found “materials and methods” the easiest chapter to start with. This was because I could pick away at small sections between my incubations. Thinking about writing a section on how to prepare a SDS-PAGE gel seemed a lot less scary than writing a whole methods chapter in one go!

Similarly, the thought of sitting down and spending the whole day writing my introduction was terrifying to me. But using the hour while waiting on my gel transfer to write didn’t send me running for the hills. By the time I left the lab to start writing full time, I already had a full first draft of my methods section and a rough draft of my introduction ready to go.

Many people advised me to write the introduction last so that I could focus a bit more time on describing the gaping hole in the literature review. This didn’t work for me.

While I agree that it was very important to re-check my intro after writing up the results sections, I found that the basics did not change. I still had to describe the background to my project, a brief history of the proteins I was working on, what we already knew, and where the gaps in the literature were. By already having my sections roughly drafted, and using my short incubations to seek out the original references for important points, I found that finishing off my introduction really just required some editing to make the transitions between the sections run smoothly and adding the odd paragraph to fit in with my results.

2. Write Badly (at First!)

When I started jotting down notes for my introduction, I often found myself struggling to construct a perfect sentence. I would agonize over how what I had written didn’t sound as intellectual as the source I had taken it from, but I also didn’t want to quote them word for word —it was majorly frustrating and an absolute black hole for my time. I once read a great article about thesis writing that suggested a different strategy altogether and found that it really worked for me. Put your perfectionist nature to use after you actually have come up with a rough draft.

Go ahead and write badly ! Just get the facts down on the page in roughly the order you want them. Don’t stress over the sentence or how it sounds or the fact that you’ve used the word “describes” four times over two sentences—just get it on the page and leave it alone. Go do something else (like finish an experiment), and come back to your rough draft in a few hours and tidy it up.

When you return, you’ll have a block of text with all the information required in front of you. Now, carve it into a nicely phrased paragraph—kind of like sculpting a block of clay into an ornament. Your raw material is there, and it just needs a little chiseling! The other bonus of this approach is that because you have all the information already in your document, you’re less likely to go back to those reviews. You will just work with what you have and will probably do a much better job of describing things in your own words!

3. Buddy Up for Thesis Writing

Just before I started thesis writing, I read a brilliant article about group motivation and found the idea intriguing. So, a group of us who were due to start writing around the same time decided to try a mini thesis bootcamp . We got together one Saturday, booked a room in the library, and decided to see what happened if we worked as a group.  By far this was the best decision of my PhD.

Having other people working away at the times when your mind starts to flag and think about taking a break really motivates you to hang in there! We found that setting timers really helped keep us focused. So taking the idea from Pomodoro , we buddy up and set a timer for 50 min and during that time there would be no non-thesis chatting or procrastination. At the end of the 50 min we would have 10 min to relax, and then straight back to it.

In addition to having other people to spur you on when your motivation dips, having thesis writing buddies will give you:

• A group to bounce ideas off—“Does this graph look ridiculous?”, “What’s another more scientific way of saying it looked gloopy?,” or “Should I have used a two-way ANOVA for this”
• Emotional support in times of breakdown
• People who know exactly what you’re going through as you go through it

4. Let People Know You’re in a Thesis Cave

Along with time for personal grooming, one of the first things to go out the window when you’re thesis writing is your social life.

Even if you have no responsibilities other than to get your thesis written and submitted on time, your social life will suffer. Even if you swear to yourself that you will only write from 9 am to 6 pm because writing for any longer than that will make you feeling like your brain has melted, your social life will suffer. Because even if you do stick to your plan and put your thesis away at 6 pm, chances are you’ll be exhausted and just want to sit quietly and relax for the evening!

It’s fairly normal to fall off the grid and become a bit of a hermit during thesis writing—but it’s really important to let the people in your life who aren’t academics know what is happening! Your family and non-PhD friends need a little bit of warning that you are about to drop off the radar. Let them know it’s not personal, that you’re (mostly) fine, that you will re-appear when you’ve finished, and that patience would be appreciated!

5. Accept Defeat (Sort of!)

By the end of my write up I could safely say that while I definitely maintained a reasonable level of sanity throughout, there were moments where I went off the deep end and completely lost the plot. I can also safely say that I don’t know any other PhD student who didn’t also have at least a mini-meltdown somewhere along the way!

It’s pretty much inevitable, given the size and complexity of the task, that you will stretch yourself thin trying to get your thesis in on time and simultaneously maintaining a semblance of a life. This is the the nature of academia in general. At some point you will have a “straw that broke the camel’s back” moment. It might be that your supervisor is not giving your corrections priority. It might be a thoughtless remark from a colleague. Or a paper might come back from a journal with a heap of corrections that you don’t have time for right now.  Accept that you will probably have a moment in which it is all too much and you will decide that you’ve had enough and are definitely quitting (despite being nearly finished).

You can deal with this mini-breakdown in a number of ways. Talk to your friends, family, or a counselor and confront the issue head on. Perhaps take it all out on the punching bags in the gym, or just have a good cry. I personally opted for crying in a dark room for a bit, followed by calling my thesis writing pals for reassurance and back-up.  Never underestimate the cathartic power of a good cry!

The other (sort of) defeat you will inevitably have to accept is that after months of hard work, and 100 drafts by the time you’re ready to submit – YOUR THESIS WILL NOT BE PERFECT – and that’s okay! No matter how many times you read through and make revisions to your thesis, there will be mistakes. Acknowledge this early on and don’t get upset when you notice these.  Everyone has these in their first draft (and sometimes in their final manuscript too!).

How did you maintain your sanity during your thesis writing? Let us know in the comments below!

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10 tips to motivate you to write the bachelor's or master's Thesis

Toni was no longer motivated to write his thesis.  He's stuck waiting for it to come back. Unfortunately, it's not coming back on its own. Toni's gotta do something.

Here are some effective methods and techniques to overcome any lack of motivation. You can start using them right now, and they will even continue to serve you later in life. Surely you are already familiar with one or two of the techniques.

Motivation 1: "Intermediate wins"!

Success is fun... Many small successes can even make the thesis fun. So try something: quickly search for 20 sources with Google Scholar, design the first outline, collect the questions for the questionnaire or for your interviews, format the tables and figures, sort the English articles, make appointments with your supervisor or contact persons etc. then celebrate each of your small and quick successes as they will help you get past blockades!

We once made a whole list of so-called no-brainers here. These are small routine jobs that require little intellect but must be done. No-brainer functions as tangible little rewards because your success is quickly apparent. Enjoy getting things done!

Motivation 2: Processing small tasks in batches

They are annoying, but they must be done: Small necessary tasks like scanning and copying, ordering books, making appointments, formatting, checking something or filing web pages...

If you don’t have enough motivation to write, analyze or do something similarly strenuous at the moment, then complete these tasks. Checking items off will bring new motivation very quickly! And this flow of tasks brings you back into the “getting things done” mood!  

Motivation 3: Set an appointment with your thesis supervisor

A task that is wonderfully suited to be completed when you’re stuck in the motivation hole: making an appointment with your supervisor. All you need to do is give them a quick call or send them a short e-mail. You don't have to meet right away. Appointments like this need a few days' notice. What luck! You can be sure that the days leading up to the consultation will be very productive. And what should you discuss with your supervisor? Show and discuss the results of your latest efforts.

Motivation 4: Fixed times for the hard tasks!

We all prefer to postpone hard tasks. And that makes it even harder... Set fixed times for a task. Designate each morning from 8.00 to 12.30 to writing and use the afternoon for research and reading. Habits help break excuses. You'd be surprised.

Motivation 5: Big rewards for success!

Immediate motivation comes from the achievement of intermediate goals. Treat yourself then! For example, you could go to the movies after 10 pages of writing, buy new shoes after you've finished all the expert interviews or go out to dinner when that darn bibliography is finally finished. Enjoy getting things done!

Motivation 6: Do something besides the thesis!

A second project other than the thesis can help motivate you to work on the thesis. Sounds weird but it's true. If you limit the hours you work on your thesis to fewer hours per day, you can be more productive. Work on other issues like polishing your application, learning another language or programming a video game (just kidding…). If you have less time to work on your thesis, you will increase the "pressure in the boiler" and thus your focus.

Motivation 7: Celebrate your "rituals" during the thesis!

We as humans are creatures of habit and love rituals. When working on your bachelor's or master’s thesis, listen to a power song over and over again (try power songs on Spotify). Organize your desk in the morning, go for a walk at 1pm, browse YouTube in the morning to dispel sorrow and worries, etc...

If you don't have to worry about your daily routine, you can spend more time thinking about your thesis. Enjoy getting things done!

Motivation 8: Define and eliminate obstacles and distractions that will prevent you from writing

When you are stuck in the motivational hole, ask yourself: "What exactly is stopping me from continuing to write this chapter now? Why am I allowing the conclusion chapter to put me in a bad mood?"

Extra tip: Record a description of your current problem to an audio file and listen to it again tomorrow! You’ll be laughing at yourself. Do that every day and you don't be such a crybaby anymore.

Motivation 9: Compare yourself!

This is not the best advice for every situation but it can help when you’re stuck in the motivation hole. This is the so-called pilgrimage effect: you see others who are much worse off, who have critical diseases...

So go to the library, browse the shelves and calm down. You are not suffering alone. The thesis is not the end of your life but only the end of your career as a student! Enjoy getting things done!

Motivation 10: Follow-up project - life after the thesis

Everything has an end! Even if it is absolutely unimaginable for you just now: The moment will come when your bachelor's or master's thesis is printed and in front of you. Close your eyes and dream about it. You might want to do that every day...

Follow-up projects are very different for everyone. You could be going on a trip, searching for a new job, applying for an exotic internship, planning a wedding or starting a business. Thinking about what’s next will give you new energy and motivation. Write down that project and stick it to the pin board!

Good luck writing your text! Silvio and the Aristolo Team

PS: Check out the Thesis-ABC and the Thesis Guide for writing a bachelor or master thesis in 31 days.

Science writing by Katya

HOW TO WRITE YOUR PHD THESIS AND KEEP CALM

Many factors may complicate how you feel as you approach the end phase of your PhD. You may be stressed about applying for jobs. You may still be finishing some experiments for a publication (or for the final chapter of your thesis!). You may just be one of the many scientists who don’t enjoy writing. So how do you make the writing process more productive and fun?

I want to share with you a strategy that helped me to write my PhD thesis in less than four months. And yes, at that time I was still finishing off some experiments and applying for jobs.

1.  Organize your workflow

Your time has come. You have finished your experiments and your PhD thesis outline is approved by your supervisor. You just need to sit down and communicate four years of your hard work.  Just . I’ve heard many PhD students reminiscing about their days in the lab, preferring to do more experiments than writing their thesis.

Start by reserving big, uninterrupted chunks of time for your writing. If possible, choose the time of the day when you are the most productive, whether you are an early bird, a night owl, or prefer the good-old nine to five.

Establishing a writing routine can help you to stay motivated and on track. You can implement yoga, running, or meditation to reset your mind before you start writing. You can try to read a poem or inspirational quotes, or even sing your favorite song. It can be anything that you enjoy and find motivating.

Finally, plan several nice breaks every day. You will need them. When I was writing at home, I found out that assembling a jigsaw puzzle for just five minutes could recharge my batteries.

2.  Have a detailed and structured plan

Boring, we know, but it is crucial to have your outline with a detailed plan for each chapter ready before you start writing. Each thesis chapter requires a special approach.

To write an introduction you will first need to read a bunch of papers. As you read, you can pull out all useful citations in one document which will give you a basis for your future ideas. Reference software such as  Mendeley  or  Zotero  can help you to stay on top of all references.

For the ‘Results’ section, it is helpful to first organize all figures and tables in the order that tells the story of your PhD project. You can then proceed with writing the bulk part.

3.  Set small goals

The amount of work can seem overwhelming, so it is important to concentrate on small steps. A goal of writing a page or even half a page will feel much less intimidating compared with a goal of creating the whole sub-chapter. Some supervisors recommend starting with the ‘Materials and methods’ section as it is the easiest chapter, and the first victory will motivate you for the rest of the journey.

If you find that you can’t convince yourself to start writing one day (this happened to me more often than I want to admit), try a  Pomodoro technique . This is an easy time management method: you set a timer and work for 25 minutes, then you take a break for five minutes. You can use  an app  instead of an actual timer.

4.  Write, write, write

Just get something down on the page. It doesn’t have to be a well-written sentence to start with; you can edit later to ensure it ends up simple and logical. Nobody forces you to use ‘academic’ language. In fact, the most famous and impactful papers, such as  Crick and Watson’s , are written in plain English.

I would recommend writing first and editing later. Editing the finished piece (eg sub-chapter) is much easier because you can assess the overall flow and the clarity of the message.

Once you come to editing, do it ruthlessly. Think about each word: does it convey the right message? I like the advice from Mark Twain: “Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very’; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.”

5.  Productive procrastination

While you are waiting for inspiration, why not enroll to “Writing in Sciences” on  Coursera  and watch a few videos? This course teaches scientists how to become more effective writers, using practical examples and exercises. I wish I found this course before I had written my thesis.

Also, why not check out  my article on scientific writing  during your next procrastination break?

6.  Finally, a bit of motivation…

You don’t have to be a good writer to write a good PhD thesis. You know the topic of your PhD thesis better than anybody else. Think about messages you want to convey, use simple language, and write it down. Then go and do something fun for five minutes. I am sure you deserve it.

Photo by  Lauren Mancke

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How do I Motivate Myself to Finish my Thesis or Dissertation? Tips for Getting Motivated When You Want to Quit

Some graduate or doctoral students who are in the incredibly challenging thesis or dissertation phase of their program have had thoughts about quitting. In particular, students who are moving into their third, fourth, or even tenth (yes, I’ve heard those stories too) year may begin to lose hope that they will ever finish. They may have aspired to a career as a researcher or professor, and now are on the precipice of reaching that goal, but their motivation is gone. Or, life has simply encroached upon their ability to finish the journey they embarked on so many years ago. If you are one of the many students who have had thoughts about quitting, do not despair because you are not alone.   

It may not even be that you are concretely thinking about quitting. Rather, it simply may be that life has slowed you down. It has become more and more difficult to close the deal as your family and work responsibilities grow. Your thesis or dissertation is hanging over you like a never-ending whisper. “You have to do it, it’s not done, do it…” You want to get it done, but you just cannot seem to find the time, and, yes, sometimes the motivation.

The director of the doctoral program at my school said that, generally, one-third of doctoral students never complete their dissertation, mainly because life has gotten in the way. I think about all the talented students I completed coursework with. It makes me sad that some of them will not get the recognition they deserve because they were no longer able to fit doctoral studies into their lives.

Another reason some students lose motivation is that they simply feel they no longer need the degree. Perhaps another professional opportunity has come along. They’ve found that it is something they have always wanted to do or is particularly promising in terms of career advancement and pay. These folks may say to themselves, “My new position is rewarding and does not require this degree, so why spend any more time pursuing it?”

There are many reasons why you may lack the motivation or ability to complete your thesis or dissertation. You might be experiencing burnout or losing interest in your topic. Perhaps you’ve realized that you do not need the degree or that you have too much on your plate. (Read more about these specific reasons below.) But there are things you can do to get back on track. You can rekindle your motivation and come to realize that it is worth it to round the final curve and graduate.

This post was written by Stephanie A. Bosco-Ruggiero (PhD candidate in Social Work at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service) on behalf of Dave Maslach for the R3ciprocity project (Check out the  YouTube Channel  or the  writing feedback software ). R3ciprocity helps students, faculty, and research folk by providing a real and authentic look into doing research. It provides solutions and hope to researchers around the world.

The following are some reasons students lose their motivation to finish their thesis or dissertation and some tips for how they can get back on track.

Find a bit of time each day to work on your project

The first tip is less about motivation and more about simply finding the time to get started, keep moving forward, and to complete your thesis or dissertation. Find at least fifteen to twenty minutes a day reading, researching, outlining, or doing other small tasks that will help you move toward the critical task of writing your thesis or dissertation. There is so much to do before writing such as reviewing articles for your literature review, developing survey instruments, outlining your project, or collecting data, so try to get these tasks done in small increments.

Taking the time to do the smaller tasks of preparing to write your thesis or dissertation can be snuck in at odd times such as while waiting to see a doctor, while you are on hold with someone, while you are using public transportation, at the very end or beginning of each day, while the kids are finally amusing themselves for fifteen minutes, while you are waiting for the casserole to finish baking, etc. There are fifteen to twenty minutes in each day that you can find to do something to move your project forward.

Develop a plan

As you get more and more done with your fifteen to twenty minutes each day you will have broken the ice, the logjam, the writer’s block, the resistance -whatever you want to call it. You are THINKING and PLANNING and that makes whatever comes next easier. You will find yourself on a roll at times and spending more than your allotted fifteen to twenty minutes a day doing these smaller tasks or even writing. You may get less sleep a few nights due to the momentum you find yourself experiencing, but that is ok, it will not kill you. As you get more and more preparation for writing done, develop a plan for moving into the heavier writing phase. Think about whether you can take a day off her and there to work on your project. Having a straight 7 or 8 hours a day to write uninterrupted, here and there, will really get you going. Also, perhaps develop a goal for when you want to get each chapter of your project done by.

Do not catastrophize

Everyone gets stuck or stumped along the way of writing their thesis or dissertation. Do not make it into this insurmountable hurdle that you cannot get past. When you are feeling frustrated, do not know which direction to go in next, or feel that you have taken a wrong turn, put your work away for a few days. You will calm down; THEN contact your chair or a mentor and talk through what is challenging you. They will help you move forward productively.

Find supportive peers and ignore the naysayers

Talking to others in the same boat as you can help you feel like you are not alone in your lack of motivation, and as a group of colleagues, you can come up with ways to motivate each other. My doctoral program’s director setup a writing challenge where students work on their dissertation for half hour each day and share their accomplishments on a discussion board with others in the group. A group like this can help you keep a routine and find the inspiration and motivation to keep going.

The second part of this tip is to ignore the naysayers and those who would question why you are pursing this degree. Do not listen to those would urge you to quit. Quit only if you really want to, not because others want you to. If you do not have the strength to reject the negativity and naysayers, quitting may be the best thing for your to do, but most of you will keep going despite what others say because you truly care about your research, your field, and accomplishing what you set out to do. Listen to Dave talking for a few minutes about how easy it is, and important, to reject the negativity and keep going.  

Think about the money

You really should, because you have spent a lot of money on courses and you really should get the degree to make the investment worthwhile. Why spend so much money only to be ABD the rest of your life? Also, if you think you already have the promotion or career opportunity that you want and do not need the degree (especially a graduate degree) think twice. Down the line the degree could open even more doors, help you increase your earning, and gain more respect in the field. With a PhD you will be viewed as someone who can do research and who is an independent worker and thinker.

Think about how far you have come

This gets to some of the core principles of motivation. You have accomplished so much in completing your coursework and getting through the comprehensive exam process if your program has one. There is one more step toward earning your degree, and it is critical and important step toward earning that degree. Completing a thesis or dissertation shows that you can work independently on a major research project and contribute knowledge to your field. It is key display of your adherence to the scientific process and that you have master of specific research methods. Do not accept the attitude that completing a thesis or dissertation does not matter and that having the coursework on your resume is what counts. When you complete a thesis or dissertation you have then truly earned your degree, and people will respect you for the work you have put into your venture.   

Do it for the love of your discipline

If you truly find your area of study fascinating you should have a lot of the natural motivation to complete your degree. Some students in this phase may realize they are simply not that interested in their field of study, or specific research topic, anymore. That is a problem, but not insurmountable. If you have decided you want to completely abandon the field you are in because you are skeptical that it truly makes a difference or matters, talk to colleagues, mentors, and professors. Everyone has some doubt now and then about giving so much to such a narrow topic or field of study, but experienced professionals in the field can help you see the big picture of why your work matters. Also, remember that you are not wedded to your thesis or dissertation topic forever. Many graduates move away from the topic they studied for their capstone project towards a different area of study they are more interested in, after graduating, and do so with ease and satisfaction.

Choose a new research topic/question if you need to

If you are really not that into the research question you originally chose for your thesis or dissertation, choose a different one. It’s best to choose a new research question under the same general subject area so you can use some of your literature review, but by all means, go in a different direction with the research question. You are not too far along in the process if still in the proposal phase and choosing a new topic may be just the thing to help you get motivated again.

Get a writing coach

Others might call it tutoring, but what coaching or tutoring can do for you is provide you with the support you need to keep going. A good coach can help you through writing blocks and research problems. You may not have the spare change to meet with them as frequently as you would like to, but even a meeting here and there can help you gain clarity and get moving. Personally, I have helped several students who would have otherwise given up if not for the support I provided them. You can find writing tutors/coaches through tutoring website, freelancing sites, or by searching for writing/dissertation coaches.

Stay involved with the r3ciprocity community  

Dave has established a wonderful community where people can get writing support, share ideas, get motived, view informative videos, and read blogs like this one. The blog and vlog sites truly have a wealth of information and advice about academia, being a student, choosing the right direction, how to deal with challenges as a student, getting motivated, solving research challenges and obstacles, etc. Personally, I have benefited greatly from watching and viewing vlogs and blogs produced by Dave and his team of writers, and from writing some posts myself.

Stick with r3ciprocity community to get your motivation back. Check out these other short motivational vlogs Dave recorded for the community:

Today Is The Right Day. | #motivation To Get Started. – YouTube

The bottom line

There are many ways recapture the motivation you need to finish your thesis or dissertation. You may even want to talk to your committee about the challenges you are facing in making progress or finding motivation. They are not there to check in on you regularly and make sure you are making progress, but they do care and may be able to help you with creating a plan for moving forward. Some schools set deadlines for completing a thesis or dissertation, while others may let students take as much time as they need (one piece of advice – don’t take ten years). If you are charged for each semester that you are working on your dissertation, this could be a motivator to get it done as well!

The keys to motivation are to look at how far you have come and how much you have already invested in terms of time and money and to ask yourself if the benefits of quitting really outweigh the rewards of finishing. Also, seek the support and encouragement of peers if your program is not so competitive that people are hesitant to do so (quite unfortunate if that is the case). Also, stick with the r3ciprocity community for extra motivation and support!

If you enjoyed this blog, you may want to check out some of these other posts on blog.r3ciprocity.com  

R3ciprocity_Team

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5 Strategies to Cut Your Thesis Writing Time in Half

February 13, 2021 by Dora Farkas, PhD 6 Comments

For years I was looking forward to wrapping up data collection so I could focus on thesis writing.

Then, as my data collection came to a close, I had all the time in the world…but I always felt like the days were too short to make progress on my literature review.

I dedicated all my focus to my literature review, because I knew this would be the most dreadful part of the writing process.

But, just the thought of reading over 100 papers from the literature made me cringe.

I wanted to get the literature review over with, but I didn’t know how.

I started each day by skimming a paper, I took notes, wrote a few paragraphs, checked my email, and then went back to reading more literature.

At the end of each day I felt like I had accomplished nothing and I didn’t know what was wrong.

I couldn’t complain about lack of time.

I had no family obligations, no part-time job, no experiments to work on.

I thought that freeing up my time from all other commitments would the help me to finish my literature review.

But, instead of feeling liberated I felt stuck.

The freedom of having so much free time had enslaved me.

I could spend my days any way I wanted to, and I expected myself to be done with my literature review at the end of the month.

My schedule alternated between 10 hours of work (with little progress to show for it at the end of the day) and “lazy” days when I felt so disappointed in myself that I could hardly motivate myself to get out of bed.

At the end of three weeks I had a “40 page soup” of ideas that was so confusing that I didn’t even know where to sart editing it.

I had reviewed over 100 papers and every time I sat down to review one of the sections I felt like I should be working on another section.

My supervisor was expecting a good draft in about 2 week.

I remember thinking  “There is no way I can make this coherent in 2 weeks”.

The days went by without any progress until I only had one week before my supervisor was expecting a draft.

Perhaps it was the adrenaline rush of having only 1 week until my deadline, but in the final week before the deadline I became so focused that I got more done than in 7 days than during the entire month before.

The time management strategies that I developed during this week allowed me to find just the right balance between working and taking breaks so I could stay productive all day.

I applied these strategies during my own thesis writing as well, and it helped me to meet an ambitious (seemingly impossible) deadline of writing my 150 page thesis in 20 days.

5 Strategies to Help you Cut Your Thesis Writing Time in Half

1. cut your work day in half.

Having an amorphous blob of time makes you lose focus, because you get tricked into thinking that you have the whole day to work.

The problem is that no matter how many hours you have in the day, you only have a limited amount of focus.

Paradoxically, you will be more productive if you have fewer hours because your brain knows it has limited time, so you will be able to resist distractions more easily.

Instead of committing to writing for a “whole day”, structure your time by having morning and afternoon thesis writing sessions.

Set specific writing goals for the morning and the afternoon, and take a 30-60 minute break between sessions for lunch or exercise.

2. Minimize your decisions

Decision making is tiring for your brain, and the more decisions you need to make the less energy you will have to work on your thesis.

You make hundreds of decisions a day, and most of them are probably do not have a significant impact on your life.

If you can minimize the number of decisions you have to make such as what to wear or what to eat you will be able to focus better on your thesis.

While it is important to eat well and wear clean clothes you can make these processes more efficient with just a few tweaks.

For example,  decide in advance what type of breakfast you would like to eat, and then modify it only slightly so you have some variety.

If you like breakfast shakes, have a “standard shake” that you drink almost every day, but have a few shake ingredients on hand so you can spice it up once in a while.

You can use the same type of strategy to make sure you have clean clothes.

Blocking out specific days of the week for laundry, and then decide the night before what you will wear.

These small changes in your habits can save you hours of time, and more importantly. help you to channel your energy towards your highest priorities.

3. Set Microgoals

What’s a microgoal?

A microgoal is a goal that can be achieved in 15 miutes or less.

This may be an unusual way of planning if your tendency is to be too ambitious.

You may want to write 20 pages a day, so writing just 3 paragraphs may not seem like a goal worth noting.

But, microgoals can be help you gain momentum with writing or experiments on days when you feel like “blah” (i.e. not motivated at all).

Microgoals can also help you realize how much you can accomplish in just a small amount of time.

If you are focused, 15 minutes is enough to write a half a page or an entire page, or to analyze a portion of your data.

When you set a goal that is achievable is in 15 minutes and you complete it, you will feel a sense of accomplishment.

This will help you to feel more confident, and when you feel more confident you will be more motivated you be to keep working.

Once you get into the habit of setting microgoals, you will notice small “pockets of time” (15 -20 minutes) throughout the day and you will be able to use this time to make progress on thesis writing.

4. Break the chains of your desk

Have you ever heard the saying: “The only way to finish your thesis is to glue yourself to your chair and stay there until it is done” ?

This conventional wisdom had the following effects on me: 1) Chronic back, shoulder, neck, and wrist pain 2) Eye strain and tension headaches 3) Glacial (almost negligible) progress on my thesis.

The worst part was that the less progress I made, the harder I worked.

This led to even more physical pain and I eventually developed an inflammatory condition in my arms and wrists.

In retrospect, this cycle makes perfect sense.

How can you be creative if your whole body is tense, your eyes are strained from staring at the screen all day?

Ironically, my thesis started coming together when I had to limit my time at the computer because of the pain in my arms and wrists.

You cannot stay focused if you chain yourself to your desk all day.

In order to have the mental stamina to write your thesis you must take regular breaks throughout the day (at least one 10 minute break every hour).

I used to feel guilty about taking breaks until my injury forced me to take a typing break every 30 minutes.

I then realized that when you take a break, your mind is still working.

In fact, the creative part of your brain is liberated when you are not actively focusing on a task (i.e. sitting at your desk staring at your screen).

Suprisingly, my greatest insights hit me when I was walking during my breaks from typing.

Eventually, I got into the habit of taking a walk whenever I felt stuck,  and the walks usually helped me to come up with an answer to help me to keep moving forward.

5. Pick your work environment carefully

The environment where you work  may not be the optimal place for you to concentrate.

Many students notice dramatic changes in their performance when they change their environments.

A simple modification, such as working in a library instead of their apartment can double your focus.

But, keep in mind that an environment that works for your friends may not be the best for your thesis writing.

Some students work best in silent environments such a library, while others prefer a little bit of background noise such as in a coffeeshop.

If you have to work from home, some rooms may be more conducive to working than others.

Try out different work environments (consider asking friends or family about lending you a spare room for thesis writing), before deciding which environment (and which time of day) is best for you.

And Finally…

Surround yourself with positive people who can support you academically or emotionally.

The number one challenge of graduate students I work with is that they felt isolated and lose motivation to do work.

In college there were support groups in the form of study groups, office hours, and the residential community.

In graduate school many student do not have any type of support.

First-year students usually start out enthusiastically, but due to lack of accountability they lose track of time and fall behind on their milestones.

In contrast, the students who join a support groups feel that being part of a community is one of the best ways to  keep themselves motivated.

Simply knowing that someone else believes in you and celebrates each milestone with you by a specified time will motivate you to complete your drafts on time. 

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Write first. It is easy to procrastinate on writing and do menial tasks instead, such as checking email or social media, or cleaning the house or reading the news. I would "reward" myself with these distracting indulgences after I completed my writing for the day. 7. Email & Smartphone.

Writing a thesis can become a nightmare, unless you follow a bunch of practical tips that can help you to structure the process of putting it together. After all, the thesis is a really good thing! It will teach you how to plan, execute and present your projects to a wider audience. Text and image by Joanna Wroblewska

Rather than thinking that you have to dedicate lengthy periods each day to writing up, a helpful method to manage the stress of thesis writing is to break the day into small bite-sized pieces. Even if you dedicate a whole day to your write up, this should still be broken down into bite-sized periods. Make sure that alongside your work times you ...

Remember that you need to be comfortable (or at least make peace) with the uncertainty of research and thesis writing. Be patient with your progress. Some of the answers will not come to you right away, but inspiration may come unexpectedly after a walk, a day off, a meeting with your supervisor.

Step 1: Do your best to reduce external distractions - but be realistic. You cannot always eliminate interruptions during thesis writing, but you can take steps to reduce them. For example, if you cannot focus on thesis writing while you are at work, it's best to accept that as a given.

Buy Keep calm and finish your thesis. White and Black. 15oz Two-Tone Yellow Mug mug-193313-13 at Walmart.com

Step #3: Rise and grind daily. I wish there was a nicer way of saying this, but there isn't. There is no substitute for taking action daily. If you working full-time or if you have a family, then working on your thesis daily may seem impossible. It isn't.

The students tend to fear that their task will not be finished on time and they will not be able to meet the deadlines. The fear that students experience at the very start of doing a dissertation is not easy to brush off throughout the research. It would affect the decisions you take about the area of research, topic, methodology, so on and so ...

Fortunately, with the right strategies and motivation, you can tackle the task of finishing your thesis in less than 8 weeks. In this blog post, we'll give you 5 tips that will help you power through to the finish line. So lace up and get ready—your PhD is almost complete! 1. Establishing a Time Management Plan. Source: liquidplanner.com.

An author with a new doctorate shares lessons learned about writing a dissertation. Lessons include (1) there are few sources to guide one on how to write a dissertation; (2) it is easier to critique research than to create research; (3) dissertation writing is an evolutionary communication process; (4) criticism is good; (5) dissertation writing produces a product; (6) hypotheses rule and ...

Buy Keep calm and finish your thesis. White and Navy. 15oz Two-Tone Red Mug mug-193308-10 at Walmart.com

Whatever your community looks like, whatever shape it takes, what matters is that you're encouraged toward accomplishing your academic goal. (2) Know your goal. Like writing a dissertation, becoming a good distance runner requires a lot of tedious and monotonous work.

Emotional support in times of breakdown. People who know exactly what you're going through as you go through it. 4. Let People Know You're in a Thesis Cave. Along with time for personal grooming, one of the first things to go out the window when you're thesis writing is your social life.

4. Keep distractions to a minimum. There are two kinds of distractions: internal and external. They can be both tough to get rid of, but for many students quieting their internal voices is even more challenging than putting children to sleep. Everyone's mind wanders, and it is unrealistic to expect yourself to focus 100% on your thesis 100% ...

Motivation 3: Set an appointment with your thesis supervisor. A task that is wonderfully suited to be completed when you're stuck in the motivation hole: making an appointment with your supervisor. All you need to do is give them a quick call or send them a short e-mail. You don't have to meet right away.

Buy Keep calm and finish your thesis. White and Navy. 15oz Mug mug-193308-2 at Walmart.com

I want to share with you a strategy that helped me to write my PhD thesis in less than four months. And yes, at that time I was still finishing off some experiments and applying for jobs. 1. Organize your workflow. Your time has come. You have finished your experiments and your PhD thesis outline is approved by your supervisor.

In fact, joining a support group is the #1 advice that PhD's give to current graduate students. While first-year students usually start out enthusiastically, their motivation usually wanes as the years go on. You may even be tempted to put your thesis off until "things calm down" or you feel ready to write.

Find at least fifteen to twenty minutes a day reading, researching, outlining, or doing other small tasks that will help you move toward the critical task of writing your thesis or dissertation. There is so much to do before writing such as reviewing articles for your literature review, developing survey instruments, outlining your project, or ...

Set yourself up for success by parking on a downhill slope at the end of each day. A little bit of planning on what sections you will work on, getting your materials organized, and setting up a writing plan will go a long ways towards helping you get and stay motivated to finish your thesis. 3. Forbid yourself from writing.

5 Strategies to Help you Cut Your Thesis Writing Time in Half. 1. Cut your work day in half. Having an amorphous blob of time makes you lose focus, because you get tricked into thinking that you have the whole day to work. The problem is that no matter how many hours you have in the day, you only have a limited amount of focus.

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• Go to the desired page on the site, open the Weather shortcuts menu and click on the "Add to shortcuts" button
• Page name will display in the "Add this page" window, the name can be changed by highlighting the text and entering the desired name
• Click on the "Save" button to add the link to the list
• Click on the "X" button to close the panel
• Click on the "Organize shortcuts" button
• Select the link to delete
• Click on the "Delete" button to remove the link from the list
• Click on the "Close" button to save the change
• Click and hold the link and move to new location in the list
• Select the link to rename
• Click on the "Rename" button and change the link name
• Click the enter or tab key
• Use the Tab key to move to a button or link
• Use the Enter key to click on buttons or links
• Use the ↑ Up key to select the link above. If none are selected, it will select the first link.
• Use the ↓ Down key to select the link below. If none are selected, it will select the last link.
• Use the Page Up key to move a selection up in the list.
• Use the Page Down key to move a selection down in the list.

Warning: Clicking on the button below will remove all your customized links.

Customized Weather shortcuts

Save your customized list as a bookmark.

Copy/paste or click on the link below then when the page displays, you can bookmark the page using the web browser. Bookmarking your customized list will allow you to access it even if the local storage on your device is erased.

New Predicting and Alerting Coastal Flooding Program

Find out about coastal flooding coverage, forecasts and warnings in your region