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Adults Only Cruises In 2024, 2025 & 2026
Adults Only Cruises
If you prefer to enjoy a relaxing holiday without screaming kids running around, but want to experience several destinations in one trip, adults only cruises are ideal. Like many hotels, some cruise ships have dedicated adults only areas, but several also have dedicated adults only ships, like Arcadia and Aurora on P&O Cruises, Marella Explorer 2 from TUI, and all of the Virgin cruise ships at Virgin Voyages. Here's our guide to cruises for adults only in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and the deals on offer.
Featured Cruise Ship
Marella Explorer 2, Marella Cruises
If you prefer a grown up escape without the kids, TUI's Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship is the perfect adults only cruise option. With itineraries in both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, you can choose to stay closer to home in the Greek Islands or Adriatic, or enjoy the tropical shores of Barbados, Antigua and the Dominican Republic.
And with lots to enjoy on board including a large spa, golf simulator, plenty of entertainment and even a running track, you'll be torn between getting off to explore the destinations, and staying on board to enjoy the facilities.
In partnership with
Best Cruise Lines For Adults Only Cruises
Companies Offering Adults Only Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages concept is simple. Modern, luxury cruises for adults. And they've excelled. Their fleet of ships are all you would expect from a Virgin cruise. Plenty of red design, funky interiors and heaps to enjoy. Their itineraries include the US, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, which is perfect if you just want to try them out for a few days on a mini cruise to Bruges.
Marella Cruises
If you want to be in the sunshine and enjoying your cruise ASAP, Marella cruises is a great option. As part of the TUI cruises brands, Marella offers fly-cruises in the Caribbean, Canary Islands and Mediterranean. And with your flights, port transfers, tips, food and drinks included, these all inclusive cruises are ideal if you don't want to have to worry about a thing and have everything organised for you. They have one dedicated adults only ship, Marella Explorer 2, and a few other adults only sailings on other ships during the year.
P&O Cruises
Despite being a family friendly cruise line, P&O cruises adults only cruise ships are ideal if you want to escape the little ones. It's two dedicated ships exclusively for adults are Aurora and Arcadia which have itineraries around the Canary Islands, Portugal and Spain, as well as mini cruises to Amsterdam and Bruges, which are ideal for first timers to "test the water" and see if you'd like to do a longer cruise.
Saga Cruises
If you're a fan of Saga Holidays, then you'll be a fan of Saga cruises. Dedicated cruises for the over 50s, Saga offers two ships with no-fly cruises from the UK (usually Portsmouth or Dover). Although they will still take in some amazing destinations, you'll often find that the destinations are themed or educational in nature, in partnership with brands like BBC Studios presenters and guides, and wildlife experts from ORCA. What's more, they take all the pain out of the extras with a chauffeur service, included gratuities and travel insurance included as standard.
Cunard
Although not a dedicated adults only cruise line, Cunard offers a much more premium experience which can entice an older, more grown up guest. A bit more traditional, these ships take black tie evenings much more seriously. Families are still welcome on Cunard ships with activities and kids' clubs from six months to 17 years old.
What To Expect
Well for a start, you can expect zero kids on an adult only cruise. These ships are tailored towards grown ups so instead of kids' clubs and splash parks, you'll find luxury spas and plenty of activities. Entertainment is tailored depending on which cruise line you choose. For example Virgin Voyages is quite young at heart with a lively vibe of bars and music. Meanwhile, other companies have themed cruises like ballroom dancing, 80s/90s music themed cruises and culinary experiences with famous chefs.
Excursions
The shore excursions are very similar to those you'd find on a family friendly cruise. Anything from historical coach tours to kayaking around Fjords and idyllic islands are on offer. It's worth booking these in advance to avoid missing out.
Destinations
Mediterranean
The classic Mediterranean cruises are perfect for a grown up escape to the sunshine. No fly cruises from Southampton will usually be 14-21 day itineraries (meaning you get to avoid the airports, and see a few places on the way), or you get jump on a plane and head straight to the sunshine, with Med fly cruises departing from places like Malta, Majorca, Athens, Barcelona and Rome.
Canary Islands
Adults only cruises around the Canary Islands are perfect for year round sunshine, but particularly for a winter sun holiday without any children. These cruises take in the likes of Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, while basking in the glorious sunshine.
Caribbean
The Caribbean can often seem like a bit of a grown up escape, so adults only Caribbean cruises are the perfect way to explore these tropical islands without any children getting in the way.
Unusual Destinations
If sunbathing and pool vibes isn't your thing, then you'll be pleased to hear that there are some great cruises to more unusual destinations. For example, Saga has cruises to places like Egypt, Canada and the USA which are much more focused around education and entertainment. They partner with brands like the BBC to bring you experts and specialists in everything from wildlife to cooking. Or you could even head to the Artic or Antarctic for something completely different.
Latest Adults Only Cruise Deals
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