Sometimes the perfect vacation is one without water-slide screams or kids running down the corridor. Only a few cruise lines are truly adults-only, but many ships have quiet adult zones, and timing your trip makes a big difference too. Here are the best adults-only cruise options for 2027, where they sail from and how to get a good price.
- Truly adults only: Virgin Voyages (18+), Viking (18+).
- Adult zones on big ships: Serenity, Solarium, Vibe Beach Club, The Retreat and similar.
- Fewer kids: sail during school weeks and on longer itineraries.
Cruise lines that are adults only
Virgin Voyages
The best-known adults-only line, with a modern, social vibe: no buffets in the traditional sense, many restaurants included, Wi-Fi and tips included, and lively nightlife. Ships sail from Miami to the Caribbean and on seasonal routes in Europe and beyond.
Viking
Viking ocean and river cruises welcome guests 18 and over. The style is calm and culture-focused, with beer and wine at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and a guided tour in most ports. Popular with couples and older travelers.
Luxury lines
Lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea allow children but rarely have many, especially outside holidays. Expect small ships and a quiet atmosphere.
Adults-only areas on family-friendly ships
| Cruise line | Adults-only space | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Serenity | Free deck area with loungers and hammocks, no kids |
| Royal Caribbean | Solarium | Glass-roof pool area, adults 16 or 18+ depending on ship |
| Norwegian | Vibe Beach Club, Spice H2O | Paid or free sun decks for adults |
| Celebrity | Solarium, The Retreat | Adult pool and suite-guest areas |
| Princess | The Sanctuary | Paid adults-only retreat |
Ages, prices and access vary by ship. Check your ship's deck plan before booking.
Where adults-only cruises sail from
Florida is the hub: Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral offer the most choice, from Bahamas weekends to week-long Caribbean trips; see our Bahamas cruises from Florida guide. Texas travelers can sail from Galveston (cruises from Galveston) and Louisiana travelers from New Orleans. In Europe, the Mediterranean is a favorite for couples.
When to go for fewer kids
- Best months: late January to February, late April to May, September to early December.
- Avoid: June-August, spring break weeks, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
- Choose longer trips: 10+ night itineraries and repositioning cruises attract mostly adults.
How to save on an adults-only cruise
- Compare a mainstream ship with an adult zone against Virgin or Viking; total costs can be closer than base fares suggest.
- Watch for cheap cruise deals in shoulder seasons.
- Use bundled fares for drinks and Wi-Fi; see all-inclusive cruise packages for 2.
- Traveling alone? Read our guide to solo cruises.
Planning a kid-free cruise?
We can find adults-only sailings and quiet ships for your dates.
📞 Call 1-888-229-6801Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise lines are adults only?
Virgin Voyages is adults only (18+). Viking ocean and river cruises also require guests to be at least 18. Most other lines welcome children but offer adults-only areas.
Are there adults-only cruises from Florida?
Yes. Virgin Voyages sails from Miami, and many mainstream ships from Florida have adults-only retreats such as Carnival's Serenity, Royal Caribbean's Solarium and Norwegian's Vibe Beach Club.
What is the minimum age on Virgin Voyages?
Guests must be 18 or older. To drink alcohol on board, the usual minimum age on US sailings is 21.
When are there fewer kids on cruises?
Avoid summer, spring break, Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays. September, October (outside fall break), early December, January and early February have far fewer families.
Are adults-only cruises more expensive?
Virgin Voyages and Viking cost more than budget lines but include extras like Wi-Fi and tips (Virgin) or wine with meals (Viking). Mainstream ships with adult zones are cheaper but busier.
Talk to a cruise expert
Questions about sailings, cabins, prices or documents? Call us for help comparing options.
📞 Call 1-888-229-6801Prices, itineraries, fees and policies change often and vary by cruise line, ship and sailing date. Always confirm current details with your cruise line or booking agent before you pay. Last reviewed: October 2026.