While we focus on travel with kids here at Family Travel Magazine, we understand that sometimes, you’ll want a getaway without kids. Whether it’s a couples getaway, a solo trip, or a girls’ trip away from the stress of everyday life, there are lots of great options for adult-only travel.
Are you considering a cruise for your no-kid vacation? A cruise can be a great escape from everyday life, offering amenities, activities, and more to keep you busy. Here are some of the best cruise lines for adults.
Disclosure: We’ve experienced some of these ships at no cost for review and have paid for our sailings on others. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
Which Cruise Line is Best for Adults?
When looking for a cruise line for adults, remember that most cruise lines (except Virgin Voyages, which is exclusively adult-only) allow children on board. Therefore, you’ll want to consider the various activities on board that appeal to adults.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages has completely changed the cruise game with its adult-only offering. They’ve made many changes to the traditional cruise paradigm, and so many great things are on board.
Differences include:
- Gratuities included in your cruise fare
- No buffet or traditional dining room – instead, all specialty restaurants is included
- Free Wi-Fi
- No cruise director, instead there is the “Happenings Cast”
- Fun touches like “Shake for Champagne,” where you can shake your phone and have champagne delivered directly to you
- Truly delicious, high-end food, including tapas-style Mediterranean food, at the Dock
- Limited cruise announcements while you are onboard
- Most non-alcoholic beverages (including soft drinks) are included (except for specialty coffee) and pressed juices
Virgin Voyages has four cruise ships, including the Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, Valiant Lady, and Brilliant Lady.
Virgin is focused on wellness and fun, so you’ll find some great fitness activities (including a large fitness center) and exciting parties in the evening. A Virgin Voyages sailing is a great way to recharge and relax.
Celebrity Cruise Line
I got to experience the Celebrity Cruise Line for the first time last year (on the Celebrity Summit), and I was impressed with my experience. While Celebrity cruises does offer many family-friendly activities (including a kids’ club), it was a fantastic adult-only experience. We did see some children on the ship, but not as many as other cruise lines I’ve sailed on.
Celebrity offers beautiful ships with fantastic entertainment. I was especially impressed with the outside acts they brought onboard (of course, these vary by sailing). The food was also delicious, including the buffet.
During my sailing on the Summit, I especially enjoyed spending time in the beautiful adult-only areas. This ship offers a Solarium, a glass-enclosed pool area that is exclusive to adults with pools and hot tubs.
Celebrity currently has 16 cruise ships in its fleet, so you’ll likely find many options for itineraries and sailings.
Holland America Cruise Line
While Holland America Line does offer kids amenities, including kids’ clubs, it tends to focus on older clientele. Their beautiful ships are generally upscale, with amenities such as a library and pickleball.
For a more luxurious day (either at sea or in port), you can book a cabana at the Retreat, an exclusive area offering breakfast, lunch, and cabana service.
Holland America Cruise Line currently offers 11 cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is one of the most family-friendly cruise lines at sea, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great for adults. It’s not only a fantastic option for an adult-only cruise, it’s also one of the best cruise lines when you are traveling with kids but will want some alone time.
With 29 cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has a lot to offer. As a result, amenities and activities on board the Royal Caribbean fleet vary significantly, so you’ll need to look at the specific ship before booking.
Adult activities on Royal Caribbean include a casino, entertainment (live shows like comedians, musicians, etc), nightclubs, the adult-only Solarium – one of my favorite places), and more. I’ve been on Royal Caribbean ships with my family and friends and have always found lots of activities to entertain me throughout the days and evenings. In addition, Royal Caribbean offers some of the best entertainment at sea – including Broadway-style productions.
If your cruise includes a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, there’s also a new adult-only area. Called Hideaway Beach, this adult-only section includes a vast pool area with a DJ and beach access.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea is open to all ages, although its clientele tends to be older adults in the 55+ range. It’s an ultra-luxury cruise line with smaller, more intimate ships. They advertise having the highest space-per-guest ratios, which means these ships won’t feel overly crowded.
Silversea currently has 12 ships, including three that offer expeditions. Even though they aren’t a large cruise line, they do offer many unique experiences with a wide range of itineraries. It’s considered all-inclusive, although some things, like the spa and casino, cost extra.
Princess Cruises
Like most of the other ships on this list, Princess Cruises is not exclusively adult-only. But, with great food, exclusive adult areas, and fantastic service, it is a great option for adults traveling without kids.
For a special option, book the Sanctuary, which is offered on Princess ships. The Sanctuary, an adult-only section on the top deck, does cost extra. Some ships offer a Sanctuary Collection package, where you’ll stay in a Sanctuary room and get access to an exclusive restaurant and more benefits.
There are other fantastic options for cruises for adults, including river cruises like Viking Voyages and small ship lines like Windstar Cruises.
What To Look For When Booking a Cruise for Adults
Whether you are traveling on a family vacation and want some along time, or are traveling on an adult-only trip, there are some things you should look for when booking.
Here’s what to consider:
- When you aren’t on a shore excursion or off the ship, what will you be able to do on the ship?
- Is there enough entertainment that you’ll want to see?
- Does the ship offer adult-only programming, like beverage seminars or game shows?
- Is there an adult-only section? Will you have to pay extra to access it?
- What are the dining options? Do these cost extra?
Have you ever been on an adult-only cruise?
