Why A Major Cruise Line Is Turning To Adults-only

Above, adults and children at the pool area on the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Taking a cruise should be a relaxing and tranquil experience. 

However, some cruise lines that allow children may be a source of annoyance, particularly if they are unruly brats.

I have been on three cruises and I never had any bad experiences with kids on board. That doesn't mean that other travelers were so lucky.  Some cruise lines are now offering adults only cruises.

According to Travel Tomorrow:

“Adults only” is about to take on a very literal meaning in 2026, with another major cruise line ensuring that not a single child steps aboard. This is in a bid to preserve “peace and calm for its passengers” and provide them with a “relaxed atmosphere of genuine hospitality and meaningful connection.”

Miami-based Oceania Cruises has announced that, from January 2026, it will only welcome guests aged 18 and over across its entire fleet of eight luxury ships. The company, which operates worldwide, visiting destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, is joining a growing number of operators who are responding to what they describe as a “clear traveller preference for tranquillity over child-friendly activities.”

To read more, go here. 

What Is The Best Cruise Line For Adults?

Above, the pool deck aboard the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last thing I would want to put up with while on a cruise is brats running amok on board the ship. Many other people feel the same way. These are reasons why cruise ships have adults-only areas.

Fortunately, there are adults-only cruises available and USA Today has posted an article about them.

They begin with: 

With swimming pools galore, entertainment and even child care on board, cruises can be an obvious choice for a family vacation.

But sometimes travelers want a getaway without the kids. That’s where adults-only sailings come in. A range of cruise lines and ships exclusively carry guests over 18, for parents looking for some “me” time to guests who simply prefer a child-free travel experience. 

But not all those operators are the same. Some family-friendly vessels have spaces reserved for grown-ups, allowing passengers to get the best of both kinds of voyages.

Here’s what to know about adults-only offerings at sea.

To read more, go here.