The Absolute Best Kid-Free Cruises For An Unforgettable Vacation, According To Frequent Cruisers

Cruising has long been associated with family-friendly travel. Even in the Golden Age of ocean liners, children were often part of the passenger manifest. The ill-fated Titanic, for example, had more than 100 young travelers on board. For most of the 20th century, ships were designed for all ages, from the luxurious transatlantic liners to the entertainment-focused ships during the cruise boom of the 1970s and 1980s. This tradition continues with exciting cruise ships arriving in 2026 and beyond, including the Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas megaship and the family-focused Disney Destiny. The rise of adults-only cruising, then, is a relatively recent phenomenon.

So, what's fueling the demand? According to a Forbes report, adults-only cruising has experienced a boom since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Honeymooners and couples often prefer romantic atmospheres without kid zones within earshot of their hot tub sessions. Retirees who've already raised their families are often focused on cultural enrichment, like fine dining and art-filled short excursions, without children underfoot. Even younger adults — from college spring breakers to friend groups in their 20s and 30s — sometimes want a party atmosphere without worrying about being on their best behavior in front of young kids. Here, I've rounded up the best kid-free cruises at sea, from lines that are adult-exclusive to ships-within-ships and more.

If there's one cruise line that has redefined what adults-only cruising looks like, it's Virgin Voyages. Richard Branson's bold entry into the cruising industry launched in 2021, and it's the furthest thing from stuffy or stodgy. The Virgin fleet requires ages 18+ across the board, with no exceptions. From the moment you step onboard, it's clear that Virgin knows that its audience consists of younger adult travelers — think Millennials (who are dominating the cruise market) and Gen Zers — who want energy, style, and a touch of cheeky fun. 

Alongside its highly Instagrammable onboard venues, Virgin is known for its tattoo studios at sea, neon-lit deck parties like Scarlet Night, and restaurants (without required dining times) that feel more like trendy city hotspots than traditional cruise ship dining spaces. Every Virgin ship is home to more than 20 eateries designed for adventurous foodies. And the line's most iconic feature is its hammock balconies, which one Redditor gushed about, saying, "I don't know if people understand just how amazing those hammocks are. The rope is soft and supportive. They sway slightly with the motion of the ship." As Virgin itself puts it, this is "adult by design" cruising.

As you'll discover later in this article, some cruise lines are only beginning to experiment with adults-only voyages, but Viking Cruises has long embraced this concept. Since its ocean cruises launched in 2015, they have only allowed those 18 and older, while its iconic river cruises officially became adults-only in 2018. Viking is a cruise brand that decidedly prioritizes cultural immersion over family programming. One of Viking's slogans, "for the thinking person," perfectly captures its mission to attract travelers who view cruising as a gateway to learning and discovery. Rather than onboard nightclubs or kids' clubs, the brand focuses on enrichment programs, including a shore excursion in every port that showcases history, art, or local traditions. Known for its small ships and sleek Scandinavian-inspired design, Viking is committed to providing its adult travelers with the best of understated luxury.

The brand also keeps its itineraries elegant. Viking's European river cruises take passengers past castles, vineyards, and medieval fortresses, while its ocean voyages travel to destinations from the Mediterranean to Australia. For retirees and culture enthusiasts who want their holidays to be immersive yet upscale, Viking is the natural choice. As one traveler on Reddit said, "What sets them apart is the tight focus on itinerary and enrichment. Their port talks and guest speakers are top notch. If you want big shows and productions look elsewhere, but as far as immersion into history, art, and culture Viking is the best."

For U.K.-based travelers interested in a kid-free voyage, P&O Cruises offers two ships that are exclusively for adults: the Arcadia and the Aurora. These vessels offer a more traditional cruising experience, but without children running around. The Arcadia is a mid-sized ship, featuring an Art Deco-style domed roof that harkens to the golden age of the seas. It's larger than Aurora, carrying around 2,000 guests and offering a variety of amenities, such as specialty restaurants, the three-tier Palladium Theatre, and the Oasis Spa and Salon. It is worth noting that some feel the ship could use additional updating, despite a refit earlier in 2025, but many gush about the itineraries, with one Cruise Critic traveler writing that they "really loved the excursions, especially land of the Trolls, Beautiful West, blue lagoon. We saw some amazing scenery."

The Aurora, on the other hand, is P&O's smallest ship, carrying about 1,900 guests. Described by the brand as a "stylish lady," this vessel can travel to places that can't always be accommodated by larger vessels, including priority docking in Roatan at Isla Tropicale in Dixon Cove, Honduras.Onboard, guests can enjoy the 600-seat Curzon Theatre, the Masquerade nightclub, and specialty dining like The Beach House. Some travelers have a penchant for the Aurora, with one Cruise Critic reviewer noting, "We usually book a suite and prefer those on Aurora as well as enjoying having a permanent Glass House and a much better cinema." If you are considering a P&O adults-only cruise, it really comes down to itinerary, as both ships provide a quiet experience without children.

For travelers who are on the hunt for a relaxed, all-adults cruise without a luxury price tag, the Marella Explorer 2 should be at the top of the list. For reference, a seven-night Adriatic Sea getaway is priced from $1,686 per person. Based in the U.K. as part of TUI's cruise fleet, the ship is exclusively for guests aged 18 and older. The brand says the vessel "flaunts a range of exciting facilities, from a large spa to a chic bar-club-casino space. You've got ten bars and ten restaurants on this ship, too."

Explorer 2 carries 1,814 passengers. As a result, it has a more intimate feel than a megaship. Cruise Lowdown perfectly set the expectation for travelers, saying, "Marella's accommodation is functional, comfortable, and good value for money, but lacks the modern luxury and high-tech features found on newer ships." While this vessel doesn't offer the opulence of true luxury lines, Marella cruise ships are all-inclusive, which cuts down on onboard expenses. Another selling point is the Explorer 2's itineraries, which are often centered on Mediterranean and Canary Island escapes. These options are a big draw for British travelers, including honeymooners, looking for sunshine and culture without booking long-haul flights. 

For mature travelers seeking a serene, kid-free holiday, Saga Cruises has one of the most rigid policies in the cruise industry: all primary passengers must be 50 and older (with companions allowed at 40 and older). Founded in 1951 in Folkestone, England, Saga has carved out a unique niche by tailoring its cruises for travelers whose priorities are peaceful cruising and thoughtfully designed itineraries. Saga's two ocean ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, carry just 989 guests each, creating a boutique feel. These vessels are designed to feel more like hotels at sea, with balconies on every stateroom, multiple dining venues, and the classic Britannia lounge. Saga's ocean cruises are typically populated by couples, either approaching retirement age or already enjoying retirement, but there are plenty of options for solo travelers as well. The Telegraph shared that there is even "a 'Singles Mingle' drinks party as an ice-breaker on sailings and a Singles Lunch."

Meanwhile, the brand's river journeys carry travelers down iconic waterways, like the Rhine and the Danube. There are four river vessels in the Saga fleet: the Spirit of the Moselle, the Spirit of the Rhine, the Spirit of the Danube, and the Douro Serenity. Another hallmark of Saga Cruises is its all-inclusive approach. Fares typically include drinks, dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and even travel insurance, making the booking process simple and stress-free. Itineraries often make port in lesser-known spots across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond, appealing to those who want to discover the world without dense crowds. Among these destinations are Flåm, Norway, Gibraltar, and Mahón. While Saga's strict age policy excludes younger adult travelers, it also guarantees that the onboard environment stays calm and curated.

While Celebrity Cruises is not a fully adults-only line, it has carved out a space that feels very much like one — it's also one of the best-reviewed cruises in the Caribbean. Enter: The Retreat. A ship-within-a-ship, The Retreat is an exclusive area reserved for suite-class guests, offering everything from around-the-clock butler service to dining at Luminae, a suite-exclusive restaurant. The branding for The Retreat paints a clear picture: This area was designed with grown-ups in mind. The Retreat doesn't feature children at all on its main webpage, instead showcasing couples enjoying prime relaxation at the pool or enjoying time together in their upscale staterooms. The Retreat is an excellent option for those who may not be ready to dive into a totally adult-exclusive cruise — you'll still have access to all the other traditional cruise amenities on Celebrity's ships — but crave division from the noise of crowds. As one Redditor raved, "By day two we were greeted by name in Luminae and the food was superb. We loved that we had all the amenities of a large ship but were able to retreat to our own private space whenever we wanted to."

Reviews from travelers consistently center around how secluded and calm The Retreat feels. Passengers describe it as worth every penny for those looking for a quieter cruise experience without sacrificing the perks of a mainstream brand. While children are technically not banned from Celebrity ships, suites are often booked by couples on romantic getaways or retirees willing to splurge. The Retreat is available on multiple Celebrity vessels, including the Celebrity Beyond, which offers island itineraries to the Caribbean, the Aegean, and more. The Retreat strikes the perfect balance for those new to adults-only cruising. It's not officially "kid-free," but in practice, it often feels like it's exactly that.

Carnival Cruise Line has built its reputation by being an affordable, family-friendly cruise line. Carnival's fleet offers the WaterWorks water park, kids' programming like Camp Ocean, and onboard activities for all ages. Recently, however, the brand has been testing something entirely new with SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults). These experimental voyages are a bold move for the cruise line, offering a Carnival experience that is exclusively for ages 21 and older. That said, there is a catch. Cruise Critic says you need to be targeted with an offer to book a cabin, which usually means you need to be a part of the Carnival Players Club casino loyalty program. Although the Players Club itself is open to anyone 18 and up, SEA voyages require guests to be of legal drinking age in the United States. To date, there have been four SEA options on the Carnival Conquest in August and September of 2025, and a seven-night Carnival Magic sailing in November 2025 was altered to be adults-only as well. Guests can expect expanded casino hours, themed parties, exclusive giveaways, and additional bar staff for faster drink service. Just remember, leave your own dice and cards at home, as one popular activity is not allowed onboard Carnival vessels!

Unlike cruise lines that have built brands entirely around adults-only cruising or deeply immersive cultural programming, Carnival isn't marketing these sailings as a fleet-wide shift. As Brand Ambassador John Heald explained via Cruise Fever, Carnival remains a proud family cruise line, and SEA itineraries are simply intended to serve a different faction of their audience. Heald also took to social media to share additional 2026 SEA sailings that do not require a Players Club invitation. The idea here is to provide passengers with a grown-up version of Carnival's signature fun atmosphere, with fewer crowds and more focus on adult entertainment.

Unlike cruise lines that explicitly restrict younger passengers, Seabourn takes a different approach. The brand doesn't ban children outright, but their overall design, atmosphere, and programming make all Seabourn ships unmistakably adult-centric. With intimate ships that carry between 264 and 600 guests and fares that reflect its high-end positioning, Seabourn primarily attracts affluent travelers in their 40s through 60s who want luxury at sea. Very rarely are young children aboard. A major reason Seabourn is not a popular choice for parents of youngsters is its lack of children's programming. There are no kids' clubs, splash zones, or teen lounges – amenities that naturally draw families to other lines. The focus at Seabourn is on fine dining, world-class service, and curated excursions.

In online forums, Seabourn loyalists are honest with those who are considering bringing little ones aboard. The brand is designed for adults, and bringing kids risks diluting the experience. As one Cruise Critic poster put it, "I don't think it would be ideal as I think you would not be able to relax and enjoy the full 'Seabourn experience' as you would be on edge and ready to leap up and sort her out all the time." This cruise line decidedly prioritizes luxurious experiences over family-friendly fun. As Seabourn itself says, it strives to attract "accomplished people who enjoy traveling well." For couples, retirees, and solo travelers who want an upscale holiday in a child-free atmosphere, Seabourn delivers without requiring a formal age restriction.

Like Seabourn, Oceania Cruises doesn't explicitly ban children. However, from a practical standpoint, the brand's focus on food, wine, and culture makes it a line that naturally attracts mature travelers. This focus, in fact, shapes the entire onboard experience. Passengers in online forums often discuss that kids are rarely seen on these cruises. Oceania's small ships are designed for adults who enjoy culinary discovery, cultural excursions, and sophisticated evenings that are reminiscent of dressing for the opera. The total lack of children's programming reinforces this. Kids simply don't have much to do on Oceania, which discourages most families from booking in the first place.

The one exception travelers should be aware of is Oceania's Alaskan itineraries. On these sailings, the line does provide limited children's activities to accommodate the family market drawn to Alaska. While this doesn't transform Oceania into a family-focused brand, mature travelers looking for a completely kid-free environment may prefer to avoid Oceania's Alaska departures and stick to European, Asian, or Mediterranean routes, like those offered when the Oceania Vista debuted in 2023. Overall, Oceania offers an adult-centric experience by default, with world-class dining and shore experiences that are geared toward cultural immersion.

For travelers who dream of sailing with very few fellow passengers, Windstar Cruises is an excellent option. Its fleet of small ships and sailing yachts carries between 148 and 342 passengers, creating an atmosphere that feels intimate, cultured, and unequivocally grown-up. Technically, the minimum age to board a Windstar vessel is eight years old, but in actuality, children are seldom seen on board. One three-time Windstar cruiser recalls seeing only one pre-teen boy on any of their trips. Guests often discourage families from even bringing teenagers on online forums, explaining that the line is not designed to keep younger passengers engaged. One Cruise Critic reviewer said, "I personally would not recommend it. I have been on 3 Windstar cruises and there has always been one kid on board each time. They just never have seemed to be having a very good time."

Windstar's core audience consists of couples and adult groups seeking to relax and immerse themselves in local culture. For years, the brand has been regularly expanding its offerings, with Windstar now offering 330 ports in more than 70 global destinations. Shore excursions, which are not included in the fare on Windstar, focus on regional culture, food, and history. It is important to bear in mind that, although Windstar positions itself as a "sailing yacht" brand, it is not generally considered among the ranks of true luxury lines like the Ritz-Carlton. One Cruise Critic reviewer summed it up by saying, "Its attraction to its many loyal customers is its casual, small ship experience. The atmosphere and onboard experience are totally different from other cruise lines. This is a plus for some people and a negative for others."

To create this guide, I focused on cruise lines and ships that offer a completely kid-free experience, plus brands that don't ban children outright but still cater to mature travelers. The recommendations were put together using a combination of cruise line policies and passenger reviews from Cruise Critic, Reddit, and more. The final list encompasses a variety of cruises worldwide, ranging from large megaships to small, intimate vessels.