Adult Only Cruising

Adult Only Cruising

There has never been a better choice of cruises exclusively for adults. Whether you prefer the relaxed luxury of Oceania Cruises, the fun and modern approach of Virgin Voyages or the more traditional British style of Ambassador Cruise Line, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a holiday at sea without children on board.

Each cruise line offers something a little different. You might be looking for outstanding food, interesting destinations, a quieter atmosphere or perhaps something a little more lively. Whatever your idea of the perfect cruise, there’s plenty to choose from.

Adult-only cruising isn’t just about having a child-free environment; it’s about finding a holiday that suits the way you want to travel. And with more cruise lines recognising the appeal, there’s a growing choice of ships, itineraries and experiences to explore.

Reasons why we love adult only cruising:

  • Peaceful, child-free surroundings

    On genuinely adults-only ships, there are no children’s clubs, kids’ pools or family entertainment programmes. The onboard facilities and daily schedule are designed around adult passengers.

  • Dining without restrictions

    Enjoy a choice of restaurants, speciality dining, leisurely meals and longer evenings around the table. Virgin Voyages, for example, includes more than 20 eateries across its ships, with no traditional main dining room or fixed dinner sittings.

  • Entertainment aimed at adult audiences

    Expect late-night comedy, live music, cocktail bars, theatrical productions, DJ sets and social spaces. Virgin Voyages takes a particularly different approach, with its own style of immersive shows and nightlife.

  • More choice of destination-focused cruising

    Adult-only cruising isn’t just about what happens on board. Lines such as Oceania and Viking put considerable emphasis on longer itineraries, cultural experiences, destination discovery and time ashore.

  • Different styles of adult-only cruising to choose from

    It’s not one-size-fits-all. Choose Virgin Voyages for contemporary ships and a lively atmosphere, Oceania for destination-led luxury and culinary experiences, Viking for culturally focused exploration, or Ambassador for traditional British cruising.

Discover adult-only cruises with Swindon Travel Hub, your local independent cruise specialists. Enjoy expert recommendations, personal service and ATOL and ABTA protection when booking your next adults-only cruise.

Adults Only
Adults Only

FAQs

There is a growing choice of cruise lines dedicated to adult passengers. Virgin Voyages, Oceania Cruises and Viking all operate adults-only fleets, with a minimum age of 18. Saga Cruises offers a more age-specific experience, generally catering for guests aged 50 and over, with travelling companions aged 40 and over. Ambassador Cruise Line also offers child-free cruising aboard Ambience and Ambition.

Although both are exclusively for adults, they offer very different experiences. Virgin Voyages takes a modern, more informal approach, with more than 20 restaurants, no traditional buffet or fixed dining times, immersive entertainment and lively nightlife. Oceania Cruises is more traditionally luxurious, with a strong emphasis on fine dining, destination discovery, smaller ships and longer time in port. It’s a choice between two very different styles of adult-only cruising.

Ambassador’s ships Ambience and Ambition are generally reserved for guests aged 18 and over, with exceptions for specifically advertised multi-generational sailings. One of Ambassador’s attractions is its traditional British cruising experience, with full-board dining, entertainment, daytime activities and departures from UK ports including London Tilbury and Bristol. Its Renaissance ship also operates selected family and multi-generational cruises.

Not necessarily. The inclusions differ considerably between cruise lines. Virgin Voyages includes speciality dining, Wi-Fi, group fitness classes and entertainment within its standard fare. Oceania offers a range of inclusions including speciality dining, Wi-Fi and gratuities, alongside a choice of additional benefits depending on the fare. Other operators may charge extra for drinks packages, excursions and speciality dining. It’s important to compare the overall cost rather than just the headline cruise price.

Absolutely. Ambassador Cruise Line is particularly worth considering if you prefer to start your holiday in the UK. Its ships Ambience and Ambition offer no-fly departures from ports including London Tilbury and Bristol, with itineraries visiting destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Madeira and the Canary Islands. It’s a great option for those who would rather avoid airports and enjoy sailing directly from the UK.

Yes. Virgin Voyages offers dedicated solo cabins on selected ships, making it easier for independent travellers to enjoy an adults-only cruise without necessarily paying for a traditional double-occupancy cabin. Other cruise lines also offer selected single cabins or solo supplements, depending on the ship and departure. We can help compare the available options and find sailings that offer better value for solo guests.

Both cruise lines now operate an 18-and-over policy. Virgin Voyages has always positioned its ships as exclusively for adults, with all guests required to be at least 18. Oceania Cruises introduced its adults-only policy for new reservations made from 7 January 2026, requiring guests to be 18 by the date of embarkation.

Not at all. Although Oceania is firmly positioned in the premium luxury market, Virgin Voyages and Ambassador offer quite different price points and experiences. Viking and Saga provide further options for guests looking for destination-focused and inclusive cruising. There is no single definition of adult-only cruising, and the right choice depends on your budget, preferred destinations, onboard atmosphere and what’s included in your fare.

Yes. Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, there are adult-only cruise options departing from Southampton and other UK ports. For example, P&O Cruises’ Arcadia is an adults-only ship, while Ambassador offers departures from several UK ports. Virgin Voyages, Oceania and Viking also have selected European itineraries, although their departure ports vary by sailing.

As independent travel specialists with a particular passion for cruising, we can help you compare different adult-only cruise lines, ships, itineraries and cabin options. Whether you’re considering Virgin Voyages, Oceania, Ambassador, Viking or Saga, we’ll help you understand what’s included, find suitable departure dates and secure a great deal. We’re ATOL and ABTA protected, and offer friendly, personal advice both in store and online.