Cruising without children: The new trends for Adults Only” ships!

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Find out everything about “Adults Only” cruises: offers, shipping companies and trends for 2026 for couples and solo travelers seeking peace and quiet.

Erfahren Sie alles über "Adults Only"-Kreuzfahrten: Angebote, Reedereien und Trends 2026 für ruhesuchende Paare und Alleinreisende.
Find out everything about “Adults Only” cruises: offers, shipping companies and trends for 2026 for couples and solo travelers seeking peace and quiet.

Cruising without children: The new trends for Adults Only” ships!

More and more cruise lines are relying on the popular “adults only” concept, which only allows travel for adults with a minimum age of 18. This development is particularly appreciated by British customers who are increasingly looking for child-free experiences on the high seas. The market for such cruises is growing as the industry provides special offers for this target group. In the past, “adults only” cruises were often limited to smaller, older ships, but now new builds and larger ships also rely on this concept. One example is Oceania Cruises, which will no longer allow passengers under the age of 18 on board from January 2026.

At the same time, the shipping company P&O Cruises has announced that it will no longer offer adult-only ships from December 2026. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, on the other hand, has abandoned its plans to operate the Hanseatic Spirit as an “adults only” ship. TUI Cruises also plans to test special “adults-only cruises” on selected trips in 2027.

Popular shipping companies in the “Adults Only” sector

  • Marella Cruises
  • Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
  • P&O Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Virgin Voyages
  • Viking Cruises

Particularly noteworthy is Saga Cruises, which specializes in cruises for travelers aged 50 and over. Passengers aged 50 or older can expect a variety of luxury offerings, such as cabins with balconies, room service and spacious public areas. The ships Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery offer trips to dream destinations such as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

An experience for the more mature clientele

Saga Cruises not only offer guests oasis-like accommodations and exquisite culinary options, but also a variety of onboard entertainment, including daily activities and dance classes. Some of the highlights include:

  • Exklusive Erfahrungen nur für Über-50-Jährige
  • Inklusive Trinkgelder und sorgfältig geplante Routen
  • Eingehende Aufmerksamkeit für Details im Service und bei den Unterkünften

The current offer includes, among other things, cruises to the Atlantic islands, Mediterranean adventures and European voyages of discovery. Saga Cruises stands out with a variety of amenities: from luxurious cabins to world-class dining experiences that make every cruise extra special.

However, the cruise industry also faces challenges. In the past there have been many conflicts between vacationers seeking peace and quiet and parents traveling with children. In addition, there are shipping companies that only have a few children on board despite there being no clear ban on children. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Silversea are examples of such providers, while Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises offer special retreats for adults.

The demand for child-free cruises shows that the topic is emotionally charged and many travelers are looking for a relaxed holiday experience that does not involve the stress of children. The cruise industry is increasingly adapting to this trend to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

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