In the 1990s something started to change. The people who were retiring were wealthy enough to enjoy themselves. They were also healthier and they were expecting to live longer than any group before. As a result, these people – who came to be known as the 'people of the third age' had money to spend on leisure – and this caused a huge expansion in overseas holidays and especially in less active holidays such as pleasure cruises. Huge ships were built to take them around the world.
