The Ultimate Guide to Adult-Only Cruise Lines

Set sail on the ultimate adult-only cruise holiday with the help of this handy travel guide.

If you’re seeking energy, elegance and the chance to escape, the array of divine adult-only cruise lines available with Destination2Cruise will blow you away. The best adult-only cruise lines include Virgin Voyages, Oceania Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, P&O Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across oceans, traversing continents and indulging in good food and showstopping entertainment. While there's a slight difference between cruise holidays that are completely adult-only and those that are adult-focussed, we promise you’ll enjoy every moment on board your luxury vessel. With hundreds of destinations to choose from, where will you visit first on your child-free cruise holiday?

What Makes a Cruise “Adult Only”?

An adult-only cruise means you're entirely child free while you’re at sea. No playgrounds, no kids’ pools or kids’ clubs and no family dining. This creates a more elevated experience, where dining, nightlife, adventure, relaxation and entertainment are prioritised. Step on board your luxury liner and discover a host of refined amenities, opulent suites and staterooms, chic bars, award-winning restaurants and unrivalled inclusions all a part of your fare. Your ports of call won’t disappoint either. Select from specially-curated shore excursions to take your adult-only getaway to the next level.

Virgin Voyages

If you’re searching for the ultimate party cruise ships, then Virgin Voyages is the perfect line for you to experience a one-of-a-kind adult-only cruise holiday that is exclusively for guests aged 18 and over. Sample an array of delectable global cuisines, with 20 speciality restaurants offering Michelin-style, a la carte dining – no buffets in sight! The nightlife is unmatched on a Virgin Voyages ship, with epic parties, booming nightclubs, glamourous casinos and more featured on board every ship. Pack accordingly for the famous Scarlet Night, which requires attendees to wear something red. On voyages to the Caribbean, you’re invited to Virgin Voyages’ private island in the Bahamas, The Beach Club at Bimini. This party port is a thrilling blend of both Ibiza and St Tropez. Superb for lively escapes and picturesque ports of call where the good vibes never end, an adult-only cruise holiday with Virgin Voyages won’t disappoint.

Oceania Cruises

While Oceania Cruises previously offered family-friendly escapes, from 2027 all itineraries will be fully adult-only. This means that guests can truly relax and soak up the boutique hotel feeling that oozes from these opulent liners. Oceania hosts fewer guests per cruise, meaning wellness, dining, entertainment and all of the other incredible on board experiences are tailored specifically for you. Known for having “the finest cuisine at sea”, Oceania boasts fare from destinations such as Tuscany, Asia and America. Blend this with scenic ports of call in Europe, Vietnam, Thailand and the Indian Ocean, a host of immersive cultural workshops led by onboard experts, as well as energetic performances, talented entertainers and sophisticated lounges, and you’ll have your dream adult-only cruise holiday at your fingertips.

Ambassador Cruise Line

Make your Ambassador adult-only cruise even more magical by setting sail from the UK. These no-fly cruise holidays make your life simpler by removing unnecessary flights and removing all baggage weight restrictions. With seven different UK ports to choose from, you’ll start your tropical escape with Ambassador off on the right foot. Like Oceania Cruises, Ambassador also formerly hosted some family-friendly itineraries but have now transitioned into being completely adult-only, highlighting the growing want for indulgence and sophistication over more lively amenities. Slow days at sea await, as well as a tranquil atmosphere in the spa, wellness centre, library and plethora of lounges. Soak up the sunshine on a serene sun deck and take a dip in the refreshing swimming pool before you explore the exotic locations on your interactive itinerary.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises host numerous adult-only itineraries, though these are limited to the cruise ships Arcadia and Aurora. Prepare to be wowed by the array of P&O’s modern amenities that ensure no moment is a dull one, though this doesn’t come at the expense of the serene feeling you desire like it does with some family-friendly cruise lines. Instead, you can relax and make use of the exceptional facilities, including an idyllic spa, revitalising hot tubs, modern gym and impressive wellness classes. Dine in a variety of complimentary and speciality dining venues and spend every evening in awe of the showstopping entertainment, such as cabaret performances, live singing and side-splitting comedy shows. The elegant lounges are perfect for a pre or post-show beverage, while spots like Champion’s sports bar offer an easy-going atmosphere.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

For voyagers in search of small luxury ships, personalised service and a focus on cultural experiences, a cruise holiday with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is just the thing you need. While Fred. Olsen offers a mix of selected family and adult-only itineraries, you’ll have so many incredible destinations to choose from. Explore the natural beauty of the Norwegian fjords, the raw energy of the Arctic Circle, the glamour of the French Riviera or the bliss of the Mediterranean and its divine islands, plus much more. Select the perfect amount of days at sea and set sail for an unparalleled tranquil adventure. Fred. Olsen’s smaller cruise ships means that dining, entertainment and wellness is catered personally to you. Don’t miss out on all of these outstanding moments.

Book your dream adult-only cruise getaway today and experience unparalleled bliss at sea. Browse our Destination2Cruise website or call us today for your tailor-made holiday.