Most cruises offer multi-generational cruising that caters for everyone from babies and playful kids through to irascible teens, mums and dads, grandparents. And that’s great, however there are a wide range of singles, friends, couples and other adults who just want a completely hassle-free holiday, with no hangers-on, no kids running around and definitely no crying, screaming or i-pads at the dinner table.
Love kids, however when you want to really relax, chill out and holiday without any hassles. Here are some adult-only (or couples-only or single-mingle) cruises that may just fulfil your wanderlust and dreams of an easy-going break away. We offer you the best adults-only cruising options in the marketplace…
Holland America Line, Princess Cruises & P&O UK Cruises
What we are talking about is the absence of huge water slides and squeal-worthy waterparks that keep the kiddies (and many adult’s) entertained. All three of these cruiselines have mid-sized ships with limited facilities for children – although it has to be said both Holland America and Princess offer kid’s clubs, so children do have somewhere to go for a bit of fun.
All offer longer cruises (not usually frequented by the younger peeps or families) that attract an often older clientele – usually the only ones who have the time for longer cruises of more than 20 nights (prime example is a world cruise of 108 nights)! Plus a smaller ship size (when compared with the huge mega-ships of today) are easily able to visit smaller, more accessible ports throughout the world – which is a bonus when you want to really explore.
With a smaller size comes more intimacy and fewer, more friendly faces, whether it be new friends or the white gloved waiter who remembers your name and favorite drink as you dine in the ambience of a Michelin-starred Chef’s restaurant (possibly another perk of an adult-friendly cruise).
P&O UK Cruises are in fact for over 18’s with 3 ships dedicated to the adults-only market. The 710-passenger Adonia, the 1,800-passenger Oriana and the slightly larger 2,094-passenger Arcadia cruise the Baltics and Scandinavia, the Mediterranean and Americas… OK let’s face it, they cruise the world! Kid-free on a world-class ship? Color me interested!
Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises create different ways to see the world with signature luxuries afforded by a cruise ship. Cruise ships Journey and Quest host around 600-700 passengers per trip, creating an easier and laidback vibe for any cruise holiday. Often the choice for cruisers who like to step off the tourist beaten path and enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences, Azamara’s cruises will take you to a whole host of interesting destinations with smaller ports inaccessible to larger vessels, meaning you get to explore further and more in-depth.
Azamara, while not STRICTLY an adult’s only cruiseline, you’ll rarely find little feet pattering around as there is no specific programming for junior cruisers. What you will find are finely-tuned adult-friendly programs such as AzAmazing Evenings. A fantastic party atmosphere created for overnight ports – party the night away as you watch water-jousting in France, indulge in local Mexican brews and margaritas during a live dance and cultural performance, or witness the power of three tenors in situ on the Tuscan hillside. Totally worth it!
There are many ultra-exclusive luxury cruiselines that offer a similar adult’s-only experience. The higher price point tends to attract a more mature passenger – meaning few, if any, children onboard. Silversea Cruises, Windstar Cruise, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises are but a few options that offer a more refined experience for the world cruiser.
Azamara Cruises >>>
Cunard Cruise Line
Here you will find timeless excellence and classic luxury that is synonymous with the historic and illustrious Cunard Cruise Line. Offering exceptional service and unparalleled quality, Cunard’s three “Queens” retrace legendary sailing routes to exotic and historic world destinations year-round.
Honouring the golden era of elegance at sea, Cunard’s signature White Star Service promises the expectation that all crew and staff will go above and beyond to make your cruise the most it can be. From the moment you board, white-gloved officers and crew will greet you with a warm welcoming smile – this is only the beginning.
Generous single cabins, comfortable inside, oceanview and stylish balcony twin share cabins, inclusive of 24-hour room service are a step above the norm. Or you could step up into a grand suite of unprecedented indulgence with a wide private balcony, increases the level of comfort with daily fresh fruit, stylish décor, a pillow menu, whirlpool tubs and more.
Spend your afternoon listening to authors or world-industry leaders, sit in on an art class, explore Cunard’s impressive library at sea, join renowned presenters from the Royal Astronomical Society to discover the stars at the only floating planetarium in the world or take in the delights of a Royal Afternoon Tea, live music and theatre compliment elegant evenings of fine dining and dancing on the largest dance floor at sea. No partner? No problem. A number of dance companions are on hand to waltz you around the floor – now that’s service! Cunard offers you the quintessential cruiseline for an adult experience.
Viking Ocean Cruises
With a minimum age of 18 to sail, you know you’re on the right cruise when you want a more mature, and more sophisticated crowd, then Viking Ocean Cruises is the cruise line for you. It started with Viking River Cruises, operating mostly in Europe’s major riverways, with that sophisticated and high luxury vibe that river cruises are generally known for (see more about river cruises below).
With its Ocean Cruises line, it takes these high-end sensibilities and takes them to the more mainstream cruising crowd. Vikings ships hold fewer than 1,000 passengers, which makes it a comfortable setup with less lines and a lot more fun. While you won’t find any discos, rock climbing walls, or massive water slides, there are culturally-immersive shore excursions, theatres, live music or reading nooks and incredibly relaxing lounges – choices for relaxation all around. Plus, Viking Cruises has been hailed as “Best Overall” in the Small-Mid size ship category in the 2018 Cruisers’ Choice Awards – a huge testament to their expertise and Adults-only policy.
Viking River Cruises, APT, Uniworld, Scenic Cruises, Travelmarvel, Avalon Waterways and more!
Viking Cruises is definitely over 18 only, in both ocean and river cruising – as are many of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Others have an open age range, however most tend to have a more mature age in mind with a luxury cruiseship with mid-longer itineraries, a modest to higher price point, multiple inclusions and limited or no facilities provided for children’s entertainment (although there is lots to do for those of use over the age of 18 – Yay!)
There are any number of river cruiselines out there, cruising their way through Europe’s rivers. The Rhine, Main & Danube (one of the most popular river cruises), Moselle, Seine, Douro, Rhone and Garonne and more can cruise you into the very heart of Germany, Portugal, Austria, France, Switzerland and beyond. Not to mention the rivers of Russia that will berth right in the center of St Petersburg and have you discovering Moscow’s onion domed cathedrals like a pro.
Award-winning floating boutique hotels await you, with more than a touch of luxury onboard a river ship. You can cruise in style and comfort in well-appointed rooms, geared towards couples, more often, on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to explore the world. Depending on your chosen cruiseline you could have included shore excursions tailored to your style and fitness level, drinks provided with dinner … or breakfast or any other time day or night for that matter, a choice of restaurants – all 5-star, a butler to fulfil any whim or desire – the list goes on. And while children are not excluded on most, river cruising is definitely focused around adults.
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