Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, as are Viking and Saga Cruises. P&O Cruises is different: Arcadia and Aurora offer adults-only sailings, but P&O is not adults-only across its entire fleet.
| Cruise Line | Age Policy | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Voyages | 18+ | Lively, modern, social cruising |
| Viking | 18+ | Quiet, cultural and destination-focused cruises |
| Saga Cruises | Main guests 50+; companions can be 40+ | Boutique, all-inclusive cruising for older travelers |
| P&O Cruises | Adults-only on selected Arcadia and Aurora sailings | Traditional cruising from Southampton |
Virgin Voyages Is the Best Adults-Only Cruise Line for Most Travelers
Virgin Voyages is exclusively adults-only, and every guest must be at least 18. Its ships have more than 20 dining venues, live entertainment, nightlife and no formal nights. The atmosphere is closer to a modern resort than a traditional cruise ship.
Virgin Voyages suits travelers who want:
- A lively, social atmosphere
- A younger, mixed-age adult crowd
- Modern restaurants instead of a traditional buffet-focused cruise
- Activities for solo travelers and groups
- Caribbean, Mediterranean and other international itineraries
- A child-free cruise without an older-age requirement
Virgin Voyages is not limited to couples. Solo travelers, friend groups and honeymooners also make up part of its audience. The onboard experience is casual and energetic rather than formal or traditional.
Viking Is Best for Quiet, Cultural Travel
Viking does not allow children under 18 on its ocean, river or expedition cruises. The line focuses on destinations, cultural experiences, included excursions and a calmer onboard atmosphere. Viking ships also do not have casinos.
Viking is a good fit if you want:
- A peaceful, adult-focused atmosphere
- European river cruises
- Destination-intensive ocean itineraries
- Expedition cruises to remote regions
- Included shore excursions and dining
- An upscale, traditional style of travel
Viking tends to attract mature travelers, but its policy is based on a minimum age rather than a required age group. Adults of any age can travel if they meet the 18+ requirement.
Saga Cruises Is Adults-Only for Travelers Aged 50 and Over
Saga Cruises reserves its cruises for guests aged 50 and over. A traveling companion or family member can be aged 40 or over, giving Saga a more specific age profile than Virgin Voyages or Viking.
Saga is suited to travelers looking for:
- Boutique ocean or river cruises
- A predominantly 50-plus passenger base
- All-inclusive fares
- Included drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and selected dining
- Smaller ships and a quieter atmosphere
- UK-focused service and departures
Saga's ocean ships include Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. Its river program operates on European waterways. Saga is generally a better match for mature couples and solo travelers than for younger adults seeking nightlife.
P&O Cruises Offers Adults-Only Sailings, Not an Adults-Only Fleet
P&O Cruises offers adults-only cruises on Arcadia and Aurora. Selected sailings on those ships can also accept guests of all ages, so check the itinerary before booking. P&O's other ships are family-friendly.
A P&O adults-only sailing may suit you if you want:
- A classic British cruise experience
- Departures from Southampton
- Formal evenings and traditional entertainment
- A calmer ship than a large family-focused vessel
- An adults-only trip without choosing a fully adults-only cruise line
Arcadia and Aurora may offer adults-only holidays, but P&O Cruises itself is not exclusively adults-only.
What Is the Best Adults-Only Cruise Line?
Virgin Voyages is the best choice for most adults, while Viking, Saga Cruises and P&O Cruises suit different travel styles.
- Best overall for most adults: Virgin Voyages
- Best for quiet luxury and cultural travel: Viking
- Best for travelers aged 50 and over: Saga Cruises
- Best for traditional British cruising: P&O Cruises on an adults-only Arcadia or Aurora sailing
For the simplest child-free option, choose Virgin Voyages or Viking. Choose Saga Cruises if its 50-plus eligibility suits you. Choose P&O Cruises only after confirming that the specific Arcadia or Aurora itinerary is adults-only.
Adults-Only Is Not the Same as Adult-Oriented
Some cruise lines attract mostly adults or have adults-only pools, sun decks and lounges while still allowing children elsewhere on board. They should not be treated as fully adults-only unless their booking policy specifically prevents guests under 18 from sailing.