The Best Cruise Line for Adults
No children at all, or just your own space — two ways to cruise as grown-ups.
Get Adult Cruise QuotesThe Best Cruise Line for Adults: Two Different Answers
The best cruise line for adults depends on whether you want a ship with no children at all, or simply a ship where adults have their own space. Both exist, and they feel very different.
Adults-Only Lines
Virgin Voyages
Adults 18 and over only. Modern ships with a social, lively style; gratuities and basic Wi-Fi are included in the fare per the line.
Viking (ocean)
All guests must be 18 or over. Mid-size ships with a quieter, culture-focused style; Wi-Fi and beer and wine with lunch and dinner are included per the line.
These two are very different in mood — one leans toward nightlife and design, the other toward lectures and long port days — which is exactly why “adults only” alone is not enough to choose by.
Adult Space on Family Ships
Many big family-friendly lines keep areas just for grown-ups: adults-only sun decks and pools, quiet lounges, and late-night venues. Carnival’s Serenity retreats and Royal Caribbean’s Solarium are well-known examples on many of their ships. Pair that with a sailing outside school holidays and you can have a mostly adult cruise on a ship with more choice of restaurants and entertainment.
What Adult Travelers Should Weigh
- Lively or quiet: nightlife and parties, or lectures and early nights?
- Itinerary length: longer sailings attract fewer families.
- Inclusions: drinks, tips and Wi-Fi in the fare can matter more than the base price.
- Ship size: smaller ships mean fewer crowds and easier ports.
For travelers in their fifties and beyond, Baby Boomer Cruises goes further into pace, comfort and value.
Adults-Only Cruise Questions
Are there adults-only cruise lines?
Yes. Virgin Voyages sails for adults 18 and over, and Viking’s ocean ships accept only guests 18 and over. Some other lines are not adults-only by rule but attract very few children.
Can I avoid children on a family cruise line?
Partly. Choose sailings outside school holidays, longer itineraries, and ships with adults-only decks, pools or lounges.
What is the best cruise line for adults over 50?
It depends on pace and interests rather than age. Many travelers in that group like premium and luxury lines, longer itineraries and destination-rich sailings. Our sister site Baby Boomer Cruises covers this in depth.
Sailings That Attract Mostly Adults
Longer voyages, repositioning cruises and port-intensive sailings in Europe or Asia attract mostly adult guests on almost any line, because they fall outside school holidays and suit travelers with time to spare. If you like a particular ship but not the crowds, try one of these sailings on it before switching lines.
Find a Cruise Without the Kids
Tell us the kind of trip you want. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest adults-only lines and quiet sailings and send free quotes.
Get Adult Cruise Quotes