Fun cruises for adults come in two kinds: ships with no children at all, and family ships with plenty of grown-up spaces. Either can be a great week; the trick is knowing which atmosphere you want after dark.
Adults-Only Ships
Virgin Voyages is the best-known adults-only line in the mainstream market: its ships are designed for guests 18 and over. Evenings are built around themed parties — its Scarlet Night is a signature — intimate shows and later dining. It suits couples and friends who want a lively, grown-up atmosphere without a family pool deck.
Grown-Up Fun on Family Ships
Adults-only retreats
Many big ships have a quiet adults-only pool or sun deck, often with its own bar.
Late-night comedy
Comedy clubs commonly run family shows early and adults-only sets later.
Bars with a scene
Piano bars, pubs, craft cocktail bars and dance clubs set different moods.
Spa and thermal suites
For adults whose idea of fun is doing nothing well.
School holidays bring the most children; early autumn and the weeks after New Year usually bring fewer. Longer sailings also tend to carry fewer families than short weekends.
Fun Cruises for Adults: Picking the Mood
- Party: short Caribbean and Bahamas sailings on big ships, especially weekends and spring.
- Sophisticated: premium lines with lounges, live music and good wine lists.
- Themed: music and interest charters, from rock to comedy; see Cruising Groups.
- Romantic: balcony cabins, specialty dining and quieter ships.
Groups of friends can make a big ship feel like their own by booking together; our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can hold a block of cabins.
Fun Cruises for Adults: FAQ
Which cruise line is adults-only?
Virgin Voyages sails adults-only, for guests 18 and over. Several luxury and river lines are adult-oriented in practice, and family lines have adults-only areas on board.
Are family ships fun for adults too?
Yes. Most big ships have adults-only pools or sun decks, comedy late shows, bars and lounges, and the kids’ clubs keep younger guests busy. Sailing outside school holidays also changes the mix.
Making It a Great Week for Grown-Ups
Book the late seating or flexible dining
Later dinners suit a night that ends at the piano bar or the club.
Reserve the big show early
Headline shows on busy ships fill; booking in the app before sailing saves a wasted evening.
Plan one quiet day
A spa morning or a long lunch keeps the energy up for the next night out.
Choose a cabin away from the action
Lively ships are fun until 2 a.m. under your bed; check what sits above and below your cabin on the deck plan.
Adults travelling solo can find plenty of company too: many ships host meetups for single travelers in the first days, and our sister site Sailing Single covers single-friendly ships and fares. Couples celebrating something special should mention it when booking, since some lines mark anniversaries and honeymoons with small touches.
Dress Codes and Theme Nights
Part of the fun for many adults is dressing up. Lines hold formal or elegant nights, and many ships add theme nights such as white parties, decade nights or the color-themed parties some lines are known for. Check the line’s dress guidance before you pack, bring one outfit for each theme you plan to join, and leave room for something new from the onboard shops if the mood takes you.
Plan an Adults’ Fun Cruise
Tell us the mood you want; our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will find the ship.
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