March 18, 2026, 4:33 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
No children’s cries, no noisy splashing: The concept of adults only–meaning offerings exclusively for adults–is winning over more and more travelers. Already established in hotels and resorts, it’s now making its way to the seas. Find out at TRAVELBOOK which cruise ships are child-free.
While families with children might prefer family-friendly accommodations, childless travelers may find an “adults only” hotel just right. If you’re hearing the term for the first time, there’s nothing inappropriate about it, as TRAVELBOOK explains in this article about adult hotels. Rather, it’s a place where those who feel disturbed by children’s activities can find the relaxation they seek. The “adults only” concept is increasingly common on cruise ships as well.
What Does “Adults Only” Mean on Cruise Ships?
On cruise ships labeled as adults only, only adult guests are allowed on board. Children and teenagers are generally not permitted, with the minimum age for participation usually set at 18 years. These cruise ships are entirely tailored to the needs and interests of adults–from dining and wellness offerings to entertainment programs and excursions. This is intended to create a particularly calm, relaxing atmosphere.
Adults Only Is Not the Same as Child-Free
It’s important to clearly distinguish from so-called child-free cruises. These are often confused with adults only but do not meet the criteria. For example, on ships from luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, or Regent Seven Seas Cruises, most guests are childless, but children are not strictly excluded. The same applies to Celebrity Cruises or Holland America Line, which mainly attract an older audience–partly because they lack traditional kids’ clubs or family offerings, as reviews on Reddit show.
Many mainstream ships have designated adult areas, such as special pools or sun decks, while the rest of the ship remains family-friendly. Only when children are officially excluded from the entire ship or a trip is explicitly advertised as adults only does it truly qualify as an adults-only cruise. TUI Cruises is currently testing this concept. In November 2025, the cruise line made headlines with its first adults-only cruise. Important: On regular TUI Cruises departures, children and teenagers are still allowed; adults-only cruises are currently considered special cruises.
The following discusses cruise ships that strictly adhere to the adults-only principle, where only adult guests are welcome and children are explicitly excluded. The first cruise line presented here has only recently become part of this segment.
Oceania Cruises
The U.S.-based cruise line Oceania Cruises has responded to the growing demand for child-free vacation experiences and claims to have considered feedback from its guests. According to a recent press release, guests particularly appreciate the quiet environment on board the cruise line’s ships. This is now guaranteed. Since January 7, 2026, Oceania Cruises has welcomed only guests over the age of 18. The release speaks of a “new era of tranquility and sophistication at sea.”
Virgin Voyages
Children are among the “greatest joys in life,” writes the cruise line on its website–”but at Virgin Voyages, we believe their absence makes the heart grow fonder.” This is especially true for cruise vacations. On Virgin Voyages ships Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady, only guests aged 18 and over are allowed. Virgin Voyages can be considered a pioneer of child-free sea travel, certainly the most well-known adults-only cruise line worldwide. It is also known for its modern, urban design and is appreciated for its relaxed onboard life, which does away with strict dress codes or traditional gala evenings.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises is another line that only allows adults on board. The cruises are considered particularly cultured and appeal mainly to guests who value culture, history, and immersive destination experiences–such as in Europe, Asia, or on world cruises. The focus is on peace, relaxation, and a consciously culture-focused cruise experience. Those looking for a classic party ship would be better served by Virgin Voyages.
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P&O Cruises
The ships Arcadia and Aurora from P&O Cruises were previously designed exclusively for adult guests. However, the cruise brand has slightly adjusted its policy: Starting with the new season, depending on the itinerary and timing–such as during school holidays–stays with children are also possible. On its website, P&O uses a key word: The vacations are now offered “primarily” for guests over 18 years old.
Saga Cruises
At Saga Cruises, which focuses on first-class experiences, the minimum age for passengers is even higher: Bookers must be at least 50 years old. Younger travel partners are allowed but must also be at least 40 years old, as stated in the cruise line’s booking conditions. The general ambiance on board is clearly aimed at mature adults and aims for a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.