Royal Caribbean does not operate dedicated adult-only ships, but several of its vessels offer adult-exclusive areas and programs
Royal Caribbean runs ships with families, teens, and adults mixed together on the same vessel. However, the cruise line maintains adult-only zones on most of its fleet—typically a lounge, pool deck, or solarium reserved for guests 18 and older. If you are looking for a ship where every passenger is an adult, Royal Caribbean is not the right choice. If you want quieter adult spaces within a family-friendly ship, Royal Caribbean offers that on many sailings.
The adult-only areas vary by ship and are not the same across the entire fleet. Some vessels have a dedicated adults-only pool and sunbathing area; others have a lounge where you can spend an evening without children present. These spaces exist alongside family pools, kids' clubs, and family dining—they are not separate ships or separate cruises.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean does not operate any ships exclusively for adults; all ships carry families and children.
- Most Royal Caribbean ships include at least one adult-only lounge or pool area where guests 18 and older can relax without children.
- Adult-only spaces are included in your cruise fare and do not require an extra fee or separate booking.
- If you want a completely adult-only cruise experience, you will need to look at other cruise lines that specialize in that market.
Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have Adult-Only Areas
The newer and larger Royal Caribbean ships—particularly those in the Icon, Wonder, Oasis, and Quantum classes—tend to have the most developed adult-only amenities. These typically include the Solarium, an adults-only pool and lounge area with cabanas, a bar, and comfortable seating. The Solarium is usually located forward on the ship and is quieter than the main pool deck.
Older or smaller ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet may have an adults-only lounge or bar but not a dedicated pool. Before you book, check the specific ship's deck plan on Royal Caribbean's website or call their reservations line to confirm what adult-only spaces are available on your chosen vessel. The amenities differ enough between ships that it is worth verifying.
Adult-only areas are free to use if you are 18 or older—there is no separate charge. You straightforward show your room key card to access the space during operating hours, which are usually posted near the entrance.
What Adult-Only Spaces Include
An adult-only pool or solarium on a Royal Caribbean ship typically offers lounge chairs, shade structures, a bar or beverage station, and sometimes cabanas you can rent for the day. The atmosphere is calmer than the main pool deck, with no organized children's activities or family games happening nearby. Some adult-only lounges feature live music, trivia, or other evening entertainment aimed at adult guests.
These spaces are not luxurious suites or private clubs—they are regular deck areas with the same furniture and amenities as other parts of the ship, just restricted to adults. If you are hoping for a spa-like retreat or exclusive service, the adult-only areas will not feel that way. They are straightforward quieter alternatives to the busier family zones.
Cruise Lines That Offer Adult-Only Ships
If you want a cruise where every passenger is an adult, Royal Caribbean is not your option. Other cruise lines operate ships or entire fleets dedicated to adults only. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 occasionally runs adult-only transatlantic crossings. Some river cruise operators, particularly in Europe, cater almost exclusively to adult travelers, though they are not the same experience as an ocean cruise.
Specialty cruise lines like Uniworld and AmaWaterways focus on adult travelers and offer smaller, more intimate voyages. These tend to cost more per night than Royal Caribbean but attract guests specifically seeking to avoid children on board. If an adult-only environment is essential to your vacation, researching these alternatives before booking with Royal Caribbean will save you disappointment.
How to Find and Book a Royal Caribbean Cruise with Adult Amenities
Start by visiting Royal Caribbean's website and filtering ships by class or size. The Icon, Wonder, Oasis, and Quantum classes are your best bet for robust adult-only amenities. Once you have selected a ship, view its deck plan—this shows the location and layout of all public spaces, including the Solarium or adult-only lounge.
Call Royal Caribbean's reservations team at 1-866-562-7625 to confirm which adult-only spaces are on your specific ship and sailing. They can also tell you the hours of operation and whether any adult-only areas are under maintenance during your travel dates. When you book, you do not need to request adult-only accommodations separately—the spaces are automatically available to all adult guests.
If you are traveling with a partner or friend, you can book a regular cabin anywhere on the ship and still use the adult-only areas during the day. There is no requirement to stay in a particular section or cabin type to access these spaces.
What to Expect When Using Adult-Only Areas
Adult-only pools and lounges on Royal Caribbean ships are moderately busy during sea days and quieter on port days when many guests are off the ship. Early morning and late evening tend to be the calmest times. If you are seeking complete solitude, you will not find it—these are still public spaces on a ship with thousands of other passengers.
The dress code for adult-only areas is typically casual daywear (swimsuit and cover-up for the pool; regular clothes for lounges). Evening adult-only lounges may have a smart-casual dress code, similar to the ship's main dining room. Check the daily program or ask staff when you board to confirm the specific rules for your sailing.
Alcohol is available for purchase at adult-only bars and lounges, though you can also bring your own beverages into most adult-only pool areas if you prefer. Smoking policies vary by area—some adult-only decks allow smoking while others do not. The daily program will specify which areas are smoke-free.
Comparing Royal Caribbean to Other Cruise Lines
Most major cruise lines—Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, and Princess—also offer adult-only lounges or pool areas on at least some of their ships. The difference is that Royal Caribbean does not market itself as an adult-focused cruise line the way some smaller operators do. If you are comparing cruise lines specifically for adult amenities, check each line's deck plans for the specific ship you are considering.
Disney Cruise Line, for example, has the Quiet Cove adult-only pool on all its ships, similar to Royal Caribbean's Solarium. Norwegian Cruise Line has adult-only areas on some vessels but not all. Carnival's adult-only spaces are less consistent across the fleet. If adult-only amenities are important to you, the specific ship matters more than the cruise line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a cabin in an adult-only area of a Royal Caribbean ship?
Royal Caribbean does not designate cabin areas as adult-only. Families with children can book cabins anywhere on the ship. However, you can use the adult-only pool and lounge areas regardless of where your cabin is located. If you want to be away from children in your cabin, you would need to book a higher-category suite, which may have fewer families nearby, but this is not may provide.
Do I have to pay extra to use the adult-only pool or lounge?
No. Adult-only areas are included in your cruise fare. There is no separate charge or membership fee. You straightforward show your room key card to access the space if you are 18 or older.
What time of year are Royal Caribbean cruises least crowded with children?
During school year sailings (September through May, excluding holidays), fewer children travel, so adult-only areas are quieter. Summer, spring break, and winter holiday weeks attract the most families. If avoiding children is a priority, booking a weekday sailing during the school year will give you a calmer experience overall.
Can teenagers use the adult-only areas?
No. Adult-only areas are restricted to guests 18 and older. Teenagers must use the main pool decks and family areas. Some ships have separate teen clubs for guests ages 12 to 17, but these are not the same as adult-only spaces.
Are there adult-only cabins on Royal Caribbean ships?
Royal Caribbean does not offer cabins designated for adults only. All cabin types are available to families with children. The adult-only amenities are limited to public spaces like pools and lounges, not sleeping areas.