What Cruise Lines Offer Adults Only Top Picks for Serene Sailing

Several premium cruise lines now offer adults-only sailings and dedicated zones designed for travelers seeking peace, luxury, and a child-free atmosphere. Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Princess Cruises lead the pack with serene spas, quiet decks, and sophisticated entertainment tailored exclusively for adults. Whether you’re after a romantic escape or a tranquil solo journey, these top picks deliver refined experiences without the noise—making them the best options for serene sailing.

Key Takeaways

• Choose Viking Cruises: Adults-only policy ensures quiet, sophisticated onboard experiences.
• Book with Virgin Voyages: 18+ rule creates a vibrant, child-free atmosphere.
• Opt for Oceania: Upscale, serene ambiance ideal for adult travelers.
• Select Regent Seven Seas: All-inclusive luxury with no children allowed.
• Try Azamara: Intimate ships and adult-focused enrichment programs.
• Consider Paul Gauguin: Adults-only sailings in Tahiti and French Polynesia.

What Cruise Lines Offer Adults Only: Top Picks for Serene Sailing

Imagine gliding across the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or the South Pacific, with no children’s laughter in the background, no crowded family pools, and no high-energy kids’ clubs. For many travelers, this serene, adult-focused experience is the ultimate escape. Cruising is no longer just a family-friendly vacation—it’s increasingly tailored to adults seeking peace, luxury, and sophistication. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a friends-only retreat, adults-only cruise lines offer a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life and the bustle of family-centric resorts.

The rise of adults-only cruising reflects a growing demand for tranquility, refined amenities, and curated experiences designed specifically for mature travelers. These ships and cruise lines prioritize quiet zones, sophisticated dining, wellness-focused activities, and romantic ambiance. From intimate boutique ships to expansive luxury liners, the options are diverse and increasingly popular. In this guide, we’ll explore what cruise lines offer adults only, highlighting top picks that deliver on comfort, exclusivity, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, this comprehensive overview will help you find the perfect ship for a serene and rejuvenating journey.

Why Choose an Adults-Only Cruise?

The Appeal of Peace and Quiet

One of the most compelling reasons travelers opt for adults-only cruises is the promise of peace and quiet. On traditional family-friendly ships, the atmosphere can be lively—sometimes overwhelmingly so—with kids running through corridors, splash zones echoing with laughter, and entertainment geared toward younger audiences. Adults-only cruises eliminate these distractions, creating an environment where relaxation, conversation, and personal reflection take center stage.

For example, on Virgin Voyages, which bans guests under 18, the pool deck is a haven of calm, with curated playlists, cabanas, and no inflatable pool toys. The absence of children allows for a more mature ambiance, where guests can unwind without the sensory overload often found on mainstream cruise ships.

Enhanced Dining and Beverage Experiences

Adults-only cruise lines often elevate the culinary experience, offering gourmet dining, specialty restaurants, and premium beverage packages tailored to mature palates. Many of these lines feature partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs or offer wine-pairing dinners, mixology classes, and sommelier-led tastings.

Oceania Cruises, for instance, is renowned for its “Culinary Center” and “Waves” cooking classes, where guests learn techniques from professional chefs in an intimate, adults-only setting. Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises includes all beverages—including premium wines and spirits—in its all-inclusive fare, allowing adults to indulge without extra costs.

Romantic and Intimate Ambiance

For couples, an adults-only cruise is the perfect setting for romance. With no kids to disrupt the mood, couples can enjoy moonlit dinners on the deck, couples’ spa treatments, and secluded lounging areas. Many ships feature private balconies, infinity pools, and even “love nests” designed for two.

Seabourn excels in this area, offering couples’ massages in its open-air spa, romantic stargazing events, and private beach cabanas in destinations like St. Barts and Bora Bora. The intimate scale of Seabourn’s ships (typically 450–600 guests) enhances the sense of exclusivity and privacy.

Wellness and Mindfulness Focus

Adults-only cruises often emphasize wellness, offering spa retreats, yoga and meditation classes, and fitness programs designed for adults of all ages. These experiences are rarely interrupted by children, allowing for a more immersive and restorative journey.

For example, Windstar Cruises offers “WindSpa” retreats with holistic treatments, while Silversea partners with fitness experts to provide personalized wellness plans and guided nature walks in remote destinations. The absence of kids ensures that these activities remain tranquil and uninterrupted.

Top Adults-Only Cruise Lines and Their Unique Offerings

1. Virgin Voyages: A Modern, Playful Escape

Virgin Voyages redefines the cruise experience with a bold, modern aesthetic and a strict adults-only policy (guests must be 18+). Launched in 2021, Virgin’s “Scarlet Lady” and sister ships target millennials and Gen Xers with a vibrant, music-driven atmosphere.

• Key Features: No kids, no casinos, no buffets. Instead, guests enjoy 20+ dining venues (all included), a “Rebellious” fitness center, and late-night entertainment like “The Manor” (a club inspired by Virgin Records).
• Unique Perks: “Sailors” (guests) receive a “Sailor Loot” credit for onboard spending, and the “RockStar Quarters” offer VIP suites with private terraces and concierge service.
• Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends seeking a stylish, energetic yet child-free environment.

Virgin’s ships sail to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska, with itineraries designed to appeal to adults who value design, music, and immersive experiences. The lack of children allows for more adult-oriented activities, such as mixology workshops and late-night comedy shows.

2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a leader in all-inclusive, adults-only luxury cruising. With a fleet of six ships (including the new Seven Seas Grandeur), Regent offers a refined, spacious experience with a guest-to-space ratio of 1:1.5—one of the highest in the industry.

• Key Features: All-inclusive pricing covers airfare (from select cities), shore excursions, unlimited beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
• Unique Perks: “Regent Choice” excursions allow guests to book private tours, while the “Culinary Arts Kitchen” offers hands-on cooking classes with expert chefs.
• Best For: Travelers who want a seamless, worry-free vacation with top-tier service and amenities.

Regent’s ships visit over 450 ports worldwide, including remote destinations like the Arctic and South Pacific. The absence of children ensures a serene, elegant atmosphere, with quiet lounges, expansive spas, and fine dining at every meal.

3. Seabourn: Intimate, Yacht-Like Elegance

Seabourn specializes in small-ship luxury, with vessels carrying just 450–600 guests. The intimate size allows for personalized service, unique itineraries, and a truly adults-only environment.

• Key Features: All-suite accommodations, open bars, and a “Seabourn Square” lounge with 24/7 concierge service.
• Unique Perks: “Seabourn Conversations” feature guest speakers (e.g., historians, authors), and the “Seabourn Venture” offers expedition-style cruising with submarines and kayaks.
• Best For: Couples and solo travelers seeking a refined, adventurous experience.

Seabourn’s “Venture” and “Ovation” ships explore destinations like Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Amazon, with activities tailored to adults who appreciate nature, culture, and exclusivity.

4. Silversea: Expedition and Luxury Combined

Silversea blends ultra-luxury with expedition cruising, offering adults-only voyages to the world’s most remote corners. With ships like the Silver Nova, Silversea delivers a boutique experience with a focus on sustainability and adventure.

• Key Features: All-suite, all-balcony accommodations, butler service for every suite, and an open-seating dining policy.
• Unique Perks: “Silversea Expeditions” include Zodiac landings, expert naturalist guides, and onboard lectures.
• Best For: Adventurous travelers who want luxury without compromise.

Silversea’s “Nova” class ships feature a revolutionary “horizontal” design, with public spaces spread across multiple decks to reduce crowding—ideal for adults who value space and privacy.

5. Oceania Cruises: Culinary Excellence and Mid-Sized Ships

Oceania Cruises strikes a balance between intimacy and variety, with mid-sized ships (650–1,250 guests) that offer a relaxed, adults-only atmosphere. Known for its “Cuisine of the Seas” program, Oceania is a favorite among foodies.

• Key Features: 10+ dining venues, including the “Waves Grill” and “Toscana” (Italian specialty restaurant).
• Unique Perks: “Oceania@Sea” enrichment program with guest chefs, historians, and artists.
• Best For: Travelers who love fine dining, cultural immersion, and a refined ambiance.

Oceania’s ships sail to over 600 ports, with itineraries ranging from 7 to 180 days. The lack of children ensures that the focus remains on gourmet experiences, wellness, and cultural exploration.

Adults-Only Zones on Mainstream Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean: “The Solarium”

While Royal Caribbean is family-friendly, it offers adults-only retreats like “The Solarium” on its Oasis and Quantum class ships. These glass-enclosed spaces feature heated pools, whirlpools, and a quiet lounge with a premium bar.

• Access: Guests 16+ (18+ for alcohol service).
• Perks: Complimentary towels, snacks, and a serene ambiance away from the main pool deck.
• Tip: Book a “Solarium Balcony” stateroom for direct access to the area.

Celebrity Cruises: “The Retreat”

Celebrity Cruises offers “The Retreat,” a private, adults-only sanctuary available to suite guests. It includes a private pool, lounge, and dedicated dining venue (“The Retreat Restaurant”).

• Access: Suite guests only (starting at the AquaClass level).
• Perks: Butler service, priority boarding, and exclusive shore excursions.
• Tip: The Retreat is worth the upgrade for couples seeking privacy and luxury.

Carnival Cruise Line: “Serenity” Adult-Only Retreat

Carnival’s “Serenity” area (18+) offers a quiet escape with loungers, a pool, and a bar. Available on most ships, it’s a budget-friendly option for adults who want a break from the family zones.

• Access: Free for all guests 18+.
• Perks: Complimentary snacks and drinks during happy hour.
• Tip: Visit early in the day to secure the best loungers.

What to Look for When Booking an Adults-Only Cruise

1. Confirm the Age Policy

Not all “adults-only” cruises are created equal. Some lines allow children over a certain age (e.g., 12+), while others enforce a strict 18+ or 21+ policy. Always check the fine print.

• Virgin Voyages: 18+
• Regent Seven Seas: 18+ (with rare exceptions for teens on select sailings)
• Silversea: 18+

2. Evaluate the Dining Options

Adults-only cruises often emphasize gourmet dining. Look for lines with multiple specialty restaurants, wine pairings, and chef-led classes.

• Tip: Book specialty dining early—spots fill quickly.
• Example: Oceania’s “Red Ginger” (Asian fusion) requires reservations 90 days in advance.

3. Check for Wellness Amenities

If relaxation is a priority, seek out ships with full-service spas, yoga studios, and meditation gardens.

• Top Picks: Seabourn’s “Spa & Wellness” program, Windstar’s “WindSpa.”

4. Consider the Itinerary

Adults-only cruises often focus on cultural, culinary, or adventure-based itineraries. Avoid ports with family-heavy attractions (e.g., theme parks) if you seek tranquility.

• Example: Silversea’s “Galápagos” itinerary includes guided nature walks and snorkeling—no kids allowed.

5. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Look for recent reviews on sites like Cruise Critic or TripAdvisor to gauge the actual experience. Pay attention to comments about noise levels, crowding, and service quality.

Adults-Only Cruise Comparison Table

Cruise Line	Age Policy	Ship Size (Guests)	Key Features	Best For
Virgin Voyages	18+	2,770	Modern design, 20+ dining venues, no buffets	Couples, solo travelers, friends
Regent Seven Seas	18+	750–1,000	All-inclusive, spacious suites, unlimited excursions	Luxury seekers, retirees
Seabourn	18+	450–600	Yacht-like intimacy, all-suite, butler service	Romantic getaways, adventurers
Silversea	18+	596–600	Expedition cruising, all-balcony suites	Adventure travelers, luxury lovers
Oceania Cruises	18+	650–1,250	Culinary focus, mid-sized ships	Foodies, cultural explorers
Windstar Cruises	18+	148–310	Small ships, sail power, casual elegance	Nature lovers, couples

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Serene Sailing

Choosing an adults-only cruise is about more than just avoiding children—it’s about curating a vacation that aligns with your desire for peace, luxury, and meaningful experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the modern energy of Virgin Voyages, the all-inclusive elegance of Regent Seven Seas, or the intimate adventure of Seabourn and Silversea, there’s a ship that matches your ideal getaway.

When booking, remember to consider the age policy, dining options, wellness amenities, and itinerary focus. Read reviews, talk to a travel agent, and don’t hesitate to upgrade for added privacy (e.g., suite access or retreat zones). The right adults-only cruise isn’t just a vacation—it’s a sanctuary, a chance to reconnect with yourself, your partner, or your friends in a setting designed for serenity.

As the demand for adults-only cruising grows, more lines are expanding their offerings, ensuring that mature travelers have an ever-wider array of choices. So pack your bags, leave the kids at home, and set sail for a journey where tranquility, sophistication, and adventure await. Your serene sailing adventure starts now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines offer adults only voyages?

Top cruise lines with dedicated adults-only experiences include Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises (via Sanctuary areas), and Carnival (Serenity Retreat). These brands focus on serene, child-free environments ideal for relaxation and romance.

Which luxury cruise lines offer adults-only options?

Luxury options like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Oceania Cruises are naturally adults-only or offer exclusive adults-only zones. These lines emphasize sophisticated ambiance, gourmet dining, and premium amenities for mature travelers.

Does Royal Caribbean have adults-only areas?

Yes, Royal Caribbean’s “Solarium” is a popular adults-only retreat on most ships, featuring quiet pools, whirlpools, and premium loungers. While not entirely adults-only, it’s a sanctuary for guests 16+ seeking peace.

Are there all-inclusive adults-only cruise lines?

Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line (via The Haven) offer all-inclusive, adults-only experiences with perks like priority dining and private sun decks. These sailings cater to travelers wanting a hassle-free, kid-free vacation.

What cruise lines offer adults only balcony cabins?

Princess Cruises (Sanctuary Collection) and Carnival (Serenity Balcony cabins) provide adults-only balcony staterooms in exclusive zones. These rooms guarantee access to tranquil areas away from family-centric activities.

Can couples find romantic, adults-only cruise options?

Absolutely! Lines like Viking Ocean Cruises (entirely adults-only) and Celebrity Cruises (Quiet Zone) specialize in romantic, serene atmospheres. Expect curated experiences like sunset cocktails and couples’ spa packages.