15 Best Adults-Only Cruises for the Most Unforgettable Getaway in 2025
There’s something about the idea of a vacation with no kids running around that just feels different. Maybe it’s the uninterrupted relaxation, the refined dining experiences, or the ability to enjoy a quiet sunset without someone else’s toddler throwing a tantrum in the background. Adults-only cruises exist for travelers who want just that—a more serene, upscale, and immersive getaway. Here’s a breakdown of the best adult-only cruises, ranging from truly 18+ ships to those with exclusive adult-centric spaces where you can escape from the family crowd.
Viking Ocean Cruises – A Fully Adults-Only Luxury Experience
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Viking is one of the few cruise lines that doesn’t allow children on board at all. Every single Viking ship is 18+, creating an atmosphere of pure relaxation. Their small, Scandinavian-style ships prioritize destination-focused itineraries, with excursions like dining in a local’s home in Shanghai or exploring ancient ruins in Greece. Onboard, it’s all about sophistication—from Michelin-quality dining to Nordic spa experiences and curated lectures by historians.
Virgin Voyages – The Trendiest Party at Sea
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Virgin Voyages took everything outdated about traditional cruising and threw it overboard. Designed for adults 18+, these ships have rooftop yoga decks, tattoo parlors, secret cocktail menus, and over-the-top entertainment. Michelin-starred chefs create a restaurant-only experience with everything from Korean BBQ to vegan tapas. And with their “Shake for Champagne” feature, you can literally shake your phone and have a bottle of bubbly delivered anywhere on board.
P&O Cruises – Sophisticated and Affordable Adults-Only Travel
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Not every adults-only cruise has to break the bank. P&O’s Arcadia and Aurora ships are exclusively for guests 18 and older, catering to a mix of refined relaxation and classic cruise charm. Expect theater productions, gin-tasting experiences, and classic British cuisine with a modern twist. Their world cruises are a particular standout, offering longer itineraries with stops in some of the most sought-after destinations in Europe and beyond.
Azamara – Small Ships, Big Experiences
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Azamara is not officially adults-only, but the atmosphere naturally caters to grown-up travelers. These boutique, small-ship cruises are designed to linger in port longer, meaning overnight stays in places like Monaco for the Grand Prix or Rio for Carnival. Onboard, the mood is laid-back but elegant, with specialty restaurants, an impressive wine selection, and curated cultural events like AzAmazing Evenings—exclusive shore excursions designed just for Azamara guests.
Scenic Cruises – For Those Who Want It All (and Don’t Want to Lift a Finger)
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Scenic’s ultra-luxury expedition yachts come with butler service, private balconies, and some of the most exclusive destinations in the world. Whether you want to explore Antarctica or sip cocktails in the South of France, Scenic provides personalized, all-inclusive luxury—and yes, that even includes helicopter rides and submarine dives for a truly next-level experience.
Regent Seven Seas – The Definition of All-Inclusive
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Regent Seven Seas ships are floating five-star resorts, where every cabin is a suite, every meal is gourmet, and every excursion is included in the fare. That means roundtrip airfare, unlimited fine dining, top-shelf drinks, and exclusive shore experiences—no extra charges or surprises. Their Regent Suite, an over-the-top, 4,400-square-foot accommodation with a private spa, is one of the most extravagant suites at sea.
Seabourn – Elegance Without the Stuffy Atmosphere
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Seabourn is all about intimate, high-end cruising without the formal dress codes. Think smaller, all-suite ships, service so personalized that staff remember your favorite drink, and exclusive experiences like the famous Caviar in the Surf beach party, where crew members literally serve caviar and Champagne in the ocean. Their newer ships also feature submarines for exploring underwater destinations.
Windstar Cruises – Intimate Yachting Without the Pretense
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Windstar’s tiny, yacht-style ships hold just 148 to 342 passengers, making them feel like a private escape rather than a giant floating city. They specialize in off-the-beaten-path destinations, where their small size allows them to dock in hidden coves, remote villages, and tucked-away harbors larger cruise ships can’t reach. Perfect for a more intimate, laid-back experience.
Celebrity Cruises – Big Ships, Grown-Up Spaces
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Celebrity Cruises isn’t strictly adults-only, but they’ve mastered the art of creating sophisticated, child-free zones. Their Solarium, an adults-only indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, is a standout, as are their upscale cocktail lounges and Le Voyage restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud.
Princess Cruises – Elevated Relaxation at Sea
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Princess Cruises’ Sanctuary retreat is an exclusive, top-deck escape for adults only, complete with luxury cabanas, spa treatments, and ocean-view infinity pools. Their newer ships also feature Winemaker’s Dinners, a multi-course, wine-paired experience designed for true food and drink lovers.
Carnival’s Serenity – A Child-Free Escape on a Family Ship
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Even on family-friendly Carnival, there’s a way to escape the chaos. Their Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is a quiet, open-air deck with plush loungers, daybeds, and dedicated bar service. Some ships even have a Fresh Creations salad bar, offering a healthier alternative to the usual cruise fare.
Disney Cruises – Yes, Even Disney Has Adults-Only Spaces
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Surprisingly, Disney cruises are great for adults, thanks to their exclusive 18+ spaces. The Quiet Cove Pool, high-end dining at Palo Steakhouse, and the Star Wars-themed Hyperspace Lounge provide a kid-free retreat while still enjoying Disney’s legendary service.
Norwegian’s Vibe Beach Club – A Private Paradise at Sea
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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Vibe Beach Club is an adults-only, resort-style sundeck with oversized hot tubs, premium cocktails, and concierge service. Available on select ships, access is limited and requires a pre-purchased pass, making it a more exclusive, crowd-free experience.
Royal Caribbean’s Solarium – A Hidden Oasis
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Even on Royal Caribbean’s massive mega-ships, adults can find peace in the Solarium—a glass-enclosed retreat with infinity pools, waterfalls, and breathtaking ocean views. Their newest ship, Icon of the Seas, takes it up a notch with a suspended infinity pool and a private lounge bar.
Silversea – Luxury Cruising Without the Crowds
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Silversea is boutique luxury cruising at its finest, with one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea. Their all-inclusive fares cover everything from butler service to premium drinks, and their expedition ships sail to some of the most remote locations in the world, including the Arctic and Galápagos Islands.