Last updated July 2026
By Shannon J. · Under the Sun Blog
Looking for the right adult only cruise line? The main fully adult-only options are Virgin Voyages and Viking Ocean Cruises, both requiring guests to be 18 or older on every sailing. Virgin Voyages starts around $740 per person for Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, while Viking Ocean runs closer to $300 per night and focuses on destination-heavy routes across Europe, Alaska, and beyond. P&O Cruises and Oceania Cruises also offer dedicated adult-only ships, and mainstream lines like Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival include adults-only zones for travelers who still want a family-ship price tag with a quieter corner to relax in.
Cruising without kids splashing in the pool or racing through the buffet line isn't just a nice idea anymore — it's a whole category of vacation. Whether you're planning a couples getaway, a solo destination trip, or a group escape, there are now several real ways to book a cruise that's built around adults from the moment you step aboard.
This guide breaks down which lines are truly adults-only, what they cost, where they sail, and how to pick the one that actually fits the trip you're picturing.
The Three Types of Adult-Only Cruises
Not every "adults-only" cruise means the same thing. It helps to know which category you're actually booking before you compare prices.
Fully Adult-Only Fleets
Every ship, every sailing, no children permitted — full stop. Virgin Voyages, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Saga Ocean Cruises (aimed at travelers 50 and up) all fall into this category. If you book with one of these lines, there's no chance of ending up next to a family suite no matter which sailing you pick.
Adult-Only Ships Within a Larger Fleet
Some cruise lines run a mixed fleet — most ships welcome families, but one or two specific ships are reserved for adults. P&O Cruises is the clearest example: their Arcadia and Aurora ships are adults-only, while the rest of the P&O lineup is family-friendly. Worth noting — some peak-period sailings on these ships have opened to all ages starting in late 2026, so it's always smart to confirm the age policy at the time of booking rather than assuming.
Adult-Only Zones on Family Ships
This is the middle ground: the ship itself welcomes kids, but there's a dedicated adults-only space onboard. Celebrity's Solarium, Royal Caribbean's Solarium, Princess's Sanctuary, Carnival's Serenity Retreat (21+), Norwegian's Vibe Beach Club, and MSC's Top 18 Sun Deck all give you a quiet, kid-free retreat without paying a premium adults-only fare for the whole trip.
Adult-Only Cruise Lines Compared: Prices & Destinations
| Cruise Line | Type | Starting Price | Trip Length | Key Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Voyages | 100% adults-only (18+) | From $740/person | 2–16 nights | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean (Mykonos, Santorini, Dubrovnik) |
| Viking Ocean Cruises | 100% adults-only (18+) | ~$300/night ($3,000+ total) | 7 nights to full world cruises | Alaska, Europe, transoceanic routes |
| P&O Cruises (Arcadia & Aurora) | Adult-only ships in a mixed fleet | Varies by sailing | Varies | UK departures, Mediterranean, Caribbean |
| Oceania Cruises | Fully adult-focused since Jan. 2026 | Varies by sailing | Varies | Destination and culinary-focused itineraries worldwide |
| Saga Ocean Cruises | 100% adults-only (50+) | Varies by sailing | Varies | UK-based departures |
Prices reflect published starting rates as of mid-2026 and change frequently with demand and season — always confirm current pricing directly with the cruise line before booking.
Virgin Voyages: Best for a Bold, Social Vibe
Virgin Voyages built its entire fleet around adults 18 and older, and it shows in the details — tattoo studios, rooftop lounges, and dining venues with an edgier, more playful attitude than a typical mainstream ship. Fares are structured in three tiers (Base, Essential, and Premium), with meals, basic Wi-Fi, and group fitness classes included even at the entry level. The line currently runs four ships across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and UK routes, with itineraries ranging from quick 2-night getaways to longer 16-night voyages. It's a strong fit if you want a lively, modern cruise that still feels boutique rather than mass-market. Learn more directly on Virgin Voyages' official site.
Viking Ocean Cruises: Best for Culture-Focused Travelers
Viking takes a different approach — Scandinavian-designed ships, more port days than sea days, and an emphasis on lectures, cultural performances, and in-depth excursions bundled into the fare. Every ship in the fleet caps out around 930–998 guests, keeping things intimate compared to a typical family megaship. Itineraries lean heavily toward Alaska, Europe, and long-haul world cruises, making it a better match for travelers who want the destination itself to be the main event rather than the ship's water slides and nightlife. Check current sailings on Viking's official site.
Other Adult-Focused Options Worth Knowing
P&O's Arcadia and Aurora give UK travelers an adults-only option without leaving a familiar, well-established cruise brand. Oceania Cruises shifted to a fully adult-focused model in January 2026, leaning into its reputation for standout onboard dining. Saga Ocean Cruises narrows things further, catering specifically to travelers 50 and up who want a quieter, more relaxed pace at sea.
Which Adult-Only Cruise Is Right for You?
- Want nightlife and a modern, social atmosphere? Virgin Voyages is built for that.
- Want deep cultural immersion and more time in port than at sea? Viking Ocean Cruises fits better.
- Already loyal to a mainstream cruise brand and just want a break from kids? Look at adult-only zones on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, or Carnival before paying a premium fare elsewhere.
- Traveling with a partner 50+ and want a slower pace? Saga Ocean Cruises is worth a look.
Not Ready to Book a Cruise?
Check out these budget-friendly weekend getaway ideas for couples instead.
See Weekend Getaway IdeasFrequently Asked Questions
Are there cruise lines that are truly adults-only?
Yes. Virgin Voyages, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Saga Ocean Cruises operate fleets where every ship and every sailing is restricted to adults, typically 18 and older (50 and older for Saga).
How much does an adult-only cruise cost?
Prices vary widely by line and itinerary. Virgin Voyages starts around $740 per person for shorter Caribbean sailings, while Viking Ocean Cruises typically runs about $300 per person per night, with longer or more luxurious itineraries climbing well beyond $3,000 total.
Which cruise lines have no children at all, on any ship?
Virgin Voyages and Viking Ocean Cruises operate exclusively adult fleets with no children permitted on any ship or sailing. Saga Ocean Cruises is similar but sets its minimum age at 50 rather than 18.
Can I get an adults-only experience on a mainstream cruise line?
Yes — lines like Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian, and MSC all offer dedicated adults-only areas onboard, such as a Solarium or Serenity Retreat, even though the rest of the ship welcomes families.
Do adult-only cruise ships still have peak-season family sailings?
Occasionally. P&O's Arcadia and Aurora, for example, have opened select peak-period sailings to all ages starting in late 2026, so it's worth confirming the age policy for a specific sail date directly with the cruise line before booking.