Cruising is always better when you’re surrounded by like-minded travellers and a laid-back atmosphere where you can truly unwind. After all, that’s what holidays are for!
If the idea of kids splashing in the pool or running around the buffet isn’t your version of relaxation, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of adult-only cruise options.
From ships that are completely child-free to itineraries designed with grown-up experiences in mind, here’s how to find the perfect cruise for adults who want peace, quiet, and maybe a few cocktails by the pool.
The Best Adult-Only Cruise Lines
There are currently only four cruise lines which are truly adult-only. These offer a fully adult-exclusive experience while you sail, with no kids’ clubs or children’s entertainment.
Here are the cruise lines to choose from when you’re seeking a fully adult-only cruise, whether you’re a single cruiser or seeking a romantic honeymoon cruise.
1. Saga
Strictly 50+ | All-inclusive British-style cruising | Great for couples and friends
British cruise line Saga is renowned for limiting access to its cruises to those 50 years and older. (But you can travel if you’re 40 or older, as long as you have a 50+ companion!).
Offering a boutique cruise experience, Saga’s sailings are all-inclusive with all-balcony ships.
Saga has two ocean ships in the fleet: Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. Both are small ships with no-fly itineraries, departing from Portsmouth, Dover and London Tilbury.
The ships offer an all-inclusive experience. Complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, all dining, tips, Wi-Fi and even travel insurance are all included in the price. With less than 1,000 guests on board at the same time, you can enjoy some peace as you sail with friends or as a couple.
This is not one for young adults looking for a fun cruise, but it can be a great, peaceful escape for the experienced cruiser.
2. Viking
Strictly 18+ | All-inclusive luxury cruising | Great for couples and friends
Viking has always been a fully adult-only cruise line, limiting its cruises to those aged 18 and above from the moment it debuted in 2015.
The cruise line has 16 ships in the ocean fleet, with each ship boasting a destination-focused luxury experience. Features range from onboard lectures and enrichment classes to tours ashore that focus on authentic learning encounters and culturally enlightening experiences.
Classed as the world’s leading small ship cruise line, Viking prides itself on being the ‘thinking person’s cruise’. It offers thoughtfully curated itineraries designed to enhance your travel experience. Think of visits to renowned museums and notable landmarks, alongside a ship-wide library to delve into during your days at sea.
Ships in the Viking fleet are designed with Scandinavian influences. Social spaces are sophisticated and relaxing, while dining venues offer destination-focused dishes and award-winning service. The accommodations all boast verandas, too, meaning you always have a private outdoor space to unwind.
Suggested read: Who Owns Viking Cruises?
3. Virgin Voyages
Strictly 18+ | Luxury cruising | Great for friends
A more recent contender for the adult-only category is Virgin Voyages, which launched in late 2021. This cruise line was born out of the desire to create a cruise line which redefines adult-only cruising.
From the décor of the ship and its style of stateroom design to the dining offerings and entertainment, Virgin Voyages is a unique cruise line for adults seeking a getaway of their own.
There are currently four ships in the fleet, all very similar, but they focus on different destinations throughout the year. These include the Caribbean, where you can sail to the cruise line’s private island, as well as Europe and the Mediterranean.
Onboard, Virgin Voyages offers the Always Included Luxury package, which is part of your cruise fare from the get-go.
This features dining in all 20+ eateries, entertainment, gratuities, Wi-Fi, unlimited fitness classes, soft drinks and water. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased as and when you need on board, or via the line’s Bar Tab, which is a pre-paid account you can manage through the cruise line’s app.
Suggested read: Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Cruise Review
4. Oceania Cruises
Strictly 18+ | Premium-luxury cruising | Great for couples and friends
Another premium-luxury cruise line that focuses on the adult experience is Oceania Cruises. Couples and friends can enjoy life on board each of their seven ships. WiFi, dining and non-alcoholic drinks are all included as standard.
The cruise line is also renowned for having the best food at sea, with gourmet dining experiences crafted by celebrated chefs across the globe.
Enjoy unique culinary dishes at every dining venue, from internationally inspired poke bowls to authentic Italian pasta and classic steakhouse fare.
Until January 2026, this cruise line did accept children onboard, even if it didn’t offer features aimed at them. But then the decision was made to switch to being exclusively for adults.
Cruise Lines With Adult-Only Ships
Some cruise lines have a selection of family-friendly ships, plus some ships which are exclusively for adults. If you choose one of these adult-only ships, you can be sure that there won’t be a child in sight.
5. P&O Cruises
Two adult-only ships | British-style cruising | Great for couples
P&O Cruises has two ships that are completely adult-only – Aurora and Arcadia. Both recently underwent major refurbishments, giving them a fresh new look while keeping their traditional, grown-up charm.
These ships are perfect for British cruisers who prefer a child-free holiday but still want that classic P&O Cruises experience. Think elegant afternoon teas, cosy gastro-pubs, and menus crafted by UK celebrity chefs like Marco Pierre White.
Sailing mainly from Southampton, Aurora and Arcadia visit destinations including the Norwegian fjords, Caribbean, and Scandinavia.
With live music, theatre shows, and stylish bars all included in your fare, they’re ideal for anyone who loves a relaxed, quintessentially British cruise without the kids in tow.
Important note: P&O Cruises has announced that from late 2026, a handful of school-holiday sailings on Aurora and Arcadia will welcome families on board – so if you’re after a totally kid-free cruise, it’s worth double-checking before you book.
6. Marella Cruises
One adult-only ship | All-inclusive British-style cruising | Great for couples and friends
Marella Cruises is another line offering an adult-only ship within its fleet. Marella Explorer 2 carries around 1,814 guests and has been sailing for the cruise line since 2019.
It’s one of the newest ships in the fleet and has a huge offering for enjoying life onboard. With nine bars, nine restaurants, a pool and plenty more exciting facilities, it’s ideal for those looking for an adult-only option.
The ship is exclusively reserved for those aged 18 or over. Your cruise fare is also all-inclusive from the start, with flights, transfers, luggage, food, drinks, tips and service charges all included as standard.
It’s not cheap, but the value you get for your fare makes it one of the lower-priced options when everything is taken into account.
Daily entertainment varies from early morning exercises to West End-style shows. There’s also a wide range of dining venues, from buffet-style to waiter service restaurants.
The good news for child-free cruisers is that Marella Discovery will also become adult-only from summer 2026, giving guests even more choice for a relaxed, kid-free getaway.
The Best Cruise Lines Not Aimed at Families
As well as cruise lines that are fully or partially adult-only, there are also options if you’re looking for something more specific. Luxury cruisers or retirees may opt for one of these cruise lines, which aren’t marketed as adult-only but don’t tend to attract families or young children.
Multi-generational cruisers might also seek getaways with their older children, while avoiding more family-oriented cruise lines and ships.
Luxury Cruises Aimed At Adults
7. Azamara
Aimed at adults | Premium-luxury cruising | Great for couples and friends
Azamara is a great option for those who are looking for a little indulgence. It’s a premium-luxury cruise line which boasts small-ship, destination-focused itineraries.
While the cruise line doesn’t ban children entirely, the onboard lifestyle is focused on adults, with no facilities planned for entertaining kids.
There are four ships in the Azamara fleet, each carrying around 700 passengers and meeting a semi-all-inclusive standard.
All tips, main dining, non-alcoholic drinks, selected spirits, beers and house wines are included in your fare, as well as self-service laundry and the signature AzAmazing Celebrations. Additional charges come with excursions, transfers, premium spirits and alcohol, Wi-Fi and speciality dining venues.
8. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Aimed at adults | All-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruising | Great for couples
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the most inclusive cruise line offering luxury sailings. All tips, drinks, dining, shore excursion options, Wi-Fi, flights and transfers are included in your fare on any of the line’s six ships.
The fleet ranges in capacity size from 490 to 750 passengers, while offering one of the best staff-to-guest ratios at sea, so you can be assured of plenty of space to relax and enjoy the all-inclusive experience.
The cruise line allows children on board, with a Club Mariner programme designed for age groups between 5 and 17. However, these are only on selected sailings. Families tend to favour sailings to Alaska and Europe in the summer. So opt for cruises outside of these time frames and destinations if you want something suited to just adults.
9. Silversea
Aimed at adults | Ultra-luxury cruising and expeditions | Great for friends and couples
Silversea is another luxury cruise line aimed at adults, while not being exclusively adult-only. The line offers luxury cruising across all twelve of its ships, four of which are part of the Expedition Class.
Capacity is up to 728 passengers, and you can experience small-ship cruising to destinations including South America, the Mediterranean, the Polar Regions and Alaska.
Children are allowed on sailings, though itineraries operating outside the summer are typically child-free. Even more so if you opt for longer duration sailings, such as world cruise sectors of 50+ nights.
Your cruise fare includes most things, though speciality dining and premium drinks are charged extra during your sailing.
10. Cunard
Aimed at adults | Traditional luxury cruising | Great for older families and couples
Cunard isn’t strictly adult-only, but does target couples and friends over families and children.
Life on board varies from Champagne toasts and daily afternoon teas to gala dinners and ballroom dancing, so there’s little room for kids’ activities and entertainment.
Décor on the ships is traditional, with dark woods and Art Deco features. Entertainment ranges from daily quizzes and line dancing to evening cabaret and ballroom dancing.
Guests enjoy accommodation, fine dining, daily activities and entertainment, and great service as standard in their fare.
Additional extras include tips, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments and shore excursions. There are kids’ clubs on the ships that offer activities to suit a range of ages, but the cruise line doesn’t provide any other facilities outside of these to cater to children.
Cunard has a history stretching back to 1847 when the first ship began sailing, but now has three ships in the fleet with a fourth on the way. It’s a great choice for cruisers looking for an alternative to adult-only ships, while still enjoying an almost child-free holiday.
Cheap Cruises Aimed at Adults
If you’re looking for a budget cruise which probably has no kids on board, then these are a great choice.
In the school holidays, you’re likely to see some multi-generational groups with grandparents bringing the whole family along. But during term-time, you can expect an adults-only experience.
11. Ambassador Cruise Line
Aimed at 18+ | British-style cruising | Great for couples and friends
Ambassador has only recently come onto the scene with an authentically British feel and three ships in the fleet, the first of which only launched in 2023. The cruise line offers a premium no-fly cruise experience for the 50-plus audience.
The cruise line operates primarily as adult-only, with sailings for those aged 18 years and over, but they do offer a few multi-generational cruises during peak school holidays. There aren’t any children’s facilities on the ships, but you can avoid these sailings if you’re seeking an adult-only option.
Cruising with Ambassador includes all your dining, cocktail parties and gala dinners, as well as entertainment and daily activities and even spa access. There are drink packages available to add on too, so you can make your sailing all-inclusive as well as child-free!
Ambassador is good for singles, too. Every cruise has some cabins set aside for solo passengers with no single supplement to pay.
Suggested read: Who Owns Ambassador Cruise Line?
12. Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
Aimed at adults | Traditionally British-style cruising | Great for older families and couples
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is an option for those seeking an adult-focused cruise on an intimate scale, with small ships catering to traditional cruising.
There are only three ships in the fleet. Each features spacious lounges and enriching entertainment, as well as multi-course dining venues and daily activities with adults in mind.
Fares include your accommodation, dining, self-service tea and coffee, afternoon tea, in-cabin dining and snacks, evening entertainment, use of leisure facilities, onboard activities, luggage porterage and flights for fly-cruise options. Drink packages are also available.
Fred. Olsen does operate a kids’ club on selected sailings during peak-time holidays. The Little Skippers Club is for children aged between 5 and 11 years. If you’re sailing with children over 11, they are welcome aboard but not into the kids’ club.
The Bottom Line
Adult-only cruising has various options for cruisers looking for a kid-free holiday. But you don’t always have to opt for the 18+ cruise lines, as there are many which don’t attract children whatsoever.
If bumping into a toddler at breakfast or listening to a mopey teenager is the stuff of holiday nightmares for you, the fully adult-only cruise lines would be ideal. All-inclusive options for these include Viking and Saga, while Ambassador is great for retirees, and Virgin Voyages brings the party atmosphere for a younger audience.
There are cruise lines too which feature kids’ clubs, but without all the bells and whistles you see on a typical family-friendly ship. These offer children their own space to make friends and holiday memories, while you enjoy a quieter afternoon by the pool or a peaceful meal for just the two of you.
Cruise lines, including Cunard and Fred. Olsen are ideal for these types of sailings. They cater to the multi-generational market, too, so grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy cruising together.
The more luxurious cruise lines aren’t typically strict on ages, and some even have their own kids’ programmes too. However, these feature little to no children’s facilities outside of their programmes, so don’t cater too well to younger families.
Cruise lines including Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara and Oceania Cruises are all aimed at adult cruisers seeking adventure, fine dining and inclusive itineraries for enriching holidays.
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