Best Cruise Lines For Adults

Updated 17/6/22

With family-friendly cruise lines becoming bigger and better every year, it may seem as though adult only cruise lines and ships are a thing of the past. However, for those looking for peace and quiet with no children in sight, there are a wide range of choices, catering to those on a budget as well as those looking to splash out.

We've compiled a list of the best cruise lines for adults, covering a range of budgets, interests and destinations, all providing hassle-free, relaxing holidays. Whether you're looking for a traditional cruise without having to fly, or are in the mood for a luxury voyage, check out our list to find the best adult only cruise lines for your next cruise holiday.

1. Ambassador

Price range: Low to Mid
Best for: Over 50s cruises
Sails to: Baltics, British Isles, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, Norwegian Fjords
Top adult only cruise ships: Ambience, Ambition

Ambassador cruises create some of the most authentic transatlantic adult cruises out there, all at an extremely affordable price. These cruise vacations offer a traditional style of travelling and have been thoughtfully created to provide exceptional service in beautiful settings.

Ambassador Cruises entertainment

Ambassador Cruises cater best to those looking for a relaxing cruise full of quiet bars and welcoming lounges. While you won't find late-night parties, you'll be delighted by quaint cocktails and full-scale productions at high-tech theatres, creative classes, ballroom dancing and fun quizzes.

For those wanting to stay active there are plenty of dance classes and casino games to choose from too. With such a wide range of bars and lounges, all of which are beautifully designed, there is something for everyone on any ship. Along with this you can book a themed cruise such as Cirque at sea where you can develop your own circus skills or Our Frozen Planet to learn all about Greenland and the Arctic.

With Ambassador Cruises primarily being adult only (except for during the school holidays), you’ll be treated to sophisticated nights out and relaxed evenings without the stress of children. You’ll also get a chance to meet like minded guests and form new friendships.

Ambassador Cruises dining

Delectable dining is all part of the package when sailing with Ambassador. The mouthwatering menus have been crafted by talented chefs using locally-sourced ingredients so you're guaranteed a delicious meal wherever you decide to dine, with no supplement charge at any venue. In addition, wine is included at mealtimes for no extra cost. Our top Ambassador Cruises restaurants include:

Our top Ambassador Cruises restaurants include:

• Chef’s Table
• Sea and Grass
• Saffron

Ambassador Cruises cabins

Ambassador Cruises cabins are truly a home away from home. Designed so you have everything you could possibly need in your room such as a fridge, flat screen TV with round-the-clock entertainment and a bath, making sure that you can choose your own path for your holiday. You’ll also have access to 24-hour room service and cleaning staff. Solo sailors will also have access to the luxury of these cabins.

Highlighted features

• Included chauffeur service or car parking
• Optional travel insurance

If you're interested in sailing around the Mediterranean in style, discover Iglu's wide collection of luxury Mediterranean cruises.

2. Virgin Voyages

Price range: Mid to high
All inclusive?: Yes
Best for: Active, wellness cruises with an energetic nightlife
Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean
Top adult only cruise ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady

Taking the world of adult only cruising by storm, Virgin Voyages has put its own spin on holidays at sea. There's a strong emphasis on wellness and nourishment of the soul through fitness, fine dining and experiencing a whole new world of culture, entertainment and travel - without any noisy water parks to disrupt your fun.

Virgin Voyages entertainment

Music is at the heart of Virgin Voyages' cruises. Formed by a Creative Collective - with the likes of Mark Ronson and Diplo - the productions range from upbeat DJ sets to jaw-dropping Broadway style shows. With no children around, Virgin Voyages entertainment goes one step further with all-day-all-night programmes, parties and events.

If winding down is more your style, take part in the huge range of wellness activities. From sunrise yoga to indulgent spa treatments at the Redemption Spa, you'll feel rejuvenated and renewed from the night before. Step it up a notch with outdoor boxing at the Athletic Club, or go back to basics with a fresh, zesty juice.

Virgin Voyages dining

Combining fresh ingredients with unique, indulgent flavours, Virgin Voyages offer plenty of choices curated by expert chefs from around the globe. Whether you're in the mood to grab something on the go or feel like tantalising your tastebuds with international cuisine, Virgin Voyages have ensured all food is sustainably packaged, included in the fare and available 24 hours a day.

Our top Virgin Voyages restaurants include:

• Razzle Dazzle
• Gunbae
• Pink Agave

Virgin Voyages cabins

Pulling out all the high-tech stops, a cabin onboard the Virgin Voyages fleet is unlike any other. Teeming with sophistication and class, cruisers will find mood-matching lighting, configurable beds and luxury amenities. Opt for a lazy day of watching movies streamed from your tablet, or transform your cabin and host a private get-together, with room service on hand to keep the good times going.

Highlighted features

• The Beach Club at Bimini, an exclusive Virgin Voyages private island destination
• All inclusive with Wi-Fi, meals, non-alcoholic drinks and fitness classes
• Squid Ink Tattoo Parlor

3. Marella Cruises

Price range: Low to mid
All inclusive?: Yes
Best for: Casual, fun-loving cruises for those on a strict budget
Sails to: Baltics, British Isles, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, Norwegian Fjords, Asia, America, Africa

Top adult only cruise ships: Marella Explorer 2, Marella Explorer

Renowned for fuss-free, budget-friendly cruising, Marella Cruises are proud to provide adult cruises onboard the stunning Marella Explorer 2. Refurbished in 2019, this adult only cruise ship is home to the most dining and drinking venues out of the whole Marella fleet, meaning you'll have endless opportunities to sit back and relax with your favourite cocktail, or enjoy a romantic dinner.

Marella Cruises entertainment

Catering to a range of mature interests, Marella Explorer 2 has a brilliant balance of leisurely activities as well as lively entertainment. Enjoy Broadway theatre at the Broadway Show Lounge, or opt for a friendly quiz night at popular watering hole, Squid and Anchor. If you're looking for a romantic way to spend the evening, cosy up with Movies by Moonlight, or relax at one of the many sophisticated lounges.

Those who enjoy a flutter will also be delighted by the Indigo Casino, featuring slot machines and card tables for you to try your luck. Finally, to truly let your hair down, head to the Indigo Club to dance the night away with newfound friends.

Marella Cruises dining

No matter what you're in the mood for, Marella Explorer 2 boasts a broad range of restaurants catering to refined tastes as well as traditional favourites. Make your own pizza and pasta dishes just the way you like them at Nonna's, splash out at cult favourite Surf and Turf Steakhouse, or tantalise your tastebuds at fiery, flavourful Kora La. Wherever you choose to dine, Marella Cruises are proud to offer friendly, personalised service that's tailored to your requirements.

Our top Marella Cruises restaurants include:

• Surf and Turf Steakhouse
• Kora La
• The Beach Cove

Marella Cruises cabins

Whether you're cruising with a group of friends, embarking on a romantic couples voyage or travelling solo, Marella Explorer 2 has many cabin grades to choose from to suit your budget and requirements. All staterooms are comfortable and homely with an en suite bathroom, a flatscreen TV, tea and coffee facilities and ample wardrobe space.

Highlighted features

• Mini Golf putting green
• Flutes Champagne bar

4. Fred. Olsen Cruises

Price range: Mid
All inclusive?: No
Best for: Traditional, British cruising on an intimate scale
Sails to: Baltics, Mediterranean, Europe, Norwegian Fjords
Top adult only cruise ships: Balmoral, Bolette

While Fred. Olsen cruises are not strictly an adult only cruise line, they operate a wide selection of cruises just for adults each year. The stunning fleet of smaller ships is catered towards refined, traditional cruising, with no extravagant waterparks to be found. Instead, you'll enjoy spacious lounges, enriching entertainment and fabulous, five-course dining, as well as endless time to relax wherever you are in the world.

Fred. Olsen Cruises entertainment

There's no shortage of ways to spend your time with Fred. Olsen Cruises. During a peaceful day at sea, discover a new favourite hobby during interesting talks and classes covering art, languages, dancing and even theatre. Fitness-buffs will be delighted by the range of workout sessions available, but be sure to check the daily activity programme for a full schedule.

When the sun goes down, the fun only gets better. From witty stand-up comedy to glamorous live shows and cabaret, Fred. Olsen invites you to simply sit back and enjoy the performances. Afterwards, you can wind down for the evening with a nightcap under the stars, or keep the celebrations going by dancing the night away.

Fred. Olsen Cruises dining

Each vessel in the Fred. Olsen fleet offers two or three main restaurants to choose from, as well as casual eateries such as a cafe, and speciality restaurants. At the main restaurants, buffet and a la carte breakfasts and lunches are served, as well as flavourful five-course dinners. A real highlight of a Fred. Olsen cruise is the complimentary Afternoon Tea, serving sandwiches, cakes and fresh tea and coffee.

Fred. Olsen Cruises cabins

With a wide range of cabins to suit your budget and preferences, you're guaranteed to find the perfect accommodation for your adults-only cruise. The interior decor of Fred. Olsen accommodation is classy, comfortable and modern, making it a perfect home away from home, best suited to adults. Every cabin features climate control, a TV, a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and more.

Highlighted features

• Fred. Olsen Cruises' Enjoyment Promise
• Onboard RIB boats
• Celebration packages available

Sound like a bit of you? Check out all our adult only cruise deals here!