Best adult cruises in 2025 offer all the amenities you need for a memorable vacation. Check out these tips to select the best adult cruise line.
If you are looking for a trip that is all about adults, you are not alone. Some cruises are just built better for grown-ups who want a kid-free zone. Whether you want quiet pools, fancy dinners, cool entertainment, or just a peaceful place to chill, certain adult-only cruises make it all happen.
Here is a guide to the top five best cruise lines for adults. These cruise lines are perfect for travelers who want to be around other adults without having to dodge pool noodles or wait in line behind a bunch of kids. We have picked the top ones like Virgin Voyages, Viking Ocean Cruises, and three more that are also easy to find on CruiseBooking.com. Let’s get straight into it.
Here is a list of some of the best adult cruise lines for you to plan a cruising vacation.:
Virgin Voyages is built only for adults, and it shows in every single detail. Their ships are designed for travelers who are 18 years and older. That makes it one of the top cruise lines for adults looking for a kid-free experience.
Virgin Voyages ships feel different from the moment you step on board. Think trendy nightclubs, cool beach clubs, rooftop lounges, tattoo studios, and restaurants that feel like you are dining out in a big city. There is no big buffet with lukewarm food either. Instead, you get more than 20 spots to eat at, all included in your cruise fare.
They focus heavily on wellness too, with a big outdoor gym, yoga classes, and a spa that lets you try everything from hot stone massages to mudrooms. Every evening, there are wild shows, themed parties, and pop-up events. These adult-only cruise ships offer a bold, fun, and free-spirited vibe that is different from traditional cruising.
If you are after adult-only cruises that feel modern and exciting, Virgin Voyages is a top choice.
Viking Ocean Cruises is a dream for travelers who want a more refined, peaceful cruise. Their ships are built just for adults, meaning you must be 18 or older to sail. Everything about Viking is designed to slow things down and create a calm environment.
The ships are smaller compared to the giant floating cities out there, and that is a good thing. You get fewer crowds, more personal service, and a real chance to soak in your surroundings. Staterooms all have balconies, giving you space to relax and breathe fresh ocean air whenever you want.
Viking Ocean Cruises focuses on destination experiences too. Their itineraries are packed with long port stops, overnight stays, and included excursions. On board, there are cooking classes, history talks, and live classical music shows. It feels more like a boutique hotel on water rather than a theme park.
If you are searching for adult-only cruise lines that offer peaceful trips and cultural moments, Viking Ocean Cruises is a perfect pick.
Celebrity Cruises is not fully adults-only, but it comes very close with its "Retreat" area and more upscale atmosphere across many of its ships. Celebrity attracts travelers who want a bit more sophistication, great food, and a calm vibe.
While kids are allowed on Celebrity ships, you will notice that most of the entertainment, dining, and bars are geared toward adults. Think craft cocktail lounges, award-winning restaurants, and wine tastings hosted by experts. They even have special quiet sun decks, rooftop gardens, and private suites that feel like your own small resort.
One of the best parts of Celebrity is their new Edge Series ships. They offer cool features like the Magic Carpet, an outdoor lounge that moves up and down the side of the ship. Plus, the Retreat experience brings a private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck only for suite guests, making it feel very much like an only adults cruise within a cruise.
Celebrity is one of the best cruise liners for adults who want a stylish vacation with touches of luxury and modern design.
Azamara specializes in smaller ships, longer stays in port, and a slower pace that is very appealing to adults. Kids can sail, but they rarely do because Azamara ships do not offer the splash parks and character breakfasts that families look for.
What you will find instead is a strong focus on culture, food, and real experiences. Azamara is all about immersive travel. Their cruises are packed with late-night departures, overnight stays, and unique excursions that you would never find on bigger ships.
On board, the vibe is relaxed but elegant. You can expect wine tastings, live music, art classes, and intimate lounges. The crowd skews older, usually 50 and up, and everyone seems to appreciate the quieter atmosphere.
Azamara is one of the best cruise lines for adults who want a real connection to the places they visit without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Oceania Cruises is another top pick for grown-up travelers who love food, art, and culture. Kids are allowed, but very few families choose Oceania because there is no kid-specific programming. Instead, the vibe stays calm and sophisticated.
Oceania is famous for its fine dining, and its food is often compared to some of the best restaurants on land. They even have a cooking school on board some ships where you can learn from real chefs.
Their ships are small to mid-size, meaning you are not fighting crowds to get a drink or find a pool chair. Life on board moves at a relaxed pace with enrichment programs, guest lecturers, musical performances, and art workshops.
If you want one of the best cruise liners for adults that feels like a floating boutique hotel, Oceania Cruises is an easy pick.
Adult only cruises let you enjoy your trip without worrying about screaming kids, crowded pool decks, or kid-focused activities. These cruises are built to let adults enjoy everything from fine dining to poolside cocktails in a grown-up setting.
When you pick adult only cruise ships or cruises designed mainly for adults, you also get a different kind of entertainment. Comedy shows, live music, wine tastings, and educational talks replace cartoon mascots and kiddie pools.
The food and drinks tend to step up too. Think craft cocktails, multi-course meals, and specialty coffee shops, instead of chicken nuggets and chocolate fountains.
Adult cruises are also about quiet spaces. You can enjoy a spa day, stretch out in a library, or sip wine under the stars without interruption.
Here are a few tips when picking the best cruise lines for adults:
Check the Age Policy
Some ships are adult-only like Virgin Voyages and Viking Ocean Cruises. Others like Celebrity, Oceania, and Azamara mainly attract adults but technically allow kids.
Look at the Itinerary
Adult-only cruises often visit smaller, quieter ports instead of big family-friendly stops. Look for trips with overnight stays, city tours, and local experiences.
Focus on Food and Drink
Grown-up cruises tend to spend more time on dining experiences. If you are a foodie, look for lines like Oceania or Celebrity.
Check the Entertainment
Instead of magic shows for kids, you will find cabaret shows, cooking classes, mixology workshops, and live jazz nights on adult cruise ships.
Finding the best cruise lines for adults is easier now than ever. More cruise lines are stepping up their game to offer adult-only cruises or create spaces that feel peaceful and grown-up.
Virgin Voyages is perfect if you want a bold, fun-only adults cruise. Viking Ocean Cruises is made for travelers who want a peaceful, enriching trip. Celebrity Cruises gives you stylish spaces and high-end service. Azamara is ideal if you love immersive travel, while Oceania Cruises wins for food and culture lovers.
No matter which one you pick, these cruise lines for adults promise a trip that is all about you. Just pack your bags, grab a drink, and enjoy every minute at sea.
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