Top 7 Adult-Only Cruise Lines

Determining the best adult-only cruise can be subjective, as individuals have varying preferences and interests.

Azamara

Azamara is a small premium cruise line that offers destination-focused itineraries, ideal for those seeking indulgence. Though Azamara has no entirely restricted children, the lifestyle on board is mainly focused on adults and does not have kids’ entertainment facilities planned.

Azamara’s fleet has four ships, each carrying around 700 guests; Azamara Journey, Azamara Onward, Azamara Pursuit and Azamara Quest. All the main dining, selected alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, self-service laundry, and the AzAmazing Celebrations are included in the fare.

Azamara Quest Ship At Sea

Cunard

Cunard has four ships in their fleet; Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. Cunard tends to cater more to couples and friends than families with children. Life on board revolves around elegant experiences, from Champagne toasts and daily afternoon teas to glamorous gala dinners and ballroom dancing, leaving little space for kids’ activities and entertainment.

The ship’s décor embraces a traditional aesthetic, featuring dark woods and art decor elements. Entertainment offerings range from daily quizzes and line dancing to captivating evening cabaret shows and ballroom dancing sessions. Guests can expect top-notch accommodations, refined dining options, a wide array of daily activities and entertainment, and impeccable service as part of their standard fare.

Additional amenities such as gratuities, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and shore excursions come at an extra cost. While there are kids’ clubs available on the ships, offering activities suitable for various age groups, Cunard doesn’t provide extensive facilities or services specifically tailored to children.

Queen Anne At Sea

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises presents a harmonious fusion of luxury, intimacy, and itineraries that immerse travellers in captivating destinations. With its fleet of mid-sized ships, Oceania ensures a more intimate and serene atmosphere that caters to adult travellers seeking tranquillity. The cruise line takes pride in offering superb gourmet dining options, well-appointed accommodations, and enriching onboard activities.

For couples and friends embarking on the journey, each of the seven ships available provides a delightful experience complemented by Wi-Fi accessibility and the inclusion of all dining expenses and non-alcoholic beverages as standard. Oceania Cruises has gained glory for its cooking expertise, delivering the finest culinary experiences crafted by renowned chefs worldwide.

Oceania Insignia At Sea

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises currently features two adult-only ships, Arcadia and Aurora, which are currently undergoing extensive renovations. The refurbishment of Arcadia is scheduled for completion by November 2024, while Aurora is expected to be fully upgraded by April 2025. These two ships allow British travellers to embark on child-free voyages while still enjoying the renowned P&O Cruise experience.

Immerse yourself in the pleasure of delightful afternoon teas, relish the delectable menus crafted by esteemed UK chefs such as Marco Pierre White, and bask in the cosy ambience of gastro-pub settings as you set sail for diverse destinations across the globe, frequently departing from the prominent UK port of Southampton.

Both ships exclusively cater to adult guests, providing an ageless cruise experience where your accommodations, dining experiences, access to the gym, captivating theatre shows tailored to British preferences, live musical performances, and side-splitting comedy acts are all included in the price of your fare.

P&O Cruises Arcadia At Sea

Saga Cruises

Saga Cruises has gained recognition for its access policy, restricting entry to individuals aged 50 or above. However, if you are 40 or older, you can still embark on a Saga cruise by accompanying a companion who meets the age requirement. Saga Cruises operates two ocean vessels, the Spirit of Adventure and the Spirit of Discovery, offering hassle-free itineraries from London, Portsmouth, and Dover.

These intimate ships provide a range of exceptional amenities, including complimentary chauffeur service, premium alcohol, Wi-Fi, and comprehensive travel insurance, all incorporated into the price you pay. With a maximum capacity of under 999 guests, this cruise is not tailored for young adults seeking a lively experience. Instead, it serves as an ideal sanctuary for seasoned cruisers in search of a tranquil getaway.

Spirit of Adventure At Sea

Silversea

Silversea is a cruise line that caters primarily to adults, although it is not exclusively limited to adults only. The cruise line offers a luxurious sailing experience across its thirteen ships, with four of them belonging to the expedition class (Silver Cloud, Silver Explorer, Silver Origin and Silver Wind). Most amenities are included in your cruise fare, although speciality dining options and premium drinks may incur additional charges during your voyage.

With a capacity of up to 728 passengers, Silversea offers an intimate small-ship cruising experience to various destinations such as the Mediterranean, South America, Alaska and the Polar Regions.

While children are allowed on select sailings, it’s worth noting that itineraries operating outside of the summer season tend to have fewer children on board. This is particularly true for longer-duration sailings, including world cruise sectors lasting 50 nights or more.

Silver Shadow At Sea

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises has built a reputation for its refined ships and captivating journeys. From the outset, Viking has focused exclusively on passengers aged 18 and above, ensuring a purely adult-oriented cruise experience. Boasting an impressive fleet of eight ocean vessels, guests can indulge in generous accommodations, exquisite dining options, and immersive excursions tailored to adult preferences.

Viking takes pride in creating a sense of exclusivity, offering thoughtfully crafted itineraries to enrich every traveller’s journey. The influence of Scandinavian elegance permeates the ship, providing guests with peaceful and sophisticated social spaces where they can savour destination-inspired culinary delights.

Viking Star At Sea