Are cruises are only for retirees?

Definitely not! More and more families, singles and younger couples are cruising. These days, people over 65 are a minority - albeit a significant minority - among cruisers. That said, some cruises attract an older or younger crowd than others. If you are looking for a cruise with primarily working-age people, here are some things to consider:

• 7-day and shorter cruises: The longer the cruise, the more likely people are to be retired. A two-week cruise is a lot of vacation time for Americans who are still working, and month-long "grand voyages" are almost impossible unless you're retired (or on that post-IPO sabbatical). Weekend cruises are especially popular among people with an appetite for fun but limited vacation time.
• Special-Interest Charters: These are a great way to meet like-minded people. There are technology-focused Geek Cruises, NASCAR-themed cruises, and lots of other options in between.
• Summer, Spring Break: This is when families are most likely to cruise. Kids will find other kids their age to play with, and the cruise lines' youth programs will be in full swing.