Recommended Cruiseships for Over-18s


Great ships for adult-only cruising: Cruising Journal suggestions by Alison!

Children can be great fun, but sometimes cruisers over 18s crave the more relaxed atmosphere that only a child-free zone can satisfy. The rising popularity of family cruising holidays has spelled increased demand for over 18s-only cruising. Some cruiselines have stepped up big time to satisfy it with new or refurbished ships to cater for a more grown-up crowd. There are more possibilities out there for adult-only cruising than ever before. What could be more enjoyable that relaxing aboard a luxury ship, free from the demands of the little darlings!

With summer sales beginning, there are many super-affordable, all-inclusive packages out there to pick from. To guide you through the decision process, Cruising Journal has picked some of the best over 18s-only ships and cruiselines sailing to inspiring destinations for those seeking to book a relaxing, kid-free cruise for the 19/20 and 2020 seasons.

Saga – Spirit of Adventure, Spirit of Discovery and Saga Sapphire

Over-fifties only specialist, Saga, is launching its two brand new small-ships, Spirit of Discovery and sister ship, Spirit of Adventure, fresh for the 2020 season.

Classed as small-ships – with capacity just below 1000 – these ships are intimate spaces and can get to locations that bigger ships can’t reach. Saga promise that these fabulous ships will offer guests the most up-to-date in ’boutique luxury cruising’. They’re tailor-made for over 50s seeking a sophisticated, child-free voyage to some of the globe’s most stunning locations and fascinating, historical ports. Cruise duration and types vary, but include gourmet, fashion and wildlife-themed trips.

 

Saga’s new Spirit of Discovery
Destinations

All cruises start from the UK. Global destinations include Amsterdam, with its tulip festivals, Rouen, the Xmas markets of Antwerp and Bruges, the fjords and cities of Scandinavia, including a cruise to see the Northern Lights. Also on the menu are the ports of Germany and Denmark, Spain, France and the Channel Islands, Ireland, Italy and Sardinia, the Baltic, the Arctic, the British Isles, Africa, Greenland and New York and the Caribbean.

Each ship features unique contemporary decor and all cabins have a private balcony. Both ships feature a lido deck, with two pools and a sun deck. There’s also a luxury spa, a theatre where guests can catch west-end style shows, a gym and fitness centre and a library with books galore and free Wi-Fi.

Open-air dining on Saga’s Spirit of Discovery

 

Guests will enjoy a range of dining options, such as the informal Living Room. Alternatively, they can push the boat out and dine in serious gourmet-style in the Grand Dining room. The Britannia lounge is the perfect venue for taking in the stunning panoramic sea views. During the day, it is a venue for guest speakers and live performances. At night, it becomes a sophisticated nightspot where guests will be able to kick back and enjoy a relaxing voyage.

Sadly, 2019/20 is the final season for the much-loved Saga Sapphire. To celebrate her retirement, Saga is offering unlimited free drinks for the remainder of the 19/20 cruising season, as well as up to 35% off some cruises. Sapphire’s farewell tour itinery includes cruises to Iceland, Spain and Morocco. Real romantics pushed for time can still enjoy a 1-night cruise to Balmoral beneath the Scottish stars.

The all-inclusive packages are excellent value, and Saga is currently offering up to 35% savings on all bookings.

Arcadia – P&O

P&O’s Arcadia, with capacity for 2094 guests, is now an adult-only ship offering sophisticated ’boutique’ cruising in contemporary surroundings. Arcadia is a ship for food and art lovers; there’s an on board art gallery featuring over 3000 works of art (an additional charge may apply). Guests can choose from many dining options, both formal and informal; eat at Marco Pierre-White’s ‘Ocean Grill’, or sample delicious eastern flavours Atul Kochhar’s ‘The East’ restaurant, to name just two.

P&O’s Arcadia
Destinations

Arcadia’s destinations include Scotland, Norway, Western Europe, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the Caribbean, Iceland, Spain and Portugal, Australia and New Zealand, Arabia, Asia, the Baltic, Scotland, the Mediterranean, including Spain and Italy, France, South America, Brazil, the Azores and the Arctic.

There’s a range of spacious suites and cabins available, some with private balconies, but all with a sea-view. Guests can opt for a butler service for that extra touch of luxury. Opportunities for between-port relaxation and activity abound;  there’s a cinema, a theatre and a luxury spa with thermal suite all included your package. Use of pools, jacuzzi, gym and spa is also unlimited.

Guests can take their pick of several on-board eateries and restaurants varying from high cuisine to hamburgers. The airy, contemporary communal spaces are ideal for relaxing. The Observatory lounge offers fabulous sea views in beautiful surroundings. Also on board is a huge choice of bars and lounges, such as the Neptune Lounge, a great venue for chilling out with a complimentary drink while enjoying the stunning seascapes.

Luxurious cabins aboard P&O’s Arcadia

There are between port activities to please everyone, ranging from fitness classes, and ballroom dancing to photography lessons. Guest speakers visit and there are plenty of evening entertainment options.

There is a no-tipping policy on board, and there is currently an offer for extra on board spending money on many cruises.

Fred Olsen adults-only cruises; Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch –

Following extensive refits, Fred Olsen adults-only ships cater exclusively for grown-up guests, promising ‘timeless elegance’ and attentive service aboard its small-ships Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch.

Fred Olsen Cruises’ Balmoral by night
Destinations

Sailing from UK ports only and offering a wide range of cruise lengths, as well as themed cruises. Destinations include France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Holland and Belgium, Iceland, Green, Scandinavia, Scotland, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and the Baltic.

When it comes to relaxation, each ship boasts its individual attractions in addition to the line’s signature lounges and bars; the Balmoral (710 rooms) has the Lido lounge and bar, the Braemar (484 rooms), the Coral Club, the Black Watch (423 rooms) the Lido Lounge and the Bouddicca (881) the appropriately-named Iceni Room.  Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Braemar and Black Watch have two restaurants on board, with anything from a ‘Full English’ to a chef-prepared special on offer. Balmoral and Boudicca have three each. Plus, there’s unlimited use of pools and fitness facilities, with classes available. Spa services cost extra.

Check out the Fred Olsen Summer sale to learn more about discounts of up to £300 on selected ocean cruises and up to £200 on-shore spending money on selected sailings.

Scarlet Lady – Virgin Cruises

Virgin’s brand new Scarlet Lady is now booking for 2020. This glamourous lady promises to provide over 18s with a ‘modern luxury cruise experience’ that’s different to any other. With a capacity of 2770, this super ship boasts 13 passenger decks.

Virgin’s Scarlet Lady
Destinations

Sailing exclusively from Miami, destinations centre around the Caribbean ports, with hedonistic beach parties at the Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas, and trips of discovery to Puerto Plata, Costa Maya, Cozumel – Playa del Carmen, Key West and San Juan.

On-board centrepiece is the 3-bar, 2-story the Manor, which has a nostalgic, ‘seventies feel. It hosts live gigs, wildly original entertainments and becomes a super club where top DJs spin the decks after hours. Some guests may sleep all day! The Red Room provides a unique performance space for gigs, and the Aquatic Club is a focus for chilled-out poolside relaxation.

Sailing exclusively from Miami, destinations centre around the Caribbean ports, with hedonistic voyages to the Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas, Puerto Plata, Costa Maya, Cozumel – Playa del Carmen, Key West and San Juan.

There are more than 20 different types of eatery on board. Opt for the Wake bar, serving steak and seafood, or vegetarian specialist restaurant Razzle Dazzle; this lady offers a global culinary experience that never sleeps! Whatever you’re drinking, the Scarlet Lady’s probably got it – from wheat-grass smoothies, to glamourous cocktails. On board activities include sundeck yoga, and there’s even a tattoo parlour.

Service promises to be tip-top. Cabins are modern, functional and packed with tech – like adjustable mood lighting and beds. Many have a window sea-view, but sleep-only rooms without windows are also available for night owls who like to party. Spend a little more and enjoy a Seaview Terrace cabin with private balcony. Or blow the budget on one of the Rockstar suites, which will give to access to the exclusive roof-top terrace.

Each room has a tablet, so you can keep in touch, with the Virgin app preloaded. The ship even has its own satellite, so no dodgy connections here!

There’s no tipping – service charges are included in packages. Food is included, as are basic beverages like water and coffee, but watch out for extra costs for alcohol and excursions.

Viking Ocean Cruises – Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, Viking Venus

Viking has always been for over-18s only, which is reflected in the superb decor, food and drink, facilities and attentive on board service. Viking’s fleet of small-ships have a capacity of  less than 1000 passengers, giving voyages an intimate feel. They can also reach smaller ports where larger ships dare not venture!

Viking Ocean Cruiseships’ Aquavit Terrace and Infinity Pool
Destinations

You may have to fly or travel to reach your point of embarkation, but travel arrangements are made up front, making things easy. Destinations include ports in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Asia and Australia. Cruise for a few nights, or take the voyage of a lifetime around the world.

 

There’s a distinctly Nordic flavour to life on board, with the emphasis on clean, contemporary design. Relaxation and wellness is central to a Viking ocean cruise. All meals are included in packages and there’s a huge range on offer: Manfredi’s serves classic Italian fare and light snacks are available in the communal Living Room. Guests can roll up to the Pool Grill to enjoy burgers and other tasty snacks while relaxing poolside. Outstanding features are the Aquavit Terrace and the Infinity pool.

A range of cabins and rooms is available, depending on your budget, but all are well-equipped, super-comfortable and clean.

All ships have free Wi-Fi and computers are available in the Library.

There’s no tipping on board, as a service charge is included in your package costs. Packages are excellent value, but not everything is included, so check first before booking.

Cruising Journal hopes this short guide helps you to choose the right adult-only cruise for you, your friends and family.
Don’t forget to share your cruising experience by uploading it to the Cruising Journal website!

Alison Barnett

 

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