Cruising is one of the most unique and well-loved experiences for travelers all around the world. With a huge variety of ship types, destinations, companies to travel with, and fun excursions to go on, the options are pretty much endless. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cruise around Europe or a cute river cruise down the Nile, there’s an option for everyone.

If you’re traveling for a honeymoon, anniversary, or other special occasion, sometimes you want to enjoy your trip with peace and quiet. Thankfully, there is a great range of cruise lines that just so happen to be adults-only, so you can enjoy your vacation without the noise of little ones running around and disrupting mealtimes.

In this article, we will explore some of the top cruise companies that are exclusively adults-only, along with some cruise companies that, whilst they allow children onboard, are aimed more towards adults (a good compromise if you’re not looking to go exclusively adults-only).

Top Adults-Only Cruise Lines & Ships

For this section, we’re going to explore a variety of cruise lines, which are either all exclusively adults-only or have a selection of adults-only ships.

Virgin Voyages

Our choice for the best adult-only cruise line is hands down, Virgin Voyages. We have done 2 cruises with them and have absolutely loved it!

A great 18+ luxury cruise line, Virgin Voyages is a great cruise line that only debuted as recently as 2021.  It’s a great option for younger adult couples, including those honeymooning in their 20’s, or groups of friends, due to it’s fun-filled party atmosphere aboard every ship.

With stylish and modern decor, amazing dining options, and great entertainment, Virgin Voyages boasts a fleet of three amazing ships that travel throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and the Mediterranean.

With the onboard Always Included Luxury package, you can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, dining in over 20 different restaurants and eateries, unlimited fitness classes, entertainment, gratuities, soft drinks, and water for one price. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately so that you and your travel partners don’t need to be tied into the same drinks package.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises is an adults-only cruise line with a strict 18+ policy, though they primarily cater to a slightly older demographic.

Their ships are sleek and stylish in design, and their itineraries typically focus on helping guests immerse themselves in local cuisines, activities, and culture, they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a culturally rich and sophisticated getaway.

Viking cruises are typically a little slower-paced onboard, with a focus on relaxation whilst guests are not onshore. Guests can enjoy experiences such as guest lectures, guided tastings of local wines, and cooking classes. There’s also a great range of onboard facilities including libraries, a spa, a fitness center, and a spa.

Saga

Adults-only is taken to a whole new level with Saga. This British cruise line is exclusively for those over the age of 50! (Those in their 40s with a travel partner aged 50+ are also permitted to travel).

A great choice for those celebrating a retirement, special anniversary, or honeymoon, not only does it give the mature guests peace and quiet from children, but helps reduce the lively parties too.

Saga offers their guests a boutique cruise experience, despite it’s small fleet size of just two ships. When traveling from the UK, both ships come with no-fly itineraries, are both all-inclusive and offer all-balcony rooms.

Guests can enjoy dining, wines, premium spirits, tips, Wi-Fi, travel insurance, and complimentary chauffeur service as part of their all-inclusive experience.

Marella

Marella is an all-inclusive British-style cruising company that’s a great choice for both couples and groups of friends.

Typically, Marella is not adults only, but it does have one ship on its fleet that is. The Marella Explora 2 is a ship accommodating just short of 2,000 guests and offers great onboard amenities aimed at their adult guests, including a pool, nine restaurants, and nine bars.

The Marella Explora 2 is exclusively reserved for those aged 18+ and is an all-inclusive experience, where guests can enjoy flights, transfers, luggage, drinks, food, tips, and service charges all included for one great price. 

The all-inclusive rate makes it a great choice for first-time cruisers, as there are no hidden service fees or tips. There’s also a great range of things to do onboard the ship, including a great range of dining venues and entertainment, including West End-style shows and morning exercise groups.

No matter where you’re looking to travel to, Viking cruises can take you all over the world. From East Asia to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean to Scandinavia, the choice is truly yours.

Top 5 Cruise Lines & Ships Aimed at Adults

For this section, we’re going to explore a variety of cruise lines, which, whilst not exclusively adults-only, are catered towards adults. Whilst these cruise lines allow children on board, their child-friendly facilities are limited, which means they typically see more couples and groups of friends as guests than families with young children.

Seabourn Luxury Cruises

Seabourn is an outstanding luxury cruise line that offers great all-inclusive cruises with a focus on adult guests. On Seabourn ships, there are no children’s programs at all and it’s quite unusual to see families with children onboard this fleet.

Whilst children are permitted onboard, those who make up the majority of the younger crowd are typically teenagers and older children who can enjoy the more sophisticated onboard atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a cruise line that is rich in experiences, luxurious, offers outstanding cuisine, and world-class service in a great range of amazing destinations, look no further than a trip with Seabourn.

Windstar Small Ship Cruises

Windstar small ship cruises offer what are almost adult-only cruises. They do not permit guests under the age of 8 onboard, and passengers under the age of 21 must be accompanied by adults aged at least 25 years old.

Windstar is a great choice for those looking for an elegant cruising experience with an intimate atmosphere aboard their small cruise ships. They encourage a more adult-oriented atmosphere as they do not offer childcare, kid-friendly services, or entertainment onboard. They also don’t have a child rate, meaning that any child staying in a stateroom as a third person will be charged a standard ‘third-person rate’.

Silversea Ultra-Luxury Cruises

As the name may suggest, Silversea Cruise Lines is an ultra-luxury cruise line offering all-inclusive service on board their ships.

Whilst they accept children on board, they cater more towards adults as they have very few children’s programs on board their ships, and don’t offer childcare services or kid-friendly entertainment.

With that in mind, Silversea focuses on creating an outstanding luxurious cruise experience for it’s guests, as one of the top luxury cruise lines in the world, they offer exceptional all-inclusive cruises to a variety of outstanding destinations.

Onboard amenities are geared towards adults looking to cruise in pure luxury, with 24-hour gourmet dining, award-winning onboard entertainment, butlers, and top wine selections.

Carnival Cruises Serenity Adult-Only Retreat

Whilst Carnival Cruises are typically family-friendly, they do offer the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. This retreat is exclusively for passengers aged 21 and over, and whilst you’ll still be sharing a ship with kids, it’s great to have an adults-only area to go to when you need some peace and quiet.

This is a great choice for those looking for an adults-only option whilst still being able to enjoy a family-friendly getaway. So whilst the little ones are participating in a fun-filled activity, you’ll be relaxing in a hammock, grabbing a drink at the bar, or catching a tan out on the sundeck.

With a great range of adult-only areas, Carnival Cruises should not be overlooked as a great choice for a honeymoon. From their great bars (including The Alchemy Bar, Tequila Bar, and the Piano Bar), to their onboard nightclubs, there’s a great range of adults-only areas to enjoy.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is a great cruise line catering to adults. Whilst children are allowed onboard, there are very few services catered to them and there are a few restrictions in place that make traveling with kids more difficult. There are no onboard childcare services, children must be over the age of 1 to travel, and any kids younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult staying in the same stateroom.

Facilities and amenities onboard Oceania cruise ships are also aimed at adults. Guests can enjoy a great range of onboard features, including a library, lecture rooms, a culinary center, and even an artist’s loft.

Now that you’ve read our picks for 10 of the best adult-only cruises, which one would you like to take a trip on? Be sure to let us know in the comments. And if you’d like help planning your trip, feel free to reach out to one of our trusted travel advisors.