Adult-Only Cruising: The Best 3 Cruise Lines for a Grown-Up Only Experience

“Are there cruises without kids?” It’s a question I get asked more often than you might expect. The answer is “yes.” In fact, there are now three cruise lines that are entirely adult-only, requiring all guests to be 18 and over.

Family cruising has its place, and many cruise lines do a wonderful job creating memorable vacations for travelers of all ages. But sometimes, what you want is something different: a calmer atmosphere, fewer crowds, richer experiences, and time that feels truly your own.

That’s where adult-only cruising comes in.

Adult-only cruises aren’t about being exclusive or unfriendly. They’re about creating an environment designed just for adults — whether that means better dining, longer days in port, meaningful enrichment, wellness-focused spaces, or simply enjoying a peaceful morning coffee.

If you’re curious about adult-only cruising, here are three cruise lines that do it exceptionally well: Oceania Cruises, Viking, and Virgin Voyages.

Why Choose an Adult-Only Cruise?

Adult-only cruises appeal to a wide range of travelers: couples, solo travelers, friends traveling together, retirees, professionals taking a break, and even parents who’ve decided this trip is just for the adults.

Common reasons travelers choose adult-only cruises include:

• A quieter onboard atmosphere

• Fewer crowds and lines

• Destination-focused itineraries

• Sophisticated (but not pretentious) dining experiences

• Entertainment and enrichment designed for adults

• A more relaxed, unhurried pace

Adult-only cruising isn’t about avoiding children — it’s about choosing an experience aligned with how you want to travel.

Oceania Allura was built in 2025. She is Oceania Cruise Lines' newest ship in a line that is now adult-only.

Oceania Cruises: Adult-Only Luxury with a Focus on Food and Comfort

Oceania Cruises is an excellent choice for travelers who want luxury without feeling too formal. They have always geared more toward adults, but have made the move to start 2026 as an officially adult-only line.

Their mid-sized ships are elegant yet comfortable, offering plenty of space without the crowds of larger ships. What truly sets Oceania apart is the cuisine. Oceania is widely known for its exceptional dining at sea, with multiple specialty restaurants included in your fare and no rigid dining schedules. Oceania is also well known for its onboard enrichment classes, particularly its culinary experiences, which are consistently popular with guests who enjoy learning something new while they travel.

You’ll also find:

• Thoughtfully designed staterooms

• Enrichment programs and destination-focused itineraries

• A relaxed onboard atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection

Oceania attracts travelers who value comfort, excellent service, and a refined adult-only experience that never feels pretentious.

Viking Vesta, built in 2025, is currently Viking Ocean Cruises' newest ship. They have more ships due to launch in 2026.

Viking Cruises: Calm, Cultural, and Intentionally Adult

Viking Cruises is an adult-only line that attracts travelers seeking meaningful, immersive experiences.

Viking’s philosophy is simple: travel should be enriching, not overwhelming. Their cruises include a great deal upfront, such as shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and enrichment programs, which many travelers appreciate.

Onboard, you’ll notice:

• Scandinavian-inspired design

• Quiet, peaceful public spaces

• A focus on history, culture, and learning

• Longer port stays and fewer sea days

What you won’t find onboard your Viking cruise, in addition to kids, is casinos. They are the only one of these three lines that does not have onboard casinos at sea.

Viking cruises are ideal for travelers who enjoy exploration, learning, and a calm onboard environment without casinos or flashy entertainment.

Virgin Voyages' newest ship, which launched in 2025, is Brilliant Lady.

Virgin Voyages: A Modern, Adult-Only Cruise Experience

Virgin Voyages offers a completely different style of adult-only cruising — and for the right traveler, it’s a perfect fit.

Designed exclusively for adults, Virgin Voyages focuses on flexibility, modern design, and a more playful onboard atmosphere. There are no traditional buffets, no formal dress codes, and dining is included at a wide variety of restaurants. Sir Richard Branson wanted to create a cruise experience unlike what’s traditional.

Virgin Voyages appeals to travelers who want:

• A lively but still sophisticated vibe

• Modern entertainment and wellness-focused activities

• A cruise experience that doesn’t feel traditional

It’s especially popular with couples, groups of friends, and travelers who may not have cruised before.

Is Adult-Only Cruising Right for You?

Adult-only cruising works best for travelers who value atmosphere as much as itinerary. It’s not one-size-fits-all — and that’s exactly why choosing the right cruise line matters. That’s also why working with a cruise specialist can make such a difference: matching the right traveler with the right cruise line is key.

Oceania, Viking, and Virgin Voyages each offer very different adult-only cruise experiences. Matching your travel style to the right cruise line can make all the difference between a good trip and a great one.

If you’re wondering whether adult-only cruising is right for you — or which cruise line best fits your preferences — I’m always happy to talk it through so you’re booked into the right experience for this moment and the memories you want to create.

That’s what I’ve been doing for more than 45 years: helping people create trips that feel just right.

Happy Traveling,

-Connie