Yes, adults-only cruises exist and operate year-round on major cruise lines
Several cruise lines run ships or dedicated sections where only passengers 18 and older are allowed. Norwegian Cruise Line operates the most extensive adults-only program: their ships have adult-exclusive areas (cabins, pools, restaurants, lounges) that any adult passenger can use, and some sailings are designated adults-only voyages where children are not permitted on the entire ship. Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival also offer adult-only spaces on select ships, though these are typically sections rather than whole-ship experiences. The availability and rules vary by cruise line and sailing date.
Adults-only cruises appeal to travelers who want to avoid children's activities, noise, and family-oriented programming. Some people book them for milestone trips (anniversaries, retirements, milestone birthdays), while others straightforward prefer a quieter atmosphere. The cost is usually the same as a standard cruise cabin, though some lines charge a small premium for adult-exclusive areas or sailings.
Key Takeaways
- Norwegian Cruise Line offers the most adult-only options, including entire ships where no children are permitted and adult-exclusive deck areas on other vessels.
- Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Carnival have adult-only sections or cabins on select ships, but these are not whole-ship experiences.
- Adult-only cruises typically cost the same as standard cabins, though some lines charge extra for exclusive area access.
- Availability changes by sailing date and ship, so you need to check the specific cruise line's website or call their booking line to confirm which sailings or areas are adults-only.
Norwegian Cruise Line's adults-only program is the most developed option
Norwegian operates two types of adult-only experiences. The first is Studio cabins, which are small, modern staterooms available on most Norwegian ships. Studio passengers get access to an exclusive Studio Lounge (a private bar and seating area), priority dining reservations, and discounted beverage packages. You do not have to be on an adults-only sailing to book a Studio cabin — they are available on any Norwegian cruise.
The second option is adults-only sailings, where Norwegian designates specific departure dates on select ships where no passengers under 18 are permitted. These sailings typically run on Norwegian's newer or mid-sized ships and are marketed directly on their website. On these voyages, all programming, dining, and activities are geared toward adults. You book a regular cabin (not necessarily a Studio) and the entire ship is your adults-only space.
Norwegian also offers adult-exclusive deck areas on many ships — designated pools, hot tubs, and lounges that only adults can use during certain hours. These exist on standard sailings alongside families and are not a separate booking; they are straightforward part of the ship layout.
Other cruise lines offer adult-only sections but not whole-ship sailings
Royal Caribbean has Solarium areas on many of its ships — adults-only pool decks with cabanas, hot tubs, and a quiet lounge. Access is included with your cabin booking if your stateroom is in or near the Solarium, or you can pay a daily or weekly fee to use it. The Solarium is not a separate sailing; families are on the same ship, but the Solarium itself is restricted to adults.
Disney Cruise Line operates Quiet Cove, an adults-only pool and bar area on all four of its ships. Like Royal Caribbean's Solarium, it is a designated deck space on family-oriented sailings, not a separate voyage. Access is included with your cabin booking.
Carnival has Serenity areas on select ships — adult-only pool decks with lounging and bar service. These are also included with your cabin booking if you are staying nearby, or available as a day pass.
How to find and book an adults-only cruise or area
Start by visiting the cruise line's website directly. Norwegian's site has a filter for "adults-only sailings" under their voyage search; you can also search for Studio cabins separately. Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Carnival list their adult-exclusive areas in the ship details section for each sailing — look for "Solarium," "Quiet Cove," or "Serenity" in the amenities list.
If you are booking through a travel agent, tell them upfront that you want an adults-only experience. They can filter options and let you know which sailings or cabin locations give you the best access to adult-exclusive spaces. Some travel agents specialize in adult-only travel and may have partnerships with cruise lines that offer discounts or perks.
Pricing for adult-exclusive areas is usually built into your cabin cost if your room is located in or near that section. If you want access from a cabin elsewhere on the ship, you can typically add it for a daily fee (usually $15 to $30 per day, depending on the line). Adults-only sailings on Norwegian are priced the same as standard sailings for the same cabin type and date.
What to expect on an adults-only cruise versus an adult-exclusive area
On a full adults-only sailing, all programming is designed for adults: no kids' clubs, no family shows, no splash pads. Dining is more upscale, bars stay open later, and entertainment leans toward comedy, live music, and themed parties. The pace is slower and quieter overall. You will not hear children or see strollers anywhere on the ship.
On a ship with adult-exclusive areas, you get a quiet pool and lounge where children are not permitted, but the rest of the ship is shared with families. Main dining rooms, theaters, and most bars are still family-friendly. This option is less expensive and more flexible — you can enjoy adult spaces when you want quiet time and join the broader ship activities when you choose.
Both options include the same core cruise experience: ports of call, dining, entertainment, and onboard activities. The difference is the atmosphere and who shares your space.
Pricing and what is included
Adults-only cruises cost the same per night as comparable standard sailings on the same ship. A seven-night Norwegian adults-only sailing in the Caribbean might run $700 to $1,200 per person, depending on cabin type and season — the same price as a standard sailing. The difference is the experience, not the base fare.
Beverage packages, specialty dining, and shore excursions are priced separately on all cruise lines and are optional. Some lines offer discounts on beverage packages for Studio cabin holders or adults-only sailings, so ask when you book.
Gratuities (tips) are not included and are charged per person per night, typically $15 to $16 for standard cabins. This is the same across all sailings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my adult child or grandchild on an adults-only sailing?
Yes, as long as they are 18 or older. Norwegian's adults-only sailings require all passengers to be at least 18. Younger adults traveling with older family members are welcome.
Do adult-exclusive areas cost extra?
Not if your cabin is located in or near the area — access is included. If your cabin is elsewhere on the ship, you can usually buy daily or weekly access for $15 to $30 per day. Adults-only sailings do not charge extra; they are priced like standard sailings.
What if I want to travel with my spouse but they want a family-friendly cruise?
You can book a standard sailing and use the adult-exclusive areas (Solarium, Quiet Cove, Serenity) when you want quiet time. These areas exist on family-oriented ships, so you get both options on one voyage.
Are adults-only cruises more expensive than family cruises?
No. The per-night cost is the same for the same cabin type and sailing date. You are paying for the experience and atmosphere, not a premium price.
How far in advance do I need to book an adults-only sailing?
Norwegian releases adults-only sailing dates several months in advance. Popular dates (summer, holidays, anniversaries) book up faster, so booking three to six months ahead gives you better cabin selection. Last-minute bookings are sometimes available at discounted rates.