9 Best Cruises for Couples

Table Of Content

• The Best Cruise Lines For Adults & Couples
• Best cruise lines in the Mediterranean
• Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Compared to Royal Caribbean, Celebrity tends to offer more of an upscale experience, which inherently attracts more adults than families looking to sail with children. Here are the 13 best cruises for adults who are looking for some time away from children. While this cruise still allows children, there are enough options for kids to enjoy that it feels like an adults-only cruise. There are no children’s programs, and it is highly unusual to see any children. While parents are permitted to take children, they would be responsible for taking care of them at all times.

The Best Cruise Lines For Adults & Couples

Whether you choose an adult-only vacation or one with children’s amenities, you will have an enjoyable time on any one of these cruise ships. Seabourn Cruises are wonderful for travelers who want to experience lavish cuisine aboard a small and intimate ship. This trend resulted from the increasing popularity of adult-only areas scattered aboard ships. Many cruise lines took note of this and began offering cruises geared toward adult entertainment and activities.

Best cruise lines in the Mediterranean

Adult-only cruises offered by Virgin Voyages take place on three 2,770-passenger ships (a fourth is set to debut in December 2023) that sail the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific. The onboard atmosphere is edgy, cheeky, full of subtle—and not so subtle—sexual innuendo, and fun done in an inclusive, adult way unlike anything the cruise industry has ever seen before. Expect lots of day drinking, lively nighttime parties and entertainment, an onboard tattoo parlor, and indulgent food, including an over-the-top molecular dining experience and the “Lick Me Till . Ice Cream” shop (for no extra charge)—in between trips to the wellness retreat with a mud room and ’80s-style aerobics classes for the full detox and retox Virgin experience. When my sails are unfurled in search of all adult cruises, I find none that encapsulate the essence of luxury quite like Silversea Cruises. Silversea is not merely about size; it’s about the curated experiences that offer an adult-centric voyage, especially tailored for those hunting down the best adult cruise ships.

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Sure, Norwegian Cruise Line has won a ton of accolades for its family-friendly cruising. And chances are, you will probably spot quite a few kids throughout your sailing (especially depending on when and where you sail). However, cruisers in their 20s and 30s who aren’t ready to hang up their party hats will still find plenty of opportunities to escape screaming tots across Norwegian’s fleet of 19 ships. The entertainment and nightlife options alone make it a great fit for young adults, and the cruise line’s many cabin categories—including rooms designed for single adults—accommodate most cruising styles. The 1,874-passenger Aurora is the line’s smallest ship and offers a more intimate feel. Entertainment offerings include a theater, a cinema, a library, an art gallery, a card room, and a lounge where cruisers can catch cabaret performances, discos, quiz shows, and more.

The 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas is an ideal ship for multigenerational cruises, with plenty of activities to please everyone from young adults to grandparents. The publication evaluated 17 cruise lines through a combination of expert evaluations (30%), traveler reviews (50%) and health ratings published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vessel Sanitation Program (20%). Then, there are the all-around balanced offerings from Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line, which thoughtfully cater to adult guests and those traveling with children.

Cruises With No Kids (Adult Only)

Designed exclusively for the over 50s, Saga attracts couples and solo travelers looking for luxury that comes with the confidence of knowing every need has been anticipated. Such thoughtfulness is exemplified in my voyages where it’s not just the destinations that are catered to mature tastes, but also the inclusivity of the journey, making Saga the epitome of adult all inclusive cruises. A catalog of risqué shows and interactive experiences are designed to captivate. Not your average cruise ship adults only theater, each performance is an invitation to immerse yourself in the unconventional and the bold. For those seeking fun cruises for adults, there’s no shortage of activities to engage the body and spirit—from themed parties to intimate live music sessions, the list is endless.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Spend time at The Nordic Spa for a day of pampering, or head to the sports deck where you start the day with yoga. Take in the view from the infinity pool on the ship's aft or catch a show in the theater. Yes, Virgin Voyages offers cruises exclusively for adult travelers, creating a kid-free environment for a more sophisticated experience. Capturing beautifully the ethos of British charm at sea, the traditional afternoon teas are an absolute pleasure for adults who appreciate the finer things. The inclusion of specialty restaurants aboard P&O vessels complements the experience, making for an all included cruises affair that resonates deeply with adults. Embarking on an adult-only Alaska cruise or soaking in the sun on the best Caribbean cruises adults only can offer, provides a distinctive calm that many are seeking.

Excursions, transfers, premium alcohol, internet and specialty dining generally cost extra on Azamara. In keeping with its unconventional and ever-evolving brand identity, Virgin Voyages approaches its decision to leave the kids at home with tongue firmly in cheek. One commercial features children looking forlornly out of rain-streaked windows and singing sadly about their parents cruising without them. It’s all in good fun, of course, with an onboard atmosphere that is intentionally a little naughty and not suitable for young families. It’s in this welcoming, anything-goes environment that solo cruisers will thrive, with ample opportunities to mingle—or not.

Grownups can also enjoy evening dance parties and movies under the stars on the pool deck as the ship sails to its next port of call. Chops Grille, the onboard steakhouse, provides an intimate setting for a romantic dinner for two. Don't overlook Rhapsody of the Seas just because it's one of the oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. It still has lots to offer adults looking for a fun getaway, especially to Europe, where you can book back-to-back port-intensive cruises for a customized vacation.

By day, enjoy a drink or snack and take in the 270-degree views in the Two70 lounge. Return at night when the space transforms into an immersive theater using high-tech elements to put on musical performances. For the avid traveler looking to get away from the standard Caribbean sailings, some of the line's ships have sailings that go to unique ports of call where you can immerse yourself in a new culture and indulge in local culinary delights. Viking dominates this category due to its "adult-focused environment and luxurious and romantic amenities, such as fireplaces in each ship's common area and private verandas in every stateroom," according to a U.S.

Best Almost All Inclusive Luxury Cruise Vacations - Virgin Voyages

Best Almost All Inclusive Luxury Cruise Vacations.

Posted: Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Ultimately, when it comes to selecting your adults-only cruise, options abound. When this luxury cruise line says it's all-inclusive, it's not overstating. Everything from shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry to gratuities, top-shelf liquor, and business-class international flights are included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises' fares. While each luxurious suite features ocean views, nothing beats the view from the epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Regent Suite, which has two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Picasso lithographs, and a grand piano.

Founded in the early 1990s, the Regent Seven Seas boasts 25 years of experience providing top-notch sea experiences to its passengers. This cruise line is incredibly elegant, and passengers get exactly what they pay for, including stately suites, multi-award-winning dining options and unique excursion opportunities. In summary, the Mediterranean’s charm for adults-only cruises lies in its ability to offer a multifaceted experience that combines history, natural beauty, culinary delights, and luxurious amenities in an environment where peace and serenity prevail. It’s a destination that resonates with those seeking to explore and savor the heart of Europe’s culture and heritage while enjoying the sophisticated tranquility of an adults-only cruise. In sum, the Caribbean’s allure for adults-only cruises lies in its capacity to offer a multifaceted experience, seamlessly combining relaxation, luxury, adventure, and natural beauty in an environment free from the distractions of younger travelers.

Travelers looking for an immersive cruise will love the itineraries offered by Azamara. These sailings offer longer port stays to encourage cruisers to have in-depth exploration at each destination, which is something that many young children might not be able to tolerate. Plus, all of Royal Caribbean’s ships have The Solarium, which is an adults-only retreat area featuring a serene pool, along with hot tubs and lounge chairs. You’ll also find a bar and cafe within the Solarium, offering snacks and refreshments throughout the day.

The Best Cruise Lines For Adults & Couples

Table Of Content

• Princess Cruises
• Adult-Focused, Small-Ship Cruises with Few Children
• Destination Highlights and Boutique Ship Experience
• Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises Offer the Most Base Fare Inclusions

Silversea offers a unique crew-to-guest ratio that allows passengers to feel cared for throughout their journey on the sea. Royal Caribbean is well-known in the cruising industry, as there is something for everyone onboard their cruise ships. Since its start in 1969, Royal Caribbean has grown its cruise line to 24 ships that travel to more than 800 destinations. Royal Caribbean has pioneered cruising innovation, including surf simulators, rock climbing walls and ice rinks on the deck. In this section, we will uncover the many compelling reasons why choosing an adults-only cruise can be a game-changer for your vacation experience. From the tranquility of the environment to the tailored amenities and activities, adults-only cruises promise a world of advantages for those who seek more from their travels.

Princess Cruises

Over the course of my cruising experiences, I’ve realized that select longer-duration itineraries and routes to less-trafficked exotic destinations tend to attract fewer families and, by extension, fewer children. On these journeys, camaraderie mingles with the gentle waves, presenting a serene, almost private getaway on the seas. When I’m seeking the quintessential British cruise experience, P&O Cruises emerges as a top contender, elegantly fusing time-honored traditions with modern touches. It’s easy to see why their adult-only vessels, the Aurora and Arcadia, are often referred to as the funnest cruise ships for adults. Delving into the myriad offerings, it’s clear they focus on creating a cruise vacation all inclusive of the mature cruiser’s desires. For discerning travelers in search of serene and sophisticated getaways, Saga Cruises offers an unrivaled cruising experience.

Adult-Focused, Small-Ship Cruises with Few Children

You can expect some kids on Regent Seven Seas' Alaska and European cruises in the summer, so if you're set on cruising at that time of year, opt for longer cruises that shy away from places with more family-friendly excursions. Marella Cruises launched its first adults-only ship, Marella Explorer 2, in 2019. Fares on the 1,814-passenger vessel include both tips and a selection of drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic).

Destination Highlights and Boutique Ship Experience

They also tend to have more inclusive fares that include beer, wine and soda at dinner, plus at least some shore excursions, along with Wi-Fi and bicycle use generally included. Seabourn has thought of everything when it comes to pampering its guests, from partnerships with Thomas Keller, the Michelin-starred chef of The French Laundry, to an experience noshing on Champagne and caviar from a floating bar. It’s unlikely, however, that anyone’s kids would be impressed by these offerings, let alone the upscale atmosphere of Seabourn’s intimate ships.

Port charges, tips and gratuities, and taxes are also included, so you don't need to worry about hidden fees. Carnival is popular for its various departure ports; you can embark from Galveston, Texas, to set sail to the Caribbean or enjoy the Mediterranean seas from Barcelona, Spain. The cruise line’s onboard amenities are also hard to beat, with fine dining options, live performances, pools and even the first roller coaster at sea. While Celebrity Cruises is well-known for being one of the best cruise lines for kids and families, it’s also a great choice for adult-only groups that come aboard. With open-air dining and beautiful deck views, Celebrity Cruises will provide you with an unmatched travel experience.

13 Best Adult Cruise Lines (2024) Cruise.Blog - Cruise Blog

13 Best Adult Cruise Lines ( Cruise.Blog.

Posted: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The ship sails to such exciting ports of call as Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan and offers scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm and by Dawes Glacier. The ship also caters to adults with the time and desire for longer vacations, with seven- to 14-night summer cruises to the Norwegian fjords, Canary Islands and the Mediterranean. If you want to stay stateside, there are seven and eight-night sailings that go from Cape Liberty to Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. You can find a more grownup vibe at the Chill Island beach or the swim-up bar in the Oasis Lagoon pool. With entertainment options such as sultry game shows and dance parties, it’s nearly impossible to be bored on board.

Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Cruises

In my journeys, I’ve found that whether you’re after a quick getaway or a lengthy escape, there is an array of voyages all inclusive options available. They uphold an intimate ambiance, provide stellar service, and showcase a world of splendor that’s best enjoyed in the refined company of like-minded adults. For me and many others, part of the allure lies in the tailored experiences that these boutique voyages offer. Whether it’s indulging in romantic all inclusive cruises or exploring historic cities, the peace of a mature-only environment cannot be overstated. Lines like Viking River Cruises set the standard for this, guaranteeing that every traveler is there for a similarly serene experience. When I think about the zenith of all-inclusive cruising, my mind sails straight to Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Aurora offers a breadth of itineraries ranging from lengthy world cruises to four- and five-night “Short Breaks,” sailing round-trip from Southampton to nearby European cities like Amsterdam, Hamburg, and Zeebrugge. Aurora also sails to the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, and North America. The 2,388-passenger Arcadia is a bit larger; however, it has fewer pools (two compared to three) and bars and restaurants (15 compared to 19). While Arcadia also lacks a card room and a lounge, it does boast The Globe in its place, which offers movie screenings, art auctions, cabaret shows, live music, and more. Arcadia offers similar itineraries to her smaller sister ship, sans world cruises.

Royal Caribbean

Viking, a cruise line based in Basel, Switzerland, is no stranger to accolades. News' luxury list last year too — despite Chairman Torstein Hagen indicating he isn't a fan of the word. Here, average daily rates accounted for 60% of scores, while expert, traveler and health ratings accounted for the other 40%. Cruise lines with average daily rates of $300 or more did not qualify for this category.

Known as the “World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” those with the financial means and want to experience luxury at its highest will no doubt enjoy a trip aboard one of these intimate ships. Regent Seven Seas also offers plenty of shore tours and excursions, such as gliding over the Alaskan mountains via helicopter or exploring the monuments in Valencia, Spain. Silversea ships only carry between 200 and 600 passengers, which ensures passengers have plenty of space onboard. Spacious suites are also available for cruisers who don’t want to feel cramped in a tiny cabin.

As you sail on the Crystal Serenity, take time to gaze at the stars through the glass roof or take in the expansive views from the forward observation deck. For your accommodations, you can choose from the different guest rooms and suites, all outfitted with elevated details and artisanal finishes. Don't forget to take in a game of pickleball or fine-tune your golf game on the putting green. Their offerings often mimic an erotic cruise, filled with excursions that tempt the senses and bring to life the exotic passions of unseen worlds.

This means that regardless of your chosen destination, your experience of adult only cruise ships will be familiar and comfortable. Cabins come with private balconies, perfect for quiet reflection or intimate moments, underscoring the phrase ‘home away from home’. It’s this relentless dedication to quality that solidifies Viking’s stature as an 18 cruise lines leader. The best adult-only cruises go beyond mere travel; they create an all-encompassing haven where your fare translates to a ticket to a world of inclusive luxuries. With all-inclusive romantic cruises, expectations of fine dining, exotic shore excursions, and chic onboard activities become realities. Even the more affordable cruises for adults only are designed to deliver value, ensuring that your experience is both indulgent and carefree.

Finally, don’t count out Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, both of which also offer unique, adult-friendly amenities and experiences. The variety of options ensures that whatever your idea of a perfect vacation, you’re sure to find a cruise line that can sail you there. Other select ships offer adult-only areas on deck, such as Spice H20, available to all adult travelers at no added price, as well as the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only space with limited capacity, which must be purchased upon boarding. Virgin came out of the gate in 2021 when billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson debuted Scarlet Lady, the cruise line’s first adults-only ship.