Adults Only Cruise Ships

Are There Adults Only Cruise Ships?

Most cruise ships do not deny passage to young travelers, and that means finding an adults only ship is nearly impossible. There are currently no cruise lines in the US that offer cruises for adults only; however in the UK the Thomson Cruise Fleet offers one adult ship (The Calypso), which requires passengers be at least sixteen years of age. P and O Cruises also offer two child-free ships, the Artemis, and the Acadia.

The lack of adult ships is not a problem for adults who want privacy, however, because most cruise lines offer so many attractive options for kids cruises that children are rarely evident outside their dedicated game rooms, activities, and events. Many lines even offer public and private babysitting to give parents a longer respite to enjoy their status as a couple. Adults only areas of many ships are specially segregated from younger passengers – just as adults are not allowed in play areas, kiddie pools, or teen lounges – to offer even more adults only fun.

Adults Only Areas

Several areas aboard cruise ships are frequently designated adults only. On most ships, passengers who allow their children to loiter in adult only venues may be reprimanded, fined, or otherwise admonished.

The exact areas reserved for adults vary on each cruise ship, and some are only informally considered adults only rather than officially designated so. In either case, these are the areas children are least likely to frequent, and they offer a relaxing respite for interested adults.

• Solarium or Private Pool: Many larger ships, most notably on Royal Caribbean Cruises, reserve one pool especially for adults. It is usually in a separate area of the deck and restfully decorated with lush foliage, mosaic tiles, and other sumptuous details.
• Spa: Very few children are interested in facials, body wraps, or massages, and the spa area is generally limited to adults. While specialized spa services are not included in the cruise price, many ships do offer a whirlpool, sauna, or other simple spa features for free use.
• Bars: Every cruise ship is equipped with a number of general and themed bars, possibly offering specialty drinks (a martini bar, for example) or live music. While children may be curious about a bar, with no ongoing activities they are unlikely to linger. The exception is in karaoke bars – these are popular with many young passengers, and adults interested in an adults only venue should avoid karaoke events.
• Reservations Restaurants: These exclusive restaurants require a per-person cover charge or may feature an ala carte menu, but few families opt for this decadent dining with children.
• Late Night Comedy: Ships that include comedians among their entertainers often offer a late night, R-rated adults only comedy show for passengers 18 and older. Younger passengers may attend an earlier, more family-friendly show, but the racier, explicit material is reserved for adults.

While it may seem that there are not too many activities that create adults only cruise ships, adults can find plenty of solace by conscientiously avoiding the areas of the ship that are more popular among younger passengers.

What Adults Want to Avoid

Most cruise activities are not specifically designated for adults or for children, but certain types of activities inevitably attract a greater number of young travelers. By avoiding these activities, adults can help create their own adults only cruise.

Activities and locations that frequently attract children include:

• Free pizzerias and frozen yogurt or ice cream machines
• Pools with waterslides
• Karaoke bars
• Arcades or game rooms
• Pool deck games or contests
• Cruise shore excursions for snorkeling, visiting pirate museums, dolphin encounters, or other vigorous activities
• Chocolate themed or dessert buffets

By carefully planning what activities to enjoy and which to forgo, interested passengers can make any vessel seem like an adults only cruise ship.

Planning an Adults Only Cruise

Kids rarely visit the spa.

Individuals who truly want a child-free experience should specifically plan their voyage with as many adult options as possible. Choosing a luxury cruise rather than a mainstream cruise line is a good first step: many families, especially those with younger children, are unlikely to opt for these more expensive lines. Furthermore, luxury vessels offer fewer children’s programs that cater to young passengers. Cunard Cruise Line, Seabourn Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Windstar Cruises are among the best options for finding adults only cruise ships.

It is also possible to choose an itinerary that is less appealing to young travelers. Eastern Caribbean cruises and Southern Caribbean cruises are more popular with adults, as are Bermuda cruises, sailings in Europe, and other exotic destinations. River cruises are frequently favored by adults as well.

When the cruise sails can also help keep it more adults only. Spring break cruises during March and April are likely to include families and teens, as are summer voyages. Cruises in other months are less likely to have as many children on board.

Cruise ship cabins can also be chosen to improvise an adults only cruise. Opt for a more expensive cabin, even a suite if possible, though avoid areas of the ship that offer adjoining cabins that may be popular among families. Choose a cabin location away from pools, children’s areas, and teen clubs for a more adults only experience.

There may be no adults only cruise ships, but it is possible for passengers interested in an adults only cruise vacation to engineer an exclusive experience based on the type of cruise they book (cruise line, destination, cabin choice, etc.) and the activities they enjoy on board. Even if there are children on the ship, many adults hardly notice and enjoy their own adults only vacation just a deck or two away from finger painting, sing-a-longs, and kiddie pools.