Top Adults-Only Cruises for Those Who Prefer a Kid-Free Getaway

Which adults-only cruises not only exclude children but also cater to the sophisticated tastes and interests of grown-ups?

You might be curious after experiencing a megaship where kids dominated the pools, hot tubs, and even the elevators. Or perhaps you seek a vacation filled with enriching lectures rather than limbo contests — or simply a cruise that leans more towards R-rated fun than G-rated activities.

Unfortunately, the list of cruises exclusively for adults is quite limited. Only a few cruise lines strictly prohibit children on board and offer experiences designed for grown-ups — with notable newcomers like Virgin Voyages and the rapidly expanding Viking leading the way.

Recent trends in cruising have shifted towards family-oriented voyages, resulting in an increase in kids on all types of ships. Indeed, some of the most prominent cruise brands have fully embraced the family market, making their sunlit decks sometimes feel more like a scene from "Daddy Day Care" rather than a peaceful vacation escape.

But don’t lose hope. While many cruise lines are focusing on family experiences, there’s a select group of operators that are fully committed to adults-only cruises.

Here are our top recommendations for the best adults-only cruise lines, each offering a distinctly grown-up atmosphere.

Virgin Voyages

Sir Richard Branson's much-anticipated new cruise line has implemented a strict no-kids policy, prohibiting anyone under 18 from boarding. This initiative aims to cultivate a more stylish, sophisticated atmosphere that the company believes is missing in the cruising industry.

"We’ve conducted extensive research to craft a truly refined experience," said Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin before the line launched in 2021. "From my own observations, we noticed that kids in the pool can be quite loud, and that’s not the vibe we’re aiming for."

Virgin Voyages' inaugural trio of adults-only ships—the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady, along with its sister ships Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady—are designed for adults seeking a more mature type of entertainment, featuring lively dance parties and unique experiences. Each ship also includes a vibrant karaoke lounge with colorful rooms and even a tattoo parlor (check out how one of our team members was one of the first to get inked onboard).

On these three ships (with a fourth, Brilliant Lady, set to launch in 2025), you won’t find waterslides, splash zones, teen lounges, or the myriad family-oriented amenities that are increasingly standard on larger vessels.

Viking

To craft an adults-only cruising experience, Virgin Voyages drew inspiration from the rapidly expanding Viking line. Since its launch in 2015, Viking's ocean cruise division has maintained a strict no-children policy, while its river cruise division has enforced a minimum age limit for over 20 years. Initially set at age 12, the cutoff was raised to 18 in 2019.

Despite both being adults-only, Virgin and Viking cater to different audiences. Virgin is tailored for millennials and older guests who wish to embrace a youthful party atmosphere, whereas Viking stands in stark contrast as a more mature option.

Viking specifically targets travelers aged 55 and older, offering a refined, destination-oriented experience rich in what the industry terms "enrichment"—including onboard lectures and educational opportunities. Their itineraries focus on cultural and historical tours, with at least one complimentary excursion at every port, and entertainment that leans towards classical performances rather than vibrant dance shows.

"Our goal is to not attempt to cater to everyone," explained Richard Marnell, Viking's executive vice president of marketing, to TPG. "We don’t offer a kids' program. Instead, we provide an immersive experience tailored for those who are intellectually curious."

P&O Cruises

This renowned British cruise line recognizes the popularity of adults-only ships while still embracing the family market. It strikes a balance between the two, with five of its seven vessels (Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Ventura, and Azura) marketed as "family-friendly" and welcoming guests of all ages, while the remaining two (Arcadia and Aurora) cater exclusively to adults.

Since over 95% of passengers aboard this Southampton, England-based line are British, you'll likely want to be British or at least an enthusiastic Anglophile if you're considering one of the adults-only ships. Cruising with P&O Cruises offers a distinctly British experience, evident from the moment you spot their vessels adorned with large Union Jack hulls.

Onboard P&O Cruises, you'll also discover traditional British delights like extravagant afternoon teas, quoits on the upper deck, and menus crafted by prominent UK chefs like Marco Pierre White.

If you're a fan of Princess Cruises, you'll likely feel at home aboard a P&O Cruises ship. These two brands have a long-standing relationship under the same corporate umbrella and have exchanged ships over the years. Interestingly, Holland America enthusiasts might find it noteworthy that Arcadia shares its design with the Vista Class from that line.

For the purpose of bookings, P&O Cruises classifies anyone who will be 18 or older at the time of sailing as an adult.

Saga Cruises

Similar to P&O Cruises, Saga Cruises is a British line focused on providing adult-only voyages, but it takes this concept even further by imposing a minimum age requirement of 50, setting it apart from P&O Cruises and other lines that only restrict guests under 18 or 21.

Indeed, aboard a Saga Cruises ship, you won't encounter many millennials or even Generation Xers; at 58, the oldest Gen X members just barely make the age cut. Instead, you'll find a predominance of baby boomers, with many enjoying their retirement.

Saga Cruises operates solely two ocean vessels, departing exclusively from the U.K., along with several river ships. Like P&O Cruises, it is likely to appeal most to British travelers or dedicated Anglophiles.

Other adult-oriented cruises

Beyond cruise lines that outright prohibit passengers under 18, several operators allow younger children but attract very few of them.

Notable examples include premium lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Seabourn, which primarily target an older clientele. The small-ship line Windstar Cruises welcomes tweens and teens on its six vessels, but restricts access to children under the age of 8.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, which offers both ocean and river cruises, typically advises against allowing children under 12 on board, except during Christmas holiday voyages.

Moreover, the longer the cruise, the fewer children you'll encounter. If you book a sailing of two weeks or more to a more exotic destination, such as Asia or South America, during the school year on lines like Holland America or Princess, you'll mostly be surrounded by adults.