9 tips for enjoying an adult getaway on a cruise ship filled with kids

When not traveling with children, family-friendly cruise lines can sometimes feel overwhelmingly geared towards youngsters.

You might envision children in goggles playing games in the hot tubs where you hoped to unwind, or preteens crowding into elevators, jamming all the buttons. The chaos around soft-serve ice cream machines, left in disarray by eager kids overloading their cones, is another common sight. And why do family-oriented activities always seem to eclipse the limited adult-only options? Even on a large ship, it can feel like your entire vacation is dominated by boisterous groups of children.

However, if you know where to find adult-only areas on the ship and how to steer clear of busy kid zones, you can largely avoid the hustle and bustle of children throughout your day.

Believe me—I travel without kids, yet I’ve taken nearly 15 cruises with major family-friendly lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. I’ve discovered numerous ways to enjoy an adult-centered vacation on these kid-friendly voyages.

Follow my nine tips, and you can enjoy a grown-up vacation on a cruise ship teeming with kids.

Look for adult-only sun decks or solariums

We all crave some sunshine during a cruise. Instead of heading to crowded pool decks filled with children, consider seeking out adult-only sun decks or solariums. Most family-oriented cruise lines offer serene adult retreats featuring comfortable loungers, soothing whirlpools, and refreshing swimming pools.

One of my favorite adults-only pool areas is found on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, featuring a solarium with a stunning view of the ship's bow. This fully enclosed space is air-conditioned, making it a perfect retreat on sweltering Caribbean days and during rainy spells. It offers ample lounge chairs along with tiered water areas that include refreshing pools and inviting whirlpools. Best of all, the minimum age for entry into the solarium is 18.

On the Utopia, there’s also a nearby restaurant called the Solarium Bistro. This buffet-style venue is celebrated for its fresh Mediterranean cuisine available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although the restaurant isn't strictly adults-only, I’ve seldom spotted children there, as it’s adjacent to the designated 18-and-over area.

Another favorite adults-only sun deck of mine is Satellite Falls on Disney Dream's Deck 13. It derives its name from the circular wading pool at its center, which features a gentle cascade of water flowing into it.

I adore this space because it's usually quieter and less congested compared to the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool and the Cove Cafe on Deck 11. I enjoy unwinding on one of the many lounge chairs while soaking in the views from the ship's bow. The only downside is that drink service can be a bit slow, so I prefer to grab my cocktail from a pool bar before settling into my lounger.

Opt for dining later in the evening

Regardless of the family-friendly cruise line you're on, dining later in the evening typically means encountering fewer children in the dining room.

I prefer flexible, open-seating dining when it’s available, as it allows me to head to the dining room whenever I like without a set time. This way, I can eat when I'm truly hungry and not miss out on the fun activities happening earlier. Plus, it reduces the chance of being seated near kids.

Lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line all provide flexible dining options. However, it's wise to check the rules before opting for this seating arrangement. For instance, some cruise lines suggest making reservations each night to minimize wait times for a table.

A significant advantage of flexible dining is that you can inform the restaurant host if you'd prefer to dine alone or with specific people, and even request tables away from children. While these requests are generally accommodated, there may be brief waits for a suitable table to become available.

If you prefer a fixed dining schedule or can’t select a flexible option, opt for the latest set-seating time to minimize encounters with children. While the exact times differ by cruise line, most ships offer early seating between 5 and 6 p.m., with late dining typically ranging from 7:45 to 9 p.m. In addition to fewer kids, late dining often gives you more time in port, especially when departures are later.

Indulge in a specialty restaurant or two

Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, permit children in extra-cost specialty restaurants, while others, like Disney Cruise Line, do not allow kids in these dining venues.

I love Disney Cruise Line for this very reason. While I enjoy the main dining venues with their themed decor and live entertainment, I appreciate the option of having an adults-only meal at one of the four specialty restaurants available across the fleet (the Italian Palo and Palo Steakhouse, as well as the French-inspired Remy and Enchante).

A meal you can’t miss is the sea-day brunch at Palo or Palo Steakhouse, depending on the ship I'm on. From the amazing almond croissants to the perfectly crispy and cheesy chicken parmesan, I always leave this meal feeling satisfied and impressed by both the food and service. If you prefer dinner at these restaurants, be sure to try the potato gnocchi with basil pesto sauce—it’s easily one of the best dishes on any Disney Cruise Line ship. Both meals are priced at $50 per person.

If your ship lacks an adults-only specialty restaurant, you can still savor a kid-free meal by exploring some of the more upscale dining options. Consider the Murano Restaurant on Celebrity Cruises ships, renowned for its refined French cuisine and smart-casual dress code, or the intimate Chef's Table experiences available on various lines. I’ve enjoyed a delightful meal at the Chef's Table on Carnival Cruise Line, where innovative dishes and unique pairings attract adventurous food lovers.

Think about staying on the ship during port calls

If you want to fully enjoy your cruise ship's pool decks and water features without kids racing around or splashing you, I suggest staying on the ship during a port call, especially if it's a destination you've visited multiple times. For me, this includes places like Nassau, Bahamas, or Cozumel, Mexico. The ship tends to empty out, and most families take the opportunity to enjoy shore excursions or time at the beach.

The pools and hot tubs will be less crowded, so you won’t have to deal with kids monopolizing the space or goofing off. I love large water parks, such as those found on newer Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships, but I dislike waiting in line, especially when kids are pushing ahead. On port days, I can race my family and friends down the twisting slides without facing much of a queue.

For instance, I've noticed that lines for Disney Cruise Line's AquaMouse raft ride can exceed 30 minutes on sea days. I refuse to waste my time standing around on a cruise. Instead, I find that the middle of a port day is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the AquaMouse raft ride with minimal wait.

Seek out late-night movies

All family-friendly cruise lines provide movie options on board, whether on the pool deck with a giant Jumbotron or in a dedicated theater. Adults looking for a dinner-and-movie date night should choose films that are screened later in the evening. Families with kids who have risen early are likely winding down and heading back to their cabins, while those who started their day later may be seeking more vibrant entertainment, like music and dancing.

I always check the nightly movie lineup on the cruise line's mobile app. I also pay attention to movie ratings, as some parents prefer to avoid films rated higher than PG for their younger children.

On Carnival Cruise Line, the pool deck dive-in movies typically feature a mix of family-friendly and adult-oriented selections. Generally, movies with lower recommended parental guidance are shown earlier in the day, while those with higher ratings are scheduled for later in the evening.

Disney stands out among cruise lines for showcasing first-run movies that have just premiered in theaters back on land. Although the indoor cinemas are seldom free of children, the later screenings tend to attract fewer kids and a larger adult audience. Personally, I relish watching Marvel or Star Wars films that start at 10:30 p.m. or later, as they offer a more mature vibe.

While R-rated films are a rarity from Disney's studios, they do occasionally appear on board. For example, Marvel's recent R-rated sensation "Deadpool & Wolverine" is now screening on Disney vessels, with the cruise line stipulating that children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult over 21 to view the movie.

Look for activities designed exclusively for adults

Every cruise ship provides a range of activities, some suitable for kids and others tailored for adults. Keep an eye out for late-night karaoke, game shows, trivia contests, and R-rated comedy performances. I always save these events in the cruise line's app so I receive alerts when it's time to join in and know exactly where to go.

You’ll become familiar with the entertainment staff who lead these activities and can follow your favorites throughout your voyage. For instance, after participating in several games on Celebrity Ascent, I built a rapport with the game host and made it a point to attend their events because they were such a blast.

Disney Cruise Line's four iconic ships (Disney Magic, Wonder, Fantasy, and Dream) feature exclusive clubs and lounge areas that are reserved for adults after 9 p.m. Crew members will verify the ages of anyone who appears younger than 18 and will escort underage guests out. Adults can enjoy an entire night filled with games, karaoke, and dancing without any children around, all without needing to travel far between venues.

Dedicate a day to the thermal suite at the spa

The spa is another adults-only haven onboard, allowing you to relax in the thermal suite free from the presence of children. Here, you can recline on heated stone loungers, enjoy whirlpools, detox in steam rooms, and refresh yourself with an aromatherapy shower.

I make it a point to reserve at least one day at the thermal suite during every cruise. My favorite is the one on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Viva and Prima, which boasts a flotation salt pool, a vitality pool, a charcoal sauna, an infrared sauna, a salt room, an ice room, and a steam room to experience. There's also a relaxation area with stunning forward-facing views and ample plush loungers to enjoy.

Your cabin type may grant you access to certain thermal suites. For instance, booking an AquaClass cabin with Celebrity Cruises provides complimentary entry to the SEA Thermal Suite. Guests in Carnival's Cloud 9 Spa staterooms also enjoy unlimited access to the onboard thermal suite.

Relax in adults-only spaces on cruise line private islands and beaches

If your cruise itinerary features a stop at your cruise line's private island or beach, you can escape the crowds of families by seeking out the adults-only sections. These exclusive beaches are completely free of children and often provide a more luxurious experience than the rest of the island.

Hideaway Beach serves as the adults-only area on Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises' private island. It's an ideal spot for adults seeking a beach club atmosphere, complete with five bars, two dining options, lounge chairs, and a DJ. Royal Caribbean limits the daily guest count at Hideaway Beach to 1,800, and children are not permitted. Admission requires a fee.

Disney Cruise Line visits two exclusive island destinations, each featuring an adults-only beach known as Serenity Bay. Here, you can relax on lounge chairs with umbrellas, enjoy hammocks, or rent cabanas, along with a barbecue lunch and a full-service bar. At Disney's private island Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay is just a tram ride away from the family beach located on the opposite side of the island.

Reserve adults-only or private shore excursions

When it's time to disembark at ports of call, you can ensure a kid-free experience on your tour by selecting adults-only or private shore excursions.

To discover adults-only excursions, use the filters on the shore excursions search page specific to your port of call. This allows you to view each excursion along with any age requirements. Carnival Cruise Line goes a step further by enabling you to sort excursions based on minimum age, offering several tours for those 18 and older.

Child-free day tours might feature wine or beer tastings, gourmet meals at historic venues, booze cruises, and ATV or motorcycle adventures. Disney Cruise Line also offers some sightseeing tours exclusively for adults.

For an unparalleled experience, think about a private excursion. These can typically be arranged through most cruise lines, or you can book them independently via third-party providers like Viator or TripAdvisor. By hiring a private vehicle for your group, you can ensure a kid-free experience and make the most of your time at each port.

Ensure your driver is aware of the return time to the ship, as cruise lines are not required to wait for passengers who are late from independent excursions. I always aim to return at least one hour before the final boarding time to guarantee a smooth return.

For a touch of luxury, Celebrity Cruises offers a request form that allows the line to design a private and personalized excursion in various destinations worldwide. This service takes the burden of planning off your shoulders and hands it over to an expert. In the past, Celebrity has tailored unique itineraries for guests in locations like Rhodes, Greece, and Lisbon, Portugal.

In summary

If you're an adult group traveling on a family-oriented cruise line, don’t worry. There are still numerous activities available both on and off the ship that cater exclusively to adults or significantly reduce your chances of encountering children.

Travelers who genuinely prefer to avoid children while on vacation should consider planning trips during school hours or exploring kid-free cruise lines, like Virgin Voyages or Viking. It's also wise to steer clear of popular school break periods, as these times often attract hundreds of kids onboard, making it challenging to find a quiet escape from the under-18 crowd.