I’ve been cruising for over a decade and in that time, I’ve sailed on more than 50 ocean ships across eight different cruise lines.
Since I don’t have kids and rarely travel with children, I’ve learned that some cruise lines cater to adults better than others.
Here are my top four cruises to book for an adults-only vacation.
I love Virgin Voyages for its clear adults-only policy.
Virgin Voyages is one of the few major ocean cruise lines that does not allow children under 18, which I enjoy.
The Richard Branson-owned brand is known for its beautiful Lady Ships, which have ample outdoor space and nightclubs and party spots inside.
Unlike other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages’ dining concept is truly unique.
You won’t find massive rooms or long buffet lines. Instead, the ships have specialty restaurants, including an Italian eatery and a stunning steak house, which are all included in the cruise fare.
I love the line’s fast-casual pizza spot, but my favorite place to eat on a Virgin Voyages cruise is Gunbae. The Korean barbecue-inspired restaurant has shared tables with grills in the center and delicious food.
Disney Cruise Line is perfect for adults looking for some childhood nostalgia.
I love going to Disney theme parks, so it’s no surprise that I also love Disney Cruise Line.
The brand definitely leans more into family travel, but there are plenty of dedicated adults-only areas on each of the line’s ships.
One of my favorite places to hang out on the Dream or Fantasy ships is Meridian, an adults-only bar nestled between Palo and Remy, the two adults-only dining options.
This space has great views of the ocean and incredible bartenders who can shake or stir up just about anything.
After the sun goes down, the party really gets started at the nightclubs on the Disney ships. On a recent sailing on the Magic, I watched game shows, sang karaoke, and played trivia.
Celebrity Cruises is a great option for luxury sailing.
I recently tried out Celebrity Cruises for the first time, and it was a luxurious step up from its family-friendly sister company, Royal Caribbean. The cruise line is known for its beautifully decorated ships, intimate spaces, and over-the-top entertainment.
While sailing on the Ascent ship, I spent a lot of time at the Sunset Bar, which features Mediterranean-style drinks, incredible views, and live music in the evenings.
I also loved watching live shows in the theater every night. They combined acrobatics, magic tricks, dancing, and singing into spectacular events that left my jaw on the floor.
Norwegian Cruise Line is perfect for younger adults looking for a fun time.
I’ve sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line a few times, and I think it’s the perfect brand for young adults. The ships are easy to navigate and feature some of the best staterooms at sea, with plenty of storage.
The top decks of the line’s newer ships, like Prima and Viva, feature epic water slides, a go-kart track, and infinity pools overlooking the ocean.
It’s certainly geared toward the young at heart, but I think the spaces are ideal for anyone looking for a good mix of fun and relaxation.
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