Types of Cruises for Adults
From adults-only ships to solo studios and sober groups.
Get Free Cruise QuotesThe types of cruises for adults are as much about atmosphere as itinerary. Here they are sorted by the kind of trip, with the network guide for each.
Types of Cruises for Adults
Adults-only ships
A few lines sail without children at all. Virgin Voyages is for guests 18 and over, and Viking’s ocean ships carry adults only.
Couples and romance
Anniversaries, honeymoons and vow renewals; see Group Cruise Planners for weddings at sea.
Solo travel
Studio cabins, solo lounges and meet-ups; see Sailing Single.
Friends’ trips
Girls’ getaways and milestone birthdays; see Cruise Chicks.
Big nights out
Ships chosen for comedy, shows and late nights; see Happy Cruises.
Luxury and slow travel
Small ships and all-inclusive fares; see Cruising First Class and Barge Cruises in France.
Learning and hobbies
Lectures, crafts and games; see Learning Cruises and Niche Cruising.
Alcohol-free groups
Sober cruises with a hosted group; see Specialty Cruise Groups.
Matching the Cruise to the Grown-Ups Going
Two adults can want completely different holidays. One wants a lounger and a book, the other a different port every day and a show every night. A large ship with many venues lets both get their way; a small ship suits couples who want the same quiet pace. Retirees with time to spare often prefer longer itineraries — our sister site Golden Cruises looks at voyages for travelers in their 60s, 70s and 80s.
If you want a ship without children around, check school-holiday dates too: even family lines are much quieter outside summer and spring break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there adults-only cruise lines?
Yes. Virgin Voyages sails adults-only ships for guests 18 and over, and Viking’s ocean ships also take only adult guests. Many family lines have adults-only areas, such as quiet pools and sun decks, on board.
Which type of cruise suits a solo traveler?
Look for ships with studio cabins priced for one person and regular solo meet-ups. Sailing Single explains how single supplements and solo cabins work.
Which Adult Cruise Type Fits Which Trip?
| The trip | Types of cruises for adults to consider |
|---|---|
| A quiet anniversary for two | Luxury or premium ships, a barge cruise, or a river cruise in a wine region |
| A loud weekend with friends | A short sailing on a big ship with plenty of nightlife |
| First trip alone | A ship with studio cabins and a solo meet-up program |
| Learning something new | An enrichment sailing with lectures, or a hobby group |
| A milestone birthday | A girls’ or guys’ group cruise with a private event |
| Time to recover and recharge | A sober group, a wellness-focused ship or a long voyage with many sea days |
The same ship can feel like a different type of cruise depending on the dates. A family ship in a quiet January week can suit a couple well, while an adults-focused line on a holiday sailing may be livelier than expected.
Many adults also choose by what they want to avoid: crowds, early starts, formal nights or long flights. Saying that out loud to an advisor narrows the list faster than any search filter.
Plan a Cruise for Grown-Ups
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest ships and sailings that match the pace and style you want, with a free quote.
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