The Best Adult-Oriented Cruise Lines to Sail this Year
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Many of the world's best cruise ships cater to a wide audience with amenities that intrigue both the youngest of sailors and those with mature sea legs. But some travelers may be more interested in an adult-oriented sailing—a welcome reprieve for those looking to enjoy romantic dinners with no kids menus in sight, dance the night away until the wee hours of the morning, or finally finish that book they've started half a dozen times.
There are different options when it comes to booking a sailing geared specifically toward adults—for some its enough to have some 18 and up spaces carved out on the ship, for others a true adults-only cruise might be the way to go. Whichever route you take, options abound: With sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean, Italy, South Africa, and more, there's nowhere you can't go the moment your calendar opens up. Plus, there are a ton of meticulously curated itineraries and all-inclusive sailings that take the stress of planning off your plate by bundling flights, hotel stays, and drink packages.
From large ocean cruisers to small-scale luxury yachts, here are 13 cruise lines geared towards grown-up fun.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Steve Dunlop/Celebrity CruisesCelebrity
With 16 purpose-built ships in its fleet, Celebrity Cruises has a range of larger, mid-size, and smaller ships designed with specific destinations in mind, including the Galapagos, North America, and the South Pacific, to name just a few. One of its main attractions is its world-class dining experience set in elegant venues with flexible dining times. In addition to the main dining rooms, guests can visit specialty restaurants like Tuscan Grille, Murano, and Le Petit Chef. Take part in an at-sea wine tasting to learn what the perfect pairing might be for dinner each night.
Hours spent at sea pass quickly thanks to onboard activities including but not limited to cooking classes, art tours, and guest speakers. To add a new spark to popular destinations and interest longtime cruisers, Celebrity has created themed cruises that appeal to specific interests, such as smooth jazz, Pride, or fitness-focused sailings.
The sailing to take this year: With over 300 ports of call, Celebrity Cruises has no shortage of itineraries. For a warm-weather getaway, the eight-day Aruba, Curacao, and Cayman cruise is a round-trip sailing that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale. Guests can experience the natural benefits of Curacao’s famous aloe plants, explore the Hato caves, and enjoy the island's white sandy beaches. Departs November 13, 2025, from $2,334 per person.
Courtesy AzamaraAzamara
Azamara boasts a fleet of four mid-size ships and itineraries that offer longer stays in port, so passengers have more time to explore every destination in depth (it’s all part of the line’s motto of “stay longer, experience more”). The longer stays let guests experience the culture, cuisine, and local attractions leisurely without heading back to the ship with a heap of “what-ifs” on their mind. The line has a loyal clientele—which should come as a comfort for first-timers—that returns to the laid-back yet upscale atmosphere time and time again.
Itineraries often highlight destinations with rich cultural experiences—think flamenco classes in Andalusia or opera lessons in Italy. Whether it’s through excursions, local performances, or onboard cultural experiences, guests can appreciate a deeper connection to the places they visit. During sailings, there is an emphasis on gourmet dining, offering specialty dining options and wines that highlight regional flavors from each port. Azamara sailings are curated to be a bit quieter and tranquil, making it a good option for guests happy to kick back, relax, and enjoy the panoramic views offered from their suite in between destinations.
The sailing to take this year: During the 21-day “Australia Intensive Voyage,” guests will depart from Singapore and head to Melbourne. Guests can look forward to escaping to their private retreat, a polished, contemporary suite with luxury linens, plush cotton robes, French toiletries, and fresh flowers. Suite options include a private veranda where cruise goers can soak up some sun on sea days. Departs December 14, 2025, from $6,649 per person.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionRitz Yacht Collection
The renowned hospitality brand has built its portfolio around upscale decor and world-class amenities. Now, it brings small ship sailings to adults looking to indulge in exclusivity and luxury. Meticulously designed suites, personalized service, and exquisite culinary options go hand-in-hand to create a captivating time at sea. Each of the three intimate yachts has a larger crew population than guests, meaning there is a particular hospitality style and immediate attention that guests can expect with each sailing.
Itineraries for this year are scheduled to stop across Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Asia, with the liberty of visiting smaller, more exclusive ports of call that larger ships can’t access. While traveling to lesser-known destinations, the days spent at sea indulge its sophisticated clientele with wine tastings, art exhibitions, and curated cultural experiences.
The sailing to take this year: There are not many places the Ritz Carlton Yacht Club doesn’t venture to. One of its longer sailings is a 14-day voyage from Hong Kong to Singapore with eight stops along the way. While sailing the Luminara, guests will toast to the New Year, sunbathe on Koh Samui’s gorgeous beaches, and catch the glittering lights of Ho Chi Minh City from a private balcony. Departs December 30, 2025, from $22,300 per person.
Courtesy of CrystalCrystal
Formerly Crystal Cruises, the adults-driven luxury line was purchased by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, then dramatically remodeled and reborn as Crystal. Its legions of fiercely loyal fans are largely back, as are many familiar crew who pamper passengers incessantly. Its two gorgeous ships, 740-passenger Crystal Serenity and 606-passenger Crystal Symphony, fairly ooze sophistication and style. Crystal renewed its partnership with Nobu Matsuhisa; the line's award-winning onboard restaurant Umi Uma presents the globally renowned chef’s only plates at-sea. These ships voyage most of the world, with inclusions like nearly all dining, alcohol, 24-hour room service, gratuities, butler service, and Wi-Fi.
The sailing to take this year: Crystal Serenity offers a 15-day Mahe to Cape Town voyage with stops in Kenya, Tanzania, and Richard's Bay. Incredible outings include up to three safaris where guests can get once-in-a-lifetime moment near some of the large mammals on this planet—including the 2,500 lions that roam the Serengeti. Departs March 28, 2025, from $7,400 per person.
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Pete Barrett/Regent Seven SeasRegent Seven Seas Cruises
Ultra-luxurious and opulent, this adults-oriented six-ship line is inclusive to the max: think business-class airline tickets for international flights, fine dining, all-suite accommodations, 24-hour suite service, alcohol, dining, valet laundry, gratuities, transfers, and some shore excursions. Multi-million-dollar art collections on the three newest ships stun. On brand-new 744-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur, revel in 1,600 masterpieces including multiple Picassos and a Fabergé egg, the first to reside at-sea. The entire ship’s design is jaw-droppingly beautiful and restaurants, like pan-Asian Pacific Rim and the French Chartreuse, excel.
The sailing to take this year: This ship sails to many locales, including an enchanting 12-day fall foliage cruise from New York to Montreal, with complimentary excursions like a Nova Scotia pub tour and high tea at the iconic Château Frontenac in Quebec City. Departs September 19, 2025, from $12,399 per person.
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Philip Plisson/Courtesy Ponant's Le LaperousePonant
This adults-oriented luxury French line of small sleek ships include its six newest 184-passenger “Ponant Explorer” vessels, four 264-passenger expedition sister ships, and 32-passenger yacht Le Ponant. While many cruises are bilingual, sails in partnership with the prestigious Smithsonian Journeys are English-only. Count on some 44 such itineraries including onboard talks given by world-class experts, one excursion in each port, and other fare-included perks such as dining, alcohol, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. So many Smithsonian Journeys compel, such as a nine-day Celtic Voyage, eight-day Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by Sea, and a nine-day Circumnavigation of Sicily.
The sailing to take this year: Hats off to Le Champlain’s immersive Ancient civilizations voyage that showcases the riches of the Mediterranean, including its legendary tales and magnificent coastline. Departs October 1, 2026, from $8,470 per person.
Alastair MillerViking
On this adults-only cruise line, choose between river, ocean, and expedition vessels. Viking ships sail all seven continents. Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris explore the poles but also sail Niagara, the Great Lakes, and Chilean fjords. While categorized as upper premium, Viking’s ocean and expedition fleet includes many amenities, such as one shore excursion per port, all dining, afternoon tea, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, spa Thermal Suite access, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service.
The sailing to take this year: Given Viking's heritage as a Norwegian brand, start with a “Viking Homelands” cruise. The 15-day voyage, held on various 930-passenger ocean-going sister ships, sails between Stockholm, Sweden, and Bergen, Norway, and visits six countries including Poland, Denmark, and Germany. The packed itinerary includes sailing fjords and hiking remote Swedish islands, as well as touring Berlin and Copenhagen. Departures from March 31, 2025 , from $6,999 per person.
Courtesy SeabournSeabourn
Seabourn, an ultra-luxury adults-oriented line, recently introduced twin polar-class expedition ships, 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture, with exploration toys like submarines and a 24-expert team to guide and engage passengers. Luxe elements include all-suite accommodations, complimentary caviar, and eight dining venues. Seabourn’s five all-suite ocean liners include the two newest and most glam 600-passenger sister ships, Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Encore. Seabourn fares include all the restaurants on board (including the new Mediterranean venue Solis on non-expedition ships), alcohol, 24-hour suite dining, dancing on deck, and caviar in the surf beach barbecues.
The sailing to take this year: Seabourn ships roam the globe, with knockout itineraries like a 12-day “Canary Islands & Cape Verde” on Seabourn Sojourn, sailing round trip from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Departs March 14, 2025, from $6,799 per person.
Courtesy Windstar CruisesWindstar Cruises
This luxe-minded, adults-oriented line counts six vessels that accommodate between 148 and 342 passengers. Three are tall-sails Wind Class ships; three are all-suite Star Plus Class yachts. All offer a relaxed, friendly on-board ambiance, with itineraries leaning into small ports, late-night departures, and port overnights. From the water sport platform, guests can kayak, paddle board, snorkel, or water trampoline. Besides the Caribbean and Mediterranean, Windstar ships also ply far-flung waters, from transatlantic crossings to cruises in South America and Iceland. Star Breeze now sails Tahiti voyages, cruising the unforgettable turquoise waters of French Polynesia year-round.
The sailing to take this year: “Tahitian Treasures and Magnificent Marquesas” (the latter a cruise rarity) sails 14 days round-trip from Papeete, including visits to Paul Gauguin’s former home on Hiva Oa, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the Pacific’s largest Tiki sculptures. Departs March 27 2025, from $4,873 per person.
Virgin VoyagesVirgin Voyages
If you want to cruise with the cool kids, book an adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise. This line puts the hip in hipster; it calls cruisers sailors, is LGBTQ+-friendly, and attracts everyone from 20-something groups of friends to middle-aged-and-up couples. The premium line’s fares includes complimentary dining in a whopping 20 restaurants like Gunbae, a Korean bbq hotspot, Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, and gratuities. Think high-energy happy campers, er, sailors, who celebrate with new tats done on board, many cocktails (don’t miss the Champagne Lounge), dance parties, pop-up circus performances, and hanging in port late-night. The three 2,770-passenger sister ships Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady sail the Caribbean and Med.
The sailing to take this year: Find fast fun on Scarlet Lady's five-day round-trip Miami cruises, like “Fire and Sunset Soirées,” with a private Beach Club experience in Bimini, Bahamas; it’s abuzz with private cabanas, beach bonfires, and float-filled pool parties. Departs December 10, 2025, from $1,620 per person.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & ToursScenic
Scenic is an adults-oriented, ultra-luxury polar-class expedition line with two 228-passenger vessels, Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II. The ships feel sexy and sophisticated, with all-suite accommodations, butler service, up to 10 dining experiences, nine bars and lounges, and a huge spa with a yoga and Pilates studio. Expect numerous inclusions, like alcohol, dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shore excursions (other than helicopter or submersible rides) led by seasoned experts. Scenic explores the globe, emphasizing polar itineraries.
The sailing to take this year: The line recently introduced the “Australian Odyssey: Western Australia & The Abrolhos Islands” sailing. Expedition highlights include coral islands with thousands of endemic birds, vertical waterfalls, and ancient Indigenous rock art. Departs August 20, 2025, from $17,145 per person.
Fiippo Vinardi/Silversea CruisesSilversea
An adults-oriented ultra-luxury line, Silversea offers both polar-class expedition ships and ocean liners that sail to more than 900 destinations across all seven continents. Fares include all-suite accommodations, butlers, caviar service, gratuities, alcohol, most dining, and some shore excursions (all outings on expedition ships).
The sailing to take this year: Among a roster of stellar itineraries, consider cruising Antarctica on board the intimate and glam 200-passenger (in polar regions) Silver Endeavor. With spacious suites, four restaurants, and a passionate expedition team, the ship sails the region between early March 2025 into November 2025. Six-day itineraries include round-trip flights to Antarctica, bypassing the often-turbulent Drake Passage. Sailing six to 21-days round trip from Puerto Williams, Chile, starting at $17,400 per passenger.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Adults-oriented Uniworld has a stunning fleet of 17 river cruise ships. Awash in antiques, custom fabrics, and original art, the vessels resemble luxurious European boutique hotels rather than typical riverboats. Each possesses its own vibrant personality, reflecting the waters it sails. Count handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, marble baths with Asprey toiletries, and towel warmers among posh amenities. Alcohol, farm-to-table dining, airport transfers, excursions, gratuities, and wellness classes are included, and often-local entertainment. These posh boats sail throughout Europe and Asia, as well as Peru, with some offering land or rail extensions.
The sailing to take this year: Beloved by oenophiles, S.S. Bon Voyage’s Brilliant Bordeaux sails eight days round trip from Bordeaux, France, on three rivers, promising multiple wine tastings and village and heritage walking tours. Departing March 30, 2025, from $2,499 per person.
