A Golden Gap Year or Golden "OE" is the latest catch phrase for “Boomers” taking a year-long break from work or other responsibilities during retirement to pursue personal interests, travel, and engage in new experiences. It is a time for retirees to explore their passions, fulfil lifelong dreams, and enjoy a period of relaxation and self-discovery.
During a Golden Gap Year, Kiwis are choosing to travel to new destinations, volunteer for causes they are passionate about, learn new skills or hobbies, spend more time with family and friends, or simply take a break from the demands of everyday life. It is an opportunity to rejuvenate, reflect on one's accomplishments, and make the most of the newfound freedom that retirement brings.
The term "golden" also reflects the idea that this is a special and valuable time in life, where individuals have the opportunity to focus on personal well-being and pursue activities that bring them joy and fulfilment. It is a chance to make the most of the golden years of retirement and create lasting memories.
Taking a Golden Gap Year can provide retirees with a sense of adventure, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. It allows individuals to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and create a fulfilling retirement lifestyle that aligns with their passions and interests.
“Why FLY over the world, when you can SEE it on the way”
Cruise holidays are proving to be one of the most popular choices for a Golden Gap Year.
With the all-inclusive nature of cruising, security and safety concerns taken care of and a seamless transition from one country to the next, a cruise just makes sense.
Great Cruise ideas for the Golden Gap Year
Number one choice is the annual Princess Cruises World Cruise.
Offering up to three months away, a world of destinations included and a roundtrip option from Auckland. It’s the only way to go around the world without flying. Think of this as your Golden OE all planned out for you!
Value Deals on the Princess World Cruise 2026
The best kept secret are Repositioning or Trans Oceanic cruises.
These are the shoulder season sailings when ships reposition between continents for the alternate season.
Repositioning voyages are perfect for anyone with time on their hands as are usually longer journeys. Amongst the best value for money cruises that compare favourably with airfares but include so much more. Repositioning Cruises also mean you can try out cruise brands you may not have previously considered.
South America to Europe and vice versa
Kiwis don’t often realise that the two major European cruise lines MSC and Costa both operate a large seasonal South America season. This offers fantastic opportunities to take a repositioning cruise between two fabulous continents twice a year. A very different way to get to or from Europe and an opportunity to see the world on the way, plus add a collection of destinations in South America that you may not otherwise have considered.
MSC "Grand Voyages" as they call them, are incredible value and so much more fun than flying. Here are just a sample of the typical bi-annual voyages between Europe & South America that make the perfect start or finish to a Golden OE:
22 April 24, 23 Night Cruise from Rio de Janeiro through to Hamburg onboard MSC Preziosa
Fares from just NZ$119pp per day View Itinerary & Best fares
19 October 24, 19 Night Cruise from Barcelona through to Rio de Janeiro onboard MSC Seaview
Fares from just NZ$113pp per day View Itinerary & Best fares
02 November 24, 20 Nights from Genoa through to Miami onboard MSC Divina
Fares from just NZ$125pp per day View Itinerary & Best fares
10 November 24, 20 Nights from Genoa through to Rio de Janeiro onboard MSC Orchestra
Fares from just NZ$101pp per day View Itinerary & Best fares
13 November 24, 21 Nights from Genoa through to Buenos Aires onboard MSC Poesia
Fares from just NZ$111pp per day View Itinerary & Best fares
03 April 25, 26 Nights from Buenos Aires through to Copenhagen onboard MSC Poesia
Fares from just NZ$115pp per day View Itinerary & Best fare
Take the slow boat across the South Pacific on Princess Cruises
We would never normally use the b word for cruise ships. It does however provide a better description of these slow leisurely crossings that often take around 3 weeks between NZ and the USA.
06 April 24, 25 Night cruise from Auckland to Vancouver onboard Grand Princess
Fares from just NZ$149pp per day View Itinerary & Best fare
Fly to the USA and cruise back, another great option for your Golden Gap Year.
22 September 24, 25 Night Package includes flights from Auckland to San Francisco, 2 night hotel stay in San Francisco then a 23 night leisurely cruise back to Auckland from NZ$3899pp View Details
22 September 25, 22 Night cruise from Auckland to Singapore onboard Crown Princess
Fares from just NZ$162pp per day View Itinerary & Best fare
These are just some of the most popular ideas to fill in that Golden Gap Year, or experience that OE for the first or even the second time. Put your cruise hat on when you are planning your trip and see the world on the way, instead of flying over it. The pace is slower, the travel stress is less and the value speaks for itself.
