One significant benefit that unites the top cruise lines for adults worldwide is the utopian atmosphere free of children that guests enjoy while at sea. Unabashed joys like getting tatted, dancing into the early hours of the morning, having romantic dinners on the terrace, popping champagne, and daydreaming on the deck have nothing to do with having children.
The greatest adult cruises let you indulge, rejuvenate, and relax without having to worry about other kids or cranky toddlers interfering with your alone time. We’ve gathered the top cruise lines for adults, along with their most thrilling itineraries that can be booked in 2024 and early 2025, so that when the time comes to sail away from the cares of land, you may do so in style.
Be aware that some of these lines are adult-only, while others are adult-oriented. This means that, although they seldom do so outside of school breaks, they might occasionally accept well-behaved older children on board. The majority are on small ships with adult-only itineraries that cover the world and tend toward all-inclusiveness and luxury, making them even more admirable when it’s all about you.
1. Crystal: A Luxurious Retreat
Formerly known as Crystal Cruises, Crystal has undergone a significant transformation under the ownership of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. With its two stunning ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, the line offers a sophisticated and stylish experience for adults. Crystal’s partnership with Nobu Matsuhisa ensures world-class dining experiences, with the onboard restaurant Umi Uma offering the globally renowned chef’s creations at sea. Guests can enjoy voyages to destinations worldwide, with inclusions like dining, alcohol, 24-hour room service, gratuities, butler service, and WiFi.
2. Ponant: French Elegance at Sea
Ponant, a luxury French cruise line, caters to adults with its fleet of sleek ships. From small explorers to expedition vessels and yachts, Ponant offers bilingual and English-only itineraries, including partnerships with Smithsonian Journeys. Guests can expect immersive experiences, onboard talks by experts, and inclusions like dining, alcohol, WiFi, and gratuities. Itineraries range from cultural voyages to expeditions in remote regions like the Celtic Isles and Japan.
3. Seabourn: Ultra-Luxury Exploration
Seabourn, an ultra-luxury cruise line, recently introduced polar-class expedition ships equipped with submarines and expert guides. With all-suite accommodations, complimentary caviar, and diverse dining options, Seabourn offers a lavish experience for adults. Guests can enjoy itineraries worldwide, from exploring the Canary Islands and Morocco to culinary adventures in Lisbon, all with inclusions like dining, alcohol, suite service, and beach barbecues.
4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Opulence Redefined
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an ultra-luxurious experience for adults, with all-suite accommodations, fine dining, and inclusive amenities like international flights and shore excursions. The line’s newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, boasts a stunning art collection and exquisite restaurants. Guests can embark on fall foliage cruises, exploring destinations like Boston, Nova Scotia, and Quebec City, with complimentary excursions and high tea experiences.
5. Windstar Cruises: Small Ship Serenity
Windstar Cruises caters to adults with intimate vessels designed for relaxed and friendly voyages. From tall-sail ships to all-suite yachts, Windstar offers itineraries focusing on small ports, late-night departures, and water sports activities. Guests can explore destinations like Tahiti, the Mediterranean, and Iceland, with opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
6. Scenic: Ultra-Luxury Polar Expeditions
Scenic is an adults-oriented, ultra-luxury polar-class expedition line with all-suite accommodations, butler service, and diverse dining options. Guests can enjoy inclusive amenities like alcohol, WiFi, and shore excursions led by seasoned experts. Scenic offers expeditions to remote regions like Western Australia’s Kimberley region, with highlights including coral islands, waterfalls, and ancient Indigenous rock art.
7. Virgin Voyages: Hip and Stylish Cruising
Virgin Voyages offers adults-only cruises designed for the cool and adventurous crowd. With a focus on high-energy experiences, Virgin Voyages’ ships feature diverse dining options, group fitness classes, and late-night parties. Guests can enjoy Caribbean and Mediterranean voyages aboard Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady, with highlights like private beach club experiences and onboard tattoo parlors.
8. Silversea: Luxury Across Seven Continents
Silversea caters to adults with ultra-luxury ocean liners and polar-class expedition ships, offering all-suite accommodations and inclusive amenities like butler service and caviar. Guests can embark on expeditions to Antarctica aboard Silver Endeavor, experiencing spacious suites and passionate expedition teams. Silversea’s itineraries span all seven continents, with opportunities to explore diverse destinations and cultures.
From sophisticated luxury to adventurous exploration, these cruise lines offer adults the opportunity to indulge in unforgettable experiences at sea. Whether seeking relaxation, cultural immersion, or thrilling adventures, these cruises cater to every preference, ensuring an unforgettable journey for discerning travelers.