If you are searching for the best adult only cruises, you are not alone. More travellers are choosing adult only cruise holidays to enjoy a quieter and more refined experience at sea. You can also explore our luxury cruises to compare different premium sailing options.
An adult only cruise offers exactly what many travellers want. No children, no crowded family areas and a more relaxed atmosphere across dining, entertainment and public spaces.
In this guide, we compare the leading cruise lines offering adult-only experiences, including what each offers, who they suit and how to choose the right option for your next holiday.
Adult Only Cruise Lines Comparison
Here is a quick comparison of the best adult only cruise lines to help you choose the right option.
| Cruise Line | Minimum Age | Style | Best For | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Voyages | 18+ | Modern, social, lively | Couples, solo travellers, social travellers | All dining, WiFi, basic drinks, fitness classes |
| Viking Cruises | 18+ | Quiet, cultural, refined | Relaxation, enrichment, destination travel | Shore excursion, WiFi, beer and wine with meals |
| Oceania Cruises | 18+ | Upscale, food focused | Food lovers, luxury travellers | Specialty dining, WiFi, soft drinks, gratuities |
| P&O Cruises (Aurora & Arcadia) | 18+ (selected sailings) | Traditional British | Classic cruising, UK travellers | Dining and onboard entertainment |
What is an adult only cruise
An adult only cruise is a cruise where guests must be at least 18 years old. These sailings focus on a more relaxed, sophisticated and often more luxurious onboard experience.
Unlike family focused ships, the atmosphere feels noticeably calmer. Pool decks are quieter, dining is more refined and entertainment is designed with adults in mind. As a result, the overall experience feels more spacious and considered.
Best adult only cruise lines
Only a small number of cruise lines offer a true adult-only experience, which makes them stand out in a market dominated by family-focused ships.
Virgin Voyages adult only cruises
Virgin Voyages is one of the most well known adult only cruise lines, with all ships strictly 18+, including Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady.
The experience is modern, social and energetic. Instead of traditional cruise formats, the brand focuses on flexible dining, immersive entertainment and a strong nightlife scene. Guests can choose from over 20 dining venues, all included, while evenings centre around themed events and social spaces.
This is a strong choice if you want a lively and contemporary cruise without children onboard. You can view available Virgin Voyages cruises to explore current itineraries.
Viking Cruises adult only experience
Viking Cruises offers a fully adult-only experience across both its ocean and river fleet. You can explore Viking Cruises to see their latest sailings, including journeys on the Viking Mississippi along the iconic Mississippi River.
The experience is calm, cultural and destination focused. Ships are smaller, there is no casino and the onboard atmosphere is quiet and refined.
Guests can expect included shore excursions, Scandinavian design and enrichment programmes such as lectures and cultural talks. Because of this, Viking is ideal for travellers who want a more relaxed and immersive journey. You can also discover Mississippi River Cruises for a unique way to explore the Mississippi in comfort.
Oceania Cruises adult only luxury
Oceania Cruises is moving to a fully adult-only model, with all sailings focused on guests aged 18 and over. You can explore Oceania Cruises itineraries to see upcoming sailings, including ships such as Oceania Marina.
The onboard experience centres around food and destination driven travel. Guests enjoy high quality dining, a relaxed luxury feel and itineraries that prioritise ports over sea days.
As a result, Oceania stands out for travellers who want a quieter and more refined cruise experience.
P&O Cruises adult only ships
P&O Cruises offers two ships that are traditionally adult only, Aurora and Arcadia. You can browse P&O Cruises to check available sailings.
These ships deliver a classic British cruise experience, with formal evenings, traditional entertainment and a familiar onboard style.
However, some sailings may include families, so it is important to check specific itineraries before booking if you are looking for a strictly adult-only experience.
How to choose the best adult only cruise
Choosing the right cruise depends on the type of experience you want.
If you prefer a social and lively atmosphere, Virgin Voyages is a strong option. However, if you want something quieter and more cultural, Viking is ideal. Oceania offers a balance of luxury and destination focused travel, while P&O provides a more traditional cruise experience.
You can compare options by exploring luxury cruise deals or browsing different cruise lines to find the right fit.
Are adult only cruises worth it
Many travellers ask if these cruises are worth it, and for most people, the answer is yes.
The experience feels noticeably different from family focused ships. There is more space, fewer crowds and a calmer atmosphere throughout the day and evening. Because of this, they are especially popular with couples and those looking for a more relaxed holiday.
How to find the best deals on adult only cruises
You can still find strong value if you know where to look.
For example, repositioning cruises often offer lower nightly rates. In addition, booking early helps secure better cabin choice and pricing.
It is also important to compare what is included. Some cruise lines include dining, drinks or WiFi, which can improve overall value.
According to industry bodies such as CLIA, demand for adult-focused travel continues to grow, which is why booking early is becoming more important.
Book your adult only cruise
If you are considering an adult only cruise, now is the best time to start planning.
Demand continues to rise, particularly for premium cruise lines and newer ships. Planning early gives you more choice and access to the best itineraries.
You can explore adult only cruise deals, view luxury cruises or browse specific cruise lines through Paramount Cruises, where our team can help you find the right option for your travel style.
Adult Only Cruise FAQs
Most adult only cruises require guests to be at least 18 years old.
Virgin Voyages and Viking Cruises are fully adult only. Oceania Cruises is also moving to a fully adult-only model, while P&O Cruises offers adult-only ships on selected sailings.
Yes, these cruises are typically quieter and more relaxed compared to family focused ships.
Not always. While some are premium, many include extras like dining and WiFi, which can offer better overall value.
Yes, they are ideal for couples looking for a more relaxed and uninterrupted holiday.
